All Duels – Duel ER-6n Vs SV650 2016: how we meet! – SV is back in the ring!

Posted on by admin

Duel ER-6n Vs SV650 2016: how we meet !

All Duels - Duel ER-6n Vs SV650 2016: how we meet! - SV is back in the ring!

To return to the forefront among small roadsters and erase the failure of the Gladius, Suzuki brings the SV650 out of its deserved retirement. Site opposes this vitamin and optimized motorcycle for 2016 to a previous knowledge: the Kawasaki ER-6n…. Duel.

SV is back in the ring !

Row of roadster cars after ten years of excellent service, the Suzuki SV650 has been enjoying a peaceful retirement since the arrival of the in 2009. But faced with the mixed success of its replacement, Suzuki withdraws its Vermeil card and re-sticks it to the score, strong advantageous evolutions: its happy V-twin gains 2.8 hp (76 in all) and its weight drops by 8 kg (197 kg with standard ABS), while an interesting device, the RPM Low Assist, facilitates changes at very low speeds.

With a few peripherals close, the rest is close – of fire Gladius: frame tubular steel trellis, telescopic fork of 41 mm non-adjustable, shock absorber adjustable only in preload, calipers with axial fixation with 2-pistons at the front. Basic equipment, but whose price-effectiveness ratio has long been proven !

Notwithstanding its strengths, the task promises to be difficult for the "new" SV650 … Because during its absence, the category of "not-expensive-but-not-sad" roadsters has sharpened badly! Starting with the Kawasaki ER-6n, one of the rare motorcycles in the segment to have rubbed shoulders with the old SVs (from 2005 to the end of 2008), then with the Gladius. Has the advantage, each time, of the last year (3278 units).

Always as playful and even more versatile since its small – but successful – the ER-6n continues its exemplary career to the energetic rhythm of its 649 cc twin-cylinder. Its nicely split steel trellis frame perfectly channels its 72.1 hp, 3.9 less than the Suzuki.

The two rivals share the same maximum torque value (64 Nm), reached at fairly high speeds: 7000 rpm on the ER-6 and 8100 rpm on the SV650. Akashi’s roadster, on the other hand, gives the Suzuki almost 10 kg: 206 kg with optional ABS (204 without ABS on the 2015 models with Euro3 standards still in stock).

Technically, the novelty marks here important points, even determining for a (e) young motorcyclist (e) sensitive to the notions of performance. More experienced riders will equally appreciate its advantageous power-to-weight ratio, synonymous with dynamism and better relaunching..

Static: the ER-6 does not "Suz"…

If the Suzuki comes out with its head held high from this confrontation of technical data sheets, it keeps a low profile from the first static comparisons … Let’s move on to its round headlight, motorcycle style of the 80s: some may appreciate this return to simplicity, to the opposite of tortured – even convoluted – forms now in fashion.

However, a more elegant cowling and a small row of LEDs inside the optics would not have harmed, in addition to anchoring the SV650 in its time. From the front, we have the curious feeling of dealing with a 10 to 15 year old roadster, or one. Not very rewarding.

In addition, the "economy" design is obvious, betrayed by the use of parts common to other models. Let us quote the instrumentation identical to (but without the practical control with the handlebars), the muffler nipped to the double taillights evoking the … or the! Result: the SV650 lacks identity, feeling reinforced by its consensual design.

In the end, the pencil stroke of the ER-6n turns out to be much more dynamic despite its four years older! It is also to wonder if this "new" SV650 would not have been designed at the end of the 2000s, then left aside in favor of the Gladius…

Beyond this visual aspect which is all in all subjective, the gap widens in terms of finish, summary or even sloppy on the Suzuki. Obviously, the Hamamatsu coat of arms did not take into account the progress made in recent years in this area, including on entry-level motorcycles..

To the welds and the draft electrical network of the SV650, the Green opposes a manufacture hardly questionable at this price: € 6,499 with ABS against € 6,599 for the SV650 in black. The integration of cables is passable on the Suzuki, especially around its steering column topped by a barrel almost completely uncovered. And what about the uncoded ignition key – unlike the ER-6 – worthy of a 103 SP from 1994 ?

Its unglamorous collectors and the oil filter are exposed to the eyes and shocks, while its rival hides everything behind a small engine spoiler. Better dressed, the ER-6n also hides its dip tubes behind a black trim, giving the illusion of a more massive front end despite a telescopic fork of diameter and quality similar to the Suzuki.

The small "stylish" touches of the Verte – like its petal discs, its rear wheel licker, its mirrors and its angular turn signals – also produce their small effect, where these peripherals are cheap on its rival.

In addition, the prominent side scoops of Akashi’s roadster have the dual interest of embellishing its radiator and deflecting air from the knees. Two aspects totally zapped by the SV650, including the radiator – widened by 20 mm – and its fans are displayed shamelessly. Even the wires and welds connected to the fans are not completely covered.

Passable mention also for the integration of the hoses of the water pump on the right side of the twin of Hamamatsu and for that of its central ABS – of which protrude multicolored son -, between the wheel and the rear shock absorber. The braking assistance device is somehow protected from projections by a vertical plastic plate (toc)…

And the practical aspects, then ?

On the ER-6n, MNC also appreciates the little tinted wind that overcomes its half-digital, half-analog instrumentation: the deflection generated, admittedly minimal, is added to that produced by its scoops to bring a zest of protection. always appreciable. On the Suzuki, it’s "all-in-the-quiche"…

The novelty makes up for it with its 100% digital console very readable and especially more complete (it provides information on the gear engaged, unlike the ER-6n). With this exception on the Kawa, the two instruments include all the essentials such as time, fuel level, consumption and two trips (read our Practical aspects table on page 3).

Finally, the Kawasaki completes its rival in terms of practicality, another neglected position on the SV650. For example, the Verte receives an adjustable clutch lever, grab handles, rubbers on its front and rear footrests and a trunk under the saddle capable of carrying a U-lock. So many attentions that the Suzuki !

At this stage, the balance is clearly tilted for the Kawasaki … But the start of the two twin cylinders reminds us that the match is far from over! The dry and rapid hammering of the ER-6n, not very melodious at idle, is covered by the enticing sound of the V-twin now with dual ignition (two spark plugs per cylinder).

The vocalizations of the SV650 are also reinforced by a deaf and sporty snoring coming from its new airbox from 5000 rpm (see our). Undoubtedly, the "60 changes"Suzuki’s credit for the engine includes a good job done on its acoustics: bravo !

After being scratched in static, the new Suzuki 2016 clearly signifies its desire to do battle in dynamics: that’s good, us too! Go to next page: MNC goes first…

Related articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *