2023 Kawasaki Ninja 650 Review: 4,000 Miles. POV New Rider

[@Rickmac22]

Another strategy is get a 400, upgrade when you are ready, keep the 400 as a track bike. I upgraded to a 1000sx and love it! Put 12k on a 400 this year and now 13k into my big Ninja and still loving my 400 on the track!

[@CityNinja650]

That’s a good point too. I heard of people doing that too. Honestly if i randomly came into money lol I would get a 400 to do track days. How is that 1000sx. I really want to ride one and hear all good things about them.

[@Rickmac22]

Come down to Texas and try mine! Or hit up a Kawasaki Demo day, the 1000sx is a complete bike. All the power you'll ever need, All the comfort, features, tech, and smoothness. I believe it is the best value for the money in Kawasakis line up (Versus 650 & KLX300 are close!).

[@championsgaming1]

I want a 1000sx but im worried about mpg compared to the 650 lol.

[@Rickmac22]

@@championsgaming1 rented a Versys 650 this summer… it definitely gets better mileage from that 650 engine than the 1000sx. ~52 mpg on 650, ~45 mpg on 1000sx.

[@fernandobalderas6316]

@@Rickmac22looking at getting a 500 for my beginner bike but also looking at upgrading down the line to a Suzuki gsx 8r . But the thing is I’m tempted to full send it

[@NavySWO]

Nice video, thank you. Although I love my Ninja 1000, I just turned 60 and the weight (518lbs) is becoming an issue. I’m looking at the 650 due to being much lighter but still powerful. Your videos are definitely steering me in this direction!

[@BlackArroToons]

Nice going with 4000 miles since February 2023! That's great and shows skill to avoid danger. Sunset and Sunrise, the deer love to cross roads. 0 to 60 in 3.5 seconds. The fastest bikes average 3 seconds and some 2.5 seconds or so. If that's needed in a rare alert situation or something. Thankfully most times 0 to 60 in 3.5 seconds won't be necessary but it's good to know this bike can do it. Thanks for the video, City Ninja.

[@CityNinja650]

Thank you sir. Yea there were a few times I had to get off the line fast. It really comes in handy on interstate entrances where the speed limits 70 so everyone is doing 90. Another reason I went with the 650 over 400

[@BlackArroToons]

@@CityNinja650 Yes, great point about on ramps to the freeway. This bike helps a lot. I heard you're thinking of a Honda Goldwing for touring. Those are heavier, larger width bikes, but have giant fuel tanks. The Kawasaki Concours I think was discontinued sadly in the US anyway. I haven't seen it anywhere since 2011's or so. I hope I can put 100,000+ miles on this Ninja 650 before thinking of a new bike.

[@CityNinja650]

@@BlackArroToons it’s going to be a while for me. I agree. I hope these bikes can handle a lot of miles. I went to my dealership to get an appointment for my tires and the dude was telling me about the Kawasaki valkyrie…..man….that bike

[@BlackArroToons]

@@CityNinja650 Yes, those cruiser bikes are really nice too, although much heavier probably. I think the Vulcan 650 uses the same parallel twin Ninja 650 engine. I would get that one if I wanted a cruiser style bike, and yes, buy what inspires you and makes you happy when you're ready. The Honda Goldwing, the windscreen blocks almost all the wind, so no cooling from the wind with it fully up. Nice features though on it with the radio, no clutch is interesting. I hear it's actually nimble and easy to control, watching a video review for the 2023. The large fuel tank could probably go 500 miles before refueling. Expensive though.

[@RobertNixAlternativeArtist]

I have a 2021 ninja 650,I accelerate it to the red line when entering the highway-it's almost as quick as a supersport up to legal speed but much cheaper on the insurance.Great great bike.

[@Hunters_Games]

I just bought the same bike! A 2023 650 (with abs) in the white and orange. I still need to take my basic riders course, but I absolutely CANNOT WAIT to get on it and hit the road. Thank you for your review

[@CokeOnDaRocks]

ninja is my first bike had for like 2 weeks and this baby has some power

[@CityNinja650]

I love them. Wouldn’t have another first bike

[@Rmachine429]

Good video. I'm 55 yrs old, been riding a bit and bought one of these (KTR edition w/ABS) after my son had bought one w/o ABS (same color as yours which is classy looking). I had so much fun helping him break it in etc - that I decided to buy one myself. It's light, so flickable, fast enough to have fun but not enough to get into trouble. I, too wish it had better gas mileage but too early for me to tell (still breaking it in). My Vstrom 650 gets extraordinary mileage, (can go practically close 300 miles on a full tank), I've had for the last 6+ yrs and will probably never get rid of it (this Ninja may fall into the same category). I have thought about getting the Suzuki GSX S1000, but unable to find one so that I can check out the ergonomics and relative weight. When it comes to that slow maneuvering, I prefer a bike that I am comfortable on to handle when not touring (kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZCucmN7jph2i6c). And that's the thing about big bikes, they become too big as you get older and in most cases - you don't wind up maximizing their potential (IMHO). But I agree - align your choice of bike with the type of riding you (want to) do. And do concur -great beginner bike but also (as you alluded to) a great bike you can grow old with. Great job!

[@usssampson3880]

Another great video, I really think you're an underrated channel. Its fun to watch you ride and learn from whatever the hell you end up talking about, much better than if you werent talking at all 🤣

[@CityNinja650]

Appreciate that lol. Yea I was hoping regular talking would be alright to watch. There are only so many topics to cover ya know. Eventually I’ll have to do regular ride and talks.

[@sekinchance5186]

I plan on making a video about the differences between the 400 and 650 soon if this weather gets better. When are you getting the H2R

[@CityNinja650]

That would be a crazy bike to own. Maybe one day. I’ll tell you what I want for my second bike tho is a Kawasaki Vulcan 1700. Really want one of those.

[@sekinchance5186]

@@CityNinja650 that is interesting. They have good reviews just not as popular as let's say a Sportster or the triumphs. It would definitely give you a new experience for motorcycles

[@CityNinja650]

@@sekinchance5186 oh yea for sure. I would have to almost relearn everything (kinda) hardest part for me would be to not ride it like I do the 650. Definitely want one tho. I fell down a rabbit hole with them. What’s good about them is they are an old man’s bike and so these older guys get them, put little miles and then sell them cheap. Or they get them and realize quickly how massive they really are.

[@sekinchance5186]

@@CityNinja650 it is true about them not being ridden. They position you as a rider to steer a bike more than lean it. But the sitting position is nice too. As long as your feet aren't too far forward. If you wanna see a cool cruiser style, look up the k-speed rebel 500

[@CityNinja650]

@@sekinchance5186 I’ll definitely look up that bike. Yes I agree. I don’t like the feet really far forward. Idk it makes me feel less in control. Also my mind went directly to a T bone crash situation. That’s going to suck regardless but I feel like maybe it wouldn’t be so bad on a sports bike body position. Probably not but that’s where my mind went lol.

[@joshualand2053]

Might want to cover the brake going through an area where you’re seeing deer all around. Sweet bike through

[@redpillrevolution6066]

Haha ...I live in New Mexico and bought this exact bike 3 months ago, with same color scheme. Great video, bro...

[@CityNinja650]

Oh really lol. I wanna ride out there. Anywhere out west really. That’s what’s up ya got that same bike. I love how it looks

[@sekinchance5186]

The engine braking has s a big problem for me so I am considering getting an ECU flash. It's a problem with Kawasaki from the factory where when you let off the throttle completely with out the clutch pulled in it cuts fuel not just slows it down. And typically air flow the bike runs leans. So I'll probably get mine flashed to deal with that mess

[@CityNinja650]

Yea I got used to it but it really is strong. I wanna do a flash on mine to actually. I think it will do a lot of good tbh

[@paulfrancis4824]

Fantastic video, you have answered a lot of questions which I am a lot clearer about now, the bike is definitely for me. 👍

[@ZVManning]

I bought a r3, didn't know much at all about this thing and that it existed. Got rid of the r3 just for financial reasons but I'd probably enjoy getting this next and soonish. Seems perfect. Stronger than 300s, still sits upright

[@PopsRacer61]

"Good Video" - I've had mine since 2018 and do the same type of riding as you but live in Southeastern Pa. The roads look nearly identical and I've experienced everything from Deer, Skunk, Ground hogs, Coyote, Fox, and Opossums in the road - dead or alive! So you gotta be careful on Pa. rds. I rarely ride on expressways but when I do, the 650 has noooo problem cruising between 65 and 85 mph!

[@christianburger25]

You should put the Road 6's on your bike next. I hear its an amazing touring tire

[@CityNinja650]

That’s literally the one I’m leaning towards. They expensive but worth it

[@Diemerstein]

We have them on both bikes and they are perfect tires

[@tomaszkubica9203]

My goal-Kawasaki Ninja 650, 2023.

[@dylanjahn2952]

Man I have a 1980 Goldwing and I absolutely love it. Although I’m looking at possibly getting a ninja 650 to start a small collection.

[@CityNinja650]

I want a gold wing in the worst way tbh. I love the idea of a big comfortable bike like that. And it’s a Honda so you know it’s reliable

[@dylanjahn2952]

@@CityNinja650 haha mine isn’t reliable. 😂 I have some major electrical issues so I’m leaning more towards getting a new bike to put the oldwing on the back burner.

[@dannyroosenboom3640]

good video and soundquality even when riding

[@CityNinja650]

That you. Definitely one of the more important things I think. Got to have decent quality for sure

[@armandovidaurri2693]

Nice video keep it. Great bike i got the same bike as yours to love it.

[@jaredanderson7494]

Next time you ride out on Mars Hill Rd you gotta stop at country custard cottage, its awesome man, just be careful pulling it its real rough and gravelly.

[@trentmas9210]

2022 KRT edition Ninja 650, "demo biked no real owner" 4.5 k miles. $8,319.48 out of door. Appears to be in great condition. Thoughts? Thanks

[@CityNinja650]

That’s probably where you would be. I would ask what they mean by a demo. Like did one person demo it? Or did a bunch of people. 4.5 k miles is still a new bike lol. They make them really well.

[@trentmas9210]

Bunch under supervision though@@CityNinja650

[@deadshot4245]

factory cruise control should've been a thing on these from factory

[@CityNinja650]

That would be nice for sure. I’m pretty sure it’s standard on the 1000sx. Maybe that’s part of the selling point idk.

[@berkpol]

hi, you said has no abs;? but everywhere own offical website too ,say has abs? why you said no abs? is there different options and who choose without abs? Brakes Dual 300mm petal-type discs and 2-piston calipers (and ABS) Rear - Single 220 mm petal-type disc and single-piston caliper (and ABS) Tires Dunlop Sportmax Roadsport 2 Front - 120 / 70 x 17 Rear - 160 / 60 x 17

[@CityNinja650]

There are some that come with it and some that dont. Mine did not. There is an abs one for like 1k more or something. I would just double check in the one your looking at. Some do some don’t I guess

[@cenkgonen4485]

​@@CityNinja650now its ok because here all has abs. Abs is must be . but the bike is. 350.000€ here i think u can buy from 10.000€ so cheap for u. We have to work 12years to buy this motobike. (Turkei Europe- huge economic crisis. You know patrol gas is 1lt 35€ can u believe:// drive safe nice videos.

[@MiamiNinja.2Thailand]

I have this motorcycle too. How high do you take the first and second gears before shifting up? The manual says first gear to 8mph, the second gear to 15mph. But, when i follow the manual im so slow when the light turns green.

[@CityNinja650]

I’m not sure actually. I go by ear most times. I’ll cruise in 1st till about 10 or so. Second maybe 20. I also try to get out of 1st quickly. Honestly all depends on the situation. Hills, stop and go traffic stuff like that

[@PopsRacer61]

...jst to share with you **a lot of new riders ask that question about shifting (especially when the bike is new). I've had my N650 since 2018. I typically shift between 6,500 & 8,500 rpm, that's where the power band is( when the Torque curve & Horse power curve come together). You can take it all the way to 10,000 rpm That's optimum power shifting. Anything less, you are saving gas but have no power. 😉

[@andrewwyrmliege7475]

Just passed my MSF and seriously considering the 650. My local dealer doesn’t have one to sit on. How are the ergos? Are you hunched? Looking for something more neutral and less crotch rockety. I’m 5’10”

[@CityNinja650]

Congrats on passing. I’m pretty sure this is the most upright body position you can get on a bike. You are upright and when you naturally put out your arms the bars are right there/ the pegs are right beneath you as well. Not behind or in front. Extremely comfortable

[@Phantraas]

I have a 2018, it's mostly upright and extremely comfortable just like he said^^ I'm also 5'10. I've driven for 2 hours straight a few times, around 90-ish miles and the only thing cramping were my hands from gripping lol.

[@PopsRacer61]

@@Phantraas ..I have the Blue 2018 and I'm 5'9'' with no problem with ergonomics. Bought some foam grip covers for the bars and about to order the Cruise control from Amazon

[@joshw3539]

Why didn’t you go with the Verseys 650?

[@CityNinja650]

That’s actually a really good question that will have its own video. Shorter answer comes down to cost and style. While I do like touring and that was my main concern, I also wanted something that I could rip on the streets if I wanted (not saying you can’t with the Verseys) but I wanted something more sporty. Price is the other factor. While they are kinda priced the same where they get you is accessories. Most of the ones I seen at the dealership didn’t come with luggage and that would have to be bought separately. That adds up fast and while I still would have to buy it with the Ninja. There is more but it would be an extremely long text but those are a few of the reasons. There are other reasons like comfort (how I would feel on it as a new rider) and general style. Thank you for the comment tho. This will be a video on its own.

[@dannyroosenboom3640]

i very much like the scenery. ER6 rider

[@detro3run]

Good vid

[@MylesDanielBaker]

For the engine breaking, you should work on your forearm and grip strength.

[@CityNinja650]

It was funny cuz all winter I got those forearm grip things to strengthen them up and prep for that motion. When I did my msf class it was the first time I worked the clutch and break for hrs like that. It killed me. I think a big part of my issue is my placement on throttle. But I need to get those grips back out lol

[@efremendez]

Maybe ride in a higher gear for better milage.

[@CityNinja650]

You’re definitely right about that. Being in a higher gear helps a lot. One weird thing I noticed is I get my worst mpg on the interstate. I did a big trip to see the eclipse and on average I was getting 120 miles a tank. Usually I can get 175 to 200 a tank. On the interstate I am chillin at 80 mph @6.5k to 7k rpms. Plus all that wind pushing g you back probably makes it bad too

[@deadshot4245]

i do the same thing when i see deer too

[@sohrabmashkoor8983]

Why do you say that if you want to ride a 600 to start on a 400 and not the 650

[@CityNinja650]

Just because the 400 gets you ready for that body position. It will be a huge huge jump from the 400 to 600. I’m not sure if there would be a better option like a cbr 500. It probably would be a bit better to go from a 650 to 600 for power sake but I sat on a 600 a few days ago and it’s literally nothing like the 650. You would be starting over for sure. The body position is nuts on this things. I just think that the 400 may be better because it has a body position similar. No where near as aggressive but more similar then the 650 for sure

[@sleeper.simulant7327]

Haven’t ridden a 650 but have sat on one back to back with 400, have ridden a 400. They are very different bikes. The 400 feels significantly smaller and lighter, the ergo’s are definitely more aggressive (but still comfortable). The 650 definitely was overall more comfortable, felt bigger. And if I had ridden it I’m sure I’d say it feels a lot more stable at higher speeds verses the shorter wheel based 400. That being said, the 400 was arguably some of the most fun I had on 2 wheels. I got a chance to find one on a Adirondack mountain road. Talk about a fun little bike. Peppy to, loves to rev out…

[@joshw3539]

They’re not going to be selling the the 2024 400. They’re releasing the 500.

[@PopsRacer61]

@@joshw3539..the Ninja 500 is now available in N. America , you are correct. No more Ninja 400. The Ninja 500 is the perfect beginner's bike that you can later upgrade to something bigger & faster! (starts @ $5300)

[@scooty67]

Squirrel, 😛