All the Duels – ER-6f Vs XJ6F: the Japanese convertible – Roadsters one day, roadsters always?

ER-6f Vs XJ6F: the Japanese-style convertible

All the Duels - ER-6f Vs XJ6F: the Japanese convertible - Roadsters one day, roadsters always?

Like a convertible sofa bed, the ER-6f and the XJ6 Diversion F attempt a large difference between different uses for a reasonable cost. An ambitious positioning for these two little routsters who want to be both playful and practical. Duel !

Roadsters one day, roadsters always ?

In reality, it is rather in the assault of small roads that our two "routsters" reveal the merits of their moult: the protection is then largely sufficient to dawdle on the secondary network while playing with the pressure of the wind … or the icy droplets of a short April shower !

But the main interest comes mainly from the fact that the ER-6F and the XJ 6 Diversion F have retained almost all of the dynamic potential of the roadster versions. Therefore, the claimed versatility here takes on its full meaning since our two mounts are capable of preserving their drivers in a beautiful way on the roads, while offering a certain amount of fun in the small virolos. !

Impeccable on smooth asphalt, the Kawa takes the lead in the winding, well helped by its sparkling engine, its healthy chassis and its liveliness more marked than on the Yamaha entering curves.

Pulling gently from 4,000 rpm, the twin then strengthens the thrust to 6,000 rpm before giving everything up to the discreet ignition cutoff placed at 11,000 rpm: a sufficient range of use extended to make it spin with pleasure from turn to turn, without worrying too much about the gear engaged! Especially since like the Yamaha, the Zak ‘benefits from a pleasing traction, which does not restrict the rear tire of "only" 160 mm..

Alas, the picture tarnishes a little from the first bumps: far too dry at the rear, the Kawa waddles when exiting curves and the liveliness of its front end is forced to give up … which benefits the car. Yam ‘, almost insensitive to variations in bitumen.

Undoubtedly, it appears better suspended than its rival: the aspiration of the Kawasaki on billiards, the Div ‘benefits from a cohesion of damping and a flattering absorption capacity for an entry level. An engaging and sensitive zest to the grip of the brake in curves – two phenomena easily avoided by slightly accentuating the counter-steering via its handlebars wider than that of the ER-6f -, the Diversion F nevertheless allows to melt at the point of rope , even when ugly bumps appear.

Stable on the angle, the Yamaha only asks to be whipped to deliver the full extent of its potential: quick to tighten a trajectory with a simple pressure on the brake pedal (more progressive than on the Kawasaki), the Japanese always responds, whether you push her violently or lead her gently with the tips of the gloves.

Obviously, in the first case, it is better to plan downshifting sessions: barely at the bottom of the tachometer, the four-cylinder only wakes up at 5,000 rpm and does not make the powder speak (modest, powder: 78 hp remain easily under control) than 7,000 to 12,000 rpm, in a sound more exhilarating than the syncopated soundtrack of Akashi’s twin !

More homogeneous and comfortable whatever the conditions, better equipped and able to swallow longer stages thanks to a contained consumption and its tank of 17 liters (15.5 liters on the ER-6f), the XJ6 Diversion F s ‘logically imposes at the end of this duel.

Playful and accessible (7,199 euros and 7,599 euros with ABS for the Div ‘and 6,699 euros and 7,299 euros for the Zak’), these two little "routsters" certainly do not have the comfort of a real GT, but they are interesting alternatives to swallow the terminal with simplicity and good nature, especially on the secondary network.

The Yamaha will do it with bluffing ease, but its four-cylinder will prove to be stingy with sensations as long as it is not nagged. In contrast, the Kawasaki is less accommodating and less comfortable … but its twin is more alive !

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