Fuel Pumps for the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R
The fuel pump is essential to the function of your ZX6Rs fuel and exhaust system. Having a properly working fuel pump is necessary when considering the performance of your Ninja. There are a wide variety of OEM and aftermarket fuel pumps available to suit the needs of your Kawasaki Ninja.
What is a fuel pump and what does it do?A fuel pump is a motorcycle part that has the specific job of pumping fuel from your Kawasakis tank to the engine. Without a working fuel pump, your engine will receive no fuel for power. These parts are found in both carburetor and fuel injection systems. Carburetor systems can be found in older model bikes, and they use throttle butterflies to control the mixture of fuel and air. Fuel injection systems work with a computer to regulate this flow and can be found on more contemporary vehicles.
What types of fuel pumps are there?There are two main types of pumps, which coincide with the two main types of fuel systems. These types of filters can be characterized as the following:
- Mechanical: This type of pump can be found in carburetor systems, located on the exterior of the fuel tank. They are driven by distributor shafts or camshafts and do not work under a specified pressure. This means that the pressure is not regulated and your motor consumes more fuel.
- Electric: This type of pump can be found in fuel injection systems, located on the interior of the fuel tank. They are driven by an electrical system that regulates the pressure that is needed at the point of injection. They are found on contemporary motorcycles and consume less fuel.
The Ninja uses an electric fuel pump, but there are many OEM and aftermarket options available. They can be made of many different materials, including iron, black rubber, aluminum, milled sheet steel, and stainless steel. You can find individual pieces or kits, categorized by their voltage, horsepower, and pressure specifications. Some pumps can be specifically created for your Ninja ZX-6R while others can be created as universal Kawasaki products.
When do you need to replace the fuel pump?Many parts of motorcycles, including Kawasaki, come with a maintenance or replacement schedule. The fuel pump, however, does not come with such a schedule. Even though there may not be a specified time in which to change this part, there are symptoms to watch out for that can indicate a poorly-functioning fuel pump. Noticing leaks or noises coming from your Ninjas tank can be an indication as well as engine-power loss, problems with starting the engine, and the appearance of the "Check Engine" light.