2010 Kawasaki ER-6n
John Zamora: Associate Editor
Miles Ridden: 5,200 As I found out, you can't always turn a soccer mom into a super model. The ER-6n in stock form is really easy to ride. But even before it leaves the showroom floor, there are a few items that need to be addressed immediately. The stock brakes just don't cut it and require a tremendous amount of effort to slow it down, even at moderate speeds. I changed out the brake pads and lines and that helped solve the problem a great deal, but afterwards I realized I shouldn't have stopped there. I think upgraded rotors or a stronger master cylinder might have brought the bike to the level I was after.
In the styling department, I found every aftermarket bolt-on accessory I could get my hands on to help it lose some of its awkward shortcomings. Some of the mods, like the rearsets, undertail and mirrors had an immediate impact on the bike's overall appearance and gave it a much-needed aggressive street stance.
Sometimes we have to take a step back to realize just how far we have come, and I'm glad to have spent some time with this mid-size muscler. In retrospect, I think the ER-6n is one of the best "first bikes," but for someone that has been riding for any length of time, the shortcomings may become annoying and leave you wanting more. But as the aftermarket catches up there is definitely room to make a really cool bike that won't get lost in a bike night parking lot.
Second Opinions
After a run down a bumpy back road I came to one immediate conclusion about John's long list of mods-they were all pointless (except the brakes). He should have spent every penny on suspension upgrades. With the suspension set up properly it could hang on any twistiness with more performance focused bikes, but on the stock forks and shock it won't go anywhere fast. - Dave