All Tests – A road ER-6 but still fun – Used KAWASAKI

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A road ER-6 but still fun

All Tests - A road ER-6 but still fun - Used KAWASAKI

Star of the Kawasaki dealerships at the beginning of the year, the ER-6n becomes the ER-6f by offering itself a fairing, a screen and a different optic in order to attract more rolling bikers. A real little roadster? Test.

The Kawasaki ER-6n has been in the top of the best-selling motorcycles in France since the start of the year (read). Its concept of a simple, fun and financially affordable motorcycle has therefore won over the French..

Its streamlined version, the ER-6f (read), has also made a noticeable entry on the market since from its first month on the market, it appears in 15th place among the best-selling models in France. Taking practically everything from its ER-6n sister, the f version is adorned with a full fairing and a bubble to better face the road.

Tested by Moto-Net in particularly difficult climatic conditions – rain and very low temperatures – the ER-6f has not been able to reveal the full extent of its sporting capabilities to us … allowed to test his ABS very correctly !

ER-6f, with six f as…

Finesse

In its gray – or black – dress, the little Kawasaki is classic by avoiding errors of taste but also losing the original side of the ER-6n which has ensured a great success from its launch, especially among young people. permit.

If the "n" version adopted an optic close to that of the Brutale, the "f" chose the proven one of the Z1000. Which gives it a sharp but serious look, surmounted by a discreet and well-integrated bubble.

The fairing presents fluid and tense lines, while the absence of decoration further affirms the wise and slender side of the small road. Its two-tone saddle is supposed to give the ER-6f a "sporty" touch, but its gray half attracts dirt above all….

It is seen from behind that we best appreciate the extreme finesse of the 650, accentuated by the 160 tire, the absence of a pot – placed under the engine – and the tubular frame of minimal size in which is housed the narrow twin.

By getting on the Kawa, the little ones will appreciate not only its reasonable saddle height but also and above all its minimum tank width, which allows both heels to be placed firmly on the ground. The small thickness of the saddle is compensated by the good footing that the thinness of the ER-6 provides. In the end the ER-6f, in its quality of entry-level road, is comfortable.

The controls are the same as the "n" and similar to all Kawasaki. So the two levers offer five different positions. The handlebars are placed high, the footrests low and forward, so that the rider adopts an upright posture. This is a good point for heavy rollers who will find this position very comfortable, less good for retractors with a more sporty philosophy..

Conversely, the dashboard does not resemble that of the "n". On this version of the ER-6, priority is given to simplicity: two analog dials for speed and engine speed, an LCD screen offering an indication (trips or clock) and the usual indicator lights. Only the gasoline gauge is missing, yet appropriate on a motorcycle that wants to be road…

Ease

Once the starter is actuated, the in-line twin pushes a catchy song. The first easily engaged, the first turns of the wheel seem obvious: thin, light and very agile, the ER-6f puts at ease the most fearful of beginners.

The confirmed rider or in the process of being so will be pleasantly surprised by the health of the 650. At low speed (between 1,500 and 4,000 rpm), the torque of the twin pulls vigorously and smoothly, while at at mid speed (from 4 to 7,500 rpm), the sound of the mill is more present, which accentuates already remarkable performance for this type of motorcycle: 66 Nm from 7,000 rpm and 72 horsepower at 8,500 rpm / min.

High in the turns, the draw is correct but the ER-6 struggles against the 600 roadsters whose engines come from Supersportives. That said, given the playful side of the lower revs, we will not hold it against him: the red zone located at 11,000 rpm will rarely be reached. !

Supported by a smooth and properly staged gearbox, the ER-6f therefore offers very satisfactory performance. Whether you are in the city center, on a small departmental or on a motorway, the twin propels its pilot in a flattering roar, without having to play the selector excessively..

The road goes by well and the cars are relegated to the status of simple majorettes decorating the retro. These also offer a beautiful view of your forearms but their width, their spacing and the absence of vibration are enough to give a good overview of the movement behind you … in their outer halves. !

Braking

Then comes the moment to brake: the version of our test being equipped with ABS, it was particularly reassuring and safe on the "groggy" cobblestones of the capital or on the particularly uncertain country roads in February..

Thus, the driver’s inattention – which forces him to take the brakes at the last moment to respect a red light or pull up behind a tractor – is forgiven by an effective and pleasant anti-lock system. The front brake can be heavily used on slippery surfaces and the pilot can freely adjust his braking, without premature intervention of the system.

On the other hand, as soon as the front wheel tries to slip away, the pressure on the disc decreases: the motorcycle remains upright and the rider perceives only a slight jerk of his right lever..

At very low speed (less than 20 km / h), the rear wheel may turn slightly across before being driven back in line with the motorcycle. A reaction which may surprise the less experienced but which did not occur during tests at higher speed, confirming the effectiveness of a system offered as an option at 500 €, which is much cheaper than a new set of fairings, footrest plate, selector and indicators !

On a dry road, the brakes are powerful and progressive, but slightly lacking in bite. Once again, the versatility of the model will reassure young drivers and at the same time allow experienced pilots to have a good time..

Finish

The cycle part of the ER-6f is the same as the "n" except for a few suspension settings, but which go unnoticed both when stationary or in action. We always regret the absence of a central stand, yet very useful during chain maintenance or when stopping at the roadside on uneven or unstable ground.

In the finishing department, the "crackle" of the fairing which occurs between 3000 and 3500 rpm will disappoint the most fussy. A detail that has the misfortune of appearing at 60 km / h in 5th gear … The most irritable will therefore have to play with the box to avoid this inconvenience, but the others will adapt perfectly to it..

Last point which would have deserved a little more attention from the Japanese and which could be corrected on a future version: the almost total absence of storage space. Even if the new Kawa plays more in the backyard of road roadsters than in that of mini GTs, it’s a shame.

Because the inability to fit a U or a rain suit under the saddle is disappointing for a motorcycle of this category. Likewise, access to the lock is not easy or even messy in bad weather..

Family

In appearance, the rear suspension seems rudimentary but in action, it is effective even in duet. Only a few passages on very shaking pavement reveal some limits. It could have spared its passengers a little more but overall, the rear shock absorber plays its role well.

At the front, the 41 mm fork can handle all types of constraints without flinching, even if its effectiveness remains to be proven in intensive use: the Kawa Cup riders will take care of it (read) !

At high speed, the ER-6f was welcoming and restful despite its too small and inclined bubble. Thus the bust is well protected but taller pilots (over 1.75m) will have the helmet and upper shoulders exposed..

The thighs are wedged along the tank then the fairing, which hugs the frame as closely as possible. Its slightly protruding shape therefore prevents long legs from hitting the ball joints and offers significant protection compared to simple roadsters.

The passenger’s position is comfortable although the saddle lacks thickness. The handles are high and wide enough to undergo the frank accelerations of the twin and the footrests, located relatively low thanks to the absence of a pot, allow long trips without too much fatigue..

but still fun !

In short the ER-6f, under its air of small road, knows above all to be "Fun". On the rare sections of dry road encountered during our test, the little Kawa showed excellent predisposition to attack, if not to arson. Its biggest flaw therefore lies in its lack of space under the saddle….

Its full and lively engine, combined with a healthy and playful cycle part, will quickly win you over. Its suspensions offer a good compromise between comfort and efficiency while the driving position, more trail-style than sporty, allows you to scroll the asphalt under its wheels without getting tired or wondering, especially with ABS … sum, a simple, intuitive and playful little roadster to put in all hands !

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