Going down in the world

[craigs23]

As some of you may have read in other threads, my CBR doesn't have a place in my collection anymore. I just don't see the point of continuing to own a machine that more often than not puts me in a bad mood. It's almost as if it's too good to use on my local roads (and commute), and 75% of the time I'm sat uncomfortably behind yet another string of traffic, after getting two corners covered at a satisfying pace since the despatching of the previous group of plodding drivers, 30 seconds previous.

I don't get that irritable feeling from my 125, but then again it isn't so good at taking a pillion or cruising at 90. Or riding with my mates on their bigger machines. I need something in between. So at the weekend I went test riding some budget, cheap as chips, fuss free bikes - a new Hornet, a second hand SV650, a new XJ600 and a new ER6.

This is the one I liked the most.

https://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y51/whers84/DSC00377.jpg

https://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y51/whers84/DSC00380.jpg

https://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y51/whers84/DSC00379.jpg

https://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y51/whers84/DSC00378.jpg

Fecking ugly, I think you'll agree, but it left me fuss free, whether dawdling behind traffic at 50mph, filtering through busy weekend town traffic, or bouncing around faster-than-it-ought-to-be down some pretty badly surfaced backroads. It was even comfortable at speed on the bypass. Above all, I found it fun. I always find it a good indication on any bike when I start humming to myself and laughing how unserious the whole experience is turning out to be. The pokey little Kawasaki was better than I'd thought, despite the smirks from other test riders that day, thinking I was a big girl to ride such a pathetic machine. I was very, very tempted to sign there and then.

Problem is, some dealer's gone and sold the whole UK stock off to Belgium, as the Euro's stronger than the pound or something, so there's a very limited supply in the country right now. First choice was an N model in white, but my local dealers happen to have an F model in green sitting in their showrooms - otherwise the wait could be as long as the end of June. That F model now has a temporarily Sold sign on the saddle as I put a standing deposit on it today.

https://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y51/whers84/kawa_er6f_2_1.jpg

If I definitely decide to part with the CBR, it could be as soon as next weekend when I'm enjoying clowning around on a "big(ger)" bike again. My first Kawasaki, can't wait.

[S1KE]

nice bike, nice colour, think I prefer the un faired version though tbh.

Green kawasaki's ftw...!
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[Reppyboyo]

I rode the old version of the ER-6F for about 3 months and didnt like the bike over all.

Comfy, smooth engine, not so good looks.
Kinda felt like the old faithful armchair of the biking world.

However, it was boring, soulless, sounded like a wet fart and had VERY shit mirrors.

Do like the look of the naked one though.

[D O G]

[s44678]

I kind of know what you mean about getting frustrated. My 6r is only really happy if you are nailing it around high in the revs. If you start getting stuck behind things and pootling at low revs it gets really uncomfortable really quickly. A few rides I've got home and thought "god that was annoying" because it was stop-start all the way and I never got into the flow. But when you get a good day and open roads, oh my it's good.

But these things are complete track machines really. The fact they are even allowed on the road is bloody miracle. Not surprising that, unless you get a clear run and no stops, you get frustrated.

[Louise]

Ex had same bike and loved it. Silver FTW - Enjoy

[Wafer_Thin_Ham]

I know where you're coming from Craig.

Not a bad bike, think I'd rather have the street triple personally.
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[MarJay]

Smaller unfaired bikes for the win.

If I were you Craig I'd sell the CBR and buy an RD350.

Oh yeah, I did! Twice!

I reckon the ER6F may not be as much fun as the N though...
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British beauty: Triumph Street Triple R; Loony stroker: KR1S; Track fun: GSXR750 L1; Commuter Missile: GSX-S1000F; Cheap project: CBR900RR FireBlade
Remember kids, bikes aren't like lego. You can't easily take a part from one bike and then fit it to another.

[Kickstart]

Hi

Another vote for seeing where you are coming from. However not sure it would give me what I want. I like something that is interesting in normal use (ie, eager engine, handling that I like, etc). Nearest I have had to that was an XJ600 Divvy, that while quick enough and which handled well enough I just found boring to ride.

Or to put it another way, make sure it is what you really want before splashing the cash.

All the best

Keith
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Traxpics, track day and racing photographs - Bimota Forum - Bike performance / thrust graphs for choosing gearing

[ram_doom]

Nice bike craig. Though the original ER 6 is funkier!

You seem to go through a cycle; "craig buys il4 600, then buys slow fun bike." Then you go and buy another 600. Maybe you need a filthy V twin next time (ie. Ducati)
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TL1000s, KDX200

[yankeedoodle]

I think they look sexy. Especially the naked model.

Good choice anyway, I've heard good things about them.
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Bandit 600

[Fawbish]

[MarJay]

[Fawbish]

I own a Speed Four Marjay


My previous bike was a fully faired 600.


If Im perfectly honest, I think speeds over the ton do feel a little quicker. But not necessarily so much so that it would make me choose the S4 over a faired 600.

(And this isnt because Im a little upstart that is craving speed because of youth I have the track for that)

But still, I dont think the N would be more fun than the F, because I highly doubt he'll be doing speeds upwards of 120 on twisties, and upto 100/110 they practically feel the same to me!

However...that may be youth speaking without my consent
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"Oh....it looks like Average Joe's is forfeiting the match!" - "Yeah, its a risky strategy but lets see if it pays off for 'em Cotton."

[MarJay]

[craigs23]

Here's hoping the fun doesn't subside. Obviously, I can't speak for certain bike that I haven't ridden, or haven't ridden for an extended period of time. But I never get off my little XR thinking that it's pants, needs to be faster, has crap suspension, is built shoddily, etc. I just enjoy riding it.

Looking over the specs on the F and N, they are, unlike other bikes that have both faired and unfaired variations (Fazer, old Hornets, SVs, etc) pretty much identical in terms of riding position, gear ratios, engine delivery, etc.

Everything else is swings and roundabouts - both N and F will require thrashing to get the best out of them - they're not that far away from my NC30 in terms of straightline performance. But the test ride revealed I didn't need to thrash it all the time to feel happy with the bike. Like the 125, I accepted what it was, it's never going to set the World on fire, but I'm not thinking of getting one for that - I feel I've kinda done the speed thing now. It'll still happily zap up to the ton when I find the need though, and I'm pretty sure I can still bounce it down a string of country bends at a fair old rate of knots.

Fairing vs unfaired is tit for tat. What I lack in speed sensation on the F I gain in bypass-speed comfort and weather protection - let's not forget this bike will be used for the daily commute as well, in all conditions. First choice still is the N model, but I don't think I'd be disappointed with the F for what I'm looking for.

The lurid Kawasaki green is also growing on me - it's certainly a different shade in comparison to the bikes I've had before.

[oJaXo]

does anyone else think that the N would look that tad bit with a different headlight? Other than that, i love the look of the unfaired .
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[MarJay]

[mr_s81]

https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=171818

I love mine. Although to be honest, I've nothing to really compare it too. Plenty fast for me, infinitely more comfortable than the SV650S and enough poke and torque to make it fun without fearing for your licence. The looks are probably marmite, but obviously I really like it. Had my heart set on a white one, but after seeing the black one in the dealer, decided it was the one for me and have been really happy with my choice.

Anyways,all in all, in the short time I've had it (4 weeks) it appears to be a fun, chuckable wee bike!

Whether you go for an F or N, I'm sure you'll be pleasantly surprised by how fun they can be!

[craigs23]

Nice bike Mr S81 - from what I can gather, the new ER6 is going to be quite rare for the next couple of months. Certainly looks sweet in black.

I've just signed on the dotted line for the F model in green. The seating position is exactly the same, as are the pillion provisions, gearing, tank size, etc. And it's a difference of £5 on my insurance premium. I actually don't mind the looks as much as I thought I would either - and it's very, um, green.

If all goes to plan (i.e., it's not pissing it down next weekend), my first Kawasaki and I will be enjoying the local countryside next Saturday.

https://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y51/whers84/DSC00995.jpg

Lasted me well over the last 8k though. Would have been a lot more, if it wasn't for that pesky CG125.

Just gotta get over tomorrow's Beer Festival, the hangover thereafter, and a sure-to-drag-on week at work next week, then bye bye CBR, hello biking bliss. Apart from the depreciation on the RR, should save me a bundle in the long run too. Tyres are sports touring jobbies, it should return in the region of 55mpg, insurance is half the price....sweet; why didn't I re-discover this sooner?

[J D]

Sorry to steal your topic craig but how would you rate the rr ?

Im considering getting one with my insurance money when i get it, its between gsxr 750, r6 , maybe an r1 or the rr.

[craigs23]

Have a look at https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=149126&highlight=r6 there's pretty much an essay at the bottom of the thread on my initial thoughts of the CBR.

[sagalout]

If you like the ER6 give the Versys a go - I have a feeling you'll love it. Similar to the Er6 but with more midrange, better handling and with a few farkles it can be used for light trails.

Great bike - probably the best I've owned. I only changed as the ZX12 was always a dream bike I just needed to own and this one came up which was too good to pass up, but I'll be buying another at some point
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Current Bike: Triumph Speed Triple T309
Previous: CBR600F => ZX9R => Triumph Tiger => Honda Blackbird => GSXR 750 => Versys =>ZX12R

[Fahd]

I'm liking the ER6F Post up some pictures of it once it arrives.
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I Ride: Honda CBR 400RR.
I Drive: Audi S3.

[Scouse]

Should of gone to specsavers.


Or bought a SM.