Kawasaki ER6-N or VERSYS

[KZ]

The fairing on the black turbo ER6 looks cool! But there's a lot of competition for a go-fast bike, and the mentioned price tag of 220,000 THB is wishful thinking, IMHO. If the 250cc Enduro is 150K, a new model 600cc twin-cylinder streetbike should be closer to 300K, and that's cheap compared to the 600cc Fazer.
I prefer the Versys for having Enduro-like suspension, but the look definitely turns me off...

 

[TonyBKK]

Hi KZ,

The folks at the Kawasaki Big Bike shop in Bangkok told me they expect the ER-6N to sell for about 290,000 Baht in Thailand, but I got the impression that price is not yet set in stone.

I feel that's a fair price and hope they'll go on sale in early '09 as planned.

Happy Trails! 8)

 

[bard]

Yes I know the beemers are very expensive, but I would love a new one for touring. The ER-6n with the suggested pricetag is a very interesting bike for the purpose though, so I will wait until we see what the final price is... Black it is on that bike for sure...

 

[KZ]

I thumbed through a thai MC mag yesterday and came across a report on Kawasaki in TH. Pics of all the bikes available, starting with the KSR110 monkey bike, then the 250 Ninja / KLXD-Tracker, and the big 1000cc and 1400cc fours. Also a pic of the ER6, in green.
Here's a picture of the Ninja I took, the bike feels light and slim, almost like a twin SRX6 with fairing. Check out that windscreen!
<img src=""" alt="" />

 

[TonyBKK]

Nice pics KZ!

These are from a magazine? Or did you get to ride the ER-6f?

I'm hoping that Kawasaki will offer both the ER-6N and ER-6F in Thailand but the manager at the Kawasaki showroom in Bangkok seems to think they'll only offer the ER-6N... Then again, the reviews have not been so friendly to the ER-6F, saying that the fairings are poorly designed and mounted and generate too much buzz and vibration at certain speeds.

I personally prefer the look of the naked ER-6N, but as mentioned previously it definitely will need an aftermarket windscreen for high speed long distance rides.

Ride On! 8)

 

[KZ]

I took the picture (have more) and test rode the Ninja; the report in the magazine is another story. Everybody complained about the rattling fairing, and Kawasaki fixed it with a sticker set, the newer models should be fine. Interestingly the quarter fairing of the ER6 looks like the upper part of the Ninja fairing; getting the Ninja fairing with the tall windscreen and cutting off the lower part below the turn signals may do the trick - good looks and wind protection!
Let me know if you want to see some more Ninja pix, I know how to post them now.

 

[TonyBKK]

That's really cool KZ- I've never seen an ER6N of ER6F in Thailand, even though they're made here- what's the story with the ones you got to see and try? Happy Trails! Tony

 

[KZ]

Saw the black Ninja in the BKK Immigration parking lot in, the owner came out and we talked. He imported two bikes from the US, bought them for 200,000 THB and by the time he had them shipped and taxed and registered he had to pay another 250,000 THB but he said it was worth it. Some time later he did a trip and stopped by, that's when he tossed me the keys and I took it for a spin. Unfortunately I had a couple of beers at the CoCoBar already so I took it real easy - all I remember is that the bike was slim, light, easy to maneuver and the seating position a perfect fit. On the black top I opened it up, it pulled progressively all the way to redline, very smooth engine like an inline four but without the bulk. I was confused for a moment when I looked at the speedo, it showed 90 - then I realized it was miles, I was going 150 km/h without a helmet and felt totally relaxed behind that windscreen.
Being light and slim this bike is good for cities, it's a great touring bike with the natural seating position, and if you twist the throttle, you can race the wheels off that bike. No surprise they made a "versatile" model with that frame and engine...

 

[TonyBKK]

Thanks for the reply KZ-

Wow- so your friend bought his Thai built ER6Fs in the States and then shipped them back to Thailand, effectively doubling the price of the bikes. I wish I had that kind of money :wink:

Your comments reinforce what I've heard about the ER6- that's it very comfortable, cabable and quite nimble and narrow for a 650cc motorcycle. An excellent balance for city riding and touring. Think I'll have to wait patiently until they go on sale here in Thailand.... The waiting is the hardest part!!! 8)

Happy trails!

 

[KZ]

Maybe they sell the naked version because the Ninja 650 look too much like the Ninja 250, this way they have a naked bike in the model line-up.
Here some more pics:

<img src=""

<img src=""

...definitely a good-looking bike!

 

[TonyBKK]

Hi All,

Brought the baby Ninja in for service today and reconfirmed with Kawasaki that they are still planning to start selling the ER-6N in January 2009. Price still not set in stone, but they're saying it will likely be UNDER 290,000THB :lol:

Walked over to the Yamaha Big Bike showroom while my bike was getting serviced and as much as I LOVE the FZ6, there's no way I'm going to throw down 437,000THB :shock: for the Yamaha if I can get the ER-6N for under 300,000THB.

I can't help but wonder how the ER-6N is going to impact/influence big bike prices here in the LOS... It can only be a good thing! 8)

 

[Franz]

Considering the fact that some of us posted in favour of the ER6N, I wonder why this "Poll" shows the ER6N still at zero and the Versys (from which we no nothing about any future import) is still on 100% ......
Mike, will you sometimes update this or just wanting to make a personal point that Kwaka should import only the Versys.......... .......
no offence meant but I think when doing a poll, this one should also be updated from time to time even if voting was by some dubious timeframe closed already.........tried to vote but couldn't............ :roll:
Thanks & cheers, Franz

 

[TonyBKK]

Have you guys seen the 2009 ER-6N?

Essentially unchanged except for a redesigned headlight and gas tank. I LIKE!
Kawasaki says it will go on sale NEXT MONTH! Price about 280,000THB 8)

 

[KZ]

It looks like it could chase a BUELL around the block!

 

[TonyBKK]

Heh heh- well, I guess it's all relative.

For me the seat looks like heaven compared to the butt buster on my Ninja 250R, and I like an aggressive riding position, but fr those who don't the bars are easily changed/raised on the ER-6N.

Ok- I've got to get my arse in gear if I'm to meet the fellows at the X-centre.

Happy Trails!

 

[KZ]

Seems like the handle bar is the same as on the sportier Ninja, and if you look at the picture of the Ninja from the side the seating position is very relaxed, semi-upright.
mikerust, what about updating your silly poll? 5:0 for the Versys - ?!