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mr_s81
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Joined: 24 Apr 2008
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PostPosted: 08:17 - 02 Apr 2009    Post subject: ER-6N Reply with quote
Hi All,

I was just wondering if any of you guys have any experience of the Kawasaki ER-6N? Good points, bad points - things to be aware of. I'm currently considering a change from my 2000 SV 650S and I like the look of the ER-6N. There's also been some very good reviews and I'm thinking of taking a trip over to my local Kawasaki dealer today to have a test ride.

Have any of you guys owned one, or have any experience of them? As much as I really like my SV, there's enough power to satisfy me and it's been uber reliable, but I would like something a little "fresher" looking and a bit more comfortable. I also like how naked bikes look, but don't like the gladius Sick , but the ER-6N does appeal in white.

Anyways, your thoughts would be greatly appreciated! Wink

Ian
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Louise
World Chat Champion



Joined: 22 May 2006
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PostPosted: 09:45 - 02 Apr 2009    Post subject: Reply with quote
I think theres a thread on here about the ER-6's which was a good read.
I took the OH's for a spin - felt very weird jumping from a supersport to that.
But I enjoyed it - its pretty much a beginners bike but I found it smooth and enough torque Thumbs Up
Only thing I didnt like was the feel of the tank - my legs felt like I was hugging a 125 - I think it sounds good with the standard can also Thumbs Up
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pyx_e
World Chat Champion



Joined: 07 Nov 2007
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PostPosted: 10:03 - 02 Apr 2009    Post subject: Reply with quote
Lo and behold:

https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=166369

Good thread on the bike.
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Kawasaki: ER5, Versys, VN900.
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mark83
World Chat Champion



Joined: 19 Sep 2006
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PostPosted: 10:10 - 02 Apr 2009    Post subject: Reply with quote
I used to have one. Cracking bike for newbie/intermediate riders.

Basically a very user friendly bike with enough oomph to bring more than a smile to your face.

Good enough for a trackday here and there and definately one of the best for fuel consumption.

Only downside, as with all naked bikes, is the windblast on long motorway trips.

Hope this helps.
____________________
Kawasaki ER6n -> Honda CBR600RR -> Honda VTR 1000 -> Moto Guzzi Norge 1200
Buy my Mercedes 350 Sport AMG Evo
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mr_s81
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Joined: 24 Apr 2008
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PostPosted: 10:47 - 02 Apr 2009    Post subject: Reply with quote
Thanks for the replies guys! Smile

I'm intending to head over to the local Kawasaki dealer and test one after lunch, so I'll see how I get on after that.

Mark83, in terms of build quality, how did you find it? Would it be even worse than the SV?

Thanks

Ian
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mark83
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Joined: 19 Sep 2006
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PostPosted: 12:26 - 02 Apr 2009    Post subject: Reply with quote
mr_s81 wrote:


Mark83, in terms of build quality, how did you find it? Would it be even worse than the SV?

Thanks

Ian


No. I think they're in the same range in terms of performance but I do think the Kawasaki wins hands down in terms of build quality.

And when I had it I used to ride with Soulrider and Rift a lot who both had an SV, and that was a frequent topic of conversation.

Think the Kawa is better. But if you get it, will you not regret having gone for something with more oomph?
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Kawasaki ER6n -> Honda CBR600RR -> Honda VTR 1000 -> Moto Guzzi Norge 1200
Buy my Mercedes 350 Sport AMG Evo
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kawakid
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Joined: 15 Mar 2005
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PostPosted: 12:55 - 02 Apr 2009    Post subject: Reply with quote
I've got one, it's what I use to commute on. (I have a Z750 for the weekend)

But it's still really good on the twisties.

Not too good on the straights, (top speed wise). Tops out around 120ish.

Very smooth. Excellent Fuel Economy. Brilliant improvement over
my ER5. I could easily have it for my main bike.

I look after mine, so its been fine even though I have commuted through winter. (ie I washed the salt off every day)

One thing, all non bikers seem to love it. They much prefer it to my Z750.

Even my mother who hates bikes , said that's a nice bike.

People just look at it and stare as I go past.

Not bad for £4K. Got it on 0% APR and I sold my ER5 and put that down, so monthly payments (£100 per month for 2 years). Not bad for a new bike. Will probably just buy another one, when finance is paid.

My major problem with it , is that there is no (and I mean no) underseat storage. On my ER5 & my Z, I could put a 5 foot chain underneath, with the ER6 not even a disklock.
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pyx_e
World Chat Champion



Joined: 07 Nov 2007
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PostPosted: 15:16 - 02 Apr 2009    Post subject: Reply with quote
Quote:
One thing, all non bikers seem to love it.
untill they see a Versys.
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Kawasaki: ER5, Versys, VN900.
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Biker101
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Joined: 22 Jan 2006
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PostPosted: 18:47 - 02 Apr 2009    Post subject: Reply with quote
Ive got one.

I really like it, great first big bike, really comfy and easy to ride. Lots of fun too.

Tbh, i really want another bike now, something like a CBR600RR but when i get another bike (probably next year) I cant see myself getting rid of this. Its definitely a keeper as a second bike just for the shits and giggles.

Oh, and under my seat i have a disclock and spare set of earplugs Wink
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Past: 06 Runner SP50 >>> 01 Varadero XL125 >>> 08 Kwak ER-6f >>> 05 CBR600rr
Present: 99 FZS600 Fazer
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kawakid
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Joined: 15 Mar 2005
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PostPosted: 19:12 - 02 Apr 2009    Post subject: Reply with quote
Biker101 wrote:


Oh, and under my seat i have a disclock and spare set of earplugs Wink


I might manage a set of ear plugs, but where did you put the disk lock?


Unless you got the Kawasaki ER6 one.

Or the ER6f is different to the n, under the seat?
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I've a twin and a 4.
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Biker101
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Joined: 22 Jan 2006
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PostPosted: 19:21 - 02 Apr 2009    Post subject: Reply with quote
kawakid wrote:
Biker101 wrote:


Oh, and under my seat i have a disclock and spare set of earplugs Wink


I might manage a set of ear plugs, but where did you put the disk lock?


Unless you got the Kawasaki ER6 one.

Or the ER6f is different to the n, under the seat?


IIRC its right at the back of the seat, just fits nicely.

Its not big one, just one of these small ones in a little case:


https://www.cbxmanmotorcycles.com/Motorcycle-Accessories/Anti-Theft-Devices/Xena-Disc-Locks/4010-XR1-Xena-XR1-Series-Self-Arming-110dB-Alarm-Motorcycle-Disc-Lock.jpg
____________________
Past: 06 Runner SP50 >>> 01 Varadero XL125 >>> 08 Kwak ER-6f >>> 05 CBR600rr
Present: 99 FZS600 Fazer
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Mart_er6
Nitrous Nuisance



Joined: 05 Jun 2007
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PostPosted: 07:00 - 03 Apr 2009    Post subject: Reply with quote
My disc lock fits under the seat too.. you must have a big one Shocked

(or ER6N has even less space than an ER6F?!)
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Honda Varadero XL125 "Vara" > Kawasaki ER6F "Smerf" > Triumph Sprint ST 1050
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pyx_e
World Chat Champion



Joined: 07 Nov 2007
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PostPosted: 07:52 - 03 Apr 2009    Post subject: Reply with quote
Quote:
you must have a big one


Now that is something he does not hear everyday.
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Kawasaki: ER5, Versys, VN900.
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thewildblue
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Joined: 17 Jun 2008
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PostPosted: 20:06 - 03 Apr 2009    Post subject: Reply with quote
pyx_e wrote:
Quote:
One thing, all non bikers seem to love it.
untill they see a Versys.


QFT, I test rode a ER6F then saw the versys and I was hooked. Picked it up last Sunday and have whacked 300+ miles on it already, got the lower gel seat and KTM hand guards fitted this evening. The 10R is being neglected now....its nice to be comfy.
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Legsy.
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Joined: 23 Dec 2008
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PostPosted: 10:05 - 04 Apr 2009    Post subject: Reply with quote
I found the ER6 a bit on the small side, don't know how big you are but I'm sure you'll have a sit on one before you buy it..
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kawakid
World Chat Champion



Joined: 15 Mar 2005
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PostPosted: 10:45 - 04 Apr 2009    Post subject: Reply with quote
Legsy. wrote:
I found the ER6 a bit on the small side, don't know how big you are but I'm sure you'll have a sit on one before you buy it..


I guess your name of Legsy means lots of bikes are small for you.
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mr_s81
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Joined: 24 Apr 2008
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PostPosted: 12:32 - 04 Apr 2009    Post subject: Reply with quote
Legsy. wrote:
I found the ER6 a bit on the small side, don't know how big you are but I'm sure you'll have a sit on one before you buy it..


I'm 6ft. Had a go on a 08 ER-6F yesterday and found it very comfortable. Totally different riding position from the SVS. Power delivery was much smoother than the SV and to be honest felt slow compared - however when I looked at the speedo, it was telling me a completely different story! The parallel twin seems to have different characteristics from the V configuration. Felt like it needed to be revved more to get the best from it - less low down shove.

The test ride yesterday also showed me how terrible my stock suspension is on the SV. It feels slow and wallowy,but the ER6 was light and turned in easily. It also soaked up the bumps quite well. I took it over a bumpy B-road that I often frequent and it was much more composed. I didn't realise how fast I was going until I looked at the speedo! Unlike the SV, when you get over a certain pace, the pogo-ing about is enough to tell you that you daren't push it much more! I know the suspension on the ER6 is budget, and the test bike had 14000 miles less than mine, so this may account for a bit of the difference, but it certainly did feel more nimble and composed. Smile

The only thing I really didn't like was the vibrations coming up through the footpegs and from off the fairing. However, I'm led to believe that Kawasaki, has reduced this to a greater extent on the 09 model through rubber on the footpegs and rubber engine mounts.

Unfortunately my local dealer didn't have the naked version demonstrator. I wouldn't be expecting it to feel vastly different, apart from the extra buffeting??
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