KAWASAKI ER-6N (2012 - 2017) Review

At a glance

Owners' reliability rating: 4.3 out of 5 (4.3/5)
Annual servicing cost: £120
Power: 70 bhp
Seat height: Medium (31.7 in / 804 mm)
Weight: Medium (450 lbs / 204 kg)

Prices

New N/A
Used £3,000 - £4,300

Overall rating

Next up: Ride & brakes
4 out of 5 (4/5)

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. 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.

Ride quality & brakes

Next up: Engine
4 out of 5 (4/5)

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.

Engine

Next up: Reliability
4 out of 5 (4/5)

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.

Reliability & build quality

Next up: Value
3 out of 5 (3/5)

The engine is reliable but the build quality and finish can often come in for criticism.

Value vs rivals

Next up: Equipment
4 out of 5 (4/5)

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.

Equipment

3 out of 5 (3/5)

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 £3,000 - £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: 4.2 out of 5 (4.2/5)
Ride quality & brakes: 4.2 out of 5 (4.2/5)
Engine: 4.7 out of 5 (4.7/5)
Reliability & build quality: 4.3 out of 5 (4.3/5)
Value vs rivals: 4.2 out of 5 (4.2/5)
Equipment: 4.3 out of 5 (4.3/5)
Annual servicing cost: £120
4 out of 5
12 June 2021 by Spam22

Year: 2016

Fabulous

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 4 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5

Buying experience: Good Johns of Romford Excellent Dealers Bike great unfortunately to dam Heavy for me to hold

4 out of 5 My Er6N Great 1st Proper bike
28 November 2016 by Dez

Version: ABS

Year: 2016

A great well ballanced 1st proper bike. a little hard on the hands on a long ride. Great fun.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

front brakes a bit sharp. back brake a little soft st speed

Engine 5 out of 5

fantastic

Reliability & build quality 3 out of 5

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.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

high road tax

Equipment 5 out of 5

very nice as standard. added Heated grips

Buying experience: Purchased from Kawasaki Yeovil. great service looked after very well.

4 out of 5
25 September 2015 by Jake H

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.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

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.

Engine 4 out of 5

Stock the engine performs excellent and provides plenty of low end torque.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

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.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

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.

Equipment 4 out of 5

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

4 out of 5
12 June 2015 by Alastair Jarratt

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.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

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.

Engine 5 out of 5

Has a great engine, nice easy power delivery with no issues.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

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.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

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.

Equipment 4 out of 5

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.

5 out of 5
10 June 2015 by Jake

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.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

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

Engine 5 out of 5

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.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

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)

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

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

Equipment 4 out of 5

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)

4 out of 5 Er6n ace first bike
04 June 2015 by Leon cattle

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.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

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.

Engine 5 out of 5

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.

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

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.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

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.

Equipment 5 out of 5

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.

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