ZX-6R Basic Tools

Some maintenance tasks require specialized tools. But there are certain tools common to almost all maintenance tasks, including a few that, while "optional", I've found to be indispensable and highly recommend. Note: some of these tools are included in the tool kit that came with your bike -- you should inspect those and see if you're satisfied with them (I wasn't).

Neighbours in non-metric countries: Japanese bikes use metric fastener sizes. Don't try to make your imperial tools do the job -- you'll round off bolt heads and cause yourself grief. Get metric tools.

There are endless arguments about tool manufacturers. For mechanics hand tools, I have been very happy with the high-end Mastercraft tools from Canadian Tire.

Rear Stand	Buy a "swingarm stand" -- the stand that supports the rear wheel of your bike off the ground with the bike level -- when you buy your bike. This small investment makes chain adjustment and practically every maintenance job much easier.
Service Manual	Buy the Kawasaki service manual for your bike from your dealer. It's invaluable, containing all the instructions, diagrams, and technical specs you need for every job. The Clymer and Haynes manuals are also good, but as far as I can tell there isn't one published for this model year of this bike yet.
Screwdrivers	You need a high-quality set of 3 Phillips screwdrivers. Get the kind with hardened steel tips cut to the appropriate star shape -- not the cheap ones with the star shape stamped into the soft metal shaft. You won't need slot-heads or Robertson-heads. (Except a cheap slot-head is handy for prying things.)
Metric Hex Keys	You'll need these for removing bodywork and other parts. You use these a lot with this bike, so I like the comfortable "T-handle" kind more than the simple bent rod.
Metric Socket Set	You'll need a good socket set with a 3/8" ratchet handle and sockets from 8 to 20 mm or so. Any good hardware store set will cover this range. A second, small, set based on a 1/4" drive is also very handy.
Torque Wrench	This is a bit expensive, but necessary if you want to be sure you have your fasteners reinstalled tight enough but not too tight. Tightening critical bolts -- especially engine parts -- "by feel" is risky.
Wrenches	Although you'll use your socket set for almost everything, you'll find it handy to have a few metric wrenches in certain sizes. For example, there are a lot of 10mm fasteners on your bike, and a couple of wrenches of that size in various configurations will be handy. Combination wrenches have an open face on one end and a box end (closed circular wrench) on the other end, and are the most versatile.
Nut Drivers	Since there are so many 10mm fasteners on this bike, I also make a lot of use of a 10mm nut driver -- a "screwdriver" with a 10mm socket at the end. This tool is optional, but it's very convenient and you'll be glad you have it if you do much work in the bike.
Pliers	You'll need a set of "needle-nose" pliers, and a pair of diagonal cutters. Don't bother with everyday household pliers - you don't need them and you might be tempted to use them on a bolt (don't!).
Cable Ties	Get a big bulk package of nylon zip ties. They're useful for all kinds of things.
Loctite	Many fasteners on your bike call for application of a "non-permanent thread locking agent". This means Loctitle #242 (Blue). This is a viscous slow-drying cyanoacetate glue that you put on the threads of a bolt or nut before installing it. It hardens inside the joint to make it vibration-proof. Make sure you don't confuse #242 with other Loctite products like #271 (Red) as they can be very hard to remove without special tools. A tiny tube, from any auto supply shop, is all you need.
Pickup Magnet	A small, powerful magnet mounted on the end of a telescoping handle will save you time and frustration many times. You use it to retrieve the bolt or washer that you dropped and that found its way down into the deepest, darkest recess in your bike. It can also be used for starting bolts and screws in remote or awkward locations (like inside the air filter).