2009 Kawasaki reviews

I got this in May, after not being on a bike in 25 years. I have in four months put almost 5000 miles on it. It handles interstate, backroads, gravel without a hitch. I rode 1500 miles in one weekend from Missouri to NW Wisconsin and back, no trouble at all. I really loved the trip and the bike. Show less

This bike had a Scorpio Alarm w/pager and Throttlemeister Cruise Control when I sold it. The photo shows the cruise control still on it. This bike has never had a bad day. No crashing, burnouts, stunts. It's a very good bike. I just got too old for it. MPG was mid 40's and the top speed...over 130. Show less

After completing the MSF course, I bought an '09 as my first bike and it has never let me down. The throttle and brakes are very forgiving and I never felt as if I was out of control. But don't underestimate it's capabilities. I had no trouble keeping up with a pack of middle-weight supersports on the highway and whipping around twisties. My only complaint is that the wind really buffeted me around at speed because I am a taller rider. The handle bars allow for a very comfortable, upright ride, but it was awkward to duck behind the windscreen. Simple solution though: I bought new handlebars which allowed me to lower my riding position, and gave me more of a supersport feel. Show less

I love this bike so much. It's a little heavy for me but I'm small. It's hard to start in the cold, but I still love it a lot. Show less

It's fully broken in and running really well after meticulously following the break-in rpms. 46 mpg is typical for my riding style. I did extra oil changes at 250, 600 (service) and 1150. I will follow the schedule now. The rear tire is wearing fast. I'm now running 30+ pounds of pressure to help on road wear - also it helps the front end feel better when braking. So far 98% road riding and will air down off road - with nerf bars now ready to try more. I adjusted the shock to 4th position as I am heavy and occasionally take on a rider. I will back down to 3, but like the adjust-ability. I'm looking into a bigger wind screen for 55+mph riding and long term a more contoured seat, though the seat to me is cushioned well...just a shape thing. Show less

I bought the bike in March, 2009 and have done about 7000 miles on it. I mostly commute to work. I have done 2-up, short road trips with my wife. The bike handles very well and has enough power when riding solo. The mileage is great. Until 5k, I was getting 45 mpg and now i get 50 mpg riding solo. It looks are nice and no heat issues at all as it's liquid cooled. There are no mechanical issues with the bike yet. I got the oil change done three times so far and nothing else. Riding two up, 900 cc is not enough on highways. Its not that it's really bad, but you have just enough power. If you want sudden acceleration in 5th, you won't have enough left. The seat is not too comfortable. After 1.5 hrs, you feel you have to get down and stretch After riding this bike for close to year and half, I feel that this is a very good entry level cruiser bike for people to get into riding. It might not be a good choice if you want to use it for 2-up riding and long distance trips. Show less

I wanted a sportbike that I could sit up, afford the insurance and would be a great starter bike that will keep me happy for a bunch of years. I found it - my '09 650R. What a great bike, it looks great, feels great and handles well on the road. At a street light I blow away cars behind me with no effort. I tool around on it every chance I get and have driven it to work a few times in D.C. rush hour traffic, which is horrible. I've ridden well over six hours with little to no discomfort. It's fun in the twisties and does a good job keeping up with my friends 1000cc bikes. My only complaint is that the bike is too quiet but I love that the exhaust is under the bike (no chance of getting burned when I get off). Show less

I am already looking into upgrading the seat and adding after market accessories. It was great dealing with the dealer here. Show less

I chose this bike as my first, due to the seating position and low power. The price was a big seller, too. I recommend this bike to any learner or commuter but those looking for power or performance should look somewhere else. It's a blast to ride but tops off too quick for us "speed freaks". I traded it in for a ZX6R after a few thousand miles but owe all my first riding experiences to this great bike. Show less

Second bike, first was a Kaw, klr-650, the er-6n is night and day from that. I have a company truck and have to find time to ride. I already have more miles on this than the klr last year. The bike is awesome and rides better that I had hoped. Show less