Kymco Patents Its Version of Kawasaki ER-6n

Taiwanese manufacturer Kymco has filed a design patent for a motorcycle based on Kawasaki‘s ER-6n. The design, filed with the European Union Intellectual Property Office, shows a motorcycle with a similar engine, swingarm and offset lay-down shock as the ER-6n and its faired sibling, the Ninja 650. The Kymco design has a different frame and bodywork than Kawasaki’s naked Twin.

Before any readers get too up in arms over the similar designs, it’s important to remember that Kawasaki and Kymco have a long-standing relationship. Kymco builds Kawasaki’s Brute Force 300 and youth ATVs while Kawasaki’s J300 and J125 scooters are actually based on Kymco designs. This new design is likely part of their continued cooperation, with Kymco adapting the ER-6n/Ninja 650 platform to produce its own naked middleweight.

Kymco’s design replaces the Kawasaki’s twin-tube frame with a trellis design and adds an upside-down fork. The bodywork looks more angular, with some similarities to Kawasaki’s Z1000.

While Kawasaki still sells the ER-6n in Europe and Canada, the naked 650 hasn’t been available in the U.S. since 2010. It’s unlikely to return to the States any time soon though, as Kawasaki Motors USA may not want it taking sales from its own Z800.

Kymco doesn’t have that problem as its two-wheeled line-up consists of scooters and sub-250cc motorcycles. A 650 would easily become Kymco’s largest motorcycle and would help the brand grow in western markets.