2010 Kawasaki ER-6n Specs, News and Review

2010 Kawasaki ER-6n

2010 Kawasaki ER-6n is equipped with digital fuel injection using dual 38mm Keihin throttle bodies with sub-throttles to smooth response in much the same way CV carburetors did. The result is clean throttle response pretty much all the time, with the quick starting and instant cold-weather usability that comes with the technology.

Even though the ER has a tachometer redlined at 11,000 and the double-overhead cam, four-valve architecture that hints at high engine speeds, its torque is well distributed across the range. The power peak of 71 horsepower is set at a fairly high point—8,500 rpm according to the factory—with maximun torque of 49 pound-feet supplied at 7,000 rpm. Yet, in the real world one usually short shifts in normal riding because of how good the bike’s low- and mid-range flexibility is.

It’s one of those bikes that gets to sixth gear in seemingly no time, always needing more downshifts at the next red light than you’d expected. The freeway performance put up by this machine is pretty phenomenal. Able to cruise effortlessly at any prevailing traffic speed, the Kawasaki will accelerate urgently in response to a handful of throttle. The rate at which it will run from 70 to 100 mph makes a downshift simply superfluous when you need to pass something.

Despite the naked bike format, there seems to be enough wind deflection provided by the droopy headlight, instrument nacelle and lower bodywork that high speeds on a freeway are not the tiring, windswept experiences one might expect. Although the handlebar position seemed strangely upright and peculiar after I climbed off a Ducati Monster 796, the riding position soon felt normal and comfortable.

The frame and suspension relationship seems to provide reassurance and feedback in equal measure, and even the limited adjustability of the suspension (with just spring preload on the shock) did not seem an issue. Kawasaki seems to have the standard settings pretty much in the ballpark, even for this 216-pound rider. One can find surfaces where the forks feel a bit soft, or where the rear shock feels a little harsh, but mostly you don’t think about it.

Although the fork geometry is set at a stable 24.5-degrees of rake (with 4.0-inches of trail), the combination of ample handlebar leverage and relatively low weight make steering responses decently quick. So the ER-6n can whip through traffic or slice through the canyons with equal ease.

2010 Kawasaki ER-6n is only limitations for the expert rider probably reside in its suspension. The one-size-fits-all approach works well for most circumstances, but may be found a little lacking for really demanding sport riders. But even then, a good rider will simply accommodate the occasional front-end dive or rear-end chatter as part of the hand he has been dealt.

While acceleration is not on a par with the horizon-gulping performance found in modern sportbikes, it’s enough for all but the most power-hungry speed freaks. A 650cc twin used to be thought a big bike back in the day of the ton-up boys, now they’re considered “nice little bikes”. But just remember, they’re faster now than they ever were.

2010 Kawasaki ER-6n

2010 Kawasaki ER-6n - USA Specifications
MSRP $6,699 USD

• 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


• Cooling: Liquid 


• Fuel injection: Digital fuel injection with two 38mm Keihin throttle bodies 


• Ignition: Digital CDI 


• Transmission: Six-speed


• Final drive: O-ring chain 


• 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: 29.7 in.


• Curb weight: 441.0 lbs. 


• Fuel capacity: 4.1 gal. 


• Color: Metallic Flat Spark Black


• Good Times™ Protection Plan 12, 24, 36 or 48 months

Note: Specifications and pricing are subject to change. 

Source : smartcycleshopper