2012 Kawasaki ER-6N Naked Killer Cycle

2012 Kawasaki ER-6N Review

The 2012 Kawasaki ER-6N simply leaves a little more of that torquey, rev-happy 650 twin’s innovative inner beauty out where you can see it, revealing this soulful machine’s mechanical purity of purpose. The ER-6n gets a vestigial flyscreen around its headlight / instrument pod, but for the most part the fairing of this “naked” style bike has gone bye-bye. This one’s for riders who love the feel of being in the wind a particularly good thing if you mostly ride where the weather’s hot. Otherwise, the ER-6n packs all the hardware and handling that’s made it and its Ninja 650R brother such media darlings. The key to the ER-6n’s slender size is its compact liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, DOHC 8-valve 649cc parallel-twin engine, which permits the use of a narrow, lightweight frame. Its fuel injection settings grant the engine plenty of bottom-end torque and smooth low-mid rpm response. Its coolant is routed to the cylinder and head through the engine cases, reducing the number of hoses and simplifying the cooling system.

2012 Kawasaki ER-6N

2012 Kawasaki ER-6N

The clean, size-efficient engine delivers good fuel economy and also meets stringent emission regulations, thanks to its precise fuel-injection and a three-way catalyzer system. The non-intimidating twin-cylinder appeals to riders with its excellent mid-range and plenty of character to thrill more advanced riders. This manageable powerplant offers superb roll-on response and enables the ER-6n to fluently slice through commuter traffic or carve canyons like a skilled surgeon.

2012 Kawasaki ER-6N

2012 Kawasaki ER-6N

The Kawasaki ER-6n shares its signature trellis frame, offset laydown rear shock, swingarm, suspension and chassis with the Ninja 650R. The chassis rigidity balance and suspension settings, and the rubber upper-rear engine and handlebar mounts offer vibration dampening and lighter handling qualities. The rider and passenger footpegs are also rubber coated for a further reduction in the amount of vibration transferred to the rider. A slim and low seat further enhances the ER-6n’s natural riding position and makes reaching the ground easy for even not-so-tall riders.

2012 Kawasaki ER-6N

2012 Kawasaki ER-6N

Accessories and Part of the ER-6n’s distinctive character comes from sharp, muscular bodywork that gives it an aggressive, dynamic persona. The ER-6n’s bodywork accentuates the frame, rather than hiding it. The angular lines and simple design flows through the frame, rear suspension and swingarm creating an integrated line running from the steering head to the rear hub. Its tall fuel tank, raked-back radiator shrouds and sharp tail cowl further enhance the bike’s front-to-back compactness.