Kawasaki·Roadster·649cc·A2 · 47ch

ER-6n

↘ Evolution history · 2006 → 2016
11
Years of production
2
Generations
649
current cc
72
Horsepower
11
Vintages

Accessible torquey 649cc twin roadster. Sharp manga design, the Kawasaki entry-level benchmark 2006-2016.

↓ Changes year by year
Gen 2 · 2012 — 2016
SECOND GENERATION — PERIMETER FRAME

Complete structural overhaul. New high-tensile steel double-tube perimeter frame — a direct answer to gen1 frame cracks. Completely redesigned look, airier riding position. Final evolution before the switch to the Z650 in 2017.

2016
AAesthetics
Final model year — new colours, reduced catalogue price (€5,999 non-ABS / €6,499 ABS)
Minor
2015
AAesthetics
New colour options — no mechanical changes
Minor
2014
SSafety
ER-6n ABS version strengthened in catalogue — non-ABS version retained
Minor
AAesthetics
New colour options
Minor
2013
SSafety
Official Kawasaki A2 kit — 35kW (47hp) restriction via authorised dealer
Restriction via throttle butterfly limiter + ECU map change — ~€18 part + labour — reversible
Medium
2012
CFrame
New high-tensile steel double-tube perimeter frame — definitively addresses gen1 weld crack issues
Radically different architecture from original trellis — swingarm also double-tube
Major
CFrame
Fuel tank raised 20mm — waist 50mm slimmer to bring feet closer to ground — redesigned dual seat
Major
AAesthetics
Completely redesigned bodywork — new instrument cluster, new front fairing, new under-belly exhaust
Major
Buyer radar
2016

Final year, used prices at floor level. Proven reliability, flawless frame. Excellent buy.

TOP BUY
2014

ABS version available, depreciation well underway. Solid used market value.

GOOD PICK
2012

First perimeter frame year — watch for hot engine injection hesitation and exhaust weld cracks.

GOOD PICK
Gen 1 · 2006 — 2011
FIRST GENERATION — TRELLIS FRAME

Entry-level roadster designed by Shunji Tanaka. Steel trellis frame, 72hp 649cc fuel-injected twin, bold manga design with under-engine exhaust. An aesthetic revolution in its class — with some early frame issues to watch.

2011
CFrame
New curved swingarm — air ducts integrated between frame tubes — revised chassis geometry
Medium
AAesthetics
Revised front fairing — smoked visor — more aggressive silhouette
Medium
2010
AAesthetics
New colour options — no notable mechanical changes
Minor
2009
AAesthetics
Partial restyle — new instrument cluster, reworked front fairing, revised lighting
Medium
AAesthetics
US market introduction
Minor
2008
AAesthetics
New colour options — no mechanical changes
Minor
2007
SSafety
ABS available as option (ER-6n ABS added to catalogue)
Medium
2006
MEngine
Launch — 649cc DOHC liquid-cooled parallel twin, 72hp at 8,500rpm, 64Nm at 7,000rpm, DFI injection
Major
CFrame
Diamond steel trellis frame — 1,405mm wheelbase — 174kg dry — 785mm seat height
Major
AAesthetics
Manga design by Shunji Tanaka — under-engine exhaust, wave discs, indicator lights integrated into offset rear shock
Major
Buyer radar
2009

Welcome restyle. Good used value — inspect frame welds carefully.

GOOD PICK
2007

Early years — known frame crack issues on some units (covered under warranty).

CAUTION