Remember those upgrades the Ninja 650 got for 2012? Well, the ER6-n naked bike is getting most of the changes as well.
Just like its fully-dressed sibling, the ER-6n is getting a slimmer twin-spar perimeter frame. The engine is a stressed member, and Kawasaki says the changes, intended to shorten the machine’s wheelbase and centralize mass, have lightened handling.
There have been some bodywork changes — a reworked tail section — and the dash and headlight have both been re-designed to make the bike more compact up front.
The seat has thicker foam and some other design changes, for more comfort.
As with most other re-designed bikes, the ER6-n’s motor has been re-tuned a bit. Kawasaki says riders should have more low- and mid-range torque on hand. The motor breathes in through intake ducts that now extend through the frame, and breathes out through a new, larger underbelly muffler.
The 38mm throttle bodies now feature sub-throttles, to improve response and help high-power output. Pricing is $7,899.
Talking of pricing, Kawasaki Canada have confirmed numbers for their other new bikes as follows; ZX14 – $16,999, Ninja 650 – $8,299 and the brand new Versys 1000 – $13,999.
Very handsome, now if only the very same crew would’ve had a hand, in styling the 1000 Versys…
Although the 1000 Versys should absolutely stop sales, of the 1000 VStrom right in it’s tracks ! Well done, but fugly, goes with the territory though.
996DLÂ
The number of major and minor changes to this bike is mind boggling. With all of that though, they’ve maintained the styling. Lighter steering? My ’09 turns like a bicycle already.
I wish that they had gone for cartridge forks and kept the engine shroud mounted signals though. And with the changes in mounting points, seat, etc., though it’ll be even more difficult to find accessories for this already orphaned machine.