Kawasaki ER-6f

Excellent allrounder – We got our "frog" when it had 5.000 km and have done trips around NSW VIC and TAS. It's not a perfect bike for 2 person long distance rides however we are quite happy after 40.000 kms done! It handles well when and when you put proper tires it ride away from some sportbikes on twisty roads. Good bike for Australia if you don't want to loose your license. Never broke down or let us down. Can recommend to everyone as a first not LAMS bike or after coming back to riding. the engine, wind/rain protection, extremely good on petrol (from 3,5 l/100 km) suspention could be a bit harder but hard to expect fully adjustable in this price range

Good – It is a beaut little bike to ride. It is especially good in urban conditions as it is narrow, very nimble, lively and easy to manouvre. It is quite zesty with a flexible engine and it pulls strongly and evenly from about 3,000 rpm. It has a smooth, compliant ride over small undulations in the road surface but fairly choppy ride on bumpy roads and so one would need to consider spending money on the suspension if you wanted to be fresh and relaxed after a long ride on country highways. Despite this it handles very well and is great fun in the corners.

Brakes have plenty of initial bite and seem powerful enough although they have two piston calipers on twin discs while some others in this price range have 4 piston calipers.

Gear changes up are fine, down changes can involve a little guesswork and there can be some missed shifts.

The ER6 has comfortable and upright ergonomics with legs tucked under a bit; it could be tight for the very long legged - your legs support you too.

Presentation is disappointing quality wise. It is very "plasticy" with a buzzy fairing, minimal instruments (no fuel gauge) and low spec brakes and suspension. I priced accessories, rack, top box etc. and found that registered, on road, with a few accessories and upgraded suspension (new rear shock) I would be up for what I thought to be too much for what is offered. Some other bikes in this middleweight capacity range offer better quality/value.

This is review is based on several test rides of this bike in urban and country conditions as I tried to decide whether to buy or not. A good ride. Nimble, zesty, light, stable and ecomomical. Attractive styling in a conservative way. Compliant ride over small bumps. Quite smooth for a parallel twin. Good fun. Great commuter. Cheapish presentation with a buzzy fairing and budget suspension and brakes. Ride is choppy over large bumps. No fuel gauge. Value for money only fair. Gear changes not always clean, sometimes guesswork changing down.