What We Ain’t Getting: 2012 Kawasaki ER-6n

Kawasaki announced its 2012 street model lineup this week announcing a number of updates to its ZX-14R, as well as the Vulcan 1700 Voyager, Ninja 1000 and Ninja 650. Absent from Kawasaki’s U.S. offerings is the naked version of the Ninja 650, the ER-6n which has also been updated and will be available in other markets such as Europe and Canada.

Last offered as a 2010 model, the 2012 Kawasaki ER-6n gets the new twin-tube steel frame and swingarm used in the updated Ninja 650. The fuel-injected parallel Twin 649cc engine has been revised to increase low-mid range torque while the underslung exhaust is the same as the new unit on the 2012 Ninja 650.

The radiator shrouds have been tweaked with the previous model’s integrated turn signals replaced by conventional signals to either side of the stacked dual headlight. Above the headlight is a new smoked visor which hovers over the updated instrument panel with a larger white tachometer and blue back-lit multifunction LCD screen displaying digital speedometer, odometer, dual trip meters, clock, fuel gauge, remaining range and fuel consumption.

The 4.2 gallon fuel tank is 20mm taller than on the previous model while seat has been updated with thick, flatter cushioning. The seat height is 31.7 inches, taller than the previous model’s 29.7 inches, but according to Kawasaki, the new rear frame is slimmer, allowing riders to put their feet 50mm closer together than on the previous version, making for a shorter reach to the ground. Behind the seat is a new, shorter but sharper tail with an updated LED taillight.

The suspension system is comprised of a 2mm longer preload adjustable layd0wn single shock with and a 15mm longer fork with a 5mm longer stroke. Braking is provided by dual semi-floating 300mm petal discs with a dual piston caliper up front and a 220mm petal disc gripped by a single piston at the rear. ABS will be offered in some markets.

The 2012 Kawasaki ER-6n will be available in Europe and Canada. The ER-6n will be produced in yellow, black, white and green. Pricing, color options and ABS availability will vary by market.

[Source: Kawasaki]

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By Dennis Chung