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2009 Kawasaki Models

Posted by Kenn Stamp

Friday, 14 November 2008

2009 Kawasaki Models:

2009 ZX-6R

The sportbike class never sits still. If a manufacturer decides to rest on their laurels they quickly find themselves by themselves while the rest of the pack has left them behind. Kawasaki is not one to rest on their laurels. Kawasaki wants to make sure that they are in front of the group and not sucking exhaust in the back. To meet this goal they have done an extensive overhaul to the ZX-6R; weight shaving, improving mass centralization, refining the motor and chassis, and adding a new front fork design.

The result if all this tweaking should be a bike that is lighter, handles better, has better throttle response, and an increase in performance. Will it be enough to allow it to run at the top of the class? We'll see. Our West Coast Editor, Brad Puetz, will definitely be wringing one out later in the year so stay tuned.

2009 Ninja 650R

While the 09 Ninja 650R isn't an entirely new bike, it has had over 40 updates and refinements over the 08 model. To keep the bike fresh and able to entice both new and experienced riders Kawasaki made several changes to the frame, swingarm, and suspension that result in less vibration and better handling. For the vertically challenged amongst us the seat has been slimmed up and lowered which should make reaching the ground a bit easier; no need to get that expensive leg lengthening operation now, huh?

We are planning a comparison test between the Ninja 650R and some of it's competition so keep on the look-out for that.

2009 ER-6n

Take one part Ninja 650R (running gear) and one part Z1000 (styling), mix them both together, and voila! you have the all new Kawasaki ER-6n. This is the perfect bike for those that desire the rideability of the 650R but want a naked sportfighter. From what we can tell Kawasaki pretty much carried over all the hardware from the 650R and just wrapped it in new bodywork; no de-tuning of the motor or suspension. We may be wrong in this and if we are then we'll apoplogize now and never mention it again. OK?

We will certainly be getting this into our stable at some point so keep your eyes open for the full bike test.

2009 KLX250SF

Since this bike is based on the KLX250S dual sport bike we are guessing the "SF" stands for "Street Fun". Or maybe it stands for "Serious Fun". Either way this should be one heck of a fun back road burner and commuter bike. Looking at the pictures you can see that Kawasaki did a great job with the styling as the bike doesn't look like "only" a 250.

The KLX250SF comes with fully adjustable suspension with 16-way compression and rebound damping on both the 4mm inverted front forks and the Uni-Trak rear suspension. Couple that with the a 6-speed transmission, 17in wheels, and a short wheelbase and you've got a recipe for fun.

We are planning a head to head with the Honda CRF230M so stay tuned!

2009 Super Sherpa

Maybe it's just me but whenever I say the name of this bike I envision some guy decked out in furs and a cape flying around the Himalayas. OK so I'm disturbed. Luckily for those riders out there who are looking for a bike that can handle the daily commute in traffic, tackle all kinds of off-road terrain, and get great fuel mileage, Kawasaki brought the Super Sherpa to the US.....silly name and all.

The Super Sherpa's air cooled, dual overhead cam, four-valve single cylinder engine should not only return spectacular fuel economy but be rock solid dependable as well.

2009 Vulcan 1700 Voyager

Kawasaki jumps onto the full dress bagger bandwagon for 2009 with their new Voyager. The Voyager is loaded with every electronic goody that Kawasaki could fit on it since that is what the long distance, full dress crowd expects. From their first Electronic Throttle Valve System and Coactive Braking Technology to cruise control and a sound system that is MP3 compatible, the Vulcan 1700 Voyager won't disappoint those that demand the latest tech in their rides.

While the 1700cc motor is based on the 2000cc motor found in the Vulcan 2000, it uses a SOHC in each head instead of a push-rod OHV arrangement found on the bigger displacement motor. Using SOHC cams allows the motor to rev higher and offers superior passing performance at highway speeds; very important on a bike designed to go the distance.

You can check out all of the 2009 Kawsaki line-up at Kawasaki.com

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