[JK_DILLA]

So we do get the ER 6n, but its the Ninja 650R here and it has full fairings.
motorcycle daily article

 

[pickle.of.doom]

Sweet, I like it!

 

[Curve]

I like the silver and dark red color scheme. Can't wait to see that on the street someday. For that matter, can't wait to see it in my garage somday. :wink:

 

[Gas Man]

I like! :drool: Any stats on it?

Another pic...

 

[Curve]

I just noticed what an interersting exhaust that bike has. Is there piping leading to a canister or does it exit just under the bike where that hole is?

 

[Gas Man]

Its under the bike...just in front of the back tire...kinda like a Buell.... keeps the CG (center of gravity) lower and therefor the bike should turn in better...

 

[JK_DILLA]

Cant find any "first rides". Wonder if its the SV kiler that they say it is. I will say that the headlights are way cleaner than the ER-6n. Now lets see how much character they pulled from a parallel twin.

 

[jeeps84]

Great looking bike. Its a wide open market and should cut into Suzuki's sales.

 

[Gas Man]

:withstupi

 

[larryg]

Kawasaki's dealer show is next week...I'll let you know if there is any more info on it.

Larry

 

[JK_DILLA]

Kawasaki's dealer show is next week...I'll let you know if there is any more info on it.

Larry

please do!

 

[jeeps84]

Kawasaki's dealer show is next week...I'll let you know if there is any more info on it.

Larry

We need tons of info on the thing.

 

[larryg]

Hey guys, just got back. Good looking bike in person, lots of nice details on it. Not many specs were available yet but we were told that they tested the bike head-to-head on the track with the SV650 and everybody did better on the Kawi. My initial impression is that the bike seems larger than the sv but it has been a while since I rode one. Price looks like it will be competitive and could end up as a good entry-level bike just above the EX500 who's design is showing its age. It will be interesting to see if it does as well as we think it will.

Larry

 

[JK_DILLA]

larry

Hey guys, just got back. Good looking bike in person, lots of nice details on it. Not many specs were available yet but we were told that they tested the bike head-to-head on the track with the SV650 and everybody did better on the Kawi. My initial impression is that the bike seems larger than the sv but it has been a while since I rode one. Price looks like it will be competitive and could end up as a good entry-level bike just above the EX500 who's design is showing its age. It will be interesting to see if it does as well as we think it will.

Larry

thanks larry. With the SV's price piont its hard to beat in that range. And carrys a strong cult following. If the 650R meets or beats it then kawi has a winner. I cant wait to see these things mix it up on the track. Larry whats your opinion on the swingarm? Its braced but doesnt look like much... what do you think

 

[Gas Man]

Good info Larry! Thanks as always!

Do we really see the end of the EX500? :yikes: It has been a Kaw mark in the industry for a long time!

 

[larryg]

For starters, the EX500 isn't gone...heck the EX250 is in its 20th year now IIRC. I just think its size and price will make the 650 available to entry-level riders.

Overall, I liked the design of the bike. In fact, I think it is a shame the frame is hidden by the bodywork. The swingarm isn't particularly stout but it looks right for a bike of that size and power. The rear shock looks like it will be very easy to replace for track duty and has easy access for making changes. My biggest issue was that the bike felt larger than I was expecting. I'm a big guy so I would expect it to feel small and it didn't. It has an upright riding position and tall wide bars. Of course, little things like that can be changed easily...

I also heard a rumor that they will be getting aggressive with contingency money to get them out on the track in full force.

Larry

 

[Gas Man]

That's great news all around Larry!

 

[jeeps84]

Id say the swing arm is fine for a 50 to 60 hp bike. :2cents:

 

[pickle.of.doom]

Check out this one... Even better looking!!!

 

[jeeps84]

Check out this one... Even better looking!!!

:iagree: