Photo: Oberdan Bezzi
Italian designer Oberdan Bezzi comes forward with two variations of Kawasaki's ER-6 machines that could complement the existing line-up quite neatly. One was called Froggie and is a cafe-racer, while the Koyote is a scrambler.
Froggie builds on the existing ER-6n naked machine but leaves the edgy "Transformers" looks behind. The bodywork is more fluid and has rounded profiles that hark back to retro race bikes.
The aggressive headlight is replaced by a classic round one, and the tail section receives a new profile that changes the bike entirely. Likewise, the Froggie's brushed aluminum tank with a retro fuel cap, low clip-ons and wire spoked wheels add even more character to the build and will certainly look appealing if they make it into production.
Koyote takes the ER-6n platform for a walk on the wild side, as it brings the scrambler DNA to the front. The project is as feasible as it gets, as it only employs a few changes to the existing bike.
The ER-6 Scrambler needs a little extra suspensions travel, which is easily made possible with a longer rear monoshock and taller forks, and new, taller and wider handlebars to help steer the bike on rough terrain. Of course, a bash plate is a most welcome addition to protect the belly against flying rocks, while knobby tires would ensure great traction even on muddy trails.
Fairly lightweight and affordable, the ER-6 machine packs enough punch and sportiveness to be thrilling for the experienced riders, while still being forgiving. As for rideability and maneuverability, this machine can be the perfect city slicer, while adding some luggage systems will also make it a worthy choice for longer trips.
Still, Kawasaki could improve their game and play along with the "platform tune," adding models based on the ER-6 parallel twin recipe. More and more manufacturers upgrade their ranges with new models derived from existing bikes, introducing models that meet the needs of a wider variety of riders.
The costs of such "variations" are incomparably lower than those involved in developing a new bike altogether, and this makes the endeavor a very lucrative one. Plus, it also adds customer satisfaction, and this represents a very important capital in the long run. We'd certainly love to see Akashi bring Oberdan Bezzi's machines into production, how about you?
The aggressive headlight is replaced by a classic round one, and the tail section receives a new profile that changes the bike entirely. Likewise, the Froggie's brushed aluminum tank with a retro fuel cap, low clip-ons and wire spoked wheels add even more character to the build and will certainly look appealing if they make it into production.
Koyote takes the ER-6n platform for a walk on the wild side, as it brings the scrambler DNA to the front. The project is as feasible as it gets, as it only employs a few changes to the existing bike.
The ER-6 Scrambler needs a little extra suspensions travel, which is easily made possible with a longer rear monoshock and taller forks, and new, taller and wider handlebars to help steer the bike on rough terrain. Of course, a bash plate is a most welcome addition to protect the belly against flying rocks, while knobby tires would ensure great traction even on muddy trails.
Kawasaki ER-6 Cafe and ER-6 Scrambler, why not?
The Kawasaki ER-6 platform was, straight from the first year it was introduced, one of the go-to solutions for both new and returning riders. With both naked and fully-faired machines in production, the ER-6 platform has pretty much all the right characteristics for a perfect allrounder.Fairly lightweight and affordable, the ER-6 machine packs enough punch and sportiveness to be thrilling for the experienced riders, while still being forgiving. As for rideability and maneuverability, this machine can be the perfect city slicer, while adding some luggage systems will also make it a worthy choice for longer trips.
Still, Kawasaki could improve their game and play along with the "platform tune," adding models based on the ER-6 parallel twin recipe. More and more manufacturers upgrade their ranges with new models derived from existing bikes, introducing models that meet the needs of a wider variety of riders.
The costs of such "variations" are incomparably lower than those involved in developing a new bike altogether, and this makes the endeavor a very lucrative one. Plus, it also adds customer satisfaction, and this represents a very important capital in the long run. We'd certainly love to see Akashi bring Oberdan Bezzi's machines into production, how about you?
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