Introduction
Cutting Edge Style, Leading Edge
Practicality
Some riders like a fully faired sportbike, some don't. But nearly
all riders agree Kawasaki's Ninja® 650R is a great, fun-to-ride
middleweight motorcycle. The 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. And did we mention
deleting the fairing also brings the price down substantially?
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.
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.
The 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.
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. The attention to detail is evident in the ER-6n's
high-quality paint finish.
The instrument cluster is uniquely stacked with a sharp design
and easy layout from the analog speedometer to the multi-function
LCD screen. The instrumentation features include a fuel gauge,
bar-style digital tachometer, clock, odometer and dual trip meters.
Besides the rubber coating on the footpegs, the passenger also
benefits from the easy to reach aluminum grab rails - nothing
like a relaxed passenger to allow the rider to fully enjoy the
ER-6n's friendly ergonomics and versatile cockpit.
Quite simply, this is a motorcycle that both novice and experienced
riders can be at home on and equally comfortable employing its
assets to the fullest, whether it be navigating urban environs
or enjoying a weekend canyon run. In other words, this real world
overachiever begs to demonstrate its versatility and everyday
usefulness.
 |
 |
|
|
Features
Quick-Revving, 649cc Parallel-Twin
Engine
- Liquid-cooled, DOHC, 8-valve fuel-injected twin cylinder delivers
smooth, responsive performance, especially in the low to medium
rpm range
- Excellent mid-range power, exceptional roll-on response and
impressive passing performance make even commuter traffic enjoyable
- Silky smooth engine vibes via a 180° crankshaft-driven
balancer shaft, which in turn drives the water pump
- Oil jets on the connecting rod big ends spray oil on the undersides
of the pistons to aid cooling
- Lightweight plug-mounted ignition coils deliver a hot spark
and save space
- Wide radiator offers plenty of cooling efficiency
- Coolant routing travels directly to the engine cases, then
on to the cylinder and head through internal passages, which
keeps external plumbing to a minimum
- Fine-tuned shift lever position is easy to use
Digital Fuel Injection
- Fuel injection settings permit healthy bottom-end torque while
letting the engine rev fas
- Sub-throttle valve equipped 38mm Keihin throttle bodies offer
optimum performance and rideability
- Located behind the main throttle valves, the sub-throttles
are controlled by the DFI® system ECU for a precise throttle
response, similar to a constant-velocity carburetor
- Auto-fast idle system simplifies starting and helps ensure
the catalyzer reaches optimum temperature quickly
- The lightweight fuel pump is mounted inside the fuel tank.
Compact Engine Design
- Powerful twin-cylinder engine is the most compact in its category,
which helps reduce the dimension of the entire motorcycle and
allows use of a slim, minimalist frame
- Triangular setup of the crankshaft and transmission shafts
makes the engine short front-to-back
- Transmission input shaft, output shaft and change drum are
contained in a "cassette"-style package that allows
a compact layout and eases transmission maintenance chores
- Semi-dry sump design reduces engine height
- Plated, linerless aluminum cylinders with a narrow cylinder
pitch keep the engine light and slim
Cleaner Emissions
- Efficient fuel injection and a three-way catalyzer inside the
exhaust produce very low emissions, able to pass the stringent
Euro-III emission regulations
- Utilizes a compact and light 300-cell catalyzer unit
- Under-engine muffler placement improves mass centralization
and the bike's low center of gravity
- The exhaust pipe bend and under-engine muffler arrangement
contribute to the ER-6n's attractive styling
Vibration Control
- Rubber upper-rear engine mounts decrease the vibration transferred
to the rider through the seat
- Handlebar is rubber-mounted to lessen vibration transmitted
through the handle grips
- Rider and passenger footpegs are rubber coated to further reduce
vibration
Lighter Handling Trellis Frame
- Frame has all the key ER-6n elements - slim, low, lightweight
and compact design that is narrow at the knees and footpegs for
rider comfort and control
- The strong, high-tensile steel trellis frame not only looks
lightweight, it is - rivaling that of aluminum frames
- Balanced rigidity, achieved through extensive 3D analysis,
translates directly into superb handling
- The frame, rear suspension and swingarm designs flow together
with an integrated line running from the steering head to the
rear hub
- Short front-to-back dimensions of the engine allow for a long
swingarm and a short wheelbase combination that contributes to
the light and nimble handling
Rigid Swingarm
- Swingarm stiffness adds balance to the frame's rigidity - due
primarily to the rubber engine mounts
- The D-shaped cross-section swingarm, stabilizer, chain adjuster
design and elegant one-piece rider/passenger footpeg stays complement
the ER-6n's high-quality appearance
Suspension
- Front and rear suspension settings match the frame and swingarm
rigidity values for lighter, rider-friendly handling
- Shape of the 41mm fork lower ends around the axle shaft adds
to the bike's performance and high quality image
Confidence Inspiring Ergonomics
- An ideal handlebar, seat and footpeg relationship results in
a comfortable and natural riding position suiting a wide range
of riders
- Frame narrows just aft of the fuel tank enabling a slimmer
seat, making the reach to the ground even easier
- The offset single-shock rear suspension layout with the battery
located beside the shock instead of beneath it allows a lower
seat height as well
- Low seat height and slim overall design make it easy to plant
both feet firmly on the ground when stopped
- Aluminum passenger grips are positioned and shaped for easy
grabbing by the passenger
Sharp Masculine Styling
- Angular, stacked dual headlight and shroud contribute to the
ER-6n's masculine image and features two-position lights
- Headlights can be adjusted behind the headlight cover
- Reinforcing the ER-6n's masculine styling, the sharp, edgy
radiator shrouds feature integrated front turn signals with clear
lenses and orange bulbs and forward-leaning lines
- A flush-surface fuel cap and its sharp-edged motif give the
tank a distinctive look
- The ER-6n's compact front-to-rear appearance is enhanced by
the short front cowl, short rear cowl with its LED tail light
and shrouds that start behind the front fork
- Finishing out the bike's aggressive image is a sharp tail cowl
design featuring a slimmer rear mud flap and turn signals that
can also function as hazard lights
- A long front fender keeps the water splashing to a minimum
and its two-tone design matches the ER-6n's light, compact theme
- An inner rear fender helps keep the underside of the tail cowl
clean
- Storage options include four tie-down hooks for baggage or
a spare helmet to be secured to the seat and a storage space
under the seat with room for a U-lock or similar device
Mirrors
- Mirror design is a similar supersport style and offers an unparalleled
rear view
Brakes
- Dual 300mm front petal disc brakes with twin 27mm piston front
brake calipers and a single 220mm rear petal disc deliver plenty
of braking power
- Housed in a curved brake master cylinder reservoir , the front
brake lever utilizes an optimized ball-joint and pivot location
to deliver smooth actuation of its 14mm master cylinder piston
Wheels
- Attractive six-spoke supersport-style wheels augment the bike's
light look while reducing unsprung weight
Instruments/Controls
- Stacked instrument cluster has a sharp design and clean layout
with an analog speedometer that uses white LED backlights for
excellent visibility at night
- The multi-function LCD screen has amber backlighting and its
features include a fuel gauge, bar-style digital tachometer,
clock, odometer and dual trip meters
- Inner cover inside the front cowl provides a clean appearance
in this area
- Handlebar mount design and curved shapes on the brake master
cylinder reservoir and clutch lever contribute further to the
ER-6n's masculine appearance
|
|
|
Technical Specifications
Engine: Four-stroke, liquid-cooled,
DOHC, four-valve per cylinder, parallel twin
Displacement: 649cc
Bore x stroke: 83.0 x 60.0mm
Compression ratio: 11.3:1
Cooling: Liquid
Fuel injection: Digital fuel injection with two 38mm Keihin throttle
bodies
Ignition: Digital CDI
Transmission: Six-speed
Final drive: O-ring chain
Frame: Semi-double cradle, high-tensile steel
Rake / trail: 24.5 degrees / 4.0 in.
Wheelbase: 55.3 in.
Front suspension / wheel travel: 41mm hydraulic telescopic fork
/ 4.7 in.
Rear suspension / wheel travel: Single offset laydown shock with
adjustable spring preload / 4.9 in.
Front tire: 120/70x17
Rear tire: 160/60x17
Front brake: Dual 300mm petal discs with two-piston calipers
Rear brake: Single 220mm petal disc with single piston caliper
Overall length: 82.7 in.
Overall width: 29.9 in.
Overall height: 43.3 in.
Seat height: 29.7 in.
Curb weight: 441.0 lbs.
Fuel capacity: 4.1 gal.
Color: Metallic Flat Spark Black
MSRP: $6,699
|
|
