Kawasaki ER-6N sharpens its claws

Kawasaki's updated ER-6N middleweight sportsbike is now on sale, with a muscular new look the main centre of attention.

Although the trellis frame and offset rear shock remain, the styling is now more angular and aggressive, with curved lines a thing of the past.

For $10,499 (plus ORC), buyers will also get a lower seat height, taller fuel tank, reduced vibration, a stacked instrument cluster, aluminium passenger grips, a new mirror design, vertical headlamps, slim LED tail light, and the liquid-cooled parallel twin engine has been retuned for more low and mid-range punch.

Carry-over features include the petal disc brakes, cassette-style transmission, and under engine muffle.

Meanwhile, the ER-6N's sibling, the Ninja 650 R (formerly the ER-6F) has also received a wide-ranging update, and it will go on sale in March or April this year. Price is still to be determined.

Meanwhile, the Kawasaki Racing Team has announced Castrol as its major sponsor for its assault on the 2009 Australian Superbike Championship with Kevin Curtain (Superbike) and Ben Attard (Supersport).

Castrol has been synonymous with motorcycle racing in Australia over many years, including its sponsorship of the eponymous 6-hour production bike race in the 1970s and 1980s.

For the location of your nearest Kawasaki dealer, click here.