The most impressive aspect of the ER must be that it is simply so versatile and easy to live with. The upright riding position means that shoulders are knot-free on long hauls, adjustable clutch and brake levers mean no hand strain, and the six-speed transmission is equipped with a neutral-finder that makes accessing neutral a breeze, when coming to a stop light or getting stuck in traffic. More to the point, while some bikes require an acclimatization period for the rider to become familiar, and more importantly, confident with ergos and balance, the ER-6n inspires confidence straight out of the gates. Semi-floating 2-piston calipers grab onto dual 300mm discs in the front, combined with the single-piston caliper biting a single 220 mm disc in the rear, offers crisp but manageable stopping power.

The ER’s instrumentation includes a clock, fuel gauge, trip meters, digital tachometer and a white-faced analog speedometer. Kawasaki has begun referring to the operating weight of their bikes as ‘Curb Mass,’ which in the case of the ER-6n is 200kgs, or 442 lbs. While only available in Pearl Blazing Orange and Ebony for 2010, my ‘09 tester was outfitted in the candy-coloured Plasma Blue that bows out of the lineup for the 2010 model year.

Love that short, small and low exhaust system.

With striking action hero looks and a no-frills badass attitude, what’s not to love about a naked bike? Well, two words: wind buffeting. Riding at triple-digit highway speeds in an upright position, had me feeling like a bobble-head doll, as the tiny fairings that surround the gauge cluster and radiator seem to agitate the wind passing by instead of making friends with it. Tucking in did little to help the cause as there is little to hide behind. (Dustin, what else did you expect on a naked bike? Ed.)

The seat, which would appear to compromise good looks for comfort, effectively manages to achieve neither. This supports the case that the ER-6n is probably best suited to weekend warrior status or commuter duty rather than being anyone’s top choice for long hauls.

Whether you happen to be a newbie looking for a well-balanced beginner bike that doesn’t look like it should have training wheels, or are a veteran rider looking for a tossable bike that’s a blast on short hauls, the ER-6n is certainly worth a second look.

Agile, sporty handling characteristics
Edgy appearance
Attractive price point

Slightly cramped for long legs




Annoying wind buffeting
Banana seat detracts from otherwise aggressive appearance





Photo Credit : Kawasaki