When I was in northern Thailand, I rented a CBR250 for a day and took an ER6 for a 700km, 4 day trip through the mountains (totally recommend this trip, best motorcycling of my life).
The ER6 felt ridiculously good after the CBR250 (my ride at home was an EX500 at the time). The power, smoothness and down low torque compared to the 250 is night and day. The riding position is great, very comfy, high handle bars and a big one piece seat.
When I got back from Thailand and took my EX500 for a spin, I was totally disappointed. Picked up an SS hoping to fix the bug. Although I find it scary fast, theres a certain charm the ER6 had that I don't feel on my SS. Maybe it's the higher, wide handle bars and more confidence inspiring seating position...but sometimes I still wonder if I shoulda got one instead of my SS.
The one I rented had a sweet luggage rack attached at the back (could have gone 2up + room to tie down a backpack). Didn't do much highway riding so I can't comment there.
The kicker, this bike had 72,000kms on it, all renter miles and probably abused. Never let me down, started everytime and the ABS even saved my *** once or twice when coming in too hot.
Hey guys, I guess I looked into this thread at a great time! Do you guys recommend this bike as an upgrade from a 250? After my last long ride I'm really itching to move up to something, will be posting my bike up soon to check out interest. I've only sat at it at shows, so need to find a Kawi dealer (near Etobicoke) that I can actually try and ride. Just looking for a bit more power than my bike and I love the look of the ER6-N more so than the 650R. Also, how is it for passenger comfort? Handles highway ok? Everything I've read online is positive about the bike.