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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.