Kawasaki Er-6n

"The smartest used middleweight buy under four grand, period."

The ER-6n is one of those bikes that just makes sense. Kawasaki's parallel twin punches hard enough to keep experienced riders entertained while remaining forgiving enough that newer riders won't get themselves killed. The 649cc motor is genuinely torquey from low revs, which makes urban riding surprisingly effortless. It's not fast by modern standards, but it feels fast enough where it counts. Used examples are everywhere, which is both good and bad. Good because prices are reasonable and parts are cheap. Bad because plenty were owned by beginners who dropped them in parking lots or thrashed them without proper servicing. Always check the frame sliders, inspect both fairings for crash damage, and look hard at the chain and sprockets — they're often neglected. Stator failures are a known weakness, so check for charging issues before handing over any money. For the money, you're getting a genuinely capable middleweight that handles tidily, stops well, and costs almost nothing to maintain. It's not exotic, but it's honest.