Kawasaki Ninja 650

Two-wheeled Thrill for Veterans and Novices Alike

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.

Authentic Kawasaki Accessories are available through Kawasaki dealers.

Key Features
- 649cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine with digital fuel injection (DFI®) has excellent low- and mid-range power
- Low 31.1-inch seat height offers an easy reach to the ground
- Triple petal-shaped disc brakes deliver plentiful braking power
- Strong, high-tensile steel frame is so lightweight it rivals similar aluminum frames
- Digital instruments offer an array of easy-to-read data
- A rubber engine mount and rubber-insulated handlebars reduce vibration felt by the rider, improving comfort and reducing fatigue on longer rides
- Aggressive Ninja styling matches its supersport siblings

Quick-revving, 649cc Parallel-twin Engine
- Liquid-cooled, DOHC, eight-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-degree 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 boost 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 dimensions 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 stringent Euro-III emissions regulations
- 300-cell catalyzer is compact and light
- Under-engine muffler placement aids mass centralization and yields 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 – 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 stays 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-shaped disc brakes with twin 27mm piston front brake calipers and a single 220mm rear petal-shaped disc deliver plenty of braking power
- Front brake master cylinder features a 14mm piston for smooth actuation

Sleek Supersport Bodywork
- Dual headlight design features multi-reflector bulb hoods and 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 a sharp-edged motif give the tank a distinctive look
- Sharp, edged lines give the Ninja 650R an aggressive 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 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

2011 Kawasaki Ninja 650R motorcycle model Technology

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.