Kawasaki ER6N Review – Sameera Dahiya

January 15, 2021 1 By The Editor

Stiletto Shifter – Sameera Dahiya

Sameera Dahiya is a yoga instructor, motorcycle trainer, and a model. Born in Haryana, raised in Delhi and settled in Bangalore since 2011. A curious soul who always wants to try new things, and like a few chosen lot, motorcycle travelling bug bit her too. Starting off as a software test engineer in an IT firm to a full time Motorcyclist enthusiast and entrepreneur (Professionally) life has come to a full circle for her. In her household two-wheelers if any, are means to commute. She apparently, is the first female in her entire family who is pursuing motorcycling solely & professionally. Today she shares her perspective on the Kawasaki ER6N

My association with riding began when

It all started with an invitation from a friend to join him on the Road trip to Goa in 2014 as a pillion. Working in the IT industry certainly can get to you. Thus, I wanted a break from the monotonous routine of corporate life. Also, it would be my first journey on two wheels. I was bereft of any best practices a pillion should follow. The thrill of a 1400kms long road trip kept the adrenaline rush and confidence high. After being a pillion for good 8 months, I decided to start riding. The thought of a doing solo trip on motorcycle myself, to soak in and cherish the whole feeling of riding on open roads in nature and landscape formed the first step to being a part of the motorcycling community.

My previous rides were

My first two wheeler (geared & non geared class) was a Bajaj pulsar 180cc bought in August of 2015. I wasn’t very aware about style and features or any other specifications about a motorcycle. All that mattered it had 2 wheels and an engine. Also, I believed a light and agile bike would be the best bet for a novice like me. Thus over 8 months and 8000kms I travelled across South India exploring places like:

Varkala Beach
Mangalore
Coorg
Ooty-coonor
Kodaikanal

The next in line was a Royal Enfield Classic 350 and this followed by the current motorcycle – a 2017 KTM Duke 390.

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My options were

Amongst motorcyclists, it is said that the motorcycle is an extension of oneself. My case was no different, I was looking for a motorcycle with the following aspects:

Comfortable on long rides
Sporty look
Budget friendly
Offered reliability with low maintenance costs

Thus my options narrowed down to:

Triumph Street Triple
Triumph Bonneville
Kawasaki ER6N

I chose my current bike because

That’s my favorite question… My mantra behind my motorcycle choices have always been, firstly to be handy and skilled with the machine I own. Nevertheless, keep the skillset sharp and knowledge on all types of bikes up to date; after all, learning never stops, does it?

After understanding all types of motorcycles and to be able to weigh between, their pro and cons in these 4 years I was ready to make an informed decision. The Twin-cylinder ER6N is an exciting street bike, and pocket friendly too.

Considering all factors like riding the in crowded Indian city traffic to cursing around tarmac roads to mighty mountains curvy roads, this 649cc powered, four-stroke, parallel-twin, with liquid-cooled engine which uses a four-valve per cylinder layout and dual overhead camshafts. This bulletproof Japanese engine provides a decent power output of 71.1bhp at 8,500rpm while peak torque of 6.5kgm comes in at 7,000rpm. The ER-6n’s fuel-injected engine displays torque rich character, with a meaty mid-range that makes this an easy bike to zip past traffic in.

The number of kilometers clocked so far – 12000kms

My most memorable rides

On my Kawasaki ER6N I have had some really unforgettable amazing memories. Specifically enjoying it’s the power, comfort and performance it has to offer. On the highways it’s comfortable & and one can maintain good highway speeds. In return offering good fuel efficiency without no major downshifts. And on curvy and bendy roads it is effortless and confidence inspiring.

I made my first long trip on this machine within 15 days of its arrival. A Tristate route in which I covered beautiful & scenic roads through Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Riding a 649cc machine for the first time on curvy roads gave me some difficulty, thus it took a while adjusting myself to its front heavy design. But after spending some time behind the handle bar, it made my transition easy. While this model came with no Abs system, on sandy and gravel patches it surprised me the most.

I would recommend/ not recommend that girls/ ladies buy this bike because

This motorcycle is one of the best in its class. Below mentioned are few points felt after riding it:

Its definitely a good choice when anyone wants to upgrade in higher capacity category considering budget, riding style change after any other street, cruiser and touring segment motorcycles.
It a dark horse machine to me as it doesn’t make much sound but gives solid speed punch.
Its seat height and handle positioning offers comfort, and is suitable to most riders.
The suspension not only offers stability at high speeds on highways it also absorbs the impact on bad roads and soft roading .
What could be better is, its turning radius.
The 650cc engine does heat up while waddling through city traffic, it however is bearable compared to other high revving sub 600cc machines.
The Japanese potent engine build quality is very reliable. Thus, making this machine confidence inspiring for woman riders who enjoy touring.
The Kawasaki ER6N gives around 22kmpl when you are at130-140kmph on a constant throttle. This literally is KTM Duke 390 territory in terms on highway mileage.