Kawasaki ER6n-R ZX10R Front End Mod Part 3 - Which Triple Tree ?

After selecting the Fork and the caliper, next comes the hardest part of the whole equation..choosing the right triple tree. Now most mod websites will not highlight the consequence of selecting a wrong triple tree and most modders will have to learn the hard way...trial by error. What can go wrong if you select a wrong Triple. Well a number of things, namely:

• You will have to do some modification to accommodate the steering stops, alter too much and you will compromise the strength of the triple tree member.
• One has to forgo the original steering lock position or even live without having a steering lock altogether after the mod.

I had chosen to go for combination of Versys Lower triple coupled with a Z1000 upper triple for a number of reasons. First of all I wanted to retain the use of the Renthal type handlebar hence the Z1000 triple was selected. In addition to that, the diameter & the position of the Z1000 switch ignition barrel is identical to that of the Er6-n.










As you can see the Steering lock is engaged at the same position as the original ER6-n.

Kawasaki ER6n-R ZX10R Front End Mod Part 2 - Caliper Selection

After Selecting the fork based on a Zx10R model, next comes the stage where the replacement caliper for the ER6-n will be selected. The ER6-n comes with a pair of axially mounted Tokico Dual Port Caliper which is known to fade when the ride gets harder or longer and living in a hot and humid country does not help. Upgrading to a Radially mounted caliper would be the most academic choice however there are so many radially mounted brakes out there. A modder nowadays would be spoil for choice when is comes to radial brake caliper selection. The 3 main OEM brand in the market would be Tokico, Nissin & Brembo. I eventually selected the Nissin Calipers from the 2009 Zx6R or you can also opt for Calipers from a 2009 Zx14R (They are identical by the way) due to the following reasons:

• Stronger braking power from its twin domed shaped pistons
• Direct bolt on as the ZX6R/ZX14R has the same rotor size as the ER6-n at 300mm
• It will be painted Gold to compliment the color of the Zx10R fork.
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Kawasaki ER6n-R ZX10R Front End Mod Part 1 - Fork Selection

Kawasaki ER6n a truly all round naked motorcycle which has tremendous potential. However built as an entry level budget motorcycle, it has numerous weak areas which can be improved with a few modifications. One of the weak spots is the front suspension which is built on an old school 41mm hydraulic telescopic fork. The telescopic fork is very basic without any pre load or damping adjustments options.
Improving the front end of the Er6 has been the challenge for many Er6n/f owners world wide and searching the Internet will easily uncover many adventurous individuals posting their modding efforts which is commonly revolving around utilizing the fork from the ZX6R or the 636.
I have choose to follow a path less ventured by using the front end parts from a few of the Er6n cousins which is the ZX10R.
My rational for this choice was made after extensive research from the Internet and discussion with the local track gurus. Decision was made after the following criteria were considered:

• Mod options needs to be cost effective with minimum change to the components chosen.
  
• Stock standard ZX6R / 636 forks were too soft and track going owners usually opted for stiffer springs soon after buying the sports bike.
• Stock standard ZX6R / 636 forks (Kayaba) with a upper outer diameter (OD) of 50mm and a lower OD of 52mm and a length of 774.7mm is slightly longer then the base Er6 fork and will protrude too long above the upper triple when installed. This setup is fine if you are going with the Race clip-on type of handle bar (for the cafe racer look) but I however am looking to maintain the original stance of the Er6 with the Renthal type of handlebar.
• The ZX10R fork which has a top triple OD of 50mm & lower OD of 54mm would be stiffer and looks beefier then the slimmer and longer ZX6R fork. There is a slight weight difference between the 2 forks (ZX10R weights a few grams heavier) but I did not feel the difference when riding. The slight weight difference would also act as a ballast to stabilize the vibration which the ER6n as a parallel twin is so notorious famous for.
  
• The ZX6R fork is using a front wheel shaft that would need a 6005 sealed bearing with an internal diameter (ID) of 25mm 47mm(OD) would need extensive modification of the ER6n front wheel or a replacement with a complete ZX6R front wheel ($$). The ER6n wheel uses a 6004 bearing which has a ID of 20mm and an OD of 42mm similar to the specification of the ZX10R wheel from 2004-2005. This would mean that the fork from 2004-05 ZX10 you would just bolt on to a ER6n wheel without any modification.