Funky middleweights
Yamaha’s MT-07 isn’t the only lightweight, fun, mid-sized roadster in town. Here are six second-hand alternatives
The complete package Kawasaki ER-6N > £2000-£4000 > 649cc parallel twin > 71bhp > 204kg (wet)
KAWASAKI’S FUNKY ER-6N comes in three flavours: the 2006 original; a tweaked engine and restyle in 2009; and a full overhaul in 2012. The first model had a bulbous, Euro-look; by 2012 the ER-6N was sharper and more modern, fitting with Kawasaki’s Ninja styling. But all three models are suffused with the same honesty, enthusiasm and practicality. The 180° crank parallel twin (which Kawasaki once claimed was ‘half a ZX-12R’) is a lively, entertaining and charismatic powerplant, making around 64bhp at the wheel and loping off through its rev range like a gangly hare — though it does run out of puff well short of the 11,000rpm redline. Meanwhile the steel-tube frame and basic suspension (with distinctive side-mounted shock) deliver an agile, lightweight, user-friendly ride. Don’t expect luxury ride quality or high-speed race-bike damping control as standard though. It is what it is.
But then, the ER-6 is also what it isn’t. The platform (in faired ‘f’ format) has formed the backbone of the Lightweight class in road racing, with ERS cleaning up and making up the bulk of the grid. Not bad for a mid-priced middleweight.
Civil obedience BMW F800R
> £3500-£8000 > 798cc parallel twin > 87bhp > 202kg (wet) BMW’S naked, frugal F800 isn’t as popular as its GS sibling but it ought to be because the R is a joyful, undemanding and well-mannered roadster. Its belt-drive parallel twin may not be prodigiously powered but it’s economical and can smoothly punt along at a fair old rate, rider deep in the bike and out of the wind. But the real delight is discovering its excellent road-holding and chassis. Supple, controlled and implacably stable, the BMW’S ride — and build — quality are reflected in its high used prices.
Old but gold Honda Hornet CB600F
> £800-£3400 > 599cc inline four > 97bhp > 198kg (wet) The Hornet 600 hails from a previous generation of quality naked middleweights: with an engine based on the 1990s CBR600F supersports 600 and a simple steel-spine frame, the 1998 Hornet 600 proved a blend of durability and practicality — evidenced by numerous used bikes about today. The first gen had a 16in front wheel; from 2000 they’re 17in. 2005 added USD forks; in 2007 styling, engine and chassis got overhauled. In 2013 the Hornet was replaced by the CB650F, and lo, there was much gnashing of teeth.
The Italian Job Ducati Monster 696
> £3200-£4800 > 696cc 90° V-twin > 80bhp > 185kg (wet)
Basically an updated and restyled Monster 695, the 2008 696 combined underseat cans, aggressive styling and an unintimidating ease of use to wow entry-level Ducati Monster fans. Slightly underpowered but who cares when it looks so good?
The forgotten son Yamaha XJ6 Diversion
> £2000-£3400 > 600cc inline four > 78bhp > 205kg (wet)
Yamaha’s last go at an inline four middleweight all-rounder failed to win many fans, remaining anonymous and overlooked despite a willing motor, soft but controlled suspension and agile handling.
The faithful servant Suzuki SV650
> £500-£1500 > 645cc 90° V-twin > 72bhp > 198kg (wet)
Born at the end of the 1990s, the firstgeneration SV (and half-faired S) captured the hearts of young riders looking for a sporty, bargain, all-round middleweight. Evolved over the years but the original bike, though old, still looks the best.