Kawasaki ER-6N Bike Overview
On the face of it, the Kawasaki ER-6N is a fairly straightforward budget middleweight roadster, with low running costs, great reliability and decent performance. But it’s actually one of the great unsung heroes of motorcycling, and has been a big hit for Kawasaki.
Because the heart of it – its parallel twin engine – has powered a range of hugely successful machines, from the base naked ER6 to the faired ER-6f version, and the Versys adventure machine. And it’s also carved out an amazing niche in the Minitwins and Supertwins race series – even winning races at the Isle of Man TT.
Back in 2005 though, the ER-6n looked pretty basic. It replaced the elderly ER-5 commuter, and filled in the ‘daily commuter‘ gap in Kawasaki’s range, with 71bhp from the eight-valve DOHC fuel-injected motor, pushing along a lightweight 175kg chassis.
It had some natty design cues, particulary the side-mounted rear monoshock, braced rear swingarm and exposed steel tube trellis frame. Less natty was the controversial styling, with a stacked headlight and curious bulbous nosecone giving a rather weird look. Some think it ‘cute’ though, so it’s clearly an ‘eye of the beholder’ thing.
It’s a compact, easily managed machine, and appeals to shorter riders in particular. The seat height is around 785mm, but the narrow chassis helps a lot here too.
Later updates stuck with the weird vertical headlight, but look much slicker, with less rounded bodywork. Engine and chassis improvements continued up to the latest version – now dubbed the Z650.
There’s stiff competition in this class though, and Yamaha’s MT-07 just has the edge in terms of outright power and performance. But you’ll not go wrong with the ER-6n, especially for commuting and urban duties.
Kawasaki ER-6N Bike Spec
- Top speed130mph
- Weight196kg
- Average fuel consumption42mpg
- Capacity649cc
- Seat height785mm
- EngineFour stroke, parallel twin, liquid cooled
Kawasaki ER-6N Bike Insurance
Kawasaki ER-6N Bike Gallery
Owner Reviews
Pros
No one will try to steal it thus very low insurance costs.
Cons
Brakes.
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Nothing special. If you are okay with the twin engine, it's an okay ride.
Parallel twin, nothing else to say. Some people hate it, some people are okay with it. No one really loves it. Provides enough torque for everyday purposes.
Cheap to run BUT tends to produce expensive problems down the line.
Well, the exhaust system and the downpipes are going to die on you at some point + the small side fairings stress break on their own.
Absolute garbage.
Pros
The best thing is it's mine
Cons
Nothing really
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I have struggled with other bikes (I'm 5'3) but the er6n is quite light for a 650cc
I feel the build quality is exceptional
Out of a full tank (£18.74) I get 200 miles so really good fuel consumption
I feel the build quality is exceptional
The bike brakes really well
Pros
Nice entry level Bike
Cons
Seat not very comfortable
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Ok for corners
Does me fine
Back brake soft
Needed new Stator and Rota
Back brake soft
Pros
The colour kawasaki did an amazing job with the paint so that it has a great colour, finish and flec in the paint. The engine is also very torquey and reliable
Cons
Breaks from factory could do with an upgrade which I'm sure newer models now have. Suspension isnt amazing but very good for an all rounder
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The the softest of suspension which means that it can get abit bumpy at times but works very well when it comes to handling
Very good in terms of performance for size and amount of cylinders. But always could do with more.
In normal driving it achieves around 50mpg. Other than that and servicing it hasnt cost anything to maintain
It now has nearly 30k miles. Most of it is in very good condition no rust showing for the most part on the bike. Exhaust is the only thing which was a problem but after 10years what more can be expected
Breaks can definitely do with an upgrade first thing I did was change it too splintered pads
Pros
This was my first bike and really is easy to ride gives plenty of confidence as new rider and over year later still plenty of fun.
Cons
Could do with bit more top end speed.
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Very well, quite forgiving if you get a little wrong. Well balanced.
Very torquey low end and plenty of acceleration could do with bit more top end
Could do with bit more top end speed.
Seems very well built as you would expect from Kawasaki
Abs can't fault help me keep out of trouble when have had to anchor on
Pros
Love the style and look of the bike think Kawasaki did a good job and styling it better than the older versions, lovely machine. The bike is really good especially for a new rider as you have power there but it's also not to powerful for a beginner rider, overall a really good bike.
Cons
The exhaust, the stock exhaust is a full system you can't just put a can on the end, so getting a different exhaust then because pretty expensive.
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Ride is good very quick on acceleration, corners great. Little bit vibration in footpegs but all in a great ride
It's only 72 bhp so not a massive load of power but defiantly quick off the mark, top end isn't too bad at 135 good for a little bike
The exhaust, the stock exhaust is a full system you can't just put a can on the end, so getting a different exhaust then because pretty expensive.
Build is good, had no issues
Braking is good could be better but for 6 grand you can't complain as is a cheap bike
Pros
fantastic first bike seating position is comfortable, easy to maneuver through the streets of London, High torque motor as 650 twin helps with less tyre and brake wear.
Cons
NO wind shield, Riders suffer fron wind faitigue
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NO wind shield, Riders suffer fron wind faitigue
Pros
er6n is a great value for money bike. i use it every day, in rain, frost, sunshine, only let me down once when the ignition sticks failed, it was an easy and cheap £50 repair.. so did not eat my heart out. and as we all know, if you use something, that wont last forever..
Cons
could be more powerful.
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Lightweight, corners well
Could do with an extra 15-20bhp
could be more powerful.
Had to change both ignition coil sticks around 25,000 mile, no other problems. ER-6N is a good reliable bike
Pros
Running costs are low and great for a first bike to get out and explore. great for commuting and weekend exploring. A perfect first big bike that is manageable and affordable and will do almost anything asked of it
Cons
For dual carrigway and motorway miles it is not ideal. gearing is not well suited for long 6th gear runs down motorways
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For dual carrigway and motorway miles it is not ideal. gearing is not well suited for long 6th gear runs down motorways
Pros
The colour, burnt orange and the engine. I love it. Easy to ride, plenty of torque and great for flicking round the bends!
Cons
Mirrors!
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Light and flicks round the bends with ease!
650cc plenty of power low down and when wanting to go faster on overtakes
Mirrors!
No problems so far!
Great brakes! Not too sharp when braking but stops well
Pros
Agile and great handling. It is a brilliant, small but sufficiently powerful, agile, naked bike, capable of long trips in comfort.
Cons
A small windscreen to reduce wind buffeting
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A small windscreen to reduce wind buffeting
Pros
How easy it is to ride and also the low down power. Excellent bike that in my opinion doesn't everything. Commuting, touring and a bit of sporty riding. The comfort and ease of use makes it easy to ride mile after mile.
Cons
The exhaust is heavy and bulky, although hidden under the bike. It's very difficult to clean the exhaust.
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It's got low down grunt and is very easy to ride and forgiving. Turns into corners well. It's on the slightly heavy side but is only noticeable when stopped.
The power is perfect for a new rider or someone who doesn't want the same as a supervisor thrill. It is fast enough for the road but maybe it will lack on track. I am yet to test That!
Great mpg and spares seem reasonably priced. Service intervals can be close if you do high mileage.
I've had no problems in the two years I've had the bike. But it is a budget bike so you can tell with some parts of the bike.
I have the ABS version and I think it's brilliant. Brakes have good feel and have never been lacking.