2010 Kawasaki Versys Picture Design

2010 kawasaki versys picture design

2010 kawasaki versys picture design

2010 kawasaki versys picture design

2010 kawasaki versys picture design

2010 kawasaki versys picture design

2010 kawasaki versys picture design

2010 kawasaki versys picture design

2010 kawasaki versys picture design

2010 kawasaki versys picture design

2010 kawasaki versys picture design

2010 kawasaki versys picture design

More miles in the saddle would probably negate that complaint, but that was my first impression. ER-6n is one of those bikes that looks entirely current, mean and badass right now -- and will probably look silly and out of date in a few short years. Only time will tell. ER-6n comes in Metallic Flat Spark Black paint only, with a suggested retail price of $6,699.It's fashionable to tout 650s as "beginner bikes," but any one of these three Kawasakis has enough potential to serve experienced riders well. Some owners have even outfitted their Versyses (Versailles?) for solo touring. For riders of average or smaller stature, the Ninja 650R and ER-6n represent excellent choices for all-around riding, from commuting to weekend romps through the countryside. The Versys would be my choice of the bunch for utility, fun and comfort.Switching over to the Ninja 650 provided some contrast. It took me a few miles and a few slow starts to find my footpegs on a consistent basis. The Ninja's riding position is not quite superbike, but it definitely demands a good degree of bend from longer legs. I also found the non-adjustable footpegs and foot controls to be decidedly small for my size 14 boots -- I'd have to go to the aftermarket or to a fabricator to make the Ninja fit. Once I got settled in to the Ninja, though, I found a lot to like. A very clear digital speedometer with big numbers shares space with a digital tachometer that indicates rpm with a bar, and quick glances gave me all the information I needed during my ride. I experimented with the transmission, running the bike up in the rev range versus short-shifting. The Ninja didn't seem to much care -- it just pulled at most any rpm above 3,000. Ninja's full bodywork is very current, and super attractive. I especially like how the underseat muffler tucks in, leaving the rear wheel out in the wind. Ninja 650R comes in Ebony, Metallic Island Blue and Candy Lime Green -- the only color a true Kawasaki acolyte would want -- starting at $7,099.

Somewhere in the middle, between the Versys and the Ninja, sits the ER-6n. Basically a naked derivative of the Ninja, the ER-6n made its US debut in 2009, and returns fundamentally unchanged for 2010. Of the three 650 variants, this one was my least favorite, by a hair. The ER-6n lacks the wind protection that the Ninja's tiny screen and bodywork provides, while maintaining a similar compact riding position. I guess the Ninja's bodywork just fit me better, giving me smoother points of contact. Your fit may vary. I also found the ER-6n's instrument panel less useful, as the digital tachometer/analog needle speedometer always required more than a glance to read. More miles in the saddle would probably negate that complaint, but that was my first impression. ER-6n is one of those bikes that looks entirely current, mean and badass right now -- and will probably look silly and out of date in a few short years. Only time will tell. ER-6n comes in Metallic Flat Spark Black paint only, with a suggested retail price of $6,699.It's fashionable to tout 650s as "beginner bikes," but any one of these three Kawasakis has enough potential to serve experienced riders well. Some owners have even outfitted their Versyses (Versailles?) for solo touring. For riders of average or smaller stature, the Ninja 650R and ER-6n represent excellent choices for all-around riding, from commuting to weekend romps through the countryside. The Versys would be my choice of the bunch for utility, fun and comfort.