Rode a Gladius and ER6-n this weekend

[maloy]

All,

The last two days I finally got to ride an ER6-n and the Gladius. The ER6-n at Vintage Motorcycle Days in Lexington, Ohio and the Gladius belongs to a riding acquaintance.

I've rode a 650r, the SV650, and the DL650 previously to owning a Versys. So here are the two newcomers to the US marked. I have to make it clear, that I only spent a half hour on both bikes.

The Gladius right off showed me that its seat was not going to be kind. The seat is hard and unforgiving. Now that being said the height was not that much different than the Versys. The leg room is comparable with the Versys and the controls were easily accessible. The power was nice and it showed the vibrations that only a V-twin can produce. If this motor produces more HP that the Versys it is only perceptible on paper. On the road, the suspension seemed good for the task and the bike worked well in the twisties fine. The bike does feel cheap due to their styling and cosmetic work. Brakes were more than up to the task and stopped the bike very well. For me the riding position sucked and I was uncomfortable right off due to the seat. In short, it handles nice, but the SV650 is a better deal and a more honest in its handling. Also wind buffeting is annoying, but about the norm for this style bike. I came away appreciating my Versys all the more. In addition, my riding acquaintance was a little disturbed that he liked riding my Versys as he is a Suzuki rider for the past 35 years.

The ER6-n seemed to be a disappointment. I don't know what I expected, but I actually felt cramped on the bike. In my opinion, the seat isn't that much better, and felt hard about 20 minutes into the ride. Power was nice, and you could feel a slight difference. Its not enough to make me trade off my Versys as the Versys has its ergonomics in the plus column. I did not like the controls as the bars feel too low and you have to look down too far to read the controls. The riding position seems too cramped and I'm inseam challenged at 29". Now for the ride, the bike's front wheel lost traction twice and gave me a short slide. This could be due to the OEM tire or the front forks felt a little stiff and bounced it a little. I did not like this at all and we rode on the back roads I like and have rode my Versys on with NO trouble. As for buffeting, the bike surprised me and was fine up to 60mph. I expected more, but was pleased that it was less. At higher speeds I could not tell you as the demo escort ride kept the speed down. Personally I like the ER6-f better as it seems to slice through the wind better. In short, I walked away from the ride feeling that I made the better choice with the Versys and made me appreciate it all the more.

If I was to rank the six, (ER6-n, ER6-f, Versys, Gladius, DL650, and the SV650) it would be as follows,

Versys, 9 out of 10 points, (Yes I like it even more after the last two days)
DL650,  8 out of 10 points, (good for travel, sized the same as the DL1000, but without the power)
SV650,  8 out of 10 points, (Nimble in the twisties and a good bargain used)
ER6-f,  7 out of 10 points, (I like the handling of the SV650 better)
ER6-n, 6 out of 10 points
Gladius, 6 out of 10 point.


In talking to the Kawasaki reps, they all liked the ER6-n, (of course they are trying to sell people on them), but two of them actually own the Versys as their light sport touring bike. (One of the bastards sneaked a black one out of Canada! ), and the others seemed to favor the Versys due to its ergonomics and riding position. Not to mention the five gallon tank was one of the features that was preferred.

For me, the Versys is the bike and someone here might have a different opinion as that is all I'm expressing. Now for the kicker, I hate Suzuki from past experience with their dirt bikes of the late '70's and early '80's. I was a Honda person back then and still favor the Hondas of these two decades. However, I can get over it and still see the virtues in the DL bikes and the SV. I think they would have been better off improving the SV's performance and handling rather than gussying it up with fluff and call it the Gladius. As for the ER6-n, I think Kawasaki was more honest and made no secret that all it is is a stripped down ER6-f.

Maloy

This is the one I rode today. I like an idiot left the camera on my Versys when I rode the Gladius.





As for Vintage Days, I had fun and left with a bike I wanted back when I was a teenager when they could be had used for around $300.







Original tool kit only missing two screwdrivers

[Darth]

Good report Maloy, thanks!
I have to admit I'm a little disappointed in your view of the ER6-n as I'm pretty sure I'm going to get one as soon as I sell another bike. But I haven't yet ridden one. I've ridden a couple of Versys and a SV650.
The Gladius Maximus is a non-starter for me...that's the gay-est looking 2-wheeled device since the pink Vespa!

The only things I don't like about the very impressive Versys (besides the goofy name) is the seat height (I need a lower seat for a hip problem, and I don't care for the love 'em or hate 'em looks. But like I said, it is a most impressive bike...love that motor!

What attracts me to the ER6-n (or "Ernie" as an irreverent buddy calls them!) is it has the +HP & +torque Ninja tuned motor, lower seat and "street fighter styling". And it's lighter and priced well under the Ninja 650R and Versys.

I'm realistic about what you get with a budget & entry level bike...like the wonky forks & shocks. But that leads to my reason for this buy...I love to build mild custom/Stage 2 hot-rods (Stage 0 being stock). Make 'em jump through hoops and go-stop-handle better than they're supposed to.

Try to picture this in your mind's eye and let me know what you think of this modified bike, based on what you know from your "Ernie" test ride:
RaceTech springs & Cartridge Emulator kit in forks.
Fork Brace.
Ohlins rear shock.
ProTaper 1 1/8" aluminum bars for perfect ergos, with Pazzo Racing adjustable levers.
Full performance exhaust system with step headers & M-GP style can.
Power Commander or similar engine management, probable airbox work.
Minor head & port work.
Drop as much weight as possible. (10-15 lbs. est.)
Stainless steel brake lines, soft performance front pads, harder ones in rear.
Aftermarket seat, probably Sargent.
Premium sport tires.
Lots more but mainly cosmetic work...paint, stainless fasteners, hugger, rear seat cowl, "tail tidy", etc.

Now bear in mind, this bike will never tour, carry 2-up or go off-road. Other bikes will do those chores. Carrying capacity will be nil. It will strictly be used for "fun" around town and out in what few twisties we have around here.  Burger runs, go for a beer, that sort of thing. Maybe spank a few squidies, then remove helmet to show the chrome whiskers!

I have a 30" inseam and will adjust that with a bit thicker seat. So, put yourself in that frame of mind and what do you think?

Thanks!

[maloy]

Darth,

I used this when the dealership changed out my 160/60-17 for a 160/70-17.

http://motowerk.com/Versys.aspx

It lowered my Versys enough to put me back to where I was comfortable.

Speedy makes some great accessories for the ER6-f, ER6-n and the Versys.
I also gave him a heads up about this forum and how KLR riders too look for quality products to enhance their bikes. He is great to deal with and very prompt shipping.

I have a 29" inseam, Osteoarthritis, and no cartilage left intact in either knee, but the Versys has been great and actually reduced my pain riding. The ER6-n pulled me in too tight on my knees.

The reason i bought an '08 KLR was due to a recommendation from a couple of 650 GS riders I met on the Blue Ridge Parkway about 5 years ago. We were talking about aches and pains from riding and I told them that I had severe pain in both knees from long days in the saddle from my 1500 Vulcan Classic. Both recommended a dirt bike like riding position with the feet below the hips. The one fellow said him and Junior (second rider) discovered that a long time ago. He was 82 and Junior was 79. So the KLR was an experiment, and due to me missing a '85 XL500 i sold the previous year.

The Versys worked out, also while I forgot to mention it, you can feel the headlight weight at low speed on the ER6-n. If you ride the pre '08 KLR you will already be use to this and it doesn't feel as heavy.

Maloy

[Darth]

Thanks for the info Maloy...and good luck with those knees!
I'm going to PT for mine now...

PS - The old CL is cool!

[oldkawboy]

Hey Maloy,

This is Danny, the Kawasaki rep you talked with......good to meet you.
Great find on the Scrambler, I bought a new one in '72 and gave $775 OTD. Boy those were the days!

Below is a shot of my Veresys we talked about. When I was walking away I heard you say something about getting a Canadian one but actually all I got was the bodywork, a buddy of mine went through the hassle and shipped it to me.

Hope to see you again next year.
Ride safe and enjoy that CL.

Dan

[golfmuch]

Thanks for the info Maloy. Good write up. I have noticed a big difference in my Versys when it comes to wind protection. I took my adjustable madstad off for the summer. I put a windshield off my KLR that was a extra and put on just to cover up the bracket. Presto, I like the bike better than stock. less buffeting.

[maloy]

Hey, I'll probably see you again as well. I love Vintage Days. Did you get a chance to check out the electric bikes? The sport bike looking ones has some serious acceleration.

Maybe you can answer a question, is ABS coming to the US version of the Versys?

Thanks,

Maloy

Mine with Trax panniers, I might be making a trip down the Blue Ridge sometime in September.

Hey Maloy,

This is Danny, the Kawasaki rep you talked with......good to meet you.
Great find on the Scrambler, I bought a new one in '72 and gave $775 OTD. Boy those were the days!

Below is a shot of my Veresys we talked about. When I was walking away I heard you say something about getting a Canadian one but actually all I got was the bodywork, a buddy of mine went through the hassle and shipped it to me.

Hope to see you again next year.
Ride safe and enjoy that CL.

Dan

[Nibis]

Nice write up, I been drooling over a DL1000 

[maloy]

The DL1000 is a nice bike, but for me, I can't find anywhere that my Versys can't follow one. However, I do know the seat is good for the long haul.

I too have been looking at them and keep trying to justify one. My Versys is more fun on the twisty stuff.

Maloy

[Nibis]

I haven't had the chance to ride either, but I did watch a video on YouTube comparing a DL650, Versys, and a BMW 650, the Versys won, and I did notice in the twisties, the DL650 scraped the pegs a little too easy

[Tnutz]

I like how the Gladius is looks identical to a  Ducati Monster 696, right down to the Trellis frame duc has been using for years.  guess it's hard to compete with the worlds best selling naked.  

next year it will look like a Triumph speed 3. 

[Darth]

Hey guys, just checking in after a long absence. My KLR went to a great home and I pulled the trigger on a new 2009 non-current ER6-N at an unbelievable price...$4700 last year.
Anyway, quoted below is what I was planning for it, 95% of this is now done, some things change a little, a few more added. So far it's also lost almost 25 lbs. with another couple yet to come...that's huge in a bike this light and power rating. The cool thing about a little mild hot-rod/custom like this is it's never really finished!

The only things I don't like about the very impressive Versys (besides the goofy name) is the seat height (I need a lower seat for a hip problem, and I don't care for the love 'em or hate 'em looks. But like I said, it is a most impressive bike...love that motor!

What attracts me to the ER6-n (or "Ernie" as an irreverent buddy calls them!) is it has the +HP & +torque Ninja tuned motor, lower seat and "street fighter styling". And it's lighter and priced well under the Ninja 650R and Versys.

I'm realistic about what you get with a budget & entry level bike...like the wonky forks & shocks. But that leads to my reason for this buy...I love to build mild custom/Stage 2 hot-rods (Stage 0 being stock). Make 'em jump through hoops and go-stop-handle better than they're supposed to.

Try to picture this in your mind's eye and let me know what you think of this modified bike, based on what you know from your "Ernie" test ride:
RaceTech springs & Cartridge Emulator kit in forks.
Fork Brace.
Ohlins rear shock.
ProTaper 1 1/8" aluminum bars for perfect ergos, with Pazzo Racing adjustable levers.
Full performance exhaust system with step headers & M-GP style can.
Power Commander or similar engine management, probable airbox work.
Minor head & port work.
Drop as much weight as possible. (10-15 lbs. est.)
Stainless steel brake lines, soft performance front pads, harder ones in rear.
Aftermarket seat, probably Sargent.
Premium sport tires.
Lots more but mainly cosmetic work...paint, stainless fasteners, hugger, rear seat cowl, "tail tidy", etc.

Now bear in mind, this bike will never tour, carry 2-up or go off-road. Other bikes will do those chores. Carrying capacity will be nil. It will strictly be used for "fun" around town and out in what few twisties we have around here.  Burger runs, go for a beer, that sort of thing. Maybe spank a few squidies, then remove helmet to show the chrome whiskers!

I have a 30" inseam and will adjust that with a bit thicker seat. So, put yourself in that frame of mind and what do you think?

Thanks!

As it was:


As it is currently, more to come!:


The build thread is here if you're interested:
http://www.motorcyclistcafe.com/forums/showthread.php?9022-My-New-Kawasaki-ER-6N

[SLO-KLR]

Well look what the cat drug in!  Good to see you Darth.  Nice lookin scoot!

[Darth]

Hey Slo, how ya doing?
I thought I'd drop in and see if you Admins & Mods needed any stirring up!
Geeze...I miss you guys.

[SLO-KLR]

Doing well here just not getting any ride time other than commuting.