In 2009, the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer released the Kawasaki ER-6n, a motorcycle that shared its signature trellis frame, offset laydown rear shock absorber, swingarm, suspension, and chassis with the Ninja 650R.
The chassis rigidity balance and suspension settings, along with the upper-rear rubber-mounted engine and rubber-mounted handlebar, reduced vibrations and offered lighter handling qualities, while the rider and passenger footpegs were also rubber coated for fewer vibrations.
An ideal handlebar, seat, and footpegs triangle resulted in a comfortable and natural riding position that was suited for a wide range of riders, and the aluminum passenger grips were positioned and shaped for an easy grab by the passenger.
In the performance department, the 2009 Kawasaki ER-6n was powered by a 649cc four-stroke parallel-twin liquid-cooled engine that delivered an output power of 72 hp with a peak at 8,500 rpm and 66 Nm (49 lb-ft) of torque available at 7,000 rpm.
The key to its slender size was the compact fuel-injected engine that allowed the use of a narrow and lightweight frame dressed in a sharp and muscular bodywork that gave the bike an aggressive appearance.
For suspension, the bike packed a 41 mm telescopic fork on the front and a preload-adjustable laydown shock absorber on the rear, while the braking performance was handled by two 300 mm discs with two-piston calipers on the front and a 220 mm disc squeezed by a single-piston caliper on the rear wheel.