Kawasaki ER6n review
June 13th, 2006 | View blog reactions
Kawasaki has taken quite a while replacing their old trusty workhorse and beginners bike the ER5. So I expected them to come up with something that could maybe knock Yamaha’s FZ6 off its pedestal. In terms of modern design and technique it’s a big leap ahead from the ER5, but is it a good bike?
My absolute first thought was that the handlebars are very narrow. But otherwise it was quite comfy - everything sitting where you would expect. Heading off, I found no issues with the brakes and suspension. You have to get a bike under your skin before you can really start to test the brakes. But for a beginner’s bike, I’m sure they are more than capable.
The Kawasaki ER6n feels very light and with its 174 kg it is also 20 kg lighter than what I’m used to. Which would be just fine, but my impression was that the weight combined with the narrow handlebars made it very wind sensitive. It was a bit windy that day, and once when I overtook a car and gave the throttle an extra notch, it didn’t feel comfortable at all. No doubt the engine would like to play, but the steering was holding back on the fun. I certainly didn’t experience that on the FZ6.
Looks wise I think the bike is pretty sharp. Rear suspension spring tugged in asymmetrical on the right hand side, Buell style exhausts hiding beneath the engine, not your average square swing arm. There are a lot of nice details on the bike, except for the headlight and gauge area that looks like they forgot to give it gauges and had to come up with a quick fix. I wonder if you can pick up Zeta Rocks on the clock radio Kawasaki put on top of that fly screen. Seems the good old classic round motorcycle headlight is seriously going out of style.
I’m going to be nice and give it three helmets, because of the long awaited design update and the side by side twin engine. It’s not Kawasaki’s fault that they don’t know round headlights and wide handlebars is the coolest thing next to the Tesla Coil. For a beginner’s bike, it’s not a bad choice at all.
18 Responses to “Kawasaki ER6n review”
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I DRIVE A ER6N 1 MONTH .FOR ME IS 18 MOTORBIKE TO HAVE .IS A VERY STABILITY MOTO WITH GOOD BRAKES (I NEED 2 TIMES).
IS SOMETHING LIKE BICYCLE WITH 70HP AND I LIKE THIS.
THANKS
I see what you mean, a bicycle with 70hp. That was a bit scary to me. But no question its a good bike.
I prefer motorcycles that are a bit more directional, and need to be leaned into a curve rather than steered in.
I’ve learned to ride a bike, with ER-6n, it’s really great, i drove normally within 2 days!!
That’s great, Draculas.
I’m seeing more and more ER6n on the street, and it’s no wonder if you compare it to other bikes in the same category. Like the CB500 or the GS500E, that should have been updated years ago.
[...] If you fall in love with a new model, that you for obvious reasons won’t find used, so be it. Riding motorcycles is a lot about passion, and taking the sensible approach can be a bit tough when your mind is set on that shiny new motorcycle winking at you in the dealer’s show room. This year it could be motorcycles like the Yamaha MT-03 or the Kawasaki ER6n which I would consider good entry level motorcycles. But consider your self warned; the first scratch in the paint hurts like hell. [...]
Having researched for months amongst SVs, CBFs, FZ6s. What can I say; the ER-6N is the perfect bike for newbies like me. It feels so stable I almost forget to put a foot down when I come to a stop. All the controls are tame and compliant. It’s a 650 that feels like a 400, which is fantastic. For a bike priced at basic commuter prices, you can’t put your money on a safer bet. If like me you are nervous about the first step to bigger bikes, it doesn’t get easier than this! As for build quality, looks good, I’ll let you know how it stands up to the elements in a years time.
Thanks for the input Mistersim, the ER-6N is a very good choice for a beginner or commuter bike.
Enjoy your rides on the bike, and keep us posted on how you’re doing.
Newbie biker riding an ER6n and have to say I’ve found it a joy to ride. Great for commuting and the weekend trip to the countryside. All controls very newbie friendly (positive neutral gearbox is a god send) and the balance of the bike feels solid at low speeds and when cornering. The one gotcha is those mirrors - I have fitted universal mirror wideners and would strongly recommend investing in them for your own safety.
Rudy
What are the ‘mirror wideners’ of which you speak?
JD
I am what most would class, an oldie but have had my share of bikes over the years. I have finally found the ER6n which has a seating position that doesen’t stuff your back or arms after 200km’s. The seating position is more like the old Trumpies of the sixties. If anyone wants more speed than the Er6n , I suggest they go to the race track.
Anyone know what exhaust system was fitted to your test Kawasaki ER-6N as it is not the standard and what did you think of it??
Cheers Tony
PS I think it looks like a great bike and have just bought one.
@ Tony:
It looks like the Ixil exhaust, try youtube.com for videos/sound of it…
Yea, that’s right Christian. I couldn’t remember what the heck they where. Thanks for clearing that up for us.
I am from macedonia and i have er6n about 2 weeks and its great, but its my first motorcycle.So I am haveing a bit of problem but I am getting it right so I dont rigret a bit. Sorry about my english.
Good luck with the bike, Biljana, it’s a perfect start out bike. I’m sure you’ll have years of fun on that machine, when you get a hang of it.
I have just bought an er6n it’s being delivered tomorrow,but it will stay in the garage untill this damn weather improves. Had a gilera runner before which was a nice fast scooter, hope this proves as good.
Sounds nice Ginger, happy riding.