Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6E v/s ZX-6R

From what I read the ZX-6E is a "Sport touring" bike as compared to the supersporty ZX-6R. Can someone give some more feedback in regards to the torque, horse power, insurance, passenger riding comfort etc. Or post a link which directs to this info.
How does ZX-6E work for first time rider? Please share your experiences.  

http://www.sportrider.com/bikes/146_0202_600s/index.html

Good article about the "old" ZX6E and "old" ZX6R.  Kinda confusing but before '05 the "ZX6E" was sometimes called the ZZR600, but for 2005 Kawasaki updated it and the '05 ZZR600 is exactly the same as the ZX6R from 2000-2002.

There are TONS of threads/posts on new riders asking how such and such a bike is for first time riders, browse through a few of the pages.  

the zx-6e has less power and has more weight but more comfortable for passengers.the zx-6r is a super sport bike wich means more of a race bike not to great for passangers and you can figure out the rest!  

I have a 99 ZX6E. Its very comfortable to ride. Moderate power. Engine has a smoother power curve. Geared a little taller. Pegs are lower and forward.
The Bars are mounted above the top triple clamp on risers.
The bodywork looks like something from 1986.
The only this I dislike about it is; It feels like it weighs about 800 pounds. The lower fairing is too low to the ground. I can scraps it if I lean too far.
I hate the dual exaust
And it is hard to work on. I would like to punch the engineer in the nose who designed the airbox.

If someone from Kawasaki Corporate is reading.
The fairings come apart in way too many pieces....gees
One plus....it has a fuel GAUGE  

i bought a 2001 zx6e earlier this year, and i love it. It's the first bike i personally have owned(i rode my dad's 1985 ninja 600r for a while before i bought this).

it's pretty comfortable, especially for passengers, and certainly has more then enough power.

if it's you're first bike, i recommend staying away from anything with an "R" in the name.  

My personal recommendation for a first bike is always the EX500 or similar choice.  If you are positive that a 600 is the route you're going to take I highly recommend the ZX-6E (ZZR600) over the ZX-6R.  The 2005 ZX-6R was built for one purpose only and that was to win the AMA Supersport championship (except Kawasaki threw a 636 engine in it).  Seriously, there's one thing I've found this bike is consistently good at and that's running, handling, and providing the thrills of a street legal race bike.  I absolutely love mine but have got 18 years of street bike experience under my belt and the first thing to go were the passenger pegs and seat.  Before doing so I did throw a passenger up there and they said they'd just as soon sit on my shoulder a-la Polly the parrot than ride on the back of this bike again.

Start on a more tame motorcycle and learn as much as you can about improving your skills on it before moving to something that requires much more attention.  

The ZX-6E is a great bike for a new rider. I have had mine for about 2 years, and even though I am experienced I bought it for comfort.It is the most comfortable out of my 3 bikes... This bike will get up and go... I do not have all the specs for it, but just search on google for the technical info. If you are wanting something that will compete with with the newer bike I would reconsider. With that said though, the comfort, riding position, and handling of the bike will accommodate a new rider nicely. My wife is learning to ride, and she has been on several styles, makes and models, and she prefers my ZX6... nice for me, I am getting a new bike out if it... For a new rider I would recommend a full coverage insurance, I only have PLPD on mine, because I have so little actually invested in it, but for that I pay $74 a year, and then plates are only like $80 a year. I am in Indiana, so it may vary.
The only other criticism I would have about it, is that it is carbureted.. Therefore the throttle response will be different than newer models. Over all I would highly recommend for a newbe.......   Good Luck, and keep shinny side up  

I have a 02 ZX6R which would be the same as the newer ZZR600's I use it to ride long distances on the highway all the time. After about 120kms/hr the wind starts to hold you up and its actually quite comfortable. No way to the passager issue though unless your girl is reallt short and dosnt weigh over 100 pounds I wouldnt even bother. makes the bike seem like theres no traction for the front wheel and is a scary ride for the passager.