Kawasaki ER-6n

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.

Authentic Kawasaki Accessories are available through Kawasaki dealers.

Features and Benefits:

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 fast
- 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

2010 Kawasaki ER-6n Technology

Overview

Engine

The balance of compact size and good power offered by the original ER-6n was the key to its success. To fit into its trim package, an In-line Four would have been too wide and a V-Twin too long. The only engine design that offered both good power characteristics and the requisite compactness was a Parallel Twin. While maintaining this balance, the ER-6n engine gets a number of tweaks that offer smoother low-mid response and a quicker-revving character.

Engine Performance

Liquid-cooled, DOHC, 8-valve 649 cm3 Parallel Twin with fuel injection delivers smooth, responsive performance, especially in the low and medium rpm ranges.

The engine was tuned for rider-friendly power characteristics that will inspire confidence in new riders.

Revised fuel injection settings result in smoother response (especially below 4,000 rpm) and contribute to the new ER-6n's quicker-revving character.

The engine's excellent mid-range power characteristics make the bike especially fun to ride at medium speeds on city streets. Roll-on response is exceptional, offering impressive passing performance.

Large-bore 38 mm throttle bodies feature sub-throttles for high power output with smooth, sensitive throttle response.

Wider radiator (by 40 mm) offers increased cooling efficiency (17.4 kW >> 19.4 kW).

Compact Engine Design

The ER-6n's 649 cm3 liquid-cooled power unit is the most compact engine in its category. Don't let the words "Parallel Twin" fool you. This engine is loaded with innovative technology that enabled its compact design to be realised:

Triangular layout of the crankshaft and transmission shafts makes the engine very short front-to-back.

Transmission input shaft, output shaft and change drum are contained in a "cassette"-style package that both allows a compact layout and facilitates transmission maintenance chores.

Semi-dry sump design reduces engine height.

Plated, linerless cylinder is lightweight, and the narrow cylinder pitch reduces engine width.

Under-engine muffler improves mass centralisation and lowers the bike's centre of gravity.

Euro-III Compliant

The combination of efficient fuel injection and a 3-way catalyser inside the muffler make for very low emissions which pass the stringent Euro-III regulations.?

300-cell catalyser offers more compact size and lighter weight compared to previous 200-cell unit. Muffler internals were revised to suit the new catalyser.

Additional Features

Fine-tuned shift lever position is easier to actuate.

Auto-fast idle system simplifies starting and ensures the catalyser reaches optimum temperature quickly.

Simplified cooling system routes coolant through the engine cases to the cylinder and head to reduce external plumbing.

180° crankshaft drives a balancer shaft for silky smooth engine operation. The water pump is driven off the right end of the balancer shaft.

Oil jets located in the rod big-ends direct oil to the undersides of the pistons for added cooling.

Lightweight plug-mounted ignition coils deliver a hot spark while saving space.

Newly designed lightweight fuel pump mounted inside the fuel tank.

Chassis

Light-Handling Chassis

The key to the ER-6n's compact size is its amazingly compact Parallel Twin engine, which permits the use of a narrow, lightweight frame. The result is a bike with the dimensions of a 400 and the power of a 650 that welcomes beginners with a "Come on, let's go for a ride!" attitude, while also offering plenty of performance for more experienced riders. Changes to the frame, swingarm and suspension result in reduced vibration and lighter handling, making the new ER-6n more accessible than ever.

Compact Package

Together with the compact engine, the frame's elegant design realises a package that is slim, low, lightweight and compact.

The compact engine allows use of a slim, minimalist frame, resulting in a design that is narrow at the knees and feet.

The compact engine also allows an extremely short wheelbase, giving light and nimble handling.

Because a long swingarm can be used, rear suspension action and handling are both improved.

3D analysis was used to achieve the ideal stiffness balance for the frame, contributing to the superb handling characteristics.

The frame is constructed of high-tensile steel, giving it a lightness rivalling that of aluminium frames.

The layout of the offset single-shock rear suspension allows the battery to be located beside the shock instead of beneath it. This elegant arrangement allows a lower seat height as well as a slim design.

The same characteristics that make it fun to ride (responsive handling and rider-friendly ergonomics), also make the ER-6n ideal for new riders.

A short wheelbase and tight turning radius contribute to the ER-6n's high manoeuvrability.

Reduced Vibration

Rubber mounts instead of rigid mounts used for the upper-rear engine mounts reduce vibration transmitted to the rider through the seat.

Handlebar is rubber-mounted to reduce vibration transmitted through the handle grips and to the mirrors.

Rider and pillion footpegs are rubber coated to further reduce vibration.

Lighter Handling

Changes to the frame to reduce rigidity and improve appearance also contribute to the new ER-6n's lighter handling.

New swingarm has higher rigidity to balance the reduced rigidity of the frame (due primarily to the rubber engine mounts). Overall, chassis rigidity is the same as that of the previous models.

Front and rear suspension settings match the frame and swingarm. Together with the frame they offer lighter, rider-friendly handling.

Rider-friendly Ergonomics

The riding position was specially designed to inspire rider confidence. An ideal relationship between the handlebars, seat and footpegs results in a comfortable and natural position suitable for a wide range of riders.

The narrow frame and engine make for an overall narrow package, allowing the rider to keep his or her knees and feet close together.

Thanks to the low seat height and slim overall design, it's easy to keep both feet firmly on the ground when stopped, an important consideration for many riders.

Narrowing of the frame just aft of the fuel tank enabled the seat construction to be narrow, making the reach to the ground even easier.

Aluminum passenger grips are positioned to make them easy for tandem riders to grab. Increased passenger confidence thanks to the improved grip also makes it easier for riders when carrying a pillion.

Brakes

Dual 300 mm front petal disc brakes and 220 mm rear petal disc look great and deliver plenty of braking power.

Front brake lever uses a new ball-joint (instead of a unitised piece) and revised pivot location to deliver smoother actuation of the master cylinder piston.

Now common, the ER-6n uses a front brake master cylinder with 14 mm piston, and twin-piston front brake calipers with 27 mm pistons.

Body Work

The new ER-6n gets sharp, muscular bodywork, giving it a more "active" and aggressive image. Curved lines are replaced with angular ones, and all lines move forward, giving the bike a crouching appearance. Simple in design, the new ER-6n avoids all superfluous design flourishes; lines were made to flow as long as possible. The new, taller fuel tank, pulled-back shrouds and sharp tail cowl make the bike look more compact front-to-back. Attention to the smallest details contributes to the new bike's high-quality finish.

New stacked dual headlamp is more angular - from both the front and from the side - and features two position lamps. Headlamp shroud also contributes to the ER-6n's more masculine image.

New fuel tank is taller - especially noticeable when viewed from the side - which adds to the bike's crouching appearance. Sharp-edged line motif gives it a look very distinct from that of its predecessor. Flush-surface fuel cap contributes to the sleek lines.

Viewed from the rear or from the side, the tail cowl and seat's sharp design is evident. Thin LED tail lamp and rear turn signals reinforce this image.

New shrouds are sharper, contributing to the ER-6n's masculine styling and forward-leaning lines.

New front turn signals are integral with the radiator shrouds, enhancing the bike's integrated styling.

Clear turn signal lenses with orange bulbs further enhance the machine's high-quality appearance.

The new ER-6n's compact front-to-rear appearance can be attributed to the shorter front cowl (thanks to a compact headlamp design), shorter rear cowl (thanks to the LED tail lamp) and shrouds that are pulled back behind the line of the front fork.

New long front fender reduces mud splash. Two-tone design contributes to the light, compact appearance.

An inner fender helps keep the underside of the tail cowl clean and contributes to the ER-6n's sporty look.

New license plate bulb housing and slimmer rear mud flap add to the sharp image of the tail.

Frame/Rear Suspension

The completely new frame is a key component of the ER-6n's identity. The ER-6n's bodywork accentuates the frame, rather than hiding it.

The design of the frame, rear suspension and swingarm create an integrated line running from the steering head to the rear hub.

A trellis frame of high-tensile steel gives the bike a lightweight appearance. 3D analysis was used to achieve the target rigidity and stress values.

Offset laydown rear single-shock suspension flows smoothly from the frame to the swingarm.

The braced steel swingarm follows the lines of the frame and rear shock, its triangulated design contributing to the machine's innovative styling.

Swingarm has a D-shaped cross-section (instead of a square tube). The pipe-like design of the swingarm and stabiliser further contribute to the ER-6n's higher-quality appearance.

Elegant design of the one-piece rider/passenger footpeg stays complements the swingarm and stabiliser.

Finish at frame joints is much cleaner, improving overall quality of the bike.

Instruments

Stacked instrument cluster has a sharp design and layout. Analogue-style speedometer uses white LED backlights for excellent visibility at night. The multi-function LCD screen has amber backlighting. Features include a fuel gauge, bar-style digital tachometer, clock, odometer and dual trip meters.

Inner cover added inside the front cowl cleans up appearance in this area.

Mirrors

New mirror design is positioned 20 mm further out from the centreline, they also offer an improved rear view.

Engine

The attractively bent exhaust pipes and under-engine muffler arrangement contribute to the ER-6n's attractive styling.

Brakes/Wheels/Tires

Triple petal disc brakes contribute to the bike's sporty image.

Attractive 6-spoke wheels give the bike a light look while reducing unsprung weight.

Additional Features

Despite the addition of a fuel level sensor (to enable the fuel gauge function), fuel capacity remains the same.

Four tie-down hooks allow baggage or a spare helmet to be secured to the seat.

Under-seat storage space has room for a U-lock or similar device.

The turn signals also function as hazard lights.

Colours
Pearl Blazing Orange
Ebony