Kawasaki ER-6

**Macktheknife** · 27th May 2006, 12:08

I think Big Dave just did a write up in the latest kiwirider mag on this bike. looks pretty good.

**Troll** · 27th May 2006, 12:13

Originally Posted by Ixion

Speed Twin used to get over 100mpg. 650cc Bonnies would get 70 to 80mpg in their day.

.

rose tinted glasses or what???

had a speed twin probably did more like 60 to the gallon and a triumph 650 saint did likewise

**SARGE** · 27th May 2006, 12:20

Originally Posted by zadok

When I was buying a new helmet on Monday, I came across the new ER-6 in one of the bike shops. Looks mighty fine in the 'flesh', let me tell you.

have a look at the Suzuki GSR600

**Ixion** · 27th May 2006, 12:26

Nope. I did a lot of mileage on that 5T. Could often get over 100mpg. The 5TA unit bike was significantly thirstier, around 80mpg from memory (I remember the 5T figure more clearly cos of it being a "round number"). 6T , around 70 to 80 , the 6TA about the same maybe a bit less. Bonnie, ridden the same, about the same. I wasn't the most economical rider around, though not the least. Saint was very good unless you tried to keep up with non ex-plod bikes, cos of the low compression pistons.

A lot of fuel consumption does of course occur in your right hand, and those Triumphs the figure fell dramatically in the last bit of the throttle. I have a personal rule of "two-thirds". Avoid any prolonged use of more than two thirds max revs, or two-thirds throttle. That sets my cruising speed.

The A10 was more econimical than the 6T, by about 10mpg, despite being a heavier bike. Around 70 to 80.

The 3TA was the best, the only thing it did do well, could touch 120mpg.

The Velo would do 90mpg woofling, but fell to 70ish when pressing on.And to 55mpg on one occasion when I was really hammering it over a shortish distance.

Then of course there was the Kockasucky 500 triple. 30mpg. OMG.

**Troll** · 27th May 2006, 12:31

Originally Posted by Ixion

Saint was very good unless you tried to keep up with non ex-plod bikes, cos of the low compression pistons.
.

my saint had a very light flywheel and wicked exhaust cams and would see off most bonnies ??????

they were built to give bloody good mid range acceleration and had no problem keeping up with other brit bikes

**Ixion** · 27th May 2006, 12:37

Then it was hardly a Saint any more was it? I think maybe you speak of the non-Plod TR6. Never had one of them so can't comment on consumption. The genuine, police issue Saint had low (7:1 I think) compression and different, softer cams than the standard TR6.They could keep up quite well with the non-plod versions , but consumption suffered badly .

Not all NZ traffic forces used genuine Saints, many just bought standard TR6s. (and 6TAs before that) .

Sounds as if our riding styles and priorities on Triumphs differed, which no doubt explains the difference if fuel usage.

**grego** · 27th May 2006, 23:40

Originally Posted by fishb8nz

I like the look of the Kawasaki 650-E6, as my next bike but don't know if I'll be able to do a week of easy riding on 1 tank - 15.5 L for 300-330 km. I hate having to do supplementary fuel stops.
The V-Strom looks another suitable candidate, with its bigger tank.

In comparison to the ER6n......................

**grego** · 28th May 2006, 09:20

[/QUOTE]

if you trundle along at the speedlimits or thereabouts.
the Er 6 is not quite as frugal as the GS 500 but can be a very tame little bike . The real problem is , that for some reason this bike rides so easy that you find you just would like to take that next corner a little bit faster and once the revcounter goes over 5000, the little beasty develops a kind of a angry growl and AWAY YOU GO, Fuck the petrol !!!!! If I can't afford the petrol anymore to ride the bike I will get a scooter......................

**Zed** · 28th May 2006, 10:00

Apparently they perform well Marty, i've spoken to several owners of these (one who races one) and they were quite satisfied with their new ER-6. Not my style choice though...i'm a full fairing man from way back!