Kawasaki ER-6f

The ER6-f faired version gets completely new bodywork and top fairing compared to the current model with Kawasaki happy to make the link to the Supersports bikes in the Kawasaki range.

There's no doubting the fact the ER6-f is a great looking motorcycle. Sportier looks based on the Ninja supersports range, a new frame, swingarm and suspension are backed up by the restyled bodywork, with a new taller fuel tank adding to the fantastic 650cc parallel twin motor.

Mechanical changes to the engine are not radical – just as well as the 649cc parallel twin powerplant is one of the best bits of the current bike. With 71bhp, the current bike is able to provide a superb package - the decent torque of 49lb ft allowing the light weight and easy handling to deal with town and country roads easily with a 130mph top speed. It's unlikely the new engine will have much more power or torque but Kawasaki has revealed it will rev more easily - suggesting engine internals have been lightened to allow this to happen.

The other changes that have been made to the motor include tweaks to fuel injection and mapping to give smoother low and mid rev range response and allow it a quicker revving character.

According to Kawasaki the changes to the rest of the bike are aimed at reducing vibration and giving the bike lighter handling which suggests some weight-saving has been done on the steel framed bike.

The ER-6 has always been a great fun package offering an accessible bike to new riders but still able to keep more experienced people happy and entertained.

Wavy discs, off-set rear suspension and an underslung exhaust all remain in place with the updated looks giving the bike a much more aggressive look. Anti-lock brakes remain an option on both versions of the bike - currently a £300 option.

Kawasaki says "Building on the key values of its highly acclaimed predecessor, the new ER-6f continues to offer a package that is both fun and easy to ride, and matches its sporty street performance with aggressive new Ninja supersport styling.

"The balance of compact size and good power offered by the ER-6f’s predecessor was the key to its success. To fit into its trim package, an in-line four would have been too wide and a V-twin too long. The only engine design that offered both good power characteristics and the requisite compactness was a Parallel Twin.

"While maintaining this balance, the new engine gets a number of tweaks that offer smoother low-mid response and a quicker-revving character. Changes to the frame, swinging arm and suspension result in reduced vibration and lighter handling."