Practical Bike for Urbanites

Remember when Kawasaki Motors Malaysia (KMM) launched its new CKD (completely knocked down) bikes last year?

The ER-6N quickly became popular as the pricing was right. A nice looking Japanese bike with 600cc twin cylinder engine priced well below RM30,000 (KMM has increased the price now) was too good to ignore, and Malaysians snapped it up.

We like the bike, but there are a few shortcomings, given its status as an entry-level model in Kawasaki's big bike line-up. Secretly, we knew many of the owners would upgrade to a bigger bike.

Late last year, Kawasaki Japan introduced an updated version of the bike and KMM introduced it here a few months ago.

Changes are subtle but noticeable, and give the whole package a tighter and sharper look.

The front headlight is new and looks more masculine while the tank is taller, giving the bike a compact image.

Grab rails are now aluminium and the rear light has ditched the old-school bulb for a brighter LED type.

The meter pod is also new. The two-tier type has an anologue speedo at the top with white backlit dial, while the lower part houses the digital bar-type tachometer in orange background. It looks good, night or day.

We especially like the multi-display function, accessible even with gloved hands.

Technical wise, the engine still outputs the same horsepower but the fuel mapping has been changed to give a livelier character, especially below 4,000 rpm. It sounds like a minute change but compared with the old ER-6N, this change makes a whole lot of difference.

Vibration, a problem for the old bike, has been addressed by installing more rubber bushing on the frame, handlebar and the footpegs.

You can rev better now without the engine sounding and feeling like it is about to fall out of the tubular frame.

With a crispier response, we also found that the bike didn't require too much gear change while riding it in the city as we were able to pull the lower gears longer.

The Keihin fuel injection system has been revised, and this was obvious as the throttle input was more direct.

Suspension is rather soft even after we tweaked up the pre-load, but the ER-6N is never about going fast. This is a practical bike for the urbanites, a good replacement for the old ER-5.

For new riders or for veterans who need a daily ride, the ER-6N is a good option.

By Hezeri Samsuri

Specifications

Engine: 649cc liquid cooled 2-cylinder DOHC 8V

Max power: 71hp @ 8,500rpm

Max torque: 66Nm @ 7,000rpm

Transmission: 6-speed

Kerb weight: 200kg

Fuel tank: 15.5 litres

Price: RM30,989