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Cutting Edge Style, Leading Edge Practicality


Some riders like a fully faired sportbike, some dont. But nearly all riders agree Kawasakis Ninja 650R is a great, fun-to-ride middleweight motorcycle. The ER-6n simply leaves a little more of that torquey, rev-happy 650 twins innovative inner beauty out where you can see it, revealing this soulful machines 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 ones for riders who love the feel of being in the wind a particularly good thing if you mostly ride where the weathers hot. Otherwise, the ER-6n packs all the hardware and handling thats 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-6ns 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-6ns natural riding position and makes reaching the ground easy for even not-so-tall riders.


Part of the ER-6ns distinctive character comes from sharp, muscular bodywork that gives it an aggressive, dynamic persona. The ER-6ns 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 bikes front-to-back compactness. The attention to detail is evident in the ER-6ns 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-6ns 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.
SpecificationsEngine Type: Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, four-valve per cylinder, parallel twin
Displacement: 649 cc
Bore & Stroke: 83.0 x 60.0 mm
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.
Front Tire Size: 120/70-17
Rear Tire Size: 160/60-17
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 Brake Type: Dual 300mm Petal Disc with 2-Piston Caliper
Rear Brake Type: Single 220mm Petal Disc with hydraulic caliper
Fuel Tank Capacity: 4.1 gal.
Seat Height: 29.7 in.
Curb Weight: 441.0 lbs.
Overall Length: 82.7 in.
Overall Width: 29.9 in.
Overall Height: 43.3 in.
Color: Metallic Flat Spark Black
Warranty: 12 months
Quick -Revving, 649CC Parallel-Twin EngineLiquid-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 InjectionFuel 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 DesignPowerful 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 EmissionsEfficient 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 bikes low center of gravity
The exhaust pipe bend and under-engine muffler arrangement contribute to the ER-6ns attractive styling
Vibration ControlRubber 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 FrameFrame 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 SwingarmSwingarm stiffness adds balance to the frames 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-6ns high-quality appearance
SuspensionFront 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 bikes performance and high quality image
Confidence Inspiring ErgonomicsAn 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 StylingAngular, stacked dual headlight and shroud contribute to the ER-6ns masculine image and features two-position lights
Headlights can be adjusted behind the headlight cover
Reinforcing the ER-6ns 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-6ns 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 bikes 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-6ns 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
MirrorsMirror design is a similar supersport style and offers an unparalleled rear view
BrakesDual 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
WheelsAttractive six-spoke supersport-style wheels augment the bikes light look while reducing unsprung weight
Instruments/ControlsStacked 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-6ns masculine appearance