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TECHNOLOGY


ENGINE

The balance of compact size and good power offered by the original ER-6n was the key to its success.  To fit into its trim package, an In-line Four would have been too wide and a V-Twin too long.  The only engine design that offered both good power characteristics and the requisite compactness was a Parallel Twin.  While maintaining this balance, the ER-6n engine gets a number of tweaks that offer smoother low-mid response and a quicker-revving character.  

Engine Performance

Liquid-cooled, DOHC, 8-valve 649 cm3 Parallel Twin with fuel injection delivers smooth, responsive performance, especially in the low and medium rpm ranges.

The engine was tuned for rider-friendly power characteristics that will inspire confidence in new riders.

Revised fuel injection settings result in smoother response (especially below 4,000 rpm) and contribute to the new ER-6n’s quicker-revving character.

The engine’s excellent mid-range power characteristics make the bike especially fun to ride at medium speeds on city streets.  Roll-on response is exceptional, offering impressive passing performance.

Large-bore 38 mm throttle bodies feature sub-throttles for high power output with smooth, sensitive throttle response.

Wider radiator (by 40 mm) offers increased cooling efficiency (17.4 kW >> 19.4 kW).  

Compact Engine Design

The ER-6n’s 649 cm3 liquid-cooled power unit is the most compact engine in its category.  Don’t let the words “Parallel Twin” fool you.  This engine is loaded with innovative technology that enabled its compact design to be realised:

Triangular layout of the crankshaft and transmission shafts makes the engine very short front-to-back.

Transmission input shaft, output shaft and change drum are contained in a “cassette”-style package that both allows a compact layout and facilitates transmission maintenance chores.

Semi-dry sump design reduces engine height.

Plated, linerless cylinder is lightweight, and the narrow cylinder pitch reduces engine width.

Under-engine muffler improves mass centralisation and lowers the bike’s centre of gravity.

Euro-III Compliant

The combination of efficient fuel injection and a 3-way catalyser inside the muffler make for very low emissions which pass the stringent Euro-III regulations.

300-cell catalyser offers more compact size and lighter weight compared to previous 200-cell unit.  Muffler internals were revised to suit the new catalyser.

Additional Features

Fine-tuned shift lever position is easier to actuate.

Auto-fast idle system simplifies starting and ensures the catalyser reaches optimum temperature quickly.

Simplified cooling system routes coolant through the engine cases to the cylinder and head to reduce external plumbing.

180° crankshaft drives a balancer shaft for silky smooth engine operation. The water pump is driven off the right end of the balancer shaft.

Oil jets located in the rod big-ends direct oil to the undersides of the pistons for added cooling.

Lightweight plug-mounted ignition coils deliver a hot spark while saving space.

Newly designed lightweight fuel pump mounted inside the fuel tank.


CHASIS

Light-Handling Chassis

The key to the ER-6n’s compact size is its amazingly compact Parallel Twin engine, which permits the use of a narrow, lightweight frame.  The result is a bike with the dimensions of a 400 and the power of a 650 that welcomes beginners with a “Come on, let’s go for a ride!” attitude, while also offering plenty of performance for more experienced riders.  Changes to the frame, swingarm and suspension result in reduced vibration and lighter handling, making the new ER-6n more accessible than ever.

Compact Package

Together with the compact engine, the frame’s elegant design realises a package that is slim, low, lightweight and compact.  

The compact engine allows use of a slim, minimalist frame, resulting in a design that is narrow at the knees and feet.

The compact engine also allows an extremely short wheelbase, giving light and nimble handling.

Because a long swingarm can be used, rear suspension action and handling are both improved.

3D analysis was used to achieve the ideal stiffness balance for the frame, contributing to the superb handling characteristics.

The frame is constructed of high-tensile steel, giving it a lightness rivalling that of aluminium frames.

The layout of the offset single-shock rear suspension allows the battery to be located beside the shock instead of beneath it.  This elegant arrangement allows a lower seat height as well as a slim design.

The same characteristics that make it fun to ride (responsive handling and rider-friendly ergonomics), also make the ER-6n ideal for new riders.

A short wheelbase and tight turning radius contribute to the ER-6n’s high manoeuvrability.

Reduced Vibration

Rubber mounts instead of rigid mounts used for the upper-rear engine mounts reduce vibration transmitted to the rider through the seat.

Handlebar is rubber-mounted to reduce vibration transmitted through the handle grips and to the mirrors.

Rider and pillion footpegs are rubber coated to further reduce vibration.

Lighter Handling

Changes to the frame to reduce rigidity and improve appearance also contribute to the new ER-6n’s lighter handling.

New swingarm has higher rigidity to balance the reduced rigidity of the frame (due primarily to the rubber engine mounts).  Overall, chassis rigidity is the same as that of the previous models.  

Front and rear suspension settings match the frame and swingarm.   Together with the frame they offer lighter, rider-friendly handling.

Rider-friendly Ergonomics

The riding position was specially designed to inspire rider confidence. An ideal relationship between the handlebars, seat and footpegs results in a comfortable and natural position suitable for a wide range of riders.

The narrow frame and engine make for an overall narrow package, allowing the rider to keep his or her knees and feet close together.

Thanks to the low seat height and slim overall design, it’s easy to keep both feet firmly on the ground when stopped, an important consideration for many riders.

Narrowing of the frame just aft of the fuel tank enabled the seat construction to be narrow, making the reach to the ground even easier.

Aluminum passenger grips are positioned to make them easy for tandem riders to grab.  Increased passenger confidence thanks to the improved grip also makes it easier for riders when carrying a pillion.

*European model shown in images


BRAKES

Dual 300 mm front petal disc brakes and 220 mm rear petal disc look great and deliver plenty of braking power.

Front brake lever uses a new ball-joint (instead of a unitised piece) and revised pivot location to deliver smoother actuation of the master cylinder piston.

Now common, the ER-6n uses a front brake master cylinder with 14 mm piston, and twin-piston front brake calipers with 27 mm pistons.

*European model shown in images


BODY WORK

The new ER-6n gets sharp, muscular bodywork, giving it a more “active” and aggressive image.  Curved lines are replaced with angular ones, and all lines move forward, giving the bike a crouching appearance.  Simple in design, the new ER-6n avoids all superfluous design flourishes; lines were made to flow as long as possible.  The new, taller fuel tank, pulled-back shrouds and sharp tail cowl make the bike look more compact front-to-back.  Attention to the smallest details contributes to the new bike’s high-quality finish.

New stacked dual headlamp is more angular – from both the front and from the side – and features two position lamps.  Headlamp shroud also contributes to the ER-6n’s more masculine image.

New fuel tank is taller – especially noticeable when viewed from the side – which adds to the bike’s crouching appearance.  Sharp-edged line motif gives it a look very distinct from that of its predecessor.  Flush-surface fuel cap contributes to the sleek lines.

Viewed from the rear or from the side, the tail cowl and seat’s sharp design is evident.  Thin LED tail lamp and rear turn signals reinforce this image.

New shrouds are sharper, contributing to the ER-6n’s masculine styling and forward-leaning lines.

New front turn signals are integral with the radiator shrouds, enhancing the bike’s integrated styling.

Clear turn signal lenses with orange bulbs further enhance the machine’s high-quality appearance.

The new ER-6n’s compact front-to-rear appearance can be attributed to the shorter front cowl (thanks to a compact headlamp design), shorter rear cowl (thanks to the LED tail lamp) and shrouds that are pulled back behind the line of the front fork.

New long front fender reduces mud splash.  Two-tone design contributes to the light, compact appearance.

An inner fender helps keep the underside of the tail cowl clean and contributes to the ER-6n’s sporty look.

New license plate bulb housing and slimmer rear mud flap add to the sharp image of the tail.

Frame/Rear Suspension

The completely new frame is a key component of the ER-6n’s identity.  The ER-6n’s bodywork accentuates the frame, rather than hiding it.

The design of the frame, rear suspension and swingarm create an integrated line running from the steering head to the rear hub.

A trellis frame of high-tensile steel gives the bike a lightweight appearance.  3D analysis was used to achieve the target rigidity and stress values.

Offset laydown rear single-shock suspension flows smoothly from the frame to the swingarm.

The braced steel swingarm follows the lines of the frame and rear shock, its triangulated design contributing to the machine’s innovative styling.

Swingarm has a D-shaped cross-section (instead of a square tube).  The pipe-like design of the swingarm and stabiliser further contribute to the ER-6n’s higher-quality appearance.

Elegant design of the one-piece rider/passenger footpeg stays complements the swingarm and stabiliser.

Finish at frame joints is much cleaner, improving overall quality of the bike.

Instruments

Stacked instrument cluster has a sharp design and layout.  Analogue-style speedometer uses white LED backlights for excellent visibility at night.  The multi-function LCD screen has amber backlighting.  Features include a fuel gauge, bar-style digital tachometer, clock, odometer and dual trip meters.

Inner cover added inside the front cowl cleans up appearance in this area.

Mirrors

New mirror design is positioned 20 mm further out from the centreline, they also offer an improved rear view.

Engine

The attractively bent exhaust pipes and under-engine muffler arrangement contribute to the ER-6n’s attractive styling.

Brakes/Wheels/Tires

Triple petal disc brakes contribute to the bike’s sporty image.

Attractive 6-spoke wheels give the bike a light look while reducing unsprung weight.

Additional Features

Despite the addition of a fuel level sensor (to enable the fuel gauge function), fuel capacity remains the same.

Four tie-down hooks allow baggage or a spare helmet to be secured to the seat.

Under-seat storage space has room for a U-lock or similar device.

The turn signals also function as hazard lights.

*European model shown in images


COLOURS

Pearl Blazing Orange

Ebony

SPECIFICATIONS


ENGINE

Type     Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke Parallel Twin
Displacement     649 cc
Bore and Stroke     83 x 60 mm
Compression Ratio     11.3:1
Valve System     DOHC, 8 valves
Fuel System     Fuel injection: ø38 mm x 2 (Keihin)
Ignition     Digital
Starting     Electric
Lubrication     Forced lubrication, semi-dry sump

DRIVETRAIN

Transmission     6-speed, return
Final Drive     Sealed Chain
Primary Reduction Ratio     2.095 (88/42)
Gear Ratios: 1st     2.438 (39/16)
2nd     1.714 (36/21)
3rd     1.333 (32/24)
4th     1.111 (30/27)
5th     0.966 (28/29)
6th     0.852 (23/27)
Final Reduction Ratio     3.067 (46/15)
Clutch     Wet multi-disc, manual

FRAME

Type     Diamond, high-tensile steel
Wheel Travel: Front     120 mm
Wheel Travel: Rear     125 mm
Tyre: Front     120/70ZR17M/C (58W)
Tyre: Rear     160/60ZR17M/C (69W)
Caster (Rake)     24.5º
Trail     102 mm
Steering angle (Left/Right)     32º / 32º

SUSPENSION

Front: Type     41 mm telescopic fork
Rear: Type     Offset laydown single-shock with adjustable preload

BRAKES

Front: Type     Dual semi-floating 300 mm petal discs
Front: Caliper     Dual piston
Rear: Type     Single 220 mm petal disc
Rear: Caliper     Single-piston

DIMENSIONS

Overall Length     2,100 mm
Overall Width     760 mm
Overall Height     1,100 mm
Wheelbase     1,405 mm
Ground Clearance     140 mm
Seat Height     785 mm
Curb Mass     200 kg
Fuel Capacity     15.5 litres

PERFORMANCE

Maximum Power     53 kW {72.1 PS} / 8,500 rpm
Maximum Torque     66 N·m {6.7 kgf·m} / 7,000 rpm

DETAILS

Colours         Pearl Blazing Orange, Ebony

Warranty     12 months

Good Times Protection Plan     24 or 36 months (Kawasaki GTPP coverage begins after standard limited warranty expires)

MSRP     $8,249

The specifications mentioned here apply to and have been achieved by production models under standard operating conditions. We intend only to give a fair description of the vehicle and its performance capabilities but these specifications may not apply to every machine supplied for sale. Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. reserves the right to alter specifications without prior notice. Equipment illustrated and specifications may vary to meet individual markets. Available colours may vary by market.