[motorcycle.com] - 2017 Kawasaki Ninja 650 Review

[Ninjette Newsbot]

2017 Kawasaki Ninja 650

Editor Score: 86.5%Engine 18.5/20Suspension/Handling 12.0/15 Transmission/Clutch 8.5/10Brakes 8.0/10 Instruments/Controls5.0/5 Ergonomics/Comfort 8.0/10 Appearance/Quality 9.0/10Desirability 8.5/10Value 9.0/10Overall Score86.5/100Up until now Kawasaki’s Ninja 650 has been recognized as a genteel gateway drug to the company’s true supersport model, the ZX-6R. For 2017 Kawasaki has further distilled more performance from the beginner-ish Ninja while maintaining the bike’s streetable mannerisms. In other words, the 2017 Ninja 650 is a more potent sportbike capable of shredding a twisty canyon road or closed course race track on the weekends, while performing commuter duty during the weekdays.

The most substantive element of the new Ninja is the bike’s drastic weight reduction of 42 pounds, giving the 650 a claimed curb weight of only 419 pounds (426 pounds with ABS). In our Middleweight Intermediate Sportbike Shootout from 2014, the Ninja 650 tipped the MO scales at 465 pounds (461 pounds for the Honda CBR650F, 470 pounds for the Yamaha FZ6R). If we were to conduct that same comparison today the Ninja would have a whopping 35- and 44-pound weight advantage over the Honda and Yamaha, respectively.

A breakdown of where Kawasaki engineers hacked weight from the Ninja 650, no small effort for an affordably priced mid-displacement non-supersport model. Interestingly, the 2017 Ninja 650 weighs a claimed 1.8 pounds less than its supersport ZX-6R model, 426 vs 427.8 pounds.


A bike weighing 42 pounds less than its predecessor shouldn’t be taken lightly (aha… aha… aha…). You can’t help but feel the bike’s increased maneuverability at around town speeds, or especially when transitioning through a tight set of switchbacks. For newer riders, a lighter curb weight is less intimidating, while experienced pilots will appreciate its newfound flickability.

2017 Kawasaki Z650 First Ride Review

Engine performance too has been massaged via a myriad of changes/improvements: fine-atomizing fuel injectors, 36mm throttle bodies and narrower intake ports, camshaft with modified profiles, airbox design, shorter exhaust pipe with no crossover tube all add up to an engine with greater low- and mid-range performance compared to last year’s model.

No exact figures were provided but this rudimentary dyno chart from Kawasaki illustrates how the new engine fills mid-range cavities in the old engine’s power curves. Peak torque appears to be slightly more, while peak horsepower has decreased compared to the outgoing engine. In our 2014 shootout the Ninja 650 produced 64.7 hp at 8,900 rpm, and 43.0 lb-ft of torque at 7,100 rpm.


Usable power from the Ninja 650’s parallel-Twin is abundant and corresponds with Kawasaki’s claims for improved low- and mid-range. The engine is a willing participant in almost any situation, whether it be building revs from as low as 2,500 rpm in 6th gear without shuddering to snappier responses in 3rd spinning at a more aggressive 6,000 rpm. Some vibes are going to creep through –*mainly via the seat – but nothing excessive for two pistons in a parallel arrangement.

In the technology department, the Ninja 650 comes outfitted with an Assist and Slip clutch which provides a light pull at the adjustable clutch lever, and the ability to row the gearbox with successive downshifts without fear of locking the rear wheel. The transmission also features a positive neutral finder that makes it easier to find that gearless position between 1st and 2nd.

The restyled Ninja 650 is fairly aggressive for 2017, more closely resembling its supersport/superbike stablemates. The new 5-spoke wheels are lighter, and the shorter under-engine exhaust helps centralize mass. That’s possibly the best looking pressed-steel swingarm we’ve ever seen.


To complement the Ninja’s sportier nature and aggressive new looks, Kawasaki reconfigured the bike’s seating position. The handlebars are now 25mm (1 inch) more forward and 42mm lower compared to the 2016 Ninja 650. As far as we’re concerned, this was a nice tweak to help performance while not putting too much weight on a rider’s wrist. In our previous shootout we complained that its front end was vague because there’s so little weight over the wheel due to the handlebar position. This new handlebar placement should help remedy that complaint.

The taller of us MO testers also had problems with the seat-to-footpeg distance in that 2014 shootout. For 2017, Kawasaki moved the footpegs 60mm forward, and while they also lowered the footpegs 15mm they also lowered the seat 15mm. The shorter seat height should help less-taller folk, but during our day ride, the uncomfortable bend in my knee didn’t go unnoticed, so our complaint about the seat-to-footpeg distance will probably remain, at least for riders pushing six feet in height.

What I definitely did like was the sloped, flat fuel tank –*perfect for leaning forward and laying on for taking a rest during a long ride on a straight road, or to get out of the wind on a cold day.

The new negative-lit instrument cluster is a huge improvement over the old one, and, incredibly, the digital readout is more legible in direct sunlight than it is in shade. Yah, we know, sounds crazy but it’s true. There’s also an adjustable shift light above the gear position indicator, while the tach needle also changes from white to pink to red to correspond with the shift light.


Stopping power comes by way of new Nissin 2-piston calipers gripping 300mm discs up front, while a single Nissin caliper clamps on a single 220mm disc out back. We complained about how much pressure it took to get the old brakes to quickly slow the Ninja 650, and these new binders seem to perform much more efficiently. New ABS is the Bosch 9.1M that’s lighter and offers more precise anti-locking measurements. Non-ABS models remain available from Kawasaki, which offer slightly lower weight and price, but in our opinion, ABS is worth the few added pounds and dollars.

The new negative-lit instrument cluster is a huge improvement over the old one, and, incredibly, the digital readout is more legible in direct sunlight than it is in shade. Yah, we know, sounds crazy but it’s true. There’s also an adjustable shift light above the gear position indicator, while the tach needle also changes from white to pink to red to correspond with the shift light.


Big news in the suspension department is a new horizontal back-link KYB shock. Compared to last year’s linkageless shock, the new unit should provide a more progressive movement and reduce most occurrences of bottoming out. Rear suspension travel is the same as last year’s, and front suspension has gone unchanged. Any noticeable improvement in rear ride quality wasn’t apparent during our outing; a full suspension evaluation will have to wait until we can get a test unit.

2017 Kawasaki Ninja 650+ Highs</p>

• Light makes right
• Improved mid-range engine performance
• Minimal price increase

– Sighs</p>

• Seat to footpeg ratio
• Basic brakes and suspension
• Cheap looking rear sprocket

The 2017 Ninja 650 features a three-way adjustable windscreen. Other niceties include adjustable clutch and front brake levers, a narrow seat/tank junction, and comfortably dense seat material. Among other accessories, the seat cowl is especially stylish and dresses-up the look of the Ninja 650 for not much money.


Kawasaki has really upped its game when it comes to fit/finish, and the Ninja 650 is another stunning example of the company’s attention to detail. The Ninja 650 isn’t an A-list celebrity, but Kawasaki sure seems to treat it like one. Everywhere you look on the bike speaks quality. About the only thing we found that visually says budget is the rear sprocket. Of course, steel is used in place of aluminum, and the suspension isn’t the latest fully adjustable Öhlins unit, but what you get for the price is a competent mid-level sportbike for which you don’t have to prostitute yourself to afford.

Our cold one-day ride is only a glimpse into the improvements Kawasaki rendered on the Ninja 650. Once we get a test unit for a more in-depth evaluation, and a shootout against some of its competitors, we’ll know better how well the improvements perform. One thing we already know for certain, though, is you can’t go wrong dropping 42 pounds off of any model motorcycle, and for that reason alone the 2017 Ninja 650 is a winner in our book.

2017 Kawasaki Ninja SpecificationsEngine TypeLiquid-cooled, 4-stroke Parallel TwinDisplacement649ccBore and Stroke83.0 x 60.0 mmCompression ratio10.8:1Valve systemDOHCFuel systemDFI with 36mm Keihin throttle bodiesIgnitionTCBI with electronic advance
StartingElectricLubricationForced lubrication, semi-dry sumpMaximum power67.3 hp at 8,000 rpm (claimed)Maximum torque48.5 lb-ft at 6,500 rpm (claimed)Transmission6-speed, return shiftFinal driveChainClutchWet multi-disc, manualFrameTrellis, high-tensile steelFront suspension41 mm telescopic forkFront wheel travel4.9 in.Rear suspensionHorizontal Back-link with adjustable preloadRear wheel travel5.1 in.Front tire120/70 ZR17 DunlopRear tire160/60 AR17 Dunlop Sportmax D214Front brakesDual semi-floating 300mm petal discs with dual-piston caliperRear brakesSingle 220 mm petal disc with single-piston caliperCaster (rake)24.0ºTrail3.9 in.Wheelbase55.5 inchesSeat height31.1 inchesCurb mass419 pounds/426 pounds with ABS (claimed)Fuel capacity4.0 gallon2017 Kawasaki Ninja 650 Review appeared first on Motorcycle.com.



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