The Best Budget Motorcycle

The Best Budget Motorcycle - Kawasaki ER6f

Рет қаралды 75,365

Күн бұрын

The Best Budget Motorcycle - Kawasaki ER6f
Ah the good old budget bike… the work horse, the winter hack, the bullet-proof year-round warrior.
As cheap motorcycles, they don’t come much better or more budget than Kawasaki’s Er-6f.
Play your cards right and a cheap motorcycle like our Kawasaki ER-6 could cost you less than a cheap mobile phone contract! While the value of a car has a quite linear and aggressive value drop over its lifetime, motorcycles are often quite different. The foundation for the ultimate budget bike purchase is do with the value curve of the motorcycle. Less to do with the price you pay for the motorcycle, and more to do with your price in and out of ownership, a shrewd rider can own a great bike like our ER6 for peanuts.
But just because its a cheap motorcycle doesn’t make it good, right? While this isn’t necessarily a review of the Kawasaki ER6f, actually, the Er6 is awesome, a really great do it all road bike! Its 71hp engine enough to engage on the road, sweet handling and while not the latest and greatest, can still provide a great experience. In terms of performance, it is largely similar to the current Kawasaki Ninja 650. Its also a fantastic option for riders looking for their first big bike, and for female riders due to its low seat height and easy manoeuvrability. However, because it’s a budget bike, you aren’t tied to the same concerns as with a new bike, no PCP future value to worry about, no official service schedule etc.. Want to ride a trail, no problems, want to ride throughout winter, go for it! And therein lies the beauty, while owning a cheap motorcycle may feel like a compromise, it could be a blessing in disguise and unlock some of ridings best kept secrets.
Hope you enjoyed this one, let us know in the comments.
Aaron
KNOX
On test, I was wearing:
Knox Urbane Pro - www.planet-knox.com/product/u...
Knox Richmond MKII - www.planet-knox.com/product/r...
Knox Covert MKIII - www.planet-knox.com/product/c...
Knox Waterproof OverJacket - www.planet-knox.com/product/z...
Knox Waterproof Overpants - www.planet-knox.com/product/z...
Knox Ryder Rucksack - www.planet-knox.com/product/k...
Our workings on our Budget ER-6f are as follows:
Purchasing the bike at £2,500 and selling 3 years later at £2,000 - monthly depreciation cost of £13.89/month
Insurance cost via Devitt of £74.80/12 = £6.23/month
UK Road Tax - £91/year = £7.58/month
Total on the road = £27.70.
Obviously this does not include servicing or consumables like tyres etc, but is enough to give you a real guide on how accessible motorcycling can be if approached from a certain part of the market.

Пікірлер: 113

@dmitrybayandin8531 3 жыл бұрын

Great video! Really honest and encouraging for new riders, thank you for this

@KnoxArmour 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Dmitry, appreciate it! Its funny because riding this bike is so much fun... I'd never dream of taking a £16k superduke off road, but no issues taking the er6!! 🤙 thanks Aaron Knox

@dmitrybayandin8531 3 жыл бұрын

@@KnoxArmour have had my Kawasaki z650 (first bike) for a bit less than 2 years now and despite having bought it new from the dealership, cannot overstate how good it is as a daliy do-it-all machine...I guess the off-road is the only frontier I would not dare taking it to...at least for now :)

@fordeden638 2 жыл бұрын

I dont mean to be so off topic but does someone know a method to log back into an instagram account? I was dumb forgot my account password. I love any tips you can give me!

@mekhibeckett7847 2 жыл бұрын

@Ford Eden instablaster =)

@justkidding9751 10 ай бұрын

I bought my Er6f in 2006, I toured the UK and did 12,000 miles in the first year I then did a 2 year tour of Europe. It's a fantastic all-rounder, never missed a beat . It was my daily ride until I had back surgery in 2013 It sat in my garage for nearly 10 years. I put a new battery on it and changed the fuel and it started the first time. I've since given it a full service including all fluids and filters and put a new exhaust in it. It went through the MOT with no advisories and I'm back on the road at 64 years of age she's all the bike I need. I would NEVER sell her. Amazing little beauty with no flash electronics just a simple bike that does everything you throw at her and more as it still puts a smile on my face. 10/10 to Kawasaki for the ER6F ❤

@raimee81 Жыл бұрын

Been looking to get a big bike. First one in fact. I've had a cheap ER6F or N on the list. But as I keep researching the market place my tastes get more and more expensive. This video more than anything else, brought me back down to earth and reminded me why I want to get into motorcycles.

@Justwanthavefun_100 3 жыл бұрын

Budget bikes better than expensive bikes - cheaper to repair & service - better fuel economy - can ride anywhere anytime any weather - less problem - cheaper to insure - fun to ride

@stanleyknife1967 3 жыл бұрын

So true about not having to worry about the mileage or keeping the bike 'pristine'!

@KnoxArmour 3 жыл бұрын

Yes, love to just be able to ride and not think about anything else! Aaron KNOX

@souhailshamaissem7564 2 жыл бұрын

This is my third time watching your video and I still enjoy it just as much as the first time. It's very well made and very informative. Thank you and hope to see more of your videos.

@KnoxArmour 2 жыл бұрын

Many thanks Souhail! This video was fun to put together. Thanks, Aaron KNOX

@souhailshamaissem7564 2 жыл бұрын

I watched your video for the second time and I found it very informative. Thank you.

@adamlefebvre1992 3 жыл бұрын

Great little bikes. I brought one for a run around to save putting miles on my other bikes, and even in better weather I find myself taking it out more and more.

@UniversalBikers16 3 жыл бұрын

The ER6 parallel twin is a peach of an engine! Great video,

@KnoxArmour 3 жыл бұрын

@mrtobiasreiper4714 3 жыл бұрын

With a backpack on, you look like you are going for a heist 😂👍. Nice

@KnoxArmour 3 жыл бұрын

I was :)

@blakewilkinson2702 Жыл бұрын

I have 10 years experience in the saddle. Still ride a ER6f. Ownership of one of these is cheap for all the reasons mentioned in this video. This bike will still put a smile on your face, you can do all your own servicing, tinkering and fettling. I use it year round and have put more miles on this than my Jag!

@Giitzerland Жыл бұрын

I've never sold a bike for less than I bought it for. I buy 5-10 years used 5-10k miles on the ticker, and shoot for a good price, with patience, I give myself 2 weeks with every purchase, and if I have even a hint of a bad feeling about it, I trust my intuition. Keep them under cover, or garaged(preferred), try not avoid rain, and mud, and wipe it down when it gets wet, and the obvious common sense boxes that everyone but the spoiled, or dumb fail to check(oil, tires, brakes), and you guarantee a resale you can smile about. Most of all, keep records! People LOVE to see proof that you did what you said, that trust carries into the deal when it comes to the money. Ride every bike for no more than 4k miles, and try to keep it under the red flag mileage(10k for fast bikes, 15k cruisers, 25k for touring), always ell before you hit any of those milestones. I've ridden for free for a very long time, and tend to upgrade my ride each time. Anyone can do it, and once you've done it once or twice, it's easy afterwards, effortless even! Good luck.

@jasicjan Жыл бұрын

sounds interesting. I would love the reselling of the bikes. Love the thrill of bargaining etc. Is there some source where i can learn more about this? Buying bike for less and selling for same or higher price? I dont need money i just want to learn those skills :)

@patg14 3 жыл бұрын

I got one of these. New bars for ergonomics, replaced the chain, sprockets teeth reduced/increased, new plugs, air filter, engine/injection cleaned... You'd never know it's 16 years old

@KnoxArmour 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome! Great bike!

@blogtodeath4736 3 жыл бұрын

Totally agree, people who buy brand new bikes then chuck them in after three years are bonkers! A 5-10 yr old bike has so much reliable life left in it. I rarely pay more then 2000gbp for a car and bikes can be had for even less.

@MrChick86 3 жыл бұрын

Even If have money, I would go for a beauty like this. I mean there is some unique charm about classic bikes! Thanks for your high quality content videos 😊

@KnoxArmour 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Youssef! You know what, think I enjoyed myself equally if not more on this bike than some of the much more expensive models we test... you'd never do offroad on a £16k SuperDuke R! Aaron KNOX

@brutwinky6492 3 жыл бұрын

Just bought a 2008 two weeks ago for my first bike, in good condtion with 8 previous owners and 23500 on odo, last owner did 10k in two as his first bike, got it for £1500 was asking £1800, has an after market exaust which is a bit load, but only i ride steady really so its not too bad. Great bike.

@KnoxArmour 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome, enjoy it!!

@SipePerkele 3 жыл бұрын

Im 30+ and about to buy a motorcycle. Did my licence with er6n (loan bike) and totally fell in love with it exept I hated driving main roads because no wind resistance at all.. so I think er6f should be better commuter as first bike. :)

@pauljosephmma 2 жыл бұрын

I just sold my er6n and looking at a er6f, you're right the er6n is horrible on the highway with strong winds

@sebbwebbo7557 3 жыл бұрын

I have the same bike and it's great. absolutely reliable, fun and cheap. had great moments with this motorcycle. sure..she's not the prettiest bike, the wind noise on my helmet is annoying at higher speeds (I'm 184cm), my ass hurts after 3 hours of riding and the load change isn't best...but hey..it's my baby :D

@KnoxArmour 3 жыл бұрын

Absolutely!! Aaron KNOX

@Revvs7 Жыл бұрын

I have a 2015 ER6F which i brought for £4200. Ive been using it for about a year now and its a great little all year rounder. I use to commute almost everyday and its never let me down. The only negative thing i can say is that the fairings rattle at some rpms.

@KnoxArmour Жыл бұрын

Thats great, brilliant bike... but yes it does have an annoying buzz at certain rpms... Aaron KNOX

@WilliamdThompson 2 жыл бұрын

I have the same 2007 plasma blue Kawasaki, but mine is a 650R. I am quite attached to my bike and take good care of her. She only has 5,600 miles and is in pristine condition. The bike's only flaw is a pronounced fairing buzz at 4,000 rpm. I'm thinking of trading her in for MT-07 however. Thank you.

@TheMotorcycleMuse 3 жыл бұрын

Nice video. Enjoyed watching that and lots of common sense advice. Lovely engine note off that ER6F. Everytime I see one advertised they seem very cheap. Probably should have gone for one instead of my Ninja 250SL

@KnoxArmour 3 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it! Aaron KNOX

@souhailshamaissem7564 3 жыл бұрын

Top video mate.

@Hazardous975 2 жыл бұрын

I absolutely adore this bike in bright green. I think its the main reason I want this as my first bike 😂

@Sonicjr1980 Жыл бұрын

Great model desctription, useful thoughts. Congrats.

@KnoxArmour Жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@michaldugovic2480 3 жыл бұрын

Nice vid, my 3rd bike IS er6-f but later version, 2011, it is orange and i got it fearly cheap as second hand and with under 10k km, added some accessories, and bam, great bike

@KnoxArmour 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks, glad you like yours! Aaron KNOX

@paulwhite7978 Жыл бұрын

I'm a terrible motorcycle owner, an irresponsible cheapskate, and I've owned two. When someone crashed into my 1st big bike, I just bought another. I've dropped them both, taken them camping with all my kit in a soggy field, slid off in the snow/ice, took one up a footpath along some cliffs by the sea and had to turn it around. I barely clean the thing or do much maintenance, but still it just eats the miles. I've been from the UK to norway, race through town and city traffic in the UK all year round, weave though motorway traffic like a loon. It's light and maneuverable, riding at speed, around traffic or just moving it up kerbs and into yards or any awkward place. Always runs fine, always gets you there no sweat. I'd confidently set off the other side of the world on it, I'll certainly see half of europe before I spend any valuable petrol/hotel money on another bike! It has far more performance than is safe or legal to use 95% of the time unless you're on a racetrack or the autobahn and costs far less than even the cheapest car to keep. BUY ONE NOW WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?!!

@motionmediaco.7558 2 жыл бұрын

really good video very useful, I'm thinking of getting an ER6f as my fist big bike!

@KnoxArmour 2 жыл бұрын

Go for it!

@svenkulka8250 Жыл бұрын

Thank you

@FrankieMankie 3 жыл бұрын

There is actually an ABS version of this bike. I reccomend that one 100%

@KnoxArmour 3 жыл бұрын

Sure, they are all good! Aaron KNOX

@RacexEV 3 жыл бұрын

Yup i actually owned it and it was incredible.

@UralaTAO 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome video.

@KnoxArmour 2 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it

@shiftyshamsk 3 жыл бұрын

Good review! Not everyone has £1000's to spend. This kawasaki ER6F is a decent bike. I've a £1400 250R Ninja. Slow, but I'd go anywhere on it It'll do the wrong side of the speed limits. Passing anything about 65 on a back road is best avoided. But that's fast enough on it. It'll thrash along at 80 on a motorway. It'll rev it's nuts off to 12k too if your feeling angry.. Get a budget bike!!

@KnoxArmour 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Yes the Er6 is a brilliant budget bike! Aaron KNOX

@ajoymahato46 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome review , please do more of these , Japanese engines are awesome 👍😀😀😄 please review the Triumph Street Triple R S and RS 🙏👍😀

@KnoxArmour 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Ajoy! Aaron KNOX

@user-di4lb1uz5d 22 күн бұрын

terrific 👍

@clintneville9767 3 жыл бұрын

I’ve been looking at buying this bike. I’m 53 and new to biking. Should have done my MOD 2 test on Tuesday but alas not to be (COVID) !

@KnoxArmour 3 жыл бұрын

Its a really good first big bike! Sure you'll love it! Aaron KNOX

@aeror115 3 жыл бұрын

Good points, there are many good and reliable budget bikes out there and a er6f is definitely one of them 👍

@KnoxArmour 3 жыл бұрын

Couldn't agree more!

@FloFloFlowable 3 жыл бұрын

I bought my er6f in 2008 and I love it 😍

@KnoxArmour 3 жыл бұрын

Brilliant bike! Aaron KNOX

@kevinSkieper 3 жыл бұрын

Me too, all black/silver, best looking bike for the price. And ridewise it's all I need. Comfortable, enough power, good brakes. The two bad points to me are the front suspension which sometimes has a hard time on bumpy roads and the windscreen trembling/rattling noice. But neither of those two are dealbreakers. I'm holding on to this bike as long as I can.

@FloFloFlowable 3 жыл бұрын

@@kevinSkieper me too. Wishing you a safe ride 🏍️

@kevinSkieper 3 жыл бұрын

@@FloFloFlowable you too 👊

@jamiegibson202 3 жыл бұрын

Same, just got a 57 plate one silver and gold I love it.

@TronciM 3 жыл бұрын

Getting a 2013 one soon

@darkozivanovic8310 3 жыл бұрын

Hi there, thanks for this video :) Really enjoyed it. I am a former chopper rider and few years back I got this bike. Now it is time to change tires but I am clueless about which one to get so can you help me and recommend which one to get please . I don't like to ride in rain unless It catches up with me and mostly ride on asphalt. Can you help? Thanks a lot. Nice editing...really loved it. Great color too :)

@KnoxArmour 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Darko, glad you enjoyed it! I searched for the tyre options with the given sizes, and from experience I would recommend the Michelin Road 5 for you. They are an all around excellent tyre, we've done track days on them with great results, fantastic in the wet, plush feel and perform really well in the cold too. That would be my choice on that bike. THanks, Aaron KNOX

@darkozivanovic8310 3 жыл бұрын

@@KnoxArmour Thanks for you fast reply :D

@DersNoNem 6 ай бұрын

I have heard the model from before 2016 have valve snapped problem. I am planning to buy one though. Hopefully it won't be a problem.

@tonytone5462 3 жыл бұрын

Ive been commuting to work for the past 2 1/2 yrs on a 2016 Kawasaki Ninja 650. Its a great bike. I have a Yoshimura full exhaust on it and some other comforts for my commute and its a great bike for what its worth and what i use it for. I do all the fluids and tune ups and all myself so i save some money

@KnoxArmour 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome Tony!

@juve750 3 жыл бұрын

For approximately the same amount of money I'd choose the Versys 650!!!

@juve750 3 жыл бұрын

Thought I bought a Etv 1000 Capo for about 2500euro last year !! Lol

@Sh4d0wzzz 11 ай бұрын

I like the looks of this model better then the new model.

@First_Principals 3 жыл бұрын

I bought a 2009 in 2018 with less than 700 miles on it and almost like new condition. What tyres would you recommend on the road?

@KnoxArmour 3 жыл бұрын

Hi! Pretty sure you can get the Michelin Road 5 in those sizes, they are incredible fit for the bike and would be my personal recommendation, from cold and wet riding through to track days too... we used them on the Kawasaki Z1000sx and they were fantastic. Thanks, Aaron KNOX

@HONDALUIGI21 7 ай бұрын

I got my self the naked version the er6n

@Sh4d0wzzz 11 ай бұрын

I just bought one. But I might regret it. It seems I'm to big for it and the sadel really hurts my ass. But it rides wonderful though.

@twowheelsdown2062 2 жыл бұрын

May I ask how the er6f 650 will fit a 6'1 rider? Thank u

@KnoxArmour 2 жыл бұрын

Very well, its quite a roomy bike! Aaron KNOX

@BZeeLife 2 жыл бұрын

🔥

@mrpatricksipai9197 3 жыл бұрын

This bike really looks fun In Nepal here, this bike costs around 18 lakhs. (288% import tax ) :D a duke 390 is 8.3 lakhs i guess you don't have bajaj pulsar. their bikes in highest cost 5.2 lakhs for BAJAJ DOMINAR(dual abs) and 3.5 lakhs for a NS 200 ( abs)

@user-sw2lv3zp6o 3 жыл бұрын

Great bike, although I prefer the ER6n.

@KnoxArmour 3 жыл бұрын

Yes, they're both great, pretty much the same, only this is the faired version. Thanks, Aaron KNOX

@GlasgowBandit 3 жыл бұрын

Debating on getting this for my first bike after passing my DAS what would you say?

@KnoxArmour 3 жыл бұрын

Excellent first bike after DAS and is the bike I got on after my own DAS... It has enough performance to keep you engaged for a good few years yet isnt super scary. Then when you have been riding a long time and have owned more powerful bikes, you can jump back on it and appreciate just having fun on a great all-round motorcycle that doesn't cost the Earth! Aaron KNOX

@GlasgowBandit 3 жыл бұрын

@@KnoxArmour yea I was debating on a Ninja 300 aswell but I just feel it would lack that punch for motorway riding where as if just buy this straight after I pass I won't be chasing any extra power or thrills for a few years

@RRRRefuelRideRace 3 жыл бұрын

Great bike for what it is. You get a lot. :) I rode one. Plan to do the test ride. Check it and stay tuned.

@aidenbaxter9019 3 жыл бұрын

Whats a good tyre for this bike 2006 model

@KnoxArmour 3 жыл бұрын

Hi, not the BT016 that are on our one (they are pretty rubbish in wet and cold). Michelin Road 5 are an amazing tyre which fits... we run them on Geoff's Z1000sx and are a brilliant option in all weather and more than sticky enough to do a few track days on and get your knee down. Thanks, Aaron KNOX

@sebbwebbo7557 3 жыл бұрын

I own the 2006 model and can recommend the pirelli angel gt 2 :)

@bencluroe4183 Жыл бұрын

Superb video, I’m currently looking for a budget bike. Just sold my expensive adventure bike. It’s not the be and end all, Just makes you nervous and worried all the time about ownership and costs. Sub 2k for the win

@KnoxArmour Жыл бұрын

Haha, yes, definitely something in a bike you can really use and abuse. Thanks, Aaron KNOX

@bencluroe4183 Жыл бұрын

@@KnoxArmour my current budget is 3k either looking for decent vstrom or erf are the front runners. Thanks for the content. 🤙🏼

@bencluroe4183 Жыл бұрын

@@KnoxArmour does anyone still own the blue er6?

@user-pc7us8oc5v 3 жыл бұрын

😀

@faridelfadani5404 3 жыл бұрын

The ultimate budget bike in North America and Europe, not in asia, its 75 million rupiah motorcycle here

@yunavictoria9050 3 жыл бұрын

2008？

@KnoxArmour 3 жыл бұрын

Yes!

@Fee.1 3 жыл бұрын

Wait you are associated with Knox then?

@KnoxArmour 3 жыл бұрын

We are Knox. Thanks, Aaron KNOX

@Fee.1 3 жыл бұрын

Knox Armour what’s the best way to reach you? Email?

@mavisbeeswax8136 9 ай бұрын

For everyone who isn't a quiet little boy, if you wanna do 2j miles a day.. .modern bikes make something available that was not previously. Haha. Queer boi us sweet 😅

@barnbersonol 2 жыл бұрын

The best idiot-proof cheap bike is a 2011-13 cbr250r. There are always 5 or 6 on ebay and you can get one for £1500. Or the earlier cbf 250 except they're a bit slow. Trust me, i shud know. I browse bikes online 4 hours on end. (Yes I m THAT sad)

@rjtastic 3 жыл бұрын

nice, informative vid but come on guys, bring back the 21:9 format.

@KnoxArmour 3 жыл бұрын

Haha, thanks.. 😀. Not sure it fits all the projects, but will bear that in mind. Aaron Knox

@rjtastic 3 жыл бұрын

@@KnoxArmour oh, glad that there is a youtube channel that actually cares about what people like watching. thanks, your videos are well shot, well produced and making it @21:9 aspect ratio makes for even more cinematic experience, actually it is the reason i subbed, after watching your 1290 super duke R review.

@flippy66 Жыл бұрын

This video spent more time talking about "budget bikes" (whatever that means) in general, and plugging their own gear, than actually talking about the ER6. Always funny when people get graphs out for the most simple - and completely unevidenced - nonsense. Leave the graphs to Fort Nine. You calculated your current market value in 2021, right when prices for used vehicles were at their highest in years due to Covid. So saying this represents an example of a value curve is flawed from the start.

@KnoxArmour Жыл бұрын

Thanks but video was posted in 2020... and even in 2023, the examples given in the video still apply today. Thanks, Aaron KNOX