Fuel-injected Ninja twin-cylinder performance, a beautiful Euro-inspired chassis, and relaxed all-day comfort combine to form the sweet, do-it-all Ninja 650R. Sleek form meets superior function in the bike's full fairing, and in the way its steel trellis frame integrates into its stylish swingarm via an innovative side-mounted shock. Carefully tuned suspension, triple disc brakes and a curb weight of just 450 pounds give this special motorcycle the sort of performance you expect from a Ninja sportbike.
The key to the Ninja 650R's slender size is its compact liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, DOHC, 8-valve 649cc parallel twin engine, which permits the use of a narrow, lightweight frame. Fuel injection and ignition settings on this torquey engine are carefully chosen to boost bottom-end torque, smooth low-mid rpm response and allow it to rev more quickly.
Routing the coolant to the cylinder and head through the engine cases reduces the number of external hoses. The engine also meets stringent emission regulations thanks to its precise fuel-injection and a three-way catalyst system with a 300-cell catalyzer.
This spunky sportbike's frame, swingarm and suspension are all designed for minimal vibration and light, quick handling. Rubber upper-rear engine mounts in its signature trellis frame, and rubber-insulated handlebar mounts result in low vibration, for all-day comfort along with great handling. Rider and passenger footpegs are also rubber coated to reduce the amount of vibration transferred to the rider. The natural riding position and ergonomics are enhanced by a slim, low seat which makes reaching the ground easy for increased confidence.
Surrounding the Ninja 650R's chassis is unquestionably sporty styling. Avoiding unnecessary design flourishes, the Ninja 650R's sharp lines flow throughout the bike, giving it an aggressive appearance. The fairing's integrated turn signals and a sharp tail cowl ably highlight the motorcycle's compact dimensions. From its windscreen and dual headlights to the high-quality finish of its sleekly minimalist fairing, there's little room for doubt about this Ninja's supersport genetics.
Beyond its exciting appearance, MotoGP-inspired multi-function instrumentation and controls, the Ninja 650R is rolling proof that a performance motorcycle can be practical and comfortable. The rider may notice the slimness of the chassis, low seat height and minimal effort controls first before realizing the true aim of Kawasaki's design efforts - the rider.
The Ninja 650R's friendly ergonomics provide a versatile cockpit that both novice and experienced riders will use to employ its assets to the fullest, from the daily commute to a weekend canyon run. In other words, this real world overachiever easily demonstrates its versatility and everyday usefulness.
Features and Benefits:
Quick-Revving, 649cc Parallel-Twin Engine
- Liquid-cooled, DOHC, 8-valve fuel injected twin cylinder delivers smooth, responsive performance, especially in the low to medium rpm range
- Excellent mid-range power, exceptional roll-on response and impressive passing performance make even commuter traffic enjoyable
- Minimal vibration via a 180° crankshaft driven balancer shaft, which in turn drives the water pump
- Oil jets on the connecting rod big ends spray oil on the undersides of the pistons to aid cooling
- Lightweight plug-mounted ignition coils deliver a hot spark and save space
- High-capacity radiator for increased cooling efficiency
- Coolant routing travels directly to the engine cases, then follows internal passages to the cylinder and head for minimum external plumbing and a simplified cooling system
Digital Fuel Injection
- Fuel injection settings boosts the engine's bottom-end torque while letting it rev quicker
- Sub-throttle valve equipped 38mm Keihin throttle bodies offer optimum performance and rideability
- Located behind the main throttle valves, the sub-throttles are controlled by the DFI® system's ECU for a precise throttle response, similar to a constant-velocity carburetor
- Auto-fast idle system simplifies starting and helps ensure that the catalyzer reaches optimum temperature quickly
- Lightweight fuel pump mounted inside the fuel tank
Compact Engine Design
- Powerful twin-cylinder engine is the most compact in its category, which helps reduce the dimension of the entire motorcycle and allows use of a slim, minimalist frame
- Triangular setup of the crankshaft and transmission shafts makes the engine short front-to-back
- Transmission input shaft, output shaft and change drum are contained in a "cassette"-style package that allows a compact layout and eases transmission maintenance chores
- Semi-dry sump design reduces engine height
- Plated, linerless aluminum cylinders with a narrow cylinder pitch keep the engine light and slim
Cleaner Emissions
- Efficient fuel injection and a three-way catalyzer inside the exhaust produce very low emissions, able to pass the stringent Euro-III emission regulations
- 300-cell catalyzer is compact and light
- Under-engine muffler placement for mass centralization and a low center of gravity
Vibration Control
- Rubber upper rear engine mounts keep vibration low
- Handlebar is rubber-mounted to lessen vibration transmitted through the handle grips
- Rider and passenger footpegs are rubber coated to reduce vibration
Light-Handling Trellis Frame
- Slim, low, lightweight and compact design is narrow at the knees and footpegs for rider comfort and control
- The strong, high-tensile steel trellis frame not only looks lightweight, but it is - rivaling that of aluminum frames
- Ideal frame stiffness balance achieved through extensive 3D analysis translates directly into superb handling
- The frame, rear suspension and swingarm designs flow together with an integrated line running from the steering head to the rear hub
- Short front-to-back dimensions of the engine allow for a long swingarm and a short wheelbase combination that contributes to the light and nimble handling
- Clean frame joint finishes show off overall quality of the bike
Rigid Swingarm
- Swingarm is tuned to complement frame rigidity
- Swingarm has a D-shaped cross-section for strength and light weight
- Swingarm design further contributes to the Ninja 650R's high-quality appearance
- Elegant one-piece rider/passenger footpeg s tays complement the swingarm and stabilizer
Suspension
- 41mm fork and preload-adjustable laydown shock are tuned for light, rider-friendly handling
- Fork lower ends around the axle shaft add to the bike's performance and enhance its high-quality image
Confidence Inspiring Ergonomics
- An ideal handlebar, seat and footpeg relationship results in a comfortable and natural riding position suiting a wide range of riders
- Frame narrowed just aft of the fuel tank enables a slim seat, making the reach to the ground even easier
- The offset single-shock rear suspension layout with the battery located beside the shock instead of beneath it allows a lower seat height as well
- Low seat height and slim overall design make it easy to plant both feet firmly on the ground when stopped
Brakes
- Dual 300mm front petal disc brakes with twin 27mm piston front brake calipers and a single 220mm rear petal disc deliver plenty of braking power
- Front brake master cylinder and 14mm piston for smooth actuation
Sleek Supersport Bodywork
- Dual headlight design features multi-reflector bulb hoods and the twin position lights - like its Ninja supersport brethren
- A lip at the top of the windscreen deflects air away from the rider, along with a duct in the center of the cowling that creates an "air curtain" to reduce wind buffeting at higher speeds
- Tall fuel tank - especially noticeable when viewed from the side - adds to the bike's crouching appearance
- A flush-surface fuel cap and its sharp-edged motif give the tank a distinctive look
- Sharp, edged lines give the Ninja 650R an aggressive, crouching supersport look, yet the bodywork still accentuates the frame
- Distinctive Ninja supersport design elements of the front cowling and the fairings, such as the judicious combination of colored and black panels enhance its sporty image and compact appearance
- Integrated front turn signals with clear lenses and amber bulbs
- Completing the bike's aggressive sport appearance is a sharp tail cowling featuring a thin LED taillight
- Inner rear fender helps keep the underside of the sleek new tail cowl clean
- The turn signals also function as flashing hazard lights
- A long front fender keeps water splashing to a minimum and its two-tone design matches the Ninja 650R's light, compact theme
- Storage options include four tie-down hooks for baggage or a spare helmet to be secured to the seat and a storage space under the seat with room for a U-lock or similar device
Mirrors
- Mirror design is a similar supersport-style to that on the new Ninja ZX™-6R
Wheels
- Attractive six-spoke supersport-style wheels augment the bike's light look and reduce unsprung weight
Instruments/Controls
- MotoGP-inspired multi-function instrumentation includes a fuel gauge, digital speedometer, clock, odometer, dual trip meters and a bar-style digital tachometer
- Clock and trip meter can be viewed simultaneously
- Red backlighting for the LCD screen adds to the sporty image while the area around the instrument panel presents a clean, finished front cowl interior
- Stylized handlebar clamps and curved shapes on the brake master cylinder reservoir and clutch lever contribute to the Ninja 650R's high-quality appearance
Engine: Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, four-valve per cylinder, parallel twin
Displacement: 649cc
Bore x stroke: 83.0 x 60.0mm
Compression ratio: 11.3:1
Cooling: Liquid
Fuel injection: Digital fuel injection with two 38mm Keihin throttle bodies
Ignition: Digital CDI
Transmission: Six-speed
Final drive: O-ring chain
Frame: Semi-double cradle, high-tensile steel
Rake / trail: 25 degrees / 4.2 in.
Wheelbase: 55.5 in.
Front suspension / wheel travel: 41mm hydraulic telescopic fork / 4.7 in.
Rear suspension / wheel travel: Single offset laydown shock with adjustable spring preload / 4.9 in.
Front tire: 120/70x17
Rear tire: 160/60x17
Front brake: Dual 300mm petal discs with two-piston calipers
Rear brake: Single 220mm petal disc with single piston caliper
Overall length: 82.7 in.
Overall width: 29.9 in.
Overall height: 47.2 in.
Seat height: 31.1 in.
Curb weight: 449.8 lbs.
Fuel capacity: 4.1 gal.
Colors: Candy Lime Green, Ebony, Metallic Island Blue
Good Times™ Protection Plan 12, 24, 36 or 48 months
