Okay, so, the 2020 ZX6R. Where do I even start? This bike… man, it’s been a journey. I remember seeing it for the first time online, and I just knew I had to get my hands on it. The aggressive styling, that screaming inline-four… I was hooked.
First things first, I scoured the internet for the best deal. Checked out all the local dealerships, compared prices, and even looked at a few used ones. Ended up finding a brand new one, still in the crate, at a dealer about two hours away. Made the drive, and the moment I saw it in person, I was even more blown away. Did the paperwork, and boom, I was trailering it back home.
Getting it Ready
Getting it home was just the beginning, of course. I’m a bit of a stickler for doing things myself, so I wanted to do the initial setup. Uncrated it in my garage – that was a whole process in itself, by the way, felt like Christmas morning! – and started going over everything.
- Checked all the fluids – oil, coolant, brake fluid. All good.
- Installed the battery. Gotta have that juice!
- Torqued all the essential bolts. Don’t want anything falling off on the first ride!
- Adjusted the chain slack. Super important for smooth power delivery.
- Set the tire pressures. Found a good baseline in the owner’s manual.
- Gave it a good wash. Even though it was brand new, it had some dust and grime from being in the crate.
I also decided to throw on a few basic mods right away. Nothing crazy, just some things to make it my own:
- Frame sliders: Because, you know, better safe than sorry.
- Tank grips: Helped me feel more connected to the bike.
- Fender eliminator: Cleaned up the rear end. That stock fender is HUGE.
- Aftermarket exhaust:Let that Engine breath!
The first ride… unforgettable. The power delivery was insane, so smooth and linear. The handling was razor-sharp. I felt like I was glued to the road. I spent the next few weeks just getting used to the bike, taking it on short rides around town, then gradually venturing out onto some twistier roads.
Ongoing Tweaks and Rides
Over time, I’ve continued to tweak and personalize the bike. I’ve played with the suspension settings, trying to find the sweet spot for my weight and riding style. I’ve also experimented with different tires, searching for the perfect balance of grip and longevity.
There have been track days, long weekend rides through the mountains, and countless commutes where I just couldn’t wipe the smile off my face. This bike is an absolute blast to ride. It’s not the most comfortable thing in the world for long distances, but that’s not what it’s designed for. It’s a machine built for speed and precision, and it delivers on that promise in spades.
It’s been a fun couple years with this bike. A lot learned! I’ve done all the maintenance myself, from oil changes to valve adjustments. It’s been a great learning experience, and it’s given me a deeper appreciation for the engineering that goes into these machines.
