Like most purchasers of this bike, the number 1 reason I bought it was for its great looks, but also in combo with overall competence. I liked the look of Kawasaki's Euro version of this new 650R (ER6n - ova der) even better. So after buying the American faired version, and getting the 600 break-in miles outta the way, I got a busy with the fine tooth jig-saw and cut about 3/4 of my fairing off; revealing an awesome looking semi-naked sport bike (upper part of fairing and windshield still intact). For its price, this is an excellently designed and built middleweight sport bike. It can also be referred to as somewhat of a lightweight on the sport bike performance scale. The stock bike does the 1/4 mile in the low 12's, within a couple tenths of the 12 flat performance of the Suzuki SV650S, it's main market target, and in the ball park with such as the Ducati Monster 800. ... With its stiff stock suspension (non-adjustable forks, but adjustable rear shock) it is an excellent little cornering bike; a genuine 'canyon carver'. I call it little, and somewhat 'wanting' in the acceleration department, because I'm a tall guy weighing a bit over 250, and my previous bike was a Suzuki V-Strom DL1000. ... I have upgraded performance with the addition of after market exhaust, sprocket, metallic brake pads, and tires (listed below). Like a few of the newest bikes, this one does not need an expensive ECU (electronic power commander) to get the after market exhaust working well and at max performance gain. I'm still waiting for availability of a low-restriction air filter (likely a BMC or K&N;). With all these mods this bike should run the quarter in the mid to upper 11's, which then puts it's performance on par with other true sport bikes, but obviously not with the supersport bikes (which are too fast and dangerous for most real world streets, in my opinion). ... The only annoying matter is the 'fairing buzz', common to all 650R's. The factory/dealer repair kit for this problem is only minimally effective - reducing the buzz but not killing it. ... Overall, the 650R is really a fun bike, at a great price. I'd love to see the same design come out with a bit more powerful engine, such as enlarging it's current one up to 750cc.
Upgrades/Accessories: Upgrades:
- Leo Vince brand exhaust muffler. Good sound and noticable performance gain (up to 7 more h.p. in some dyno tests).
- Sprocket Specialties 48 tooth rear sprocket (stock has 46). It also noticably improves acceleration, with minimal loss of top end performance.
- Dunlop Sportmax Qualifier tires in the stock sizes. Superb tires! An excellent choice for a street/track combo. The stock Bridgestone brand in the upgrade model BT014 are also great tires that will improve cornering, and also worth the moderate price.
- BMC HH rated front metallic brake pads. The stock ones have been improved from what they first came out with, but it's tough to beat these pads for a street/track combo. Another worthwhile purchase.
- Waiting for the soon to be available BMC low restriction air filter.
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