The previous ER-6n was already an excellent bike – which is why it sold so well in the UK and the rest of Europe. Kawasaki didn’t have to do much and yet they've succeeded in enhancing every aspect of its appeal. The looks are better and the ER-6n is now even easier to ride and more manageable, which should also attract more new riders, especially women because it’s small, thin and not intimidating. The revised engine (based on the brand-new one they developed last time out) is a peach and the chassis is brilliant in town.
The only thing that could spoil the party for Kawasaki is the Yamaha MT-07 released in 2014.
Yamaha's middleweight naked mixes the same ingredients as the Kawasaki and does it very well indeed.
On board you instantly notice how narrow the new ER-6n is. Anyone over 5ft 2in will have no problem reaching the floor, making it a very reassuring bike to ride at low speed. The taller tank makes you feel more ‘in’ the bike and on the move the new softer suspension set-up is excellent. Speed humps, cobbles, potholes and huge manhole covers are all taken easily in the Kawasaki’s stride. Onto faster roads, away from town, the engine has nice punch while the handling is predictable, stable, easy and great fun.
The liquid-cooled parallel twin is virtually unchanged from the one developed for the previous model (2009-2011) however it does gain revised fuel-injection settings and ECU. This has made the spread of torque wider and the acceleration even better. There is a different rasp from the more angular exhaust and the 650 fires off the throttle with near-perfect fuelling. Snap the throttle open and tyou get an instant kick of power, taking you by surprise. It’s not intimidating in the least, just faster than you would expect of such a relaxed machine.
The engine is reliable but the build quality and finish can often come in for criticism.
For the money you'll struggle to find a bike which can do quite as much, quite as well as the ER-6n. ABS costs an extra £600.
Find Kawasaki ER-6n models at MCN Bikes for Sale now.
2009: All new parallel twin ER-6n 650 with steel frame.
2012: Further revisions including new exhaust and more rideable design.
The ER-6f is a fully faired version and costs £5,649 or £5,999 with ABS.
5 owners have reviewed their KAWASAKI ER-6N (2012-on) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
A great well ballanced 1st proper bike. a little hard on the hands on a long ride. Great fun.
the pannel on the tank didtnt stick down had to stick it down myself. the ignition is covered with a very pore plastic cover that is so easy to remove.
Purchased from Kawasaki Yeovil. great service looked after very well.
Overall I think this is a great bike perfect for new and experienced riders alike. It provides a comfortable ride for commuting and touring with an upright riding position. Plenty of low end torque which is perfect around town.
The bike performs well on all surfaces and journeys. It provides a relaxed seating position for motorway journeys however does like to catch the wind. Its a great amount of fun on country roads where you can feel confident to throw it in to the corners.
Stock the engine performs excellent and provides plenty of low end torque.
I've covered over 8000miles using this bike for my daily commute to work. First time starter every time. All parts still look like new and work the way they should. The bike is stored outside under rain cover. The only thing I would say are the bike model stickers are low quality but isn't noticeable unless you get right up to the bike.
I service the bike myself and costs can vary on what quality (and quantity) you buy. The bike is very simple to service yourself. In terms of fuel economy the bike does rather well on both long and short journeys if you ride economically so a great daily commute.
The stock exhaust is rather quiet so I upgraded to a MIV SUONO full exhaust system. This comes with a baffle and DB killer which you can put on if you like (sounds beautiful without). It also increases the power slightly. It is simple to install however I would suggest getting it retuned to get maximum benefit. I've also purchased a full GIVI saddle bag set. This is simple to install and brilliant for camping.
Overall i think its a great bike, although don't have much experience riding different bikes. Feels smooth and easy to ride. Low seat height which is ideal for the smaller rider, but does feel a little bit on the small side. As it is a naked bike you do get attacked by the wind above 70mph. Lots of power and fantastic value for money.
Bike is at its peak on the country roads, suspension can be a little on the hard side when on an uneven road surface. I can ride it for hours without needing a break. Due to it being a naked bike motorways are not the best but still performs well in the fast lane.
Has a great engine, nice easy power delivery with no issues.
I have put 1500 miles since getting the bike in March 2015 and never had a problem with the bike. No corrosion on the bike and I keep it outside un covered.
I have only serviced the bike once at it's first 600 mile service which set me back around £120 from a Kawasaki dealer which I think was reasonable. Averages around 50mpg which is good.
I only got one extra on the bike which was a small screen which i personally feels makes the front end look better.
Advertised for £5500 and managed to get £5000 with the screen included on 0% finance from a Kawasaki dealer.
Cracking mid sized bike plenty of power (put the weekend warriors to shame) comfortable good MPG so a great commuter. Great for any size rider, I'm 6ft3 and can ride it comfortably.
Beautiful 650 engine plenty of low end torque for the size and very easy to control. Great for commuting around town and going for a ride out with the bigger bikes. After all whats the point in getting a 1000cc if you too scared to put the power down in the corners.
Overall I think this is a wonderful and joyful bike for anyone from beginners to the more experienced riders to own. It will put a smile on your face every time you take it out. The downside is its on the small side so if your the larger rider I'd recommend going down the versys rout.
The bike is comfortable enough to use as an all round bike for the average sized rider however people around the 6ft height may need a break after around two hours due to the bike being a bit on the small side. Other then that it feel as if the tires are glued to the road with very sharp but forgiving brakes.
The 650cc engine is very punche and is guaranteed to put a smile on your face even with the bike restricted for an a2 license holder its still very fast off the line. Even though the restricted version makes it feel as though it's a caged lion.
The bike has been built to an exceptionally good standard and does not mark easily. The only fault I have with it is that the rear mudguard is pathetically small which causes muck to get everywhere.
The bike is very cheap to run its cheap to insure and to fuel it for a week. The only problem is if you have it restricted your still paying the maximum road tax per year and yet you are reminded occasionally that it doesn't have its full power.
I like the Eco system built into the bike I have the standard version and it just seems more advanced then others in its class.
I bought this bike brand new from 5 ways motorcycle dealers in hull they are very helpful there and do everything they can to get you on the bike you want for the deal you want I'd recommend them to anyone.