Its tamer than I expected. It's still powerful as fak (to me) but it doesn't surprise you. I had it in my head, that it looks like a supersport, its gonna be super aggressive. But, you know exactly what to expect and when to expect it power wise. The suspension is better than that in my wife car. Its super comfy but at the same time not squishy at all. Its not race hard, like I think Id prefer, but I think its still really well done. Its definitely a sport touring bike, which cool, because thats what I needed. A small, lightweight, sporty, touring (commuter) bike. Love it.
Nice! Love the pictures, as I just bought one Fri sight unseen. It was their first 2012. Should have it over here for pictures next week. Gary
What color? I have the Candy Lime Green. I have to work late all weekend, but I plan on taking some good photos on Monday.
Same, So two Candy green, and one Pearl Orange in the shop at the same time. :huh Will make a great picture Gary
I dunno. I guess they are like a counterbalanced parallel twin. Short stroke though, so they like to rev. The fueling on my '06 was perfect, no flat spots or hesitations. I used to leave work by turning from a gravel road onto a 70mph highway. Easy on the throttle until off the gravelly apron, then WFO. At the shift into second, a waggle as the bars got light. Then a little waggle again into third. If I kept after it I could hit 200kph on the GPS in a reasonable distance, but it really excelled in 2nd-4th gear, 40-90mph. I miss that; could flog it without a felony but still really haul ass. I wouldn't say that the motor is coarse, but you definitely feel it. Mine liked to roll at an indicated 90mph, which was actually 80, because under 6k RPMS it was a little vibey. They aren't fast bikes, but they are quick.
I owned a 09 ER6N, mounted givi bags and trunk on it and put 30,000 miles on it before trading it in. The 650 kawa twin is a nice powerplant, 75mph all day long with 50mpg. Plenty of passing power at interstate speed if you need it also, if they dropped this motor in the klr650 it would be a wonderful thing.
I can't remember where, but I recently saw a photo of the naked frame for this bike. To an engineer/designer it's a work of art (maybe even to a real artist!)) The least possible amount of material, sculpted into the most effective shape...perfection! The material in question is, of course steel tubing , but it's equal in fancy aluminum extrusion would be only modestly lighter for many times the cost. What mass there is, is concentrated where it will do the least harm. I'd been looking for a mid-sized sport bike (after swearing off liter machines) & test drove the 2010 version. It was an absolute hoot. I do take a couple of multi-thousand mile tours every summer 'tho & the GSX 650 F looked to be a bit better for mile eating on motorways, (plus the deal I got on a "new" leftover couldn't be refused). That said it was still close. If the final price tag had come within $200 of each other, I would have been all over that little green devil. Kawi is indeed stepping up.
Rather flat delivery from almost idle to around 7000, then you get a nice kick from 7 to 9k, but it's faster from 4 to 5k rpms then any 4 cylinder 600 regardless of power, and that's where mine spent most of it's time. You can short shift, it won't mind anything above 3500 revs in 6th and will return better MPG figures then most 250cc scooters. The engine is buzzy though, but again best between 4000 and 5500. The Versys has better torque and is even flatter, will raise the front wheel off the ground in 2nd, but has no high-rpm kick. People say the 650R has similar delivery to the BMW boxers, can't confirm that one though.
RECALL! http://blog.motorcycle.com/2012/03/...-250r-ninja-650-and-versys-pegged-for-recall/ cliffs: bad passenger pegs on 2012s. "2012 Kawasaki Ninja 250R, Ninja 650 and Versys Pegged for Recall" <!-- -->
I was getting ready to pull the trigger on something 650 from Kawasaki. Not picky at all, Versys, Ninja 650, ER6N, any of them would do. Just depended on what kind of price I could get. Transmission on wife's SUV went out this morning . No new bike for a while. My dad has a 2011 ER650. I rode it for a few miles and was instantly sold on it.
Bummer, pachap. Good news is they'll be even cheaper next time you get a chance! I can't believe the prices on '09 ER-6N models I've seen, sub-4k for low miles stock ones.
If you ever park your bike in a heavy wind, it is much more stable on a center stand. I was at an ADV gathering where a versys was blown over in a strong wind.
