The nimble Ninja® 650R deftly combines user-friendly power and excellent handling. The 650R offers serious low-end grunt boosted by digital fuel injection, light weight, and a beautiful chassis that will keep riders smiling from ear to ear whether they’re riding in the canyons or commuting on city streets. Its carefully tuned suspension complete with distinctive side-mounted shock, triple petal disc brakes and light weight make this bike a serious presence in the middle of the Ninja line.
The Ninja’s slim structure is due to its compact 8-valve 649cc parallel-twin engine, which permits the use of a narrow, lightweight frame. The fuel injection and ignition settings are tuned to boost the liquid-cooled engine’s bottom-end torque, to smooth the low-to-mid rpm response and allow the engine to rev quicker.
Routing the engine coolant internally to the cylinder and head through the engine cases reduces the number of external hoses. The engine also meets stringent emissions regulations thanks to its precise fuel injection and a three-way catalyst system with a 300-cell catalyzer.The non-intimidating twin cylinder appeals to new riders, and has an excellent mid-range that offers enough pizzazz to thrill more advanced riders. With a natural shift lever position, selecting gears is very easy. The manageable power delivery and superb roll-on response enable the Ninja 650R to make short work of the morning commute or perform as an entertaining track day companion – all while delivering good fuel economy.
This spirited sportbike’s frame, swingarm and suspension are all designed for minimal vibration and light, quick handling. Rubber upper-rear engine mounts in the 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 highlight the motorcycle’s compact dimensions. From its windscreen and dual headlights to the high-quality finish of its sleek 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 recognizing 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 can use to employ its fullest, from the daily commute to a weekend canyon run. In other words, this real-world overachiever easily demonstrates its versatility and everyday usefulness.
Engine
The balance of compact size and good power offered by the Ninja 650R's predecessor was the key to its success. To fit into its trim package, an In-line Four would have been too wide and a V-Twin too long. The only engine design that offered both good power characteristics and the requisite compactness was a Parallel Twin. While maintaining this balance, the new engine gets a number of tweaks that offer smoother low-mid response and a quicker-revving character.
Engine Performance
Liquid-cooled, DOHC, 8-valve 649 cc Parallel Twin with fuel injection delivers smooth, responsive performance, especially in the low and medium rpm ranges. The engine was tuned for rider-friendly power characteristics that will inspire confidence in new riders.
Revised fuel injection settings result in smoother response (especially below 4,000 rpm) and contribute to the new Ninja 650R’s quicker-revving character.
The engine’s excellent mid-range power characteristics make the bike especially fun to ride at medium speeds on city streets. Roll-on response is exceptional, offering impressive passing performance.
Large-bore 38 mm throttle bodies feature sub-throttles for high power output with smooth, sensitive throttle response.
Wider radiator (by 40 mm) offers increased cooling efficiency (17.4 kW >> 19.4 kW).
Compact Engine Design
The Ninja 650R’s 649 cc liquid-cooled power unit is the most compact engine in its category. Don’t let the words “Parallel Twin” fool you. This engine is loaded with innovative technology that enabled the realisation of its compact design and surprising performance. Its abundance of Ninja technology and know-how explains why this compact and lightweight machine can outperform so many of its middleweight competitors (many of which have larger displacement).
•Triangular layout of the crankshaft and transmission shafts makes the engine very short front-to-back.
•Transmission input shaft, output shaft and change drum are contained in a “cassette”-style package that both allows a compact layout and facilitates transmission maintenance chores.
•Semi-dry sump design reduces engine height.
•Plated, linerless aluminium cylinder is lightweight, and the narrow cylinder pitch reduces engine width.
•Under-engine muffler improves mass centralisation and lowers the bike’s centre of gravity.
Euro-III Compliant
The combination of efficient fuel injection and a 3-way catalyser inside the muffler make for very low emissions which pass the stringent Euro-III regulations.
300-cell catalyser offers more compact size and lighter weight compared to previous 200-cell unit. Muffler internals were revised to suit the new catalyser.
Additional Features
Fine-tuned shift lever position is easier to actuate.
Auto-fast idle system simplifies starting and ensures the catalyser reaches optimum temperature quickly.
Simplified cooling system routes coolant through the engine cases to the cylinder and head to reduce external plumbing.
180° crankshaft drives a balancer shaft for silky smooth engine operation. The water pump is driven off the right end of the balancer shaft.
Oil jets located in the rod big-ends direct oil to the undersides of the pistons for added cooling.
Lightweight plug-mounted ignition coils deliver a hot spark while saving space.
Newly designed lightweight fuel pump mounted inside the fuel tank.
Chassis
The key to the Ninja 650R's compact size is its amazingly compact Parallel Twin engine, which permits the use of a narrow, lightweight frame. The result is a bike with the dimensions of a 400 and the power of a 650 that welcomes beginners with a "Come on, let's go for a ride!" attitude, while also offering plenty of performance for more experienced riders. Changes to the frame, swingarm and suspension result in reduced vibration and lighter handling, making the new Ninja 650R more accessible than ever.
Compact Package
All-new frame maintains the key design elements of its predecessor. Together with the compact engine, the new frame’s elegant design realises a package that is slim, low, lightweight and compact.
•The compact engine allows use of a slim, minimalist frame, resulting in a design that is narrow at the knees and feet.
•The compact engine also allows an extremely short wheelbase, giving light and nimble handling.
•Because a long swingarm can be used, rear suspension action and handling are both improved.
•3D analysis was used to achieve the ideal stiffness balance for the frame, contributing to the superb handling characteristics.
•The frame is constructed of high-tensile steel, giving it a lightness rivalling that of aluminium frames.
•The layout of the offset single-shock rear suspension allows the battery to be located beside the shock instead of beneath it. This elegant arrangement allows a lower seat height as well as a slim design.
The same characteristics that make it fun to ride (responsive handling and riderfriendly
ergonomics), also make the Ninja 650R ideal for new riders.
A short wheelbase and tight turning radius contribute to the Ninja 650R’s high manoeuvrability.
Reduced Vibration
Rubber mounts instead of rigid mounts used for the upper-rear engine mounts reduce vibration transmitted to the rider through the seat.
Handlebar is rubber-mounted to reduce vibration transmitted through the handle grips.
Rider and pillion footpegs are rubber coated to further reduce vibration.
Lighter Handling
Changes to the frame to reduce rigidity and improve appearance also contribute to the Ninja 650R's lighter handling.
New swingarm has higher rigidity to balance the reduced rigidity of the frame (due primarily to the rubber engine mounts). Overall, chassis rigidity is the same as that of the previous models.
Front and rear suspension settings were revised to match the changes to the frame and swingarm. Together with the new frame they offer lighter, rider-friendly handling.
Rider-friendly Ergonomics
The riding position was specially designed to inspire rider confidence. An ideal relationship between the handlebars, seat and footpegs results in a comfortable and natural position suitable for a wide range of riders.
The narrow frame and engine make for an overall narrow package, allowing the rider to keep his or her knees and feet close together.
Thanks to the low seat height and slim overall design, it's easy to keep both feet firmly on the ground when stopped, an important consideration for many riders.
Narrowing of the frame just aft of the fuel tank enabled the seat construction to be revised, making the reach to the ground even easier.
OPTIONAL Aluminium (previously plastic) passenger grips are positioned lower and have a revised shape, making them easier for tandem riders to grab. Increased passenger confidence thanks to the improved grip also makes it easier for riders when carrying a pillion.
Sleek, Supersport Styling
Styling inspired by our Ninja supersport models gives the full-fairing Ninja 650R the look of a modern supersport. Sharper, edged lines move forward, giving the bike a more aggressive, crouching appearance. Simple in design, the Ninja 650R avoids all superfluous design flourishes; lines were made to flow as long as possible. The new, taller fuel tank, minimalist-design fairings and sharp tail cowl give the bike a compact appearance. Attention to the smallest details contributes to the new bike's high-quality finish.
Instruments
Flowing lines are also evident in the design of the new MotoGP-inspired multi-function instrumentation. Features include a new fuel gauge, digital speedometer, clock, odometer, dual trip meters and a bar-style digital tachometer like our MotoGP racer. The new layout allows the clock and trip meter to be viewed simultaneously. Red backlighting for the LCD screen adds to the sporty image.
Panelling around the instrument panel gives the inside of the front cowl a clean, finished appearance.
Mirrors
New supersport-style mirror design is similar to that on the new Ninja ZX-6R. Positioned 14 mm further out from the centreline, they also offer an improved rear view.
Little Details
Redesigned handlebar holder contributes to improved appearance.
Redesigned brake master cylinder reservoir has a new curved shape.
New clutch lever has a rounded shape, contributing to improved appearance in the handle area.
Lower ends of the fork have new shape (around the axle shaft) that also contributes to the bike's high quality look.
Revised chain adjuster design contributes to improved appearance in this area.
Additional Features
Despite the addition of a fuel level sensor (to enable the fuel gauge function), fuel capacity remains the same.
Four tie-down hooks allow baggage or a spare helmet to be secured to the seat.
Under-seat storage space has room for a U-lock or similar device.
The turn signals also function as hazard lights.
Suspension
While the frame is completely new, its design continues to be a key component of the Ninja 650R's identity. Like on its predecessor, the Ninja 650R's bodywork accentuates the frame, rather than hiding it.
The design of the frame, rear suspension and swingarm create an integrated line running from the steering head to the rear hub.
Atrellis frame of high-tensile steel gives the bike a lightweight appearance. 3D analysis was used to achieve the target rigidity and stress values.
Offset laydown rear single-shock suspension flows smoothly from the frame to the swingarm.
The braced steel swingarm follows the lines of the frame and rear shock, its triangulated design contributing to the machine's innovative styling.
Swingarm now has a D-shaped cross-section (instead of a square tube). The pipe-like design of the new swingarm and revised stabiliser further contribute to the Ninja 650R's higher-quality appearance.
Elegant design of the one-piece rider/passenger footpeg stays complements the new swingarm and stabiliser.
Finish at frame joints is much cleaner, improving overall quality of the bike.
Brakes
Dual 300 mm front petal disc brakes and 220 mm rear petal disc look great and deliver plenty of braking power.
Front brake lever uses a new ball-joint (instead of a unitised piece) andrevised pivot location to deliver smoother actuation of the master cylinder piston.
Now common, the Ninja 650R uses a front brake master cylinder with 14 mm piston, and twin-piston front brake calipers with 27 mm pistons.
Triple petal disc brakes contribute to the bike's sporty image.
Attractive 6-spoke supersport-style wheels give the bike a light look while reducing unsprung weight.
Bodywork
New dual headlamp design features twin position lamps – just like on our Ninja supersport models. The designed shape of the multi-reflector headlamp's bulb hoods is an example of to the attention given to detail on this model.
Windscreen set at a sharp angle contributes to the supersport image. A lip at the top of the screen helps to deflect air away from the rider. A duct in the centre of the cowling creates an "air curtain" which reduces wind buffeting at higher speeds and improves rider comfort.
Fuel tank is taller – especially noticeable when viewed from the side –which adds to the bike's crouching appearance. Sharp-edged line motif gives it a look very distinct from that of its predecessor. Flush-surface fuel cap contributes to the sleek lines.
Sideview of the front cowling and the fairings (especially the top corners at the front) have distinctive Ninja design elements.
Fairing design judiciously combines coloured and black panels to create a compact appearance – an approach similar to that used on the NinjaZX-10R.
Revised front turn signals are integral with the fairings, contributing to the bike's supersport styling.
Clear turn signal lenses with orange bulbs further enhance the machine's high-quality appearance.
Viewed from the rear or from the side, the tail cowl and seat's sharper design is evident.
Thin new LED tail lamp and rear turn signals reinforce this image.
Longer front fender reduces mud splash. Two-tone design contributes to the light, compact appearance.
The addition of an inner fender helps keep the underside of the tail cowl clean and contributes to the Ninja 650R's sporty look.
New license plate bulb housing and slimmer rear mud flap add to the sharp image of the tail.
Engine: Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, four-valve, 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: TCBI with electronic advance
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 Burnt Orange / Flat Super Black,
Metallic Spark Black / Flat Super Black
Warranty: 12 months
