Kawasaki Ninja 650 | Long term update | Motorcyclenews.com

[@MrBoybergs]

Excellent presenter. Casual, relaxed and yet full of useful info. It feels like he's chatting to you over a pint rather than talking to camera. Good work.

[@TheDewDesigns]

Are you english? that was well said.

[@deepsouthNZ]

Im a kiwi. This young bloke is a good lad. He did a fine job

[@jameswells9677]

Here here 😂

[@msimelelomambu]

Good work indeed

[@xclent1975]

If you own one keep it take care of it , it’s a do it all mc and will always put a smile on your face !

[@user-xw8fc4rt7h]

first bike was a 2009 650r , woodcraft sports bars and a nice exhaust , had grips, fender delete , rear seat cowl...man i loved that bike...ride an 09 gsxr 750 now and love it to death...time for a 1000 soon , im completely addicted to riding , going fast and leaning all the way over...all thanks to the 650r , id suggest it to anyone starting out

[@Zach_A]

I've always said, this bike with a 636 engine would be the perfect bike for me.

[@antep6157]

Zachary Adams ZX6R with an aftermarket seat?

[@Zach_A]

Ha I actually have that exact setup! I wouldn't mind taller bars, lower pegs, and more wind protection though. I probably do 90% commuting, 10% fun on my bike so those sacrifices in performance would pay off in comfort.

[@antep6157]

Zachary Adams Well there is aftermarket. I hope you find what ya need.

[@Zach_A]

I know it, but my bike does me fine for now. Been thinking about an FJ-09 as an addition if the lack of comfort starts to get to me.

[@antep6157]

Zachary Adams You mean the Tracer 900? Those are really nice bikes.

[@fusion01wp]

owned a '10 er6f and it never gave an issue. very happy with it. only replaced chain, sprockets and tyres over about 4 years of use. recommended.

[@offroadtrailrider1281]

Never owned a street bike but I love my Kawasaki KX 250f dirtbike. Loyal Kawasaki fan this will be my first street bike for sure 😍

[@rockafella1690]

Fantastic looking bike. Thanks for the review.

[@axs7689]

Man this looks worlds sportier than the previous model. Nice video thanks!

[@gnarshread]

I love these middleweight all rounders. In capable hands with a few tweaks they can be vastly underestimated.

[@anonamos225]

"...So I can take the pillion foot pegs off." Ahh, I see you're a man of culture as well.

[@Edward-ko9pn]

Amazing bike. Currently I have 2018 Kawasaki Ninja 400. All black. Excellent video, I subscribed.

[@bionickchief]

this is PERFECT 1st bike

[@etfbit]

I've own the 650R (2011) since it was new - I can recommend some of my best mods to keep this bike fun... #1 Add a Power Commander 5... #2. with the added 'power' of the power commander, go up 1 gear on the front... this will make 6th gear feel like "7th" gear and you won't loose torque down low... it really smooths out the gears range IMO... #3 I went with duel sport tires for added confidence in poor conditions. I made many more mods but those are unique to the 2011 - such as bigger seat, gear indicator, rounded side mirrors attached to the dash etc. ... These changes have kept this bike in my garage - only consideration now if the H2 SX - but that may not happen. The 650 is reliable and continues to keep my attention.

[@AbsoluteFidelity]

Goin up one gear in front means making the gears longer. It doesnt make 6th gear feel like 7th because it doesnt have the power to pull sych a geaeing, it will make 5th gear feel like 6th.

[@racerrr2231]

I LOVE KAWASAKI

[@ritfloyd]

Nice review. I used the z650 version for a day as a loan bike and I haven't had so much fun on a bike in a while. It's got good torque and not a lot of horsepower which meant that there was loads of fun to be had winding the throttle. This faired version would be usable in the winter too which is a bonus.

[@fazerjohn]

When you were talking about tidying up the back end, a before / after still would help to illustrate the improvement.

[@AndrewLynch9]

Cracking review!

[@christopherbueno1580]

Andrew Lynch have you boned on this bike...

[@lukebateman9799]

Brilliant every day bike he said

[@jaymoto9820]

Cheers from the U.S.A. Great review! I love these mid sized twins of all the manufacturers. I went back to riding in the dirt, and I'll never stop. However, I really, really miss my old SV650S. I fully intend to get another street bike in this category at some point, while keeping the dirt scoot in the garage also. Thanks again!

[@satchb2k]

Cool and straightfoward review, buddy. Kudos!

[@fazerjohn]

Love the matching laces

[@alexduey8847]

3 hp gain at the wheel isn't bad and I love the way the arrow exhaust sounds

[@Wabbit1961]

You don't have to take the rear shock off to adjust it. It's tight but doable. My go-to tires on all my bikes is the Pirelli Angel GT. Heat up quick with great grip in dry or wet, plus long mileage.

[@andersonnilo605]

nice bike and weel done review . Looks like another category compare to the old one model

[@davidshipley2611]

I just got a red Kawasaki 650R yesterday and I just have to learn to lean with the bike as I turn but its my 1st ninja

[@kaiboshvanhortonsnort359]

I put a lot of clicks on a 2006 Ninja 650R, and with nothing more than risers, dropped pegs, and a slip-on it was pretty much the perfect motorcycle.

[@cbr125rcanada]

Holy neck tatoos, Batman!! Not sure I can take assurance of rider 'comfort' from someone with such obvious immunity to pain. ;-)

[@Death666wish]

I'd love to add the Z650 to my humble collection!

[@ritfloyd]

Really nice review. Just one point... You do not need to take the shock out to do preload adjustment. The manual says access the shock from the left hand side however that side has cables in the way so I tried the right hand side it was extremely straight forward after easily moving the coolant tank out of the way. I highly recommend anyone who owns this bike or the Z650 to increase the preload by 3 click at least as it will improve the handling.

[@slingshot8721]

I was encouraged by your video. I bought one like yours today. Thanks for your information. I Know this video is a year old but if you have any more advice or information about the bike it would be so kind of you to respond and I would be thankful for it. Have fun riding and stay safe.

[@hawkrider88]

I bought one a month ago. It's up for sale, unfortunatly the vibrations in the bars was too much for my hands. Its a lovely bike in many ways....but I wish Kawi would address the vibration issue.

[@shanepote]

I was about to buy my first bike and really wanted this, I have a very similar use for the bike bit of long daily commute and fun and you answered all my questions. Defs going for this instead of the ninja 400

[@jeanbradley5737]

Yes im getting it

[@Wabbit1961]

For the front suspension replace the innards with Race Tec and Race Tec emulators. Probably cost you about twice as much as your tail cowl cost, but it's a good way to go. Leaves more money for the rear shock upgrade. I'm sure you just have to measure the unsprung shock's length from connector to connector and then go shopping online to find an adjustable shock in your price range. Personally, I think the rear shock lengths, no matter what the setup, should be listed in a bike's specs to avoid the hassle of having to measure it yourself. After all, they seem happy enough to tell you the front fork lengths and diameters (thank God ) so buying aforementioned replacement parts is easy.

[@MrMichaelConstantine]

My cbr650 was recently written off, I am gutted but I might try this bike as a replacement.

[@Underbottom.Sandydown]

*all* the 250 - 700cc bikes need basic upgrades from the factory. Usually, it's: heavier brake fluid and better pads, higher weight fork oil, and after a year or so- complete after market rear suspension. Plus an ecu flash/power commander w/ a high flow air cleaner because they all run lean. You can change a lot with a stock bike to make it loads better than it was for the same cost as a full exhaust/fender delete. Just get what looks best and feels good - if you look cool while having fun, than you're doing what's called winning.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

My guess is some company may be making fully adjustable cartridges to drop into those forks, and the rear shock could fit up a 2-way adjustable of some brand probably, or a shock with remote reservoir as there isn't that much room under that subframe.

[@OlllOHD]

Two years later what a coincidence I bought this helmet and now I'm going to buy that motorcycle

[@truantray]

I demod this bike, and the under sprung suspension was a bike issue for me. I think they use progressive fork springs because the front dives badly on braking.

[@motorcyclenewsdotcom]

I have to agree, it's the biggest flaw on the bike. I don't understand why Kawasaki would make the preload adjustable then mount the shock so that you can't reach it to adjust it. They would have been better mounting it the opposite way. Both the forks and shock are on my to-do list of things to sort. Best, James

[@2002RM]

Put your Helmet on your Gloves!

[@---wl3bi]

that's a really good point

[@loudass1340]

Nice review. I got the bike and Just put on the metzeler roadtec 01 aswell. What tire pressure do you go for ?

[@briantigerdaugherty]

It sounds like my 2009 K L R 650 it has a aftermarket exhaust also

[@TheSteps62]

Now if this bike had say an 800 in line triple engine...... I'd own one. I used to own the 2007 er 650f model but the parallel twin sound and feel wasn't great at all, I sold it and I went back and bought another bandit 1200, more grrrrrrr in the engine.

[@Champion2Manager]

Very good review ☝🏽

[@micky2jacks]

Recommend some maxton suspension,,great suspension and don't cost too much,,although if I was taking it on track all the time I would drop the front end a bit so helps turning in and holding a line on the power outdo like this 650 as very similar too the 300,,might get one for racing in minitwin championship one day

[@motorcyclenewsdotcom]

I've already enquired with Maxton and they don't currently do a shock for the bike. I'm currently looking at upgrading it to a sensible budget. Best, James

[@williamwintemberg]

Great Bike!

[@Tuckshop_1]

Nice one James! really liked the review. I'll come and join you on track at some point on my steam powered Kawasaki!

[@motorcyclenewsdotcom]

Duchy goodness

[@geminiman7069]

Great review. I don't know who would want this bike? What is it trying to do?? Who is it aimed at?? I went to Belgium on me Daytona 675 with cheap strap-on luggage, that goes like stink, isn't uncomfortable and decent on fuel. Insurance is £200 Fully Comp. I'm 50.

[@mavricxx]

Feels like Kawasaki took 2 steps forward and 1 step back. The added a nice dashboard and made it look good superficially. Then they claim it's more efficient and lost weight but in the process made the fuel tank smaller and reduced the horsepower. I wish they made it a triple and bumped the power to 100-120hp with power modes. I love my 2014 still and doesn't seem like a good deal to upgrade when it's not worth it. Unless they can up the HP and make it a triple to make it sound better cause that muffler sounds horrendous even with a can (I know). I almost forgot to mention on my 2014 you don't need to remove the shock just to adjust it which is handy as well.

[@truantray]

Rene G. Solis Just buy a Daytona.

[@columkenn]

Bike looks really great. Pity it isn't a bit more powerful.

[@dioanindra2920]

In my opinionthis model has an agressive looks, however i did not like the new handlebar model and prefer the previous model. But thank you once again for making this great review.

[@balsara675]

Smoooth

[@mega-hb4re]

Kawasaki rocks

[@JosephMyLife]

Nice review, I have watched a bunch but no one has mentioned the main thing I'm looking for. How is the bike with heat? I live in a tropical climate (Very hot) with a ton of traffic. Does the bike run hot?

[@---wl3bi]

Yep I don't think it's that tropical in the uk, so it's a bit difficult to do the review, but nothing to stop you doing one

[@MorTphyr]

I want the n650 2023 as my first bike

[@ColRedburn]

A real interesting review and nice changes to the bike. I also think the changes planned are very reasonable and will do the bike a favor. If I did not have the predecessor with upgraded suspension (Öhlins) and some other minor tweaks, I would get this one as well.

[@sebastienhoude3739]

What's the cost for an upgrade to ohlins, should't be cheap, in the range of a grand i'd imagine.

[@ColRedburn]

Sebastien Houde the rear shock with installation was 700€.

[@sebastienhoude3739]

Thank you for the information, i thought you would change the front in the first place.

[@ColRedburn]

Since there is no road legal Öhlins cartridge set for this bike (there is a race only one) I did not change it yet. Actually the front works well enough for good roads or track, since it is quite stiff. Most cartridge upgrades (K-Tech, IDS, etc.) are quite pricy (>1k€ parts only). Best offer is fixed setup for my weight (spring, oil, etc.) for ~500€ (work included). I invest in better protection gear right now, but I am still looking fork upgrade as well.

[@Alexander5R]

This looks very sporty except for the standard forks, inverted is the way to go. I would go and buy the new CBR650R but I reckon it's more expensive.

[@benthemoviemaker]

I tested this bike today, and i really loved it! The only thing i’m worried about, is the vibration on the bike that will appear at 4,5k rpm and up. It was really anoying... your bike also has that vibration?

[@graytan7007]

Ben the Moviemaker I bought this 3 months ago and have the same vibration problem. Anything you have done to reduce or end it?

[@Tobeon2]

I have exactly the same bike. My only problem is that my butts get so sore after riding 1.5 hrs straight. Last weekend, I rode a bit more than 6 hrs (including 1 hr of resting). After 3rd hour, I had to rest like every 20-30 mins because my butts were so sore.. 😑🥴.. Well.. I had to order comfy seat yesterday...😜

[@RogueRiderUk]

I think he likes it!

[@MrMichaelConstantine]

Overall not a bad bike. Actually a brilliant bike but I do prefer the cbr650. But it cost about £1000 more and there is no option for slip on exhaust, has to be a full system.

[@MotorcycleExtremist]

To be honest, the new Ninja 650 and the Z650 are a ways behind the competition in terms of power, smoothness, Mpg., and distance between fuel stops at the very least. I'd take a new SV650 or an FZ-07 (MT-07) over those bikes from Kawasaki hands down.

[@seinfeld11123]

i have an R3 on learner class. I can get any bike I want. so I was thinking about one of these. as sport bikes not good for commuting, plus not a lot to spend. what bikes are challenging this for price and perf/looks. as the new 2018 ninja looks much nicer than the older ones. I think suzuki have the SV 650 thats a 3 or 4 cyl.. cause that will sound awesome Yamaha dont really have a sport bike in between R3 and R6. . Id love a R6 style with 75-80HP. upside down forks (non adjust) tiny bit sportyer riding pos than the nakeds but not as full on as R1/6. again good rear shock. that would be perfect for ppl want a bit of speed and sports bike looks without cheap naked looks.. im picks AF haha

[@killionkwe]

I'm thinking of buying this bike, and want to take longer trips with it. How tall are you? I'm 5'11" and it feels like it fits me good. I'm just wondering if I'll feel that way after a long ride. Great video by the way! Everything was to the point without all the stupid, useless talking so many reviewers do.

[@sebastienhoude3739]

It's as tall as the ninja 300 (795 vs 790). Doing 5'8 and i flat foot no problem with a little bend in the leg on my 300 ( i think for me the perfect fit would be 800-810mm for a 5'8-5'10). Hope it helps.

[@nabeel5757]

Thanks for the review.. I am. Also looking for a do it all bike.. Kinda stuck forever between the versys 650 and the new ninja 650... Somehow I am not able to forgive the poor ground clearance of the ninja 650(which is very important for the Indian roads).. Did the installation of the after market exhaust kit increase the overall ground clearancs of the ride??.. Please suggest

[@suryapratap5204]

Please tell me how do the headlights work in high and low beam?

[@davidrobinson76]

I find regular beams dark when turning left and leaning. Other than that visibility is good.

[@I_hunt_lolis]

Why would an exhaust boost HP? Does it remove mufflers or catalytic converters? Is it legal?

[@Braselton21]

kawasaki Ninja 650R vs Honda CBR650F :D

[@profes4287]

Style I would say the 650 wins HP the CBR650F

[@rickiclevelandrc]

Nice Review!! Could I ask how tall you are. I'm 6ft7 and I've sat on one, the only gripe I have is my knee angle. Its not the worse bike I've sat on but just curious if you had the same gripes or not.

[@lowemichael03]

Ninja 650 green eyes as well as the ninja 400, however I live in the big city and I need a bike faster than the average car for my safety. I need a bike that will go at least 130 +

[@Dranreb865]

Does it sound decent with after market exhaust?

[@QwahziIRL]

How's the off/on throttle response (e.g. from 0 throttle to 1/8 throttle)? Is it smooth or abrupt?

[@QwahziIRL]

Tylertron 21 Ah, I see. The Ninja 300 is the same way, and that's one of my biggest annoyances. Thank you for the informative response!

[@motorcyclenewsdotcom]

I'm just in the process of replacing the brake lines with braided Hel hoses and replacing the pads too and am trying to source some suspension upgrades at a sensible budget too. I've not personally had any problems with the vibrations on the machine but I do tend to use it more at the higher end of the rev range. An ECU flash would definitely help the bike but I wouldn't be able to recommend it as it would invalidate any warranty. I'm trying to source either a power commander or a Rapidbike module that would do the same but keep the warranty. I hope this helps. Best, James

[@stockstunna]

How's the wind protection on touring? buffeting?

[@PhilG221]

Speaking of living with the bike, what's the service interval (and costs) like? I've heard that it needs a service every 3000 miles, which is frankly ridiculous.

[@dman117zx6]

DannyBomBom 3000 miles? You must have heard wrong. If anything that might just be the oil change

[@motorcyclenewsdotcom]

Hi Danny - You heard right regarding the service intervals and it's something that I'm going to be touching on in my next update. It's mostly just oil and filter changes with slightly larger services occurring at 7,500, 15,000 and 22,500 miles. The Valve clearances don't need doing until the bike has reached 26,000 miles though. Best, James

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Whomever told you that is frankly ridiculous. Go on Kawasaki.com website and download a free owner's manual.

[@PhilG221]

Lifted_Above The periodic maintenance is 0.6, 3.8, 7.6, 11.4, 15.2 thousand miles. That's according to the manual.

[@dry509]

Good reView. I am 6 feet, 30 inch inseam, 215 lbs with gear. Would I fit and would suspension handle my weight?

[@UndeadSauerkraut]

Found an awnser to that question?

[@tayles76sydney78]

Hi, wondering how tall you are? I’m 6”3 92kg and looking to buy this model as a starter bike. Would you mind sharing your thoughts.

[@CDigata]

but how does it compare to the ninja 400 apart from comfort ?

[@iVulker]

Could you send a link to the exhaust system you’ve purchased?

[@turbo311]

Wait. You can’t adjust rear shock preload without removing the shock from the bike?!

[@joaosoares3719]

This bike needs 3 things: the Ninja 400 face (already on the 2019 ZX-6R and the Versys 1000), traction control and about 10hp more. The first two will be available in the 2020 model, the last one I'm not so sure.

[@lalagirl211]

João Soares Can u recommend it to short person 5’2 and petite

[@joaosoares3719]

@@lalagirl211 You'd be tiptoeing, but it's a nice beginners' bike. Smooth power delivery, relatively light and frugal. You could also try the Ninja 400, which is lighter.

[@013nil]

its a good commuter as well as track bike and kind of a sport tourer also. But Honda 650F is a good option in that category, it makes 85 bhp for slightly more money and quality. 650F is made in India, btw.

[@stringggsynergy2886]

...the 650f vibrates like a high frequency tuning fork.., no matter where its made...by the way I'm also from INDIA

[@thomaslarcher7844]

Thinking of trading my street triple for the N650. Anything over 60 on the triple and it's like a hurricane. And the windscreens available for it just look like an afterthought and don't really match the bike. Still want a sport bike but not the laid down seating of a 600.

[@aarushsharma3513]

have you ever taken this bike on bad roads?? what about its ground clearance is it sufficient?

[@gothan8336]

no need to take schock out in order to adjust, but you do need remove the tank though

[@profes4287]

Kawasaki says the Bike got 68hp but on youre test on the stand it only had 60hp with the normal exauhst and 63hp with the arrow. can someone explain to me why kawasaki says its 68 and if you test it by youre own it has only 60hp?

[@riccardogeldner6411]

Where did you get that exhaust from? I'm looking for it for weeks!

[@motorcyclenewsdotcom]

Hi Riccardo, try www.bandcexpress.co.uk/. You can get the part numbers from the Arrow website. Best, James

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Yoshimura, Akrapovic, Arrow, and a host of other brands have full systems for this bike. It's a welded stock system so the only way to upgrade is a full system, unless someone offers a slip-on for a sawn-header.

[@obliviman100]

i wonder if that bit of the 650 being dyno'd was done at chis walker kawasaki in grantham? not been to any other kawasaki's but that looks exactly the same xD

[@Kurgan100]

Whats the differens with the zx6r and this??

[@4ce59]

Never thought of Kawasaki before MCN reviews.... Did you try it with a passenger? How many km you can over before lady starts to complain? =)

[@alexcaymans]

How does the 650 compare to the Fz 07?

[@chillychan3548]

Back in the day we woulda called that bike a UJM. This UJM 2.0.

[@GeorgeTsiros]

you had to put a loud exhaust on it. You HAD to.

[@motorcyclenewsdotcom]

Well, I wanted to see what gains it would make ;) I'll do another update without the baffle later on, it's SO loud! - James

[@michals1108]

when I hear "all can do bike"... any bike with windshield is "do all bike"

[@superbikeaborad]

Twin engines are not for me long term. Inline 4's make my heart sing.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

I've had both. I've even taken triples on demo. I'd rather have a twin to live with every day. Grunt and character. Flogging a twin for all it's worth is more fun.

[@donmorine8602]

Twin is less top heavy,narrower and lower centre of balance.Take that anyday.

[@JQUICK21]

I hate how they have the low beam light on one side and the high beam light on the other side! Instead of having it like a car where both lights are on and they are either bright or low beam. Every day I ride my scooter/moped somebody tells me I have a light burned out, because it is set up just like this bike here.

[@harryviking6347]

Its perfect for touring! lol! How much do you need really!

[@nayansat2848]

Korg?

[@shah9394]

Its an adequate bike....you know one ball shy of a full sack. Its 650cc but its a twin so its lacking.....you know....soul. but that's half the problem. The other half is the late 90s front suspension...non adjustable and feels like a wooden pogo stick. But that said its well made and comfortable FIRST BIKE....

[@prakashsingh6801]

Give Suzuki gsxr 600 and also compare with ninja 650 and hyosung gt650r . Thanks

[@5gcoffeecroissantbaker]

Any exhaust mod you can recmmend to make it sound like a fighter jet? Like most liter bikes sound like? (really noob to the whole motorcycle space tbh so i humbly ask for your guidance)

[@SurpriseMurder]

Two brothers. Full exhaust. Everyone with eardrums will hate you Additionally: remove the baffle tip off the exhaust. Adds 20db

[@mega-hb4re]

The only exhaust that makes this bike sound like a liter is the SC Project system ( italian F1) like the Ferrari

[@davidwaddington9414]

nice presentation without the usual silly loud music.