Hi friends and kekawan. I'm planning to buy an used kawasaki er6n for daily commute to work around kl area and once in a while long rides around Malaysia. But there are two versions. Cbu 2009 version and ckd 2012 version. I have cash for both versions and I'm planning to use the bike for 5years. Which version should I get and why? Good day to you all.. And no budget for versys,mt07,xj6 or tnt600.

Depends on your budget. It all share the same engine and many parts is shared as well. Only accessories might differ a bit. I settled down with a 2008 CBU (1st version) and I'm happy with it. Plus I still have remaining cash for accessories upgrade. Bit by bit, not cheap also the accessories + wear and tear replace. So better after buy u still spare some cash. Anyway, CKD version have valve issue, so make sure the one u bought already did the recall from Kawasaki Malaysia...

Are you prepared for unexpected issues for such old bikes?
Being able to afford buying one and maintaining it should come together.

2009 CBU has better paint, but the rest is similar for a CKD version.
Also the issue with valve (2011-2013) and sometimes burnt stator coil.

No other major issues, just fuel and go.

I've finally upgraded my Pulsar NS200 to a secondhand 2013 ER6N recently. After I've been using around 6 months and 5000 km running, so far no issue.

If you plan to use it for 5 years, I would suggest getting a newer bike. And make sure that the previous owner has done the Valve Clearance (for year 2012-2013 if I'm not mistaken) recall form Kawasaki.

Anyways, this ER6N is damn reliable and quite straight-forward. It has been on the market for quite some time and I believe any experienced mechanic will how to troubleshoot and fix this bike.

Good luck for your purchase !

Here's a video of me getting my ER6N:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCUfekq7yho
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCUfekq7yho

2nd gen er6n still looks much better than the two z650 !

That's the 3rd (last) version... And yea, I still think this is the best looking ER6... Z650 up to date I still don't think it's attractive...

how does the 1st model looks like? i tot oni 2 gaya...

Just slightly different from the 2nd gen... 1st batch 2006-2008...

Z650 looks like a small ordinary bike especially from the front.

Wow. I used to ride crazy speeds, but now I’m done.

Why no more?

I used to ride 260-290 kph at times. Not worth the risk anymore, never had any accident, just saw many died and heard many died in Karak hiway / Plus hiway husband and wife died. But I still keep boxer in garage idle. Don’t want to have full money in pocket but life is short.

Buy the under-use one, most are cheap & reliable, just make sure its on newer tyres & battery & accident free.
Attached is mine 2009 model bought 2nd hand 2016.

This post has been edited by jonjong: Nov 10 2019, 01:32 PM


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I'm planning to buy this 2009 model, it is ok?

sekolah memandu tell me don't get this model

why? any issues with the valve?

valve recall is done, that's for early CKD models, 2011-2013 IINM.
coil/rectifier issues seems to haunt some owners. Otherwise I heard it's reliable.

True, and not limited on this model. All 3 models same, but there are many parts option now.. Ori 16xx, OEM Mitsubishi 7xx, recoil 2xx-3xx, Lazada/Shopee (China manufactured) 1xx-2xx... So no worries of blowing the pocket...

You're referring to coil and/or rectifier? Kawa famous problem kah?
I spoke to OHTOKC, he say mostly coil reach him is oily, so he thought coil is soaked in oil one. I told him no, supposed to be dry. Lol.

Coil yes, rectifier once in a while will got member post, but not as common as coil.. most of us already install voltage meter to do the monitoring... anyway, I thought memang coil is soaked with eo? No? Coz mine already changed.. Need to drain the eo then only take out the coil. And yes, it's covered with eo. So I thought it's memang soaked inside... LoLz...

Do you have experience on the lifespan of a re-coiled unit?

Nope bro sorry.. But few members bought RM1xx from Lazada told me have used them for around 2years without issues... Just take with a pinch of salt la, coz we never knew right if some other got issue they never tell... Anyway, on critical things I tend to not go for the cheapest, so I change the Mitsubishi one... Just changed for around half year so not really qualified to review it yet...

1. basically gen2 (2009-2011) and gen3 (2012-2016) are almost different bike in terms of body (frame, swingarm, footrest) and looks. the engine is the same, with a little bit of tweak to the ECU fuel setting and incorporated the vacuum tube mod that was pretty popular among the older gen into gen3 as standard. so called better response and torque at low end. but the diff is hardly noticeable lah. other wear and tear parts like sprocket, chain, wheels, brakes are shared and interchangeable.

2. 2012/2013 came up with valve issues because kawasaki went cost-cutting and made their valve in thailand (basically the whole bike are made in thailand factory anyway) and no longer used japan-made valves. suffice to say it caused some red-face to Kawa msia enough to issue a recall under the guise of "goodwill service" and replaced those Thai valves. however to be fair, even older gens occasionally were reported to kena valve issue too, so i'd say that apart from valve quality, rider''s riding pattern played a role too. pakai inline twin tapi pulas macam inline4 kejar superbike, mana tak hancur?

3. i was told that with aftermarket slip-on/full system exhaust, gen2 punya bass is more solid compared to gen3. i cannot verify anyway because i prefer to have earpone/earplug and no longer cared about sounds. inb4 #loudpipesavelives

4. allow me to clear up this misconception, gen2 bikes are not JAPAN CBU, no need to glorify the word CBU when it is assembled from its Thai factory, the same place where the CKD gen3 came from anyway.

5. both gens are ok in its own regard. personally i am inclined with gen2 because i have a few pretty sick mods in mind. however nowadys i have gone past the stage of tinkering with bikes plus i no longer have the financial capability to splurge on it, so given such circumstances i would pick a gen3 over gen2

6. last but not least, since paying for a used bike, just top up a little bit more and go for a used versys. it is a much comfortable bike in terms of daily runs and touring purpose. plus it has bigger presence compared to er6n and wont look awkward with boxes. but that's just my biased opinion as an ex-owner of a versys lah.

Thanks for the write.
Is gen3 referring to Z650?
AFAIK, only Japan imports are considered CBU, that's the pre-09 made.

Please recommend earphone/plugs that doesn't come off while putting on a full face and long rides?

Gen 1 (2006-2008)
This one is Japan cbu when it came into msia. Not many bought though. Priced at rm46k then






Gen2 (end of 2008 - end of 2011)
Early batch of these are CBU Thailand, as in fully CBU, just come in pasang the wheels only. 2nd model brought in by kawa msia after ninja 250. Early batches sold for a cheap rm29k to pancing the market. Later batches went up to rm33k as they went fully CKD. Along with er6f and versys, these models became the best selling big bikes in msia at that time. Other brands semua step aside (in terms of numbers). This is the most glorious era for Kawasaki msia in terms of market growth and share.






Gen 3 (2012-2016)
Kawasaki Japan decided to update this range and introduced a new bike with a new frame, swingarm to address the instability complaints of the older models. Still maintained the engine because, don't fix what's not broken. But at the same time Kawasaki Japan decided that lower tech models will be made in its Thailand factory for whole world market. Only their flagship models will be assembled in Japan. So in order to keep these bread and butter models cost low, parts are sourced locally with tech transfer and all. The result? Valve issue as we know it. But as I said, rider's habit plays a major part too, because the incident of valve breakage a pretty prevalent in Asia, yet less in western/developed country markets.






There is no more gen4 as Kawasaki decided to streamline it's product range and hence renamed this 650cc inline twin naked into z650, as part of naked Z family. Along with the renaming, a totally redesigned bike is introduced, with a new frame and swingarm, no more direct mount side shock, new wheel, new tank etc with heavy emphasis on weight savings. The result? A freaking light nimble naked that feels like a 250cc bike but pulls like a proper 650twin.



This post has been edited by andrewhtf: Jun 26 2020, 11:14 PM

For earplugs, there are 2 types

Foam and silicone

Foam type can use a few times and then disposed off. I recommend cone shaped instead of cylindrical shape for ease of insertion.

Silicone type can last long term use, from the cheap umbrella shape to the more expensive custom made to your ear shape kind.

Whichever type you use, to avoid it being easily dislodged, I propose you wear a balaclava or buff covering your ears. The fit should be snug and not loose. This makes putting on and taking off helmets easier and hence less chance of pulling on the earplugs.

I was looking at the versys but the top up isn't really a little bit though. Its about a 5k increase for the same engine plus boxes. I am still looking and stuck with this dilemma.

It is worth it though if you appreciate practicability and comfort... Me myself is ER6 owner which I wish I bought a Versys instead... Bought ER6 earlier because I like the styling more... But after a while, I need extra storage which I need for daily ride so added all the boxes... Seat wasn't comfort so need to do a custom one... But at the end I still can't get the Versys type of comfort (riding position)... So buying Versys 5k more makes more sense than regret later because if u trade it back, you will easily lose more than 10k...In my case, another few k's for all the accs I've added... So if you're struggling between both, I'll say go for Versys... But if u really like ER6, yea proceed to get it... Both is good bike anyway, just different styling... Can't go wrong with either one...

Fair points. I prefer the looks and the practicality of the versys a lot more. But the $ gap is quite big. Probably time to save up more haha!

One minor concern for me is the vibes, if you rode a versys before any thoughts? I do want to do tours, scared the vibes put me off and probably have to upgrade to an in line 4 in the future. So my search list now includes 250s for city and a tourer down the road. So many options

I did a Krabi trip early this year.. Vibration wise I think not a big issue unless your cruising speed is 170-180kmh... I definitely cruise below that and don't really feel the vibes... No comment bout inline 4 on highway coz never tried one on long journey... The only reason I want a 4inline is just the sound...Performance wise, I'm fine with er6 as I'm not a speedy guy...

Ah okay, sounds like its not that bad after all. Which model were you riding? I think it has the same generation changes as the er6 right? Er6 performance is quite respectable already. Don't compare it with the superbikes that needs way more skill and experience la. haha! i saw a rider on an mt-09, gaya, tapi slow speed jerk here and there. LOL
Haven't tried an inline on the highway, but at normal street riding speed, you can feel a significant difference in smoothness.

Mine the 1st gen.. I think the jerking of mt-09 is due new rider kot? Haha.. AFAIK MT is very smooth bike too.. Tried z1000sx too and yea, feels much much better than my bike... To bad can't afford to get one anytime soon...

Thanks. Will keep in mind. I thought balaclava would help, and glad you confirmed it.

MT09 has jerky off throttle response, and is the major issue next to weak suspension for the 1st model. A friend coming from R25 noticed that as well, and finds a Kawa liter bike more manageable in that sense.
You can just trade up for a Z1000SX and don't look back. It has traction control, right?

if can afford the extra, by all means, go ahead.

if cannot, then er6 can tour long distance too. just that versys seating angle is more relaxed, that's all.

but just a real-life example lah, back in 2012 i joined kawasaki's CKD ride to penang. i was carrying wife as pillion too. by the time we reach gunung semanggol RnR, we can hear plenty of tired sighs and body stretching from er6 riders while i dont even feel anything.

forget 250cc. it's just not worth it.

vibe wise both er6 and versys sama 2x5. hell even inline4 also vibrates lah, there is no butter smooth as long as you have engine piston moving up-down-up-down. i have test rode cbr650, z900 and also a few litrebikes. no matter how small or big the vibration, the vibes is there and you can feel it.

what i do? ignore. over time you will get used to it. also vibe is not an issue. it's the wind blast at speed that is the main cause for rider fatigue.

wear proper gloves, not those cheap cotton gloves. it helps. wear properly fitted helmet, it is for both comfort and also aerodynamic. wear a fitting jacket that is not too large that it flaps in the wind., but not too tight until you cant breathe.

MT09 fueling in Std and A mode is pretty well known for its abrupt fuel response. B-mode only slightly better but it is a hassle to remember to switch each and every time one start riding.

if kaya, go for aftermarket fuel controller. do a dyno remap.

if budget i can only suggest to change the rear sprocket to a smaller one, dropping at least 2-3 tooth, or use a larger front sprocket, about 1-2 tooth. this will give a minor mellow down effect as if carrying a heavier rider, so the shock of sudden jump is lessened abit. last but not least, learn to modulate your wrist. gotta be flexible to adjust. knowing when the fueling will kick in suddenly, identify at what rpm and how much throttle opening such response will occur. then practise practise practise until you know how to use the "kick" to your advantage.

This post has been edited by andrewhtf: Jun 29 2020, 02:08 PM

Wanna continue in 'casual bike talk' instead of going further and wider?

Ktrc system on facelifted version only... If not mistaken end of 2013 onwards... Anyway, er6 price is dropping like crazy, furthermore mine 1st version... I think cheaper than 250, haha... So most definitely I won't be selling it...

Z100sx is way too out of budget man. Prolly wait for another 5 years for the pre-owned market.

I rode the er6n during my test, but that wasn't really comfortable, mostly because it was adjusted for a way shorter rider. Was thinking er6n with spaced up handlebars and lower foot pegs. Do you think it'll work?

Fair point. I don't have the experience yet so I will check it out and see how it goes.

the casual talk thread is quite dead hahaha! too much going on i guess?

what is your height and your leg in-seam length? Making mods to suit yourself may be counterproductive as you might have to sacrifice something else. Lower footpegs will mean reduced peg-to-ground clearance especially when handling a corner. Raised handlebar may give you comfort, but at the expense of reduced aerodynamic when you sit straighter facing the wind. Even more so on a naked bike without windshield protection.

If can fork out the extra, versys is the better bang for every RM you pay compared to er6n, that's what I think la.

By the way, this photo is taken exactly 5 years ago, that's me in the lead.



This post has been edited by andrewhtf: Jun 30 2020, 09:11 AM

Good morning.

Wear gloves during riding is a habit I make it a point to adopt. Saved up for decent gauntlet. At first thought of buying knock off, but saw that despite the fact that they're made with genuine leather, the knuckle protection comes off after used over time, figured it's not worth saving the bucks with them.

For long distance riding, some people get tired quickly even with a comfortable bike, while some can ride a sportsbike for hours straight with little fatigue. Engine wise, 3 cylinders (MT09, Triumph triples) has less vibration than 2 or 4 config, ER6 is considered lower vibration compared to 4 cylinder. Boxer engine even less vibration.

Yeah, Z1000SX end-2013 comes with KTRC. At one time I was considering this Z1000SX, Versys 1000, 2013 ZX6R, all with KTRC options. The V1k is the cheapest option, at 34+k fully touring prepped. Couldn't find Z1000SX around my area, but it was 40+k so didn't venture out. ZX6R has jerky electronic throttle, but becoz of budget tak jadi also lah. The V1k was too heavy for me at the time, but it was a 2014 so more expensive, tak jadi.

Now, at mid 20k there are more choices now. I think my mind is set on a sports 4 cylinder.

xj6 or cb650 then. not much choice in our market with mid 20k budget for used inline4. Probably old old zx6 still can get but I won't recommend them.

Nice. I'm 180, forgot my in-seam, lazy to measure now. Should be around 70+ haha! Looks like a 2016 or later model?

Did not realise side boxes are quite expensive, with the top up actually it might be reasonable tbh.

Already got a pair of oxford airs. Sports 4 around 20k right now is probably cb650 as andrew said. Rode the naked version and its not too bad.

With your height, Versys it is then, forget about ER6.

2nd generation (2011-2014) can be had from between RM15k-RM20k, just scout around and dont rush.

A large top box is very convenient, you might not even need the side box if you know how to arrange your stuffs. but then again different strokes for different people.

Should you need to add side boxes it can be done later on after you saved up enough. there are cheaper choice with smaller capacity in givi E21 or E22 side boxes.

the 2015 up model (gen 3) is the best version of versys thus far. however it is already long overdue for an update but Kawasaki Japan has not come up with anything, despite updating the er6/z650/ninja650 TWICE already. Dont know why.

This post has been edited by alexei: Jun 30 2020, 01:00 PM

Yea, looking for the 2nd gen. 3rd gen looks good, but way too pricy for a parallel twin. And if it is a loan buy, i rather go for a new bike.

True that, side boxes will be an issue in traffic too. Touring is not highway all the way. I was looking at it and realised the mount cost a few k, the boxes a few k. its not cheap man.

Thanks for the pics, very clear picture on flat footing and knee angle. Z1000 looks like it has a bigger tank though compared to the 650.
I played with the tool too, but i adjust the offset for the ER6n and realised with 1-2 cm handlebar rise and 1-2 cm lowering of pegs will be about 1 degree difference between versys and er6. realistically dunno if it is doable or not la. hahaha

Photo of Thai ER6f modify tourer... Everything can be done, just that whether it is worth the time and money to modify something that can be bought... Probably the modifications price alone can get a 2nd hand versys already...

dont understand what is the point of this. even if you want slightly better performance, tuning or engine swap is sufficient.

andrewhtf any issues with valve clearance? the same one that plagued the 12/13 er6-n?

This post has been edited by jacktay94: Jun 30 2020, 09:47 PM

It's probably cheap to do in Thai. could that be a Ninja 650 base instead? Then it has newer features that the existing Versys is lacking?
And the conventional telescopic forks, vs USD on a Versys. Perhaps switching it to a tourer with a Ninja 650 base is a wise choice, too.

Base on the frame I guess it's probably ER6f which have no feature advancement over Versys... About the fork I have no comment coz zero knowledge in it... But that is not ER6f fork I think, coz it's way longer... Anyway, not sure about Thai, but definitely won't be cheap to mod here.. That's why I wanna tell coz previously someone said wanna mod er6n for touring purpose... The outcome might looks cool (subjective) but price wise definitely not a good choice to do so...

It has the ABS/KTRC ring on the front wheel hub. The bike sure looks cool.
Stock ER6 may not be able to handle the weight on the rear, swingarm and shocks, but solo touring should be can la.