I was really interested in reviewing the ER6F as it was one of the bikes mentioned for me to try, so when I was offered the chance I jumped at it. Everyone has an opinion when you are looking for a bike after passing your test and as you’re a novice you tend to listen unless, like me, you had a bike in mind you wanted.
The ER6F has been given a little bit of a face lift, now this isn’t a full face lift, more of a derma peel and a few botox injections. This, I think, was a better way to go as the bike was pretty good to look at already, why change something that works!
To look at the bike you see that the sleek lines are a little sharper and more sculptured and the face is that of an angry ant, I call it the classic Kawasaki trait. First look at the rear and you notice the lack of an exhaust, closer inspection and it is to be found under the back brake foot peg. The stubby exhaust looks great hidden under the bike but be under no illusion that the little exhaust is quiet.
Just starting the bike gives you an idea of how it will sound on the road. People pay hundreds to have the exhaust changed on their bikes to get a better sound but this is included as standard on the Kawasaki.
On the faired ER, the round dials are gone and in comes a digital display screen usually seen on a game boy. All the warning lights for fuel etc. are set at either side of the screen, with the rev counter as an increasing bar system going across.
These new additions to the bike are little touches that you would expect from an Aprilia, so to see some of the other manufacturers styling their bikes this way is great.
The frame of the ER6F is what I would call standard but I could just reach the floor with my toes, I am only 5’ 3”, so frame height is an important factor and removes a lot of bikes from my ride list. The good thing about the Kawasaki is that it has the option to have the suspension lowered and will not compromise on handling. At points during the ride I forgot I was riding a faired bike as I was so upright, it helps to give you a great view over the traffic as you are filtering at slower speeds. I found the bike heavier than my SV but much lighter than the older ER5 I trained on.
I found the mirrors a little annoying as they have been shaped similar to a 50p which leaves you with a blind spot directly behind you. Of course this can be changed by replacing them but who really wants to buy a new bike to then have to change the mirrors.
Riding through the traffic, it was quick off the mark and makes filtering easy. Once we made our way on to the country lanes the bike seemed to come in to its own. It packs a nice punch but it is so easy to handle with a change of your body weight the bike responds. As we rode the lanes with the sweeping corners and a long straight you could feel the fuel injection and the ABS working. What is nice is that just backing the throttle off helps to reduce the engine speed and the ABS and suspension work so well you don’t get the front forks dipping too suddenly.
The twins are great learner bikes as they really forgive your little mistakes, even when the bike is pressured the back end stays stable and happy to oblige. The bike moves up to speed quickly, the gears are easy and smooth. The only problem I had was when in traffic at slow speed I began to get cramp in my right ankle. For a faired bike, sitting so upright seems to be a strange feeling as you’re above the screen. Kawasaki do an extended screen which may help. The only problem is that you can not adjust your seat position, so I feel it could have been at a little bit of an angle.
I found the vibration through the bike gave me a headache but I am very sensitive to this and with the upright sitting position it is not the bike for me. I would have no problems though in recommending the bike to my friends who are just starting or want a sprite twin to commute. I feel Kawasaki have thought about how they could improve the bike and generally have. It is a good looking bike, it sounds great and is generally fun to ride. They are easily restricted for A2 riders. Kawasaki are offering 0% finance for 3 years with a £99 deposit.
The facts and figuresER6-N Naked £4,700
ER6-F Faired £5,075
ER6-F Faired ABS £5,475
Engine Spec 649cc 71bhp
Gearbox 6 speed
Wheelbase 1410mm
Seat Height 790mm
Fuel Capacity 15.5litres
Curb Mass 204kg (208kg)abs
Top Speed 125mph
Ave Fuel Consumption 53mpg
I want to go faster, I want to go faster..
