Calling all ER6F owners!

[Renegade]

seriously looking at one of these, please can i have your feedback on how its going for you, good or bad.

may aswell include ER6N feedback aswell.

cheers

[Pumba]

Im not an owner but have had a blat on a mates N a couple of times.

What can I say they are a fun bike, it felt small to me but the engine had more than enough power to have fun with. It almost felt more like ridging a motard/off road bike that a road bike. As far as I am aware he hasent had any issues with it.

Its only serious short comming is the the suspension. Up frount you dont have any adjustment, my mate would like to get it just a bit firmer.

Ride it, if you like it buy it.

[Matt]

Here's a PM I sent to Carver a while back on my ER6n:

I've had mine for a year now, and done almost 16k on it, mainly commuting in Wellington (I sold my car as I enjoy the bike so much!), although I do get up the Rimutakas at a weekend sometimes, and I've had a few long trips as far as Taupo.

Overall it's an awesome bike and I've had zero problems with it - I only ever stick fuel in it and lube the chain when I remember. It's comfy, fast enough(especially off the line) and doesn't drink much (goes 250-270kms on $20)

Main reason I bought it was that it was so easy to handle and the power so progressive - it still goes well when you wind it up, but it doesn't threaten to bite your head off if you get it wrong! I fitted an Akrapovic exhaust to it recently and it really makes it sound great; the standard exhaust is pretty quiet!

Bad points? err... the header pipes are starting to look a bit rusty (I think I should clean it a bit more often!), and the standard mirrors are crap so I fitted mirror extenders - I also fitted a tall seat option as I'm 6'5" and found it a bit low when stationary - but that's about it!

Also see http://www.ninja650.com/phpbb/index.php for a dedicated ER6f (Ninja 650 in the US) forum with lots of info...

[Renegade]

Here's a PM I sent to Carver a while back on my ER6n:

I've had mine for a year now, and done almost 16k on it, mainly commuting in Wellington (I sold my car as I enjoy the bike so much!), although I do get up the Rimutakas at a weekend sometimes, and I've had a few long trips as far as Taupo.

Overall it's an awesome bike and I've had zero problems with it - I only ever stick fuel in it and lube the chain when I remember. It's comfy, fast enough(especially off the line) and doesn't drink much (goes 250-270kms on $20)

Main reason I bought it was that it was so easy to handle and the power so progressive - it still goes well when you wind it up, but it doesn't threaten to bite your head off if you get it wrong! I fitted an Akrapovic exhaust to it recently and it really makes it sound great; the standard exhaust is pretty quiet!

Bad points? err... the header pipes are starting to look a bit rusty (I think I should clean it a bit more often!), and the standard mirrors are crap so I fitted mirror extenders - I also fitted a tall seat option as I'm 6'5" and found it a bit low when stationary - but that's about it!

Also see http://www.ninja650.com/phpbb/index.php for a dedicated ER6f (Ninja 650 in the US) forum with lots of info...

cheers for that dude

[ZeroIndex]

Carver got his ER6n 3 days ago... it already has about another 1000km on it, and he says he loves it...

[davereid]

I'm pleased with mine, done about 10,000 km so far. Nice power delivery, good fuel economy, and its pretty quick for a twin - if your super-sport riding mates are off the boil you can keep them on their toes !

Best features -
The power delivery
The neutral handling
The fuel economy
Modest chain and tyre wear

Worst features -
Absolutely no storage at all - not even enough under the seat for a hip flask.
Seat lock is under the side - tricky to get to.
Original pipe is way quiet, weighs a ton and robs lots of ponies, go aftermarket

Would I recommend it - yep, if like me, your bike has to be everything. Its my commuter, my Sunday sports bike, and has to take me and her touring from time to time. I'd love a bike for each job, but simply cant afford it, so I think the ER6 is a great all-rounder.

[phantom]

Had mine since about february, basically pleased with it, does everything well considering the price. The fairing has developed a rattle at certain revs which is a common fault with them and the exhaust needs to sound a bit more authoritative but all in all it's a better bike than I am a rider

[ZeroIndex]

I'm pleased with mine, done about 10,000 km so far. Nice power delivery, good fuel economy, and its pretty quick for a twin - if your super-sport riding mates are off the boil you can keep them on their toes !

Best features -
The power delivery
The neutral handling
The fuel economy
Modest chain and tyre wear

Worst features -
Absolutely no storage at all - not even enough under the seat for a hip flask.
Seat lock is under the side - tricky to get to.
Original pipe is way quiet, weighs a ton and robs lots of ponies, go aftermarket

Would I recommend it - yep, if like me, your bike has to be everything. Its my commuter, my Sunday sports bike, and has to take me and her touring from time to time. I'd love a bike for each job, but simply cant afford it, so I think the ER6 is a great all-rounder.

Yeah, that's something I noticed about Carver's new ER6n... extremely quiet... what's a good aftermarket can for an ER6n?

[Pumba]

Yeah, that's something I noticed about Carver's new ER6n... extremely quiet... what's a good aftermarket can for an ER6n?

Yea the standard can is far to quiet. My mate biked up a Vance & Hines (I think)for his, what a beutiful sound

[FkNAmerican]

If Im not mistaken the "ER6N" is basically the same as the "Ninja 650" we get in the States. I do believe Kawasaki is offering up new colors for them in 08 so you might wanna hold off and see what comes out. I know they are offering an all black one similar in color to the black Zx6R......so if black is your thing then get an 08.

To answer your question. I dont own one but the "ER6N/Ninja650R" is a VERY popular starter bike here in the States. Its also a great bike for people who want a sporty bike but do alot of miles and/or carry a pillion rider.

I usually see about 3 or 4 up at the Sunday bike meet every week and peeps seem happy with them.

BTW, Suzuki just released a "GSX650" for 08 so you might wanna check that bike out too.

Speaking of which, I havnt had breakfast or a shower yet and its Sunday and its 9:16 AM. Fuck. Im gonna be late for the ride out!!!!!. God I love North Carolina!!!! Its the third "biggest" motorcycle state after California and Florida and nothing beats going to a ride out with 250 bikers of all stripes that happens EVERY sunday. Makes me feel sorry for all the poor bastards stuck in church (fewer of them these days hehe) having to hear us go by!!!!! If I didnt have to work Monday I'd be up at the Dragon for the weekend. Oh well, backcountry farmland and rolling hills isnt such a bad view. Cheers.

[ZeroIndex]

If Im not mistaken the "ER6N" is basically the same as the "Ninja 650" we get in the States. I do believe Kawasaki is offering up new colors for them in 08 so you might wanna hold off and see what comes out. I know they are offering an all black one similar in color to the black Zx6R......so if black is your thing then get an 08.

To answer your question. I dont own one but the "ER6N/Ninja650R" is a VERY popular starter bike here in the States. Its also a great bike for people who want a sporty bike but do alot of miles and/or carry a pillion rider.

I usually see about 3 or 4 up at the Sunday bike meet every week and peeps seem happy with them.

BTW, Suzuki just released a "GSX650" for 08 so you might wanna check that bike out too.

Speaking of which, I havnt had breakfast or a shower yet and its Sunday and its 9:16 AM. Fuck. Im gonna be late for the ride out!!!!!. God I love North Carolina!!!! Its the third "biggest" motorcycle state after California and Florida and nothing beats going to a ride out with 250 bikers of all stripes that happens EVERY sunday. Makes me feel sorry for all the poor bastards stuck in church (fewer of them these days hehe) having to hear us go by!!!!! If I didnt have to work Monday I'd be up at the Dragon for the weekend. Oh well, backcountry farmland and rolling hills isnt such a bad view. Cheers.

I seriously can't believe that they call every single Kawasaki in America a Ninja... WTF!!!

[Renegade]

yeah im holding out for the 2008 models, they are releasing a black with red frame that looks mint but afc motorcycles said kawasaki nz already have one in the country, ilike the sound of the two brothers can that a guy posted on you tube the best. i love sport bikes but at the end of the day i want one thats easy on service cost, cheap on gas and reliable that still looks good, so thats why im looking at a mid size touring type bike.

[Robert Taylor]

seriously looking at one of these, please can i have your feedback on how its going for you, good or bad.

may aswell include ER6N feedback aswell.

cheers

Like all bikes in this sector they are fitted with budget suspension components inclusive of 1950s technology damper rod forks. As Paul Thede from Race Tech says ''the best youve ridden is the best you know'' VERY substanial improvements can be made at both ends in terms of ride complianace, abrupt bump absorption, ride height control, handling precision and ultimately tyre life. Personally, Id be sorting all that out before making it ''noisy''.

( Dont knock it until you have tried it )

[HenryDorsetCase]

Like all bikes in this sector they are fitted with budget suspension components inclusive of 1950s technology damper rod forks. As Paul Thede from Race Tech says ''the best youve ridden is the best you know'' VERY substanial improvements can be made at both ends in terms of ride complianace, abrupt bump absorption, ride height control, handling precision and ultimately tyre life. Personally, Id be sorting all that out before making it ''noisy''.

( Dont knock it until you have tried it )

I am, as you know, a believer in what you're saying. The issue is that to do that costs about 30% of the value of the bike. (full fork rebuild and new shock say $3k, vs purchase price ER6N $10k (that might have been runout though.. maybe the new ones are dearer). Since these are a budget bike, not many people will take the punt, even though it is, dollar for dollar THE BEST value you get spending money on a bike. (Things like cool skull bolts, and stickers notwithstanding, of course ). the other bike that would benefit from a suspension overhaul would be the SV650..

[Robert Taylor]

I am, as you know, a believer in what you're saying. The issue is that to do that costs about 30% of the value of the bike. (full fork rebuild and new shock say $3k, vs purchase price ER6N $10k (that might have been runout though.. maybe the new ones are dearer). Since these are a budget bike, not many people will take the punt, even though it is, dollar for dollar THE BEST value you get spending money on a bike. (Things like cool skull bolts, and stickers notwithstanding, of course ). the other bike that would benefit from a suspension overhaul would be the SV650..

No, figure on about $1800 all up for road spec and about $2100 for full bells and whistles race spec. If nothing else do the forks VERY FIRST, as per SV650. About $750 all up for a proffessional job. The very best money you will spend on either of these two bikes, way way better than a noisy pipe ( for example )