All Duels – Duel CBR600F Vs ER-6f: two cheap road bikes? – The ascent of Mont Ventoux

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Duel CBR600F Vs ER-6f: two cheap road bikes ?

All Duels - Duel CBR600F Vs ER-6f: two cheap road bikes? - The ascent of Mont Ventoux

Do you really have to break the bank to go on a motorcycle vacation? To find out, Site attacked Mont Ventoux on two small streamlined roadsters: the Honda CBR600F released in 2011, and the 2012 version of the Kawasaki ER-6f. Duel at the top !

Climbing Mont Ventoux

Becoming more integral with the bike, the païlote of the CBR is inexorably detached from his friend installed at the controls of the ER-6. In big curves, the CBR is perfectly stalled because its rider is also: his hands firmly hold the handlebars, the outer forearm is placed on the tank and the buttocks are slightly swayed. We’re not very far from the Toni Elias style !

On the ER-6f, the attitude is more restrained because the thinner tank and the higher and wider handlebars lend themselves less to a pistarde position. The Kawa is not ineffective in sporting rhythm, but it remains a tone below the Honda which is still moving away a little.

Not only are the accelerations and times more hairy on the 4-cylinder, but the braking is also more direct. The Tokico 4-piston calipers of the Verte bite their discs less violently than the Nissin 6-pistons of the Rouge.

In addition, the lever effort is less on the Honda, which allows to gain in precision and endurance. Near the pins, the more open handlebar of the "mini Fireblade" offers a more comfortable grip but at the same time makes the wrists work more than that of the "mini Ninja" (its trade name in the United States).

Finally, in blind turns, the faired Hornet reacts less sharply in the event of braking on the angle. Put under pressure by the Red, the Green rider "cracks" more easily in such a situation and the novice rider may even be surprised by the recovery of the Kawa: beware of deviations, even off the road !

The rear brake pedal on the ER-6 is always too soft and straining braking efficiency. That of the CBR600F is much more useful, especially in the C-ABS version which combines the action of the rear caliper with that of a front piston.

The passenger will appreciate that his pilot rolls up using only the "rear brake" … Conversely, he will take harder slaps when accelerating on the Honda: the 4-legged runs out of steam less than the twin, on condition of course to stay high in the towers !

Of course, we are far from the Nirvana reached on an Electra Glide, but the duo is possible on both bikes. The handles of the ER-6f are more practical than the notches of the CBR600F, but conversely the seat of the Honda is more welcoming due to the vibrations too present on the Kawa.

Balance sheet

Back in Paris, the ER-6f is a little smarter in town than the CBR600F, thanks to its lighter front axle and its slightly smaller turning radius. The more relaxed driving position allows you to face traffic jams more calmly, despite a less docile engine than that of the Honda.

In the middle of August, the Kawa dumps a lot of hot air on the thighs but the inconvenience – unless there is sudden global warming? – should not bother fans of the bike-work-sleep. Still in the city center, the more discreet low and mid-range sound of the Kawa pot is welcome..

In the event of traffic jams, the Honda driver must instead deal with the more sporty position of the CBR600F, wearing out in these conditions but so useful during arsouilles on weekends or on vacation! The lack of protection of the bubble goes unnoticed by the user.

Better still, the semi-handlebars and the low bubble give the rider an image of a real "Superbiker" among observers … and observers! For some, this single point alone will be enough to legitimize the additional cost of 1050 euros compared to a Hornet !

Likewise, faced with the ER-6f which costs 800 euros less, the CBR600F is naturally required for who wants – and who knows! – take advantage of the 30 additional horsepower, superior steering, especially on bumpy roads and more efficient braking.

The choice of the ER-6f is that of the reason: cheaper to buy, it also consumes less and will cost less to insure. Unless you are doing very long routes, the buyer will enjoy remarkable comfort on his handlebars and behind his raised screen.

In addition, the Kawette has a better choice in terms of equipment for cutting the road. Naturally, the passenger will be less well installed than on a real GT and it lacks a few cubic centimeters to lower the revs in sixth and completely isolate themselves from the small crackles. But at 7000 euros per motorcycle, there is already plenty to do !

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