KAWASAKI ER-6N (2012 - 2017) Review
At a glance
| Owners' reliability rating: | |
|---|---|
| Annual servicing cost: | £120 |
| Power: | 70 bhp |
| Seat height: | Medium (31.7 in / 804 mm) |
| Weight: | Medium (450 lbs / 204 kg) |
Prices
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesThe 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.
- Related: 2012-2017 Kawasaki ER-6F review
The only thing that could spoil the party for Kawasaki is the Yamaha MT-07 released in 2014. Then, in 2017 the ER-6N was replaced by the Kawasaki Z650.
Yamaha's middleweight naked mixes the same ingredients as the Kawasaki and does it very well indeed. It also makes a brilliant used buy as a first big bike, as you'll see in our expert guide.
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineOn 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.
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityThe 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.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueThe engine is reliable but the build quality and finish can often come in for criticism.
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentFor 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.
Equipment
The dash has a fuel gauge, eco mode display and the petal discs are a nice touch. ABS is an optional extra.
Specs |
|
| Engine size | 649cc |
|---|---|
| Engine type | Four-stroke, liquid-cooled DOHC, 8v parallel twin |
| Frame type | Twin tube steel perimeter |
| Fuel capacity | 16 litres |
| Seat height | 804mm |
| Bike weight | 204kg |
| Front suspension | 41mm conventional forks, non-adjustable |
| Rear suspension | Side mounted shock, adjustable preload |
| Front brake | 2x300mm petal discs. Tokico two-piston calipers |
| Rear brake | 1x220mm petal disc, single-piston caliper |
| Front tyre size | 120/70ZR17 |
| Rear tyre size | 160/60ZR17 |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
|
| Average fuel consumption | 47 mpg |
|---|---|
| Annual road tax | £117 |
| Annual service cost | £120 |
| New price | - |
| Used price | £4,300 |
| Insurance group |
10 of 17 How much to insure? |
| Warranty term | Two year unlimited mileage |
Top speed & performance |
|
| Max power | 70 bhp |
|---|---|
| Max torque | 47 ft-lb |
| Top speed | 130 mph |
| 1/4 mile acceleration | - |
| Tank range | 150 miles |
Model history & versions
Model history
2005: ER-6n introduced.
2009: All new parallel twin ER-6n 650 with steel frame.
2012: Further revisions including new exhaust and more rideable design.
Other versions
The ER-6f is a fully faired version and costs £5,649 or £5,999 with ABS.
Owners' reviews for the KAWASAKI ER-6N (2012 - 2017)
6 owners have reviewed their KAWASAKI ER-6N (2012 - 2017) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
Review your KAWASAKI ER-6N (2012 - 2017)
Summary of owners' reviews |
|
| Overall rating: | |
|---|---|
| Ride quality & brakes: | |
| Engine: | |
| Reliability & build quality: | |
| Value vs rivals: | |
| Equipment: | |
| Annual servicing cost: | £120 |
Year: 2016
Fabulous
Buying experience: Good Johns of Romford Excellent Dealers Bike great unfortunately to dam Heavy for me to hold
Version: ABS
Year: 2016
A great well ballanced 1st proper bike. a little hard on the hands on a long ride. Great fun.
front brakes a bit sharp. back brake a little soft st speed
fantastic
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.
high road tax
very nice as standard. added Heated grips
Buying experience: Purchased from Kawasaki Yeovil. great service looked after very well.
Year: 2012
Annual servicing cost: £70
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.
Buying experience: Purchased from a Kawasaki dealer who included free datatag
Year: 2015
Annual servicing cost: £200
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.
Buying experience: Advertised for £5500 and managed to get £5000 with the screen included on 0% finance from a Kawasaki dealer.
Year: 2012
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.
Very comfortable to cruise around on with the upright riding position and can come to a stop faster than most bikes I've rode.. The only comment I would say is the suspension is maybe a bit soft for my liking but a suspension upgrade is always an option
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.
Bought the bike new in 2013 to the day has not let me down or shown any size of wear and tear (do min 150miles a week).. As long as you keep ontop of your services will continue to bring a smile to your face.. (I service the bike myself everything is simple to access)
Reasonable running costs for a commute if you keep it in the eco zone but like all bikes when you give it some she guzzles
Pretty standard really nice speedo and lights.. Changed the tires a couple of times kept them on dunnys which stick to the road in sun/rain/snow.. If your a real biker and ride in all weather but would prefer to feel your fingers in the winter months oxford heated grips are a good choice if you only have summer gloves...
Buying experience: Bought my bike from Robinsons of Rochdale new.. Overall a good buying experiance if they don't know they answer to your questions they're willing to find out.. Finance deals were offered and fair trade in prices on previous bike.. Overall I think I paid £4200 including datatag (not ABS model)
Year: 2014
Annual servicing cost: £75
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.
Buying experience: 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.
