Kawasaki Er6n

[BigBikeBKK]

Well, I read a book on engins stating that if you only use the 85% of available revs, your engine will last twice as long

Moreover, warm her up well before you go fast. Seeing bikers redline an ioce cold engine (sometimes only for show, imitating wooing of male birds) makes me sick. Remember, about 90% of all wear and tear is due to the cold starts...

Happy Driving!

Chris

Hmmm, I read a book about engins too and it said the white man stole their land and killed all their buffalo, or perhaps we're talking about two different kinds of engins?

Hmmm, use only 85% of your revs and have an engine that lasts twice as long... no offense, but if we're talking about the ER-6n... BORING!

I mean, do you buy an ER-6n to RIDE, or do you buy it to preserve for your old age and pass on to the grandkids? And let's remember, the engine is built right here in Thailand, and the bike comes with a 2 year unlimited warranty, so blow it up in the first two years and it'll be replaced free of charge or blow it up after two years and just have it rebuilt or buy a new one- it can't possibly cost much for a new engine or rebuild.

Happy Trails!

Tony

[12DrinkMore]

I mean, do you buy an ER-6n to RIDE, or do you buy it to preserve for your old age and pass on to the grandkids? And let's remember, the engine is built right here in Thailand, and the bike comes with a 2 year unlimited warranty, so blow it up in the first two years and it'll be replaced free of charge or blow it up after two years and just have it rebuilt or buy a new one- it can't possibly cost much for a new engine or rebuild.

To regularly redline this bike on the Thai roads the engine might be fully guaranteed two years, BUT YOU WON'T BE

:D

[BigBikeBKK]

I mean, do you buy an ER-6n to RIDE, or do you buy it to preserve for your old age and pass on to the grandkids? And let's remember, the engine is built right here in Thailand, and the bike comes with a 2 year unlimited warranty, so blow it up in the first two years and it'll be replaced free of charge or blow it up after two years and just have it rebuilt or buy a new one- it can't possibly cost much for a new engine or rebuild.

To regularly redline this bike on the Thai roads the engine might be fully guaranteed two years, BUT YOU WON'T BE

Well, I've heard it said there are no guarantees in life except death and taxes... Already cheated both a few times Riding hard is not the same as riding dangerously or recklessly. Come ride with the SSR club and you'll see what we're talking about. A friend sent me this today-

Classic!!! :jerk:

[thaicbr]

uuuuuuuuuuuummmmmmmmmmmmmm been there done that on a FINO....... :D

[BigBikeBKK]

uuuuuuuuuuuummmmmmmmmmmmmm been there done that on a FINO.......

Lord I would have loved to have seen that one Allan! You've been having a stretch of bad luck lately- Keep the shiny side up and Happy Trails!

[BigBikeBKK]

Check out this cool cockpit vid from an ER-6n on a track-

Happy Trails!

[Bard]

The break in is such a controversial theme that it's no point making a big deal out of it.

A mate of mine builds race engines, and tune up engines, blueprint them etc. pretty well renowned in Europe and even US. He is using motoman technique, and guess what, it shows way less wear on the engines when they pull them apart than the 85% or run in careful deal. WHY? Well that is a long story I don't bother to write down here, but it is proven to work. I seen the engines when they pull them apart and they are in excellent condition, versus blow through on the traditional break in that many believes will make there engines last longer, actually it is opposite.

The most important thing when you run in an engine is to warm it up completely before you ride, and use mineral petrol car oil for at least 2500 km, not semi synthetic or definitely not synthetic oil, and never ride static rpm, that harms your engine more than anything else. Why does the bike manufacturers not recommend this? well for one running the engine hard in the beginning when you trying to get used to the bike is not exactly easy to explain how to do safely, and let's face it the wear from the wrong oil or static riding won't be apparent for at least 2 years, warranty void and you start to give them money to keep it rolling, so more money to them...

Anyway I use motoman technique and I never ever had any problems with the engines at all, so I swear by it. But it's up to anyone to decide what they want to follow, if it gives you fuzzy warm feelings running max 85% or follow Kawasaki book, Motoman or whatever do what you feel is best for you and your bike.

Cheers Bard

[Travelmate]

Now a days. The modern engine need very little breaking in. Tolerances are better and more accurate on a mass produced engine.

Whether you thrash it or baby it end result is the same, more or less.

At the end of the day, it just regular service with good quality oil.

If you thrash it at the track then change more often. Touring or tootling along change no later than the interval stated on the manufacturers manual.

The modern engine is a lot stronger than engines from an earlier era.

For the record. My track bike hits the rev limiter from day one. The other bike gets a gentle break in.

Who cares, just use good oil.

[Zzinged]

http://www.kawasaki.co.uk/ER-6n#/paintshop/

have fun

[neverdie]

RUNNING IN NEW BIKES:

Many of you are just getting new bikes & are wondering about running in proceedures. Theres lots of advice out there, but I feel that Kevin Ash who not only is extreemly experience offers a good explantion regarding modern engines and their running in as well as some fantastic advice. Alot of you may be surprised by what he says. Take a look at this link:

http://www.ashonbikes.com/node/620

Since your talking about running in new bike, I thought I would cut and past this from the lounge, just in case you missed it.

Hate to quote myself, but I could see you all talking about running motorsickles in & thought this artical by kevin ash was a good read....just in case you missed it previously.

[Travelmate]

RUNNING IN NEW BIKES:

Many of you are just getting new bikes & are wondering about running in proceedures. Theres lots of advice out there, but I feel that Kevin Ash who not only is extreemly experience offers a good explantion regarding modern engines and their running in as well as some fantastic advice. Alot of you may be surprised by what he says. Take a look at this link:

http://www.ashonbikes.com/node/620

Since your talking about running in new bike, I thought I would cut and past this from the lounge, just in case you missed it.

Hate to quote myself, but I could see you all talking about running motorsickles in & thought this artical by kevin ash was a good read....just in case you missed it previously.

Cannae be bothered to open the link.

Can you write a snap shot of the contents?

[neverdie]

RUNNING IN NEW BIKES:

Many of you are just getting new bikes & are wondering about running in proceedures. Theres lots of advice out there, but I feel that Kevin Ash who not only is extreemly experience offers a good explantion regarding modern engines and their running in as well as some fantastic advice. Alot of you may be surprised by what he says. Take a look at this link:

http://www.ashonbikes.com/node/620

Since your talking about running in new bike, I thought I would cut and past this from the lounge, just in case you missed it.

Hate to quote myself, but I could see you all talking about running motorsickles in & thought this artical by kevin ash was a good read....just in case you missed it previously.

Cannae be bothered to open the link.

Can you write a snap shot of the contents?

No you lazy bastaaaard! If you can't be bothered to click on the link, YOU certainly wouldnt be bothered reading it, its quite a long explanation, but I thought it was interesting. Good site too.

[Travelmate]

RUNNING IN NEW BIKES:

Many of you are just getting new bikes & are wondering about running in proceedures. Theres lots of advice out there, but I feel that Kevin Ash who not only is extreemly experience offers a good explantion regarding modern engines and their running in as well as some fantastic advice. Alot of you may be surprised by what he says. Take a look at this link:

http://www.ashonbikes.com/node/620

Since your talking about running in new bike, I thought I would cut and past this from the lounge, just in case you missed it.

Hate to quote myself, but I could see you all talking about running motorsickles in & thought this artical by kevin ash was a good read....just in case you missed it previously.

Cannae be bothered to open the link.

Can you write a snap shot of the contents?

No you lazy bastaaaard! If you can't be bothered to click on the link, YOU certainly wouldnt be bothered reading it, its quite a long explanation, but I thought it was interesting. Good site too.

I'm sure it will be very handy to someone. But since I have already run in my bike. I have lost interest on this topic. But I will save the link in case of future debates gone wrong.

Now for something more interesting. Who is watching American Idol?

[neverdie]

RUNNING IN NEW BIKES:

Many of you are just getting new bikes & are wondering about running in proceedures. Theres lots of advice out there, but I feel that Kevin Ash who not only is extreemly experience offers a good explantion regarding modern engines and their running in as well as some fantastic advice. Alot of you may be surprised by what he says. Take a look at this link:

http://www.ashonbikes.com/node/620

Since your talking about running in new bike, I thought I would cut and past this from the lounge, just in case you missed it.

Hate to quote myself, but I could see you all talking about running motorsickles in & thought this artical by kevin ash was a good read....just in case you missed it previously.

Cannae be bothered to open the link.

Can you write a snap shot of the contents?

No you lazy bastaaaard! If you can't be bothered to click on the link, YOU certainly wouldnt be bothered reading it, its quite a long explanation, but I thought it was interesting. Good site too.

I'm sure it will be very handy to someone. But since I have already run in my bike. I have lost interest on this topic. But I will save the link in case of future debates gone wrong.

Now for something more interesting. Who is watching American Idol?

I'm assuming your talking about your new machine......by the way, it looks great, any chances of a slightly bigger pic. IF YOU READ THE ARTICLE NUMB NUTS you may realise that you may not quite be finished running it in

like bard said, keep using a good quality normal oil, not synthetic, kevin ash somewhere in there has a theory for doing this for the first 5,000km....how many km you done on your new ride?

Edited February 14, 2009 by neverdie

[Travelmate]

I'm assuming your talking about your new machine......by the way, it looks great, any chances of a slightly bigger pic. IF YOU READ THE ARTICLE NUMB NUTS you may realise that you may not quite be finished running it in

like bard said, keep using a good quality normal oil, not synthetic, kevin ash somewhere in there has a theory for doing this for the first 5,000km....how many km you done on your new ride?

I will try to post a nice big picture in future.

Done 2,000 clicks. Changing oil today actually.

Ok throw a spanner in the works.

Normal non-synthetic oil is cheaper. Since there is a higher rate of oil changes early in the bike life make sense to follow this route. Then you can throw in the debate for carbon, metal deposits, etc. Or the next brilliant one, best for the clutch. To avoid slippage. For the ZX10R is recommended for 15,000kms. Did I follow such tips? Did I flock.

Just change it on a regular basis. This is dependent on the type of riding you do.

Whether it is Dino Juice or synthetic oil. It all down to how much brass in yer pocket.

In my other earlier trade. (mechanic) Documented a company car from new to 250,000 miles (400,000kms) using Mobil 1. At this point we took the camshafts out to measure wear on the lobes against a new camshaft. Amazingly none is found.

Synthetic is the way to go.

Dino juice good for engine that burn oil. Since it burn easier and help remove carbon deposits.

Just go with what you feel is best.

The bike or car will be long gone before you will get any trouble with the mechanical components of a modern Spark and/or Compression Ignition engine.

[neverdie]

It looks good already, but my old eyes are not so good, I could easily look the bike up on the net....BUT YOU KNOW HOW MUCH WE ALL APPRECIATE SOME GOOD BIKE PORN ON HERE.

I agree that Synthetic oil is definately the way to go, but after reading Kevin Ash's article it also sounds like there may be some advantages to first using some normal oil first.

Having said everything, I think if you are fair to the bike in the early stages, not over revving YET more importantly NOT LABOURING the engine, using good quality oils....the motor will return many happy rides. It is interesting to note that just every now and then someone will get a 'friday' bike or just a lemon that seems to have all sorts of problems or doesnt perform like the next guys bike.....sometimes <deleted> happens.

Personally I can't wait to get a new bike again, I like that feeling & excitement that goes along with such events. I use to get new bikes all the time, now I'm trying to use more constraint & its all good. I also like buying mags and reading stuff online whilst trying to decide what one wants, years ago I only wanted one type of bike, now as ive aged i actually look around at other types and styles, so the field has opened up somewhat.

I like the look of the new Yammie FZ's, especially when like so many others have pointed out, a few mods and ur sitting on the power for the R6 with the advantages of being in a more upright position. I use to live the VFR750-800's, although for a while there they got a bit ugly. Anyway, tis all good, perhaps YOU COULD POST US A PIC ON ONE WHEEL TRAVELMATE.

Edited February 14, 2009 by neverdie

[BigBikeBKK]

Almost 3000km on the ER-6n in 3 weeks and still a blast! Let the Good Times Roll!

2904 km on the clock this morning as we left Pattaya-

Joined the Kawasaki Club ride this weekend from the Rama 9 Big Bike in Bangers down to Pattaya via Rayong for the Burapa Rally and Grand Opening of Kawasaki Mityon. Really fun group- about 20 bikes, all Thais except me, and Jim caught up with us later in Pattaya; a mix of Ninja 250Rs, D-Trackers, Vulcan 900s and ER-6n's. Here we are gathering on Saturday morning-

The kind folks at Kawasaki had coffee and breakfast waiting for us.

We hit the road just after 9am and made a number of stops on the way to Pattaya to have more Kawasaki riders join the group.

K. Chan led the ride on an ER-6n and it was fun to see him throw the bike around. (He's a racer and also teaches stunt riding, so very fun to watch and learn from)

Took the Bang Na-Trat road- it's TERRIBLE and I don't know why they chose to go that way... So many trucks and filthy polluted air. Never again!

Everyone seems very pleased with the new ER-6n. I chased one guy at speeds reaching 210km and I have to say that that is not a very comfortable speed on a naked bike- the wind pressure and noise are tremendous. I'm told the bike can go 220km/hr but honestly I see no need to go that fast on Thai roads. The guy I was chasing changed his handlebars to Acerbis:

He says he feels more comfortable riding fast with these bars. They are narrower and a little bit lower than the stock bars.

Pretty cool mirrors too!

He did a good job getting rid of the rear fender and installing flush mount turn signals:

Kawasaki officially announced at the Mityon Grand Opening that the ER-6f will launch in August of this year, but price is not yet set.

Happy Trails!

Tony

Edited February 15, 2009 by BigBikeBKK

[rickschoppers]

OK Guys............You have me hooked on the ER6n and now it is just a matter of time before I buy one. Being an old Harley rider from the states, I had been looking at used Harleys and the price was hard to swallow. Now that Kawasaki has decided to bring a big bike into the Kingdom at a resonable price, they have convinced me to join the sportbike crowd. I was looking to do some touring and also have a bike my lady can ride that was not too big. Have any of you turned over your keys to your lady yet to see how she does? I will probably not want to let her for awhile until I have had my fill, if that is possible.

From what I have read, everyone seems to be very happy with their choice and I am sure I will be. Have any of you bought your bikes in Udon or nearby? I am wondering what the supply is like. I will be arriving in 2 weeks and will be making a direct trip to try and ride one of these bikes. My purchase plan is about October of this year, so maybe the supply will be a little better by then. This has been a very enjoyable thread and hope you guys keep it going to give me an idea of the progress with your bikes. I built customs for years hear in the US and now am beginning to wind down, but will never loose the desire to ride. This seems like a pretty light bike compared to what I am used to and should be fun.

[LivinLOS]

Almost 3000km on the ER-6n in 3 weeks and still a blast! Let the Good Times Roll!

Impressive miles for a short time.. Especially around work !!

Joined the Kawasaki Club ride this weekend from the Rama 9 Big Bike in Bangers down to Pattaya via Rayong for the Burapa Rally and Grand Opening of Kawasaki Mityon. Really fun group- about 20 bikes, all Thais except me, and Jim caught up with us later in Pattaya; a mix of Ninja 250Rs, D-Trackers, Vulcan 900s and ER-6n's. Here we are gathering on Saturday morning-

dam_n man.. Makes me realize how little goes on down here..

[neverdie]

^^ Tony, agreed that those turn signals look good, BUT where on earth does he plan mounting his number plate? Or is he going to give that a miss?

[BigBikeBKK]

Almost 3000km on the ER-6n in 3 weeks and still a blast! Let the Good Times Roll!

Impressive miles for a short time.. Especially around work !! Work? What's that?

Joined the Kawasaki Club ride this weekend from the Rama 9 Big Bike in Bangers down to Pattaya via Rayong for the Burapa Rally and Grand Opening of Kawasaki Mityon. Really fun group- about 20 bikes, all Thais except me, and Jim caught up with us later in Pattaya; a mix of Ninja 250Rs, D-Trackers, Vulcan 900s and ER-6n's. Here we are gathering on Saturday morning-

dam_n man.. Makes me realize how little goes on down here.. Tons of bikes in Phuket though- perhaps you should try to start a new club to liven up the scene.

[LivinLOS]

^^ Tony, agreed that those turn signals look good, BUT where on earth does he plan mounting his number plate? Or is he going to give that a miss?

Just the emphasize the utter difficulty on Phuket it seems they wouldnt transfer that bike these days. Heard 2 more horror stories in last couple of days over this 'inspection' guy and how legit clean books have had a invented problem over back taxes from more than a decade ago and are demanding money. Once I know how the stories play out I will post them.

Having ripped my fairings off now.. I have just adpoted the 'never selling it' mindset !!

[dotcom]

^^ Tony, agreed that those turn signals look good, BUT where on earth does he plan mounting his number plate? Or is he going to give that a miss?

Just the emphasize the utter difficulty on Phuket it seems they wouldnt transfer that bike these days. Heard 2 more horror stories in last couple of days over this 'inspection' guy and how legit clean books have had a invented problem over back taxes from more than a decade ago and are demanding money. Once I know how the stories play out I will post them.

Having ripped my fairings off now.. I have just adpoted the 'never selling it' mindset !!

Well even the VMAX is only 100 baht a year tax so no biggie.

[neverdie]

^^ Tony, agreed that those turn signals look good, BUT where on earth does he plan mounting his number plate? Or is he going to give that a miss?

Just the emphasize the utter difficulty on Phuket it seems they wouldnt transfer that bike these days. Heard 2 more horror stories in last couple of days over this 'inspection' guy and how legit clean books have had a invented problem over back taxes from more than a decade ago and are demanding money. Once I know how the stories play out I will post them.

Having ripped my fairings off now.. I have just adpoted the 'never selling it' mindset !!

I'm hearin ya livinlos BUT I'm talking about not displaying a number plate, I would imagine in due course (that is after the plates actually been issued) that the BIB might have something to say about it. I can see tony is edging towards plate fitment, but that other chap seems to have excluded the idea. Dunno, just asking? Both bikes certainly look a lot nicer than that big plactic/ meat curtain thing they hung from the back of the bike at the Kawasaki factory.

[neverdie]

Almost 3000km on the ER-6n in 3 weeks and still a blast! Let the Good Times Roll! :jerk:

Impressive miles for a short time.. Especially around work !! Work? What's that?

Joined the Kawasaki Club ride this weekend from the Rama 9 Big Bike in Bangers down to Pattaya via Rayong for the Burapa Rally and Grand Opening of Kawasaki Mityon. Really fun group- about 20 bikes, all Thais except me, and Jim caught up with us later in Pattaya; a mix of Ninja 250Rs, D-Trackers, Vulcan 900s and ER-6n's. Here we are gathering on Saturday morning-

dam_n man.. Makes me realize how little goes on down here.. Tons of bikes in Phuket though- perhaps you should try to start a new club to liven up the scene.

I also had a good laugh at this....Some of you need to understand Tony's work ethic, it goes something like....."When theres a bike to be ridden, theres no time to work" "When the bike can't be ridden, one must modify the bike before one considers work"

Love ur style tony ....

[BigBikeBKK]

OK Guys............You have me hooked on the ER6n and now it is just a matter of time before I buy one. Being an old Harley rider from the states, I had been looking at used Harleys and the price was hard to swallow. Now that Kawasaki has decided to bring a big bike into the Kingdom at a resonable price, they have convinced me to join the sportbike crowd. I was looking to do some touring and also have a bike my lady can ride that was not too big. Have any of you turned over your keys to your lady yet to see how she does? I will probably not want to let her for awhile until I have had my fill, if that is possible.

From what I have read, everyone seems to be very happy with their choice and I am sure I will be. Have any of you bought your bikes in Udon or nearby? I am wondering what the supply is like. I will be arriving in 2 weeks and will be making a direct trip to try and ride one of these bikes. My purchase plan is about October of this year, so maybe the supply will be a little better by then. This has been a very enjoyable thread and hope you guys keep it going to give me an idea of the progress with your bikes. I built customs for years hear in the US and now am beginning to wind down, but will never loose the desire to ride. This seems like a pretty light bike compared to what I am used to and should be fun.

Good on ya Rick- Harley's are cool, but riding in Thailand it's quite useful to have a bike with good brakes and handling to help avoid all of the hazards that we find here in the Land of Smiles.

The ER-6n isn't really a sport bike- the ride is softer and the seating position is more upright than most modern sport bikes, and this makes it a great bike for touring.

As far as your lady riding it- it's a very easy bike to ride, it is light and narrow and some call it a perfect learner bike. But I wouldn't recommend the ER-6n for someone who has never ridden before. The ER-6n is rather tall and with 72Hp and gobs of torque I could see a beginner getting in over their head rather quickly.

I think by October perhaps the supply will have caught up with demand. Also, by that time Kawasaki will be selling the ZX10R and ER-6f so that might take some demand off of the ER-6n.

FYI Kawasaki does have an Authorized Big Bike showroom in Udon. I can't read Thai but here's a map to the Udon dealer:

Hope you can figure it out!

Happy Trails,

Tony

[BigBikeBKK]

Just the emphasize the utter difficulty on Phuket it seems they wouldnt transfer that bike these days. Heard 2 more horror stories in last couple of days over this 'inspection' guy and how legit clean books have had a invented problem over back taxes from more than a decade ago and are demanding money. Once I know how the stories play out I will post them.

Having ripped my fairings off now.. I have just adpoted the 'never selling it' mindset !!

Well, just make sure you keep all those original bits so that you can restore the bike to stock form if needed. Fortunately the fender mod on the ER-6n is completely reversible. I do wonder where he's going to hang his plate though...

[BigBikeBKK]

I also had a good laugh at this....Some of you need to understand Tony's work ethic, it goes something like....."When theres a bike to be ridden, theres no time to work" "When the bike can't be ridden, one must modify the bike before one considers work"

Love ur style tony ....

Dude- you got me pegged! How'd you do that? Creepy man! You're like psychic, or psychotic, or sumthin' ....

Oy- gotta go get some work done!

(But kinda been meaning to go visit a local shop to talk about frame sliders and screen options for the ER-6n...)

Or maybe I'll just go bowling...

Ride On!

Tony

[neverdie]

Psychotic....yes I could be described that way, my mind is nearly as weird as my dog:-

.....yes, i know, you can see a little bit of yourself in him, can't you....he provides me with all my predictions....weird, arnt I, I mean, isnt it?

Edited February 16, 2009 by neverdie

[rickschoppers]

OK Guys............You have me hooked on the ER6n and now it is just a matter of time before I buy one. Being an old Harley rider from the states, I had been looking at used Harleys and the price was hard to swallow. Now that Kawasaki has decided to bring a big bike into the Kingdom at a resonable price, they have convinced me to join the sportbike crowd. I was looking to do some touring and also have a bike my lady can ride that was not too big. Have any of you turned over your keys to your lady yet to see how she does? I will probably not want to let her for awhile until I have had my fill, if that is possible.

From what I have read, everyone seems to be very happy with their choice and I am sure I will be. Have any of you bought your bikes in Udon or nearby? I am wondering what the supply is like. I will be arriving in 2 weeks and will be making a direct trip to try and ride one of these bikes. My purchase plan is about October of this year, so maybe the supply will be a little better by then. This has been a very enjoyable thread and hope you guys keep it going to give me an idea of the progress with your bikes. I built customs for years hear in the US and now am beginning to wind down, but will never loose the desire to ride. This seems like a pretty light bike compared to what I am used to and should be fun.

Good on ya Rick- Harley's are cool, but riding in Thailand it's quite useful to have a bike with good brakes and handling to help avoid all of the hazards that we find here in the Land of Smiles.

The ER-6n isn't really a sport bike- the ride is softer and the seating position is more upright than most modern sport bikes, and this makes it a great bike for touring.

As far as your lady riding it- it's a very easy bike to ride, it is light and narrow and some call it a perfect learner bike. But I wouldn't recommend the ER-6n for someone who has never ridden before. The ER-6n is rather tall and with 72Hp and gobs of torque I could see a beginner getting in over their head rather quickly.

I think by October perhaps the supply will have caught up with demand. Also, by that time Kawasaki will be selling the ZX10R and ER-6f so that might take some demand off of the ER-6n.

FYI Kawasaki does have an Authorized Big Bike showroom in Udon. I can't read Thai but here's a map to the Udon dealer:

Hope you can figure it out!

Happy Trails,

Tony