This valve issue was pretty serious, from what I remember through a family member who owned a 2012 ER6N. I'm not sure how much it costs to fix now, but it used to be around RM1k if you were too late for the Kawasaki Health Check/recall service...

It should be rectified in newer batches and on the successor, the Z650/Ninja 650. But if it's an older ER6N or Versys 650 with the valves not fixed, I wouldn't do it unless you're ready to fork out some money.

You can try out the Dominar since it's cheaper, newer and has better safety in the form of dual-channel ABS.

It was actually selling quite well prior to the modenas JV announcement. Sold more than the equivalent Ninja since I had to wait a week or two if I wanted the Z400, while the Ninja was ready stock.

From what I have heard, it is a superior bike to the Ninja 400 overall. Better ergos and engine tuning. Probably superior cooling as well due to lack of fairings.

Check Youtube for z400 dyno and I believe it's the TST industries dyno run that sums it up. I think the bike generally just doesn't need to be revved as high as the ninja and that makes it easier and more fun to ride.

As for cooling, in my experience the nakeds are better. Maybe because in city traffic I don't move at a constant pace that the channel in and draw out ability provided by the fairings is minimized. My ninja is fine when on the highway but in slower traffic the fairings stop the heat from radiating out, which is good for me but not so fun for the engine.

I saw your other posts about being worried and panicked about KMM and Modenas JV. In that case just don't have to look at Kawi anymore. Get either Yamaha or Honda for peace of mind. You may have to pay more but at least it will alleviate your concerns and you will have a reliable machine with no spare parts issues.

Unfortunately for those who like bang for buck purchases, right now there is no one who can be certain about KMMs future.

Hmm, I always had the impression that Kawi's naked and faired bikes had slightly different tunes - one for better torque and the other for higher top end respectively. Is there a way to check this with the Z650 and Ninja 650 as well?

Then again, if the manufacturer spec sheet says it's the same, then perhaps you're right.