Introduction
Relying on fuel injection and liquid cooling, engineers update the finishing touches of the 650cc parallel-twin DOHC, 8-valve engine in order for the 72bhp revver to look like is was meant to power the naked bike in the first place, not the Ninja 650R. A three-way catalyzer mounted inside the exhaust ensures that Euro-III regulations are met, just like in the case of the above mentioned.
Kawasaki knows how demanding U.S. consumers can be with new products, especially the ones that don’t conform to their idea of a motorcycle so it ads a low, slim seat in addition to the comfortable riding position. Also, it is now claimed that a significantly lower level of vibrations will be transmitted through the handlebars and footpegs, making it a good recommendation for women orientating towards two-wheeled forms of transportation.
Still, the bike doesn’t look as being powered by a two-cylinder engine and hides the low seat pretty good with its big Kawi looks. The headlight is nicely contoured in a greatly finished fairing while stylish signal lights are integrated into the side fairing, giving the ER-6n a stylish, distinctive look. Even though a naked, you will need a trained eye to spot the exhaust when all the 72 bhp are being rushed next to you.
2009 Kawasaki ER-6n
As sporty as the engine might be, it remains a twin-cylinder one and these types always require a six-speed gearbox for a more impressive top speed and better mileage especially when riding on the freeway.
Like the mechanical parts, the frame was built to be as compact and as light as possible while remaining a top performer. Being a budget bike, it still relies on the high-tensile steel trellis frame instead of an aluminum one, but as long as that does the trick, we’ll declare ourselves satisfied. Suspensions have been reset for sharper handling and the petal disc brakes are both stylish and effective so that’s another well done job on the ER-6n.
Overall, the bike looks charming and very inviting and, as you’ll later see, we couldn’t abstain ourselves from taking it for a ride.
2004 Kawasaki ER-5
Kawasaki turned to building streetfighter bikes in 2005 with the all-new ER-6n – a replacement for the Kawasaki ER-5 naked bike built in the 1990s – and started selling it as a 2006 model year. The bike was a radical new approach towards riders in Europe mostly and it was built around the liquid-cooled, 649cc, four-stroke, parallel twin cylinder engine. Fuel injection was there from the start (a 2 x Keihin system with 38 mm throttle bodies, to be more precise) and it brought a major contribution to the 71.07 hp at 6,700 rpm and 66 Nm at 6,700 rpm that the first ever model year developed.
As seen, the bike was top notch from the very beginning and all that Kawi later needed to do was to simply retune the engine for greater low and midrange torque. They came up with this change on the 2008 model year which’s engine developed 48.50 Nm at7,000 rpm showing how a bike can be improved with tweaks of the torque curve.
The year 2009 brought the all-new model year that we’re reviewing and which sees the US for the first time in its career.
Competition
2009 Suzuki Gladius 650
The 2009 Kawasaki ER-6n would have had all the chances to be free of competitors on the American market if it wasn’t for the introduction of the all-new Suzuki Gladius. Although not a veritable streetfighter, but a naked sport bike, the 2009 Suzuki Gladius is powered by a fuel-injected, 645cc, four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 90-degree V-Twin engine and has an MSRP starting at $6,899, pointing it as an ideal ER-6n competitor.
Exterior
2009 Kawasaki ER-6n
It’s really hard not to notice how much attention to detail was put into the 2009 ER-6n by simply taking a look at it. A blend of naked heritage and aggressive streetfighter looks, the bike is not just a stripped down Ninja 650R, but a compact and muscular model with both looks and character of its own.
The headlight is this bike’s most distinctive touch and so are the side panels (housing the signal lights), the instruments housing as well as the sharp front fender. The gas tank is positioned in between the trellis frame’s tubular bars and features a refined shape compared to the one on the first ER-6n model year.
Now more potent looking, the blacked out engine gives an aggressive note. So do the 17-inch wheels in between which the exhaust silencer is perfectly hidden. The seat, positioned only 30.9 inches from the ground, is impeccably finished and enhances that compact bike look.
Overall, the Candy Plasma Blue new ER-6n looks like a much more expensive motorcycle and greater performer than it actually is. Which reminds me of our…
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2009 Kawasaki ER-6n
Kawasaki’s goal was to deliver a versatile entry-level motorcycle which will suit both to beginner and experienced riders. The whole deal about it is that it has a punchy engine and offers a relaxed riding position which enhances the light handling despite the bike’s overall 442 lbs wet weight. Fuel injection is the secret behind that 649cc parallel twin engine which gets backed up by a six-speed gearbox.
Instant low and midrange torque is now present at every twist of the throttle. Previous model years would have been pretty slow under 4000 rpm, even when using inferior gears, but the 2009 model year solves that issue and quick launches now don’t require as much rpms as before. The engine delivers those 72 horses smoothly and constantly without any jerks at any given time, making the ER-6n a user-friendly motorcycle. One of this bike’s greatest qualities is that it can still be enjoyable and practical long after those who use it as a starter bike would have learned how to ride properly.
Mostly destined to urban exploiting and commuting, the small Kawi proves being perfect for the job. Due to the fairly small dimensions and easy handling, it can always go on the shortest or safest way between cars as long as there’s a cautious rider on board. The mirrors have been repositions and now offer a clearer image of traffic behind while life on board of the ER-6n now feels more luxurious due to the cool new instrument panel.
2009 Kawasaki ER-6n
Combining the benefits of a low seat height (30.9 inches from the ground) and those of an upright riding position, the new Kawi practically invites the rider to lean into corners and get the most out of that chassis. Mass centralization is good and with a pair of stiffen up suspensions cornering is easy and reassuring, again, even for those who are just starting out. For experienced riders, the ER-6n is a very pleasurable motorcycle offering nothing new, but everything expected.
There’s no ABS available, but the braking equipment works beautifully, just like the rest of the bike’s systems. Braking power is more than enough thanks to the two 300mm petal-type discs with two-piston calipers front and single 220mm petal-type disc with a single piston caliper. The two work best combined and the bike will stop as smooth as it gathers up the miles per hour on the speedometer.
Definitely not a revolutionary model for the industry, the Kawi ER-6n is all that a rider could expect and a little more. The sound speaks about finesse and refinement as well as the build quality while the comfortable accommodations will keep a rider hooked to it for a very long time.
Price
Having an MSRP that starts at just $6,399, Kawasaki’s middleweight streetfighter unveils a more aggressive marketing strategy of Kawasaki compared to that of Suzuki’s for the 2009 Gladius. And with more than 22,000 units sold around the world, Kawasaki can surely say their strategy is working.
Conclusion
2009 Kawasaki ER-6n
Without a doubt, Kawasaki knew how to grow from the small ER-5 naked into an evolved piece of motoring that didn’t even needed more than two big evolutionary steps in order to call it finished. Retaining comfort and practicability while making it sportier and better looking has been a key to this bike’s success and we have a feeling that things are going to stay this way a very long time from now.
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2009 Kawasaki ER-6n
Engine and Transmission
Engine: Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, four-valve per cylinder, parallel twin
Displacement: 649cc
Bore x stroke: 83.0 x 60.0mm
Compression ratio: 11.3:1
Maximum torque: 48.5 lb/ft @ 7,000 rpm
Cooling: Liquid
Fuel injection: Digital fuel injection with two 38mm Keihin throttle bodies
Ignition: Digital CDI
Transmission: Six-speed
Final drive: O-ring chain
Chassis and Dimensions
Frame: Semi-double cradle, high-tensile steel
Rake / trail: 24.5 degrees / 4.0 in.
Wheelbase: 55.3 in.
Front suspension / wheel travel: 41mm hydraulic telescopic fork / 4.7 in.
Rear suspension / wheel travel: Single offset laydown shock with adjustable spring preload / 4.9 in.
Front tire: 120/70x17
Rear tire: 160/60x17
Front brake: Dual 300mm petal discs with two-piston calipers
Rear brake: Single 220mm petal disc with single piston caliper
Overall length: 82.7 in.
Overall width: 29.9 in.
Overall height: 43.3 in.
Seat height: 30.9 in.
Curb weight: 442 lbs.
Fuel capacity: 4.1 gal.
Quick-Revving, 649cc Parallel-Twin Engine
Liquid-cooled, DOHC, 8-valve fuel injected twin cylinder delivers smooth, responsive performance, especially in the low to medium rpm range
Excellent mid-range power, exceptional roll-on response and impressive passing performance make even commuter traffic enjoyable
Silky smooth engine vibes via a 180° crankshaft driven balancer shaft, which in turn drives the water pump
Oil jets on the connecting rod big ends spray oil on the undersides of the pistons to aid cooling
Lightweight plug-mounted ignition coils deliver a hot spark and save space
Wide radiator offers plenty of cooling efficiency
New coolant routing travels directly to the engine cases, then on to the cylinder and head through internal passages, which reduces external plumbing and keep the cooling system simple
Fine-tuned shift lever position is easy to use
Digital Fuel Injection
Fuel injection settings permit a healthy bottom-end torque while letting the engine rev fast
Sub-throttle valve equipped 38mm Keihin throttle bodies offer optimum performance and rideability
Located behind the main throttle valves, the sub-throttles are controlled by the DFI® system ECU for a precise throttle response, similar to a constant-velocity carburetor
Auto-fast idle system simplifies starting and helps ensure the catalyzer reaches optimum temperature quickly
The lightweight fuel pump is mounted inside the fuel tank.
Compact Engine Design
Powerful twin-cylinder engine is the most compact in its category, which helps reduce the dimension of the entire motorcycle and allows use of a slim, minimalist frame
Triangular setup of the crankshaft and transmission shafts makes the engine short front-to-back
Transmission input shaft, output shaft and change drum are contained in a “cassette”-style package that allows a compact layout and eases transmission maintenance chores
Semi-dry sump design reduces engine height
Plated, linerless aluminum cylinders with a narrow cylinder pitch keep the engine light and slim
Cleaner Emissions
Efficient fuel injection and a three-way catalyzer inside the exhaust produce very low emissions, able to pass the stringent Euro-III emission regulations
Utilizes a compact and light 300-cell catalyzer unit
Under-engine muffler placement improves mass centralization and the bike’s low center of gravity
The exhaust pipe bend and under-engine muffler arrangement contribute to the ER-6n’s attractive styling
Good Vibrations
Rubber upper-rear engine mounts decrease the vibration transferred to the rider through the seat
Handlebar is rubber-mounted to lessen vibration transmitted through the handle grips
Rider and passenger footpegs are rubber coated to further reduce vibration
Lighter Handling Trellis Frame
Frame has all the key ER-6n elements — slim, low, lightweight and compact design that is narrow at the knees and footpegs for rider comfort and control
The strong, high-tensile steel trellis frame not only looks lightweight, but it is – rivaling that of aluminum frames
Featuring balanced rigidity, achieved through extensive 3D analysis translates directly into superb handling
The frame, rear suspension and swingarm designs flow together with an integrated line running from the steering head to the rear hub
Short front-to-back dimensions of the engine allow for a long swingarm and a short wheelbase combination that contributes to the light and nimble handling
Rigid Swingarm
Swingarm stiffness to balance the frame rigidity – due primarily to the rubber engine mounts
The D-shaped cross-section swingarm, stabilizer, chain adjuster design and elegant one-piece rider/passenger footpeg stays complement to the ER-6n’s high-quality appearance
Suspension
Front and rear suspension settings to match the frame and swingarm rigidity values for lighter, rider-friendly handling
Shape of the 41mm fork lower ends around the axle shaft adds to the bike’s performance and high quality image
Confidence Inspiring Ergonomics
An ideal handlebar, seat and footpeg relationship results in a comfortable and natural riding position suiting a wide range of riders
Frame narrows just aft of the fuel tank enabling a slimmer seat, making the reach to the ground even easier
The offset single-shock rear suspension layout with the battery located beside the shock instead of beneath it allows a lower seat height as well
Low seat height and slim overall design make it easy to plant both feet firmly on the ground when stopped
Aluminum passenger grips are positioned and shaped for easy grabbing by the passenger
Sharp Masculine Styling
Angular, stacked dual headlight and its shroud contribute to the ER-6n’s masculine image and features two position lights
Headlights can be adjusted behind the headlight cover
Reinforcing the ER-6n’s masculine styling, the sharp, edgy radiator shrouds feature integrated front turn signals with clear lenses and orange bulbs and forward-leaning lines
A flush-surface fuel cap and its sharp-edged motif give the tank a distinctive look
The new ER-6n’s compact front-to-rear appearance is enhanced by the short front cowl, short rear cowl with its LED tail light and shrouds that start behind the front fork
Finishing out the bike’s aggressive image is a sharp tail cowl design featuring a slimmer rear mud flap and turn signals that can also function as hazard lights
A long front fender keeps the mud splashing to a minimum and its two-tone design matches the ER-6n’s light, compact theme
An inner rear fender helps keep the underside of the tail cowl clean
Storage options include four tie-down hooks for baggage or a spare helmet to be secured to the seat and a storage space under the seat with room for a U-lock or similar device
Mirrors
Mirror design is a similar supersport-style and offer an unparalleled rear view
Brakes
Dual 300mm front petal disc brakes with twin 27mm piston front brake calipers and a single 220mm rear petal disc deliver plenty of braking power
Housed in a curved brake master cylinder reservoir , the front brake lever utilizes an optimized ball-joint and pivot location to deliver smooth actuation of its 14mm master cylinder piston
Wheels
Attractive six-spoke supersport-style wheels augment the bike’s light look while reducing unsprung weight
Instruments/Controls
Stacked instrument cluster has a sharp design and clean layout with an analog speedometer that uses white LED backlights for excellent visibility at night
The multi-function LCD screen has amber backlighting and its features include a fuel gauge, bar-style digital tachometer, clock, odometer and dual trip meters
Inner cover inside the front cowl provides a clean appearance in this area
Handlebar mount design and curved shapes on the brake master cylinder reservoir and clutch lever contribute further to the ER-6n’s masculine appearance
Picture Gallery
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