2017 Kawasaki Ninja 650 & 650L

Superbly balanced and extremely exciting, the new for 2017 Ninja 650 features a 650cc Parallel Twin engine with a strong low-mid range focus and a remarkably lightweight chassis in a slim, middleweight package.

Supersport-like nimble handling, direct feel and strong acceleration are complemented by easy-to-manage power delivery and rider-friendly manoeuvrability, offering an ideal blend of sporty performance and everyday versatility sure to satisfy everyone from new to more experienced riders. Sharp styling strengthens its Ninja family image, reflecting its highly evocative character.

Sleek bodywork includes a sharp front cowl with a strong resemblance to Kawasaki’s Ninja supersport models. The aggressive visage is complemented by slim, close-fitting bodywork designed to give the bike a light, nimble image that reflects its sporty performance.

Tuning of the 649cc Parallel Twin engine focused on achieving a throttle response that balanced a powerful feeling and a quick-revving character. To optimise performance for everyday riding, care was taken to maximise low-mid range torque.

When opening the throttle, riders will notice an extremely smooth and powerful engine character that offers both a high level of control when making minute throttle adjustments and a gratifying rush of acceleration in the lower rpm ranges. This tuning also benefits fuel economy.

Liquid-cooled, DOHC, eight-valve 649cc Parallel Twin with fuel injection delivers smooth, responsive performance, especially in the low and medium rpm ranges. The strong low-end focus lends itself to sporty riding, but also translates to rider-friendly power characteristics that facilitate control and inspire confidence in new riders.

Performance and feel were optimised for the mid-range (3000-6000rpm). However, in the low-rpm range (below 3000rpm) power delivery is very smooth, and even above 6000rpm power and torque curves continue on without dropping off suddenly.

A new Assist & Slipper Clutch has also been added. When the engine is operating at normal rpm the assist cam functions as a self-servo mechanism, pulling the clutch hub and operating plate together to compress the clutch plates. This allows the total clutch spring load to be reduced, resulting in a lighter clutch lever pull when operating the clutch.

When excessive engine braking occurs – as a result of quick downshifts (or an accidental downshift) – the slipper cam comes into play, forcing the clutch hub and operating plate apart. This relieves pressure on the clutch plates to reduce back-torque and help prevent the rear tyre from hopping and skidding.

Benefitting from a thoroughly redesigned chassis, the new Ninja 650 weighs in at 192 kg. Designed using Kawasaki’s new in-house analysis technology, the lightweight trellis frame and swingarm were the key to the Ninja 650’s ultra-light handling.

One of the key components to realising the new Ninja 650’s lighter weight (noticeable as soon as the bike is lifted off its side-stand), the all-new frame weighs only 15kg and contributes significantly to the bike’s light, nimble handling.

Components of the high-tensile steel trellis frame follow the ideal pipe line. The lines of the frame were made as straight as possible, and when bends were necessary their angles were made as small as possible, resulting in a design that disperses stress extremely well.

Kawasaki’s new in-house analysis technology was used to precisely determine the necessary pipe diameter, length and wall thickness to deliver the ideal lateral and torsional rigidity.

This allowed unnecessary material to be trimmed, resulting in an extremely lightweight frame: the new frame weighs only 15 kg, a key to the new Ninja 650’s light, nimble handling.

Dual 300mm front petal disc brakes and 220 mm rear petal deliver plenty of braking power while contributing to the bike’s sporty image, in conjunction with dual-piston front calipers.

In addition to the very effective petal disc brakes, customers looking for an added degree of reassuring braking performance front and rear ABS is standard. Compact Bosch 9.1M ABS unit contributes to both weight and space savings.

Stylish star-pattern 5-spoke wheels contribute to light weight, while their high rigidity benefits handling. They also contribute to the bike’s light looks.

Low unsprung weight (thanks to parts like the swingarm, wheels, and hollow-type front axle) greatly contributes to the light, nimble handling.

The Ninja 650’s upright position (compared to supersport models) and fine-tuned rider triangle offer both control and comfort. Thanks to the low seat height and the bike’s slim overall design, it’s easy to keep both feet firmly on the ground when stopped, an important consideration for many riders.

The 790mm seat height also accommodates riders spanning a wide range of heights, enabling them to ride with confidence.

Separate, raised handlebars mounted to the upper triple clamp contribute to the bike’s sporty looks. Offering both control and comfort, they put the rider in a good position for sport riding.

The narrow frame and engine create a narrow overall package, allowing the rider to keep his or her knees and feet close together.

The slim fuel tank is positioned low in the chassis. In addition to contributing to the light, dynamic styling, the shape is easy to grip with the knees. Sleek bodywork includes a sharp front cowl with a strong resemblance to Kawasaki’s Ninja supersport models.

The aggressive visage is complemented by slim, close-fitting bodywork designed to give the bike a light, nimble image that reflects its sporty performance.

An aggressive upper cowl design inspired by Ninja supersport models exudes sportiness and contributes to a strong Ninja family identity. Sharp dual headlamp design contributes to the Ninja 650’s aggressive face.

Chin spoilers below the headlamps are similar in design to those of the Ninja ZX-10R, further reinforcing the Ninja family resemblance. The sporty windshield adds to the Ninja styling. The windshield is adjustable, offering 3 positions with a total range of 60mm.

 

The compact turn signals are built into the fairings, contributing to the sharp, sporty image, while the slim rear seat complements the compact tail cowl. Under-seat storage has space for a U-lock and other small items.

 

The instrument panel layout now features a large analogue tachometer flanked by warning lamps on one side, and a gear position indicator and multi-function LCD screen on the other.

 

In addition to the digital speedometer and gear position indicator, display functions include: odometer, dual trip meters, remaining range, current and average fuel consumption, external temperature, coolant temperature, clock and the Economical Riding Indicator.

 

A number of Kawasaki genuine accessories allow riders to further enhance the Ninja 650’s sharp, sporty looks or offer added comfort or convenience for increased touring potential.