Kawasaki ER-6n

[keysman]

I don't know much about this bike yet but from what I have seen it looks like an intersting new model from Kawasaki. What do you think?

http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/photos/2 ... -ER-6n.htm

[Scoutmedic]

I really like the looks and the specs that I read on the website but, anyone know if it's going to be available in the states? It's not listed on the US Kawasaki pages and, the special er-6n website doesn't have any mention of the US.
Maybe it'll be available next year when I plan on doing some serious shopping for my first bike. I'd love to sit on one and get a better feel for it.

[keysman]

I think the latest issue of Cycle World said it was only going to be released to the European Market.

[rapidblue]

I'd take one they're zexy.

[TechTMW]

It's an upgrade from the current er-5 they sell in Europe.
http://www.kawasaki.it/product.asp?Id=B630DDA44A

The ER-5 is a great all around bike - a model that is sorely missing in the US market, but tell that to a squid

It's brother is the KLE500 ... Another great bike.
http://www.kawasaki.it/product.asp?Id=B63FD7F773

These bikes are meant for urban use/commuting tho. They are geared towards urban environments, with handling, fuel economy, and practicality in mind.

Since North Americans as a whole tend to see bikes as pleasure instead of utilitarian transport, I doubt we'll be seeing them here any time soon.

Really - lets consider - we have a hard enough time convincing squids to get a 500 sportbike. The majority of them wouldn't even look at a 500cc naked or dual sport. - Then you've got the cruiser guys - Which I believe the latest statistic tells hold the majority of sales in NA. They wouldn't even look twice at a bike like this.

[rapidblue]

I don't know what the big fuss is over needing a big bike my 350 yamaha seems fast enough to me and more than enough to rip itself out from under me with a quick twist of the throttle.

I can't imagine something 3 times its size.

[keysman]

It's an upgrade from the current er-5 they sell in Europe.
http://www.kawasaki.it/product.asp?Id=B630DDA44A

The ER-5 is a great all around bike - a model that is sorely missing in the US market, but tell that to a squid

It's brother is the KLE500 ... Another great bike.
http://www.kawasaki.it/product.asp?Id=B63FD7F773

These bikes are meant for urban use/commuting tho. They are geared towards urban environments, with handling, fuel economy, and practicality in mind.

Since North Americans as a whole tend to see bikes as pleasure instead of utilitarian transport, I doubt we'll be seeing them here any time soon.

Really - lets consider - we have a hard enough time convincing squids to get a 500 sportbike. The majority of them wouldn't even look at a 500cc naked or dual sport. - Then you've got the cruiser guys - Which I believe the latest statistic tells hold the majority of sales in NA. They wouldn't even look twice at a bike like this.

The ER-6n is a pretty radical upgrade in looks over the 5. I really like the look of the new bike. It's very modern and very sporty looking. Tech I think you're right about the NA market. It's really too bad since this would be a much better bike for a beginner that still want's that sportbike look. It's much like the idea behind my "city streets" F650CS. I guess the NA market has proven your theory if you look at my bike since all sings say BMW is dropping the CS.

[DivideOverflow]

Wow, the ER-5 is hot too. I would totally get one of those if available. I really like the look of those and the ER-6N... I really wish our sub-1liter market was better in America. Wonder what the cost of getting one of those shipped is...lol.

[cb360]

Ditto Divide Overflow. Those are both pretty bikes. So, does this thing count as a standard? I've always thought I'd be doomed to a cruiser as I don't like sportbikes and there's not much in the standard market in the US. I guess the plastic tank throws me and makes me think everything is a sportbike.

[Mad Puppy]

I'm a beginner and I would be all over that bike.

It's one of the better looking bikes out. I like the ultra modern looks

As for the North Americans not wanting standards? I am very partial to them. I just can't get excited about all the cruisers be they Harley or not. Actually I really like the looks of the European Naked standards (Ducati Monster, Triumph Speed tripple & four, The new BMW K1200R...ETC...etc...) The current comparisons in the US I think are the suzuki SV650, Yamaha FZ6 (both look best totally naked!) Those will be my dream bikes for now.