2023 Kawasaki Ninja 650 - Exceptionally good street performance bike!

[@wesleywaddell959]

I'm looking at this bike as my first

[@sterlingroberts6240]

You should seriously consider buying a cheap, used beginner bike, for so many reasons. Like really. You’ll likely recoup the cost of selling it by having much cheaper insurance for that critical first year/6 months. Either way, ride safe and have fun.

[@strangelegac381]

Just be careful on your throttle management brother!

[@BreadManMike]

I'd recommend learning on something older and with less power like a rebel 250, definitely something used. If you do get it as your first, make sure you respect the bike and it'll respect you. Be careful with that throttle control and please get the basics down. There's more to just getting on and going down the road. But the main thing is being mature and respecting it. I'm looking at getting one as my second bike. Started on a 06 Rebel 250. You wouldn't be bad off getting the 400. It's more friendly and plenty get them as their first bikes. Then after a year or so you can trade it in for a 650.

[@hair2050]

Agree with the others. Unless you happen to be an advanced mountain bike rider, for example, get something cheaper and easier to manage.

[@bfarm44]

I started on the 1985 Ninja 600r but I had extensive riding experience prior on dirt bikes and enduros. Throttle control is everything. Take your time

[@elronaldopablo]

Oh, shiiiiiiit! I passed my knowledge test today, came home and had a meeting with my supervisor at work and found out he rode motorcycles and now I get on KZbin to see the channel cover the color for the 2023 Ninja 650 I'm hoping to get (white). Today's a good day!😅

[@BlackArroToons]

Great motorcycle this Ninja 650 is, thanks for the detailed, helpful review.

[@williammendes6795]

I'm from Brazil, and i was looking to buy this bike. Just came here to say that your video is THE BEST one, the more detailed, about this motorcycle in the whole internet. Clarified a lot of things. Thank you!

[@PeterLoweOne]

Thanks so much for your kind words!

[@IchigoKurosakisan]

You keep making videos of the 650 and it makes me want to buy it even more. Though I'm debating whether to get this or the new zx4rr which is priced pretty close to the 650 in our country but with all the new tech and that sweet inline 4 scream. Maybe a zx4rr review soon?:D

[@PeterLoweOne]

As soon as the ZX-4RR arrives, I'll be putting it on video. One thing to remember is that the ZX-4rr will be available in very limited numbers this year, so if you wait to get one, you may miss out. Both this bike and that one interest me for sure!

[@IchigoKurosakisan]

@@PeterLoweOne Oooh Ididn't know they're limited in number this year. As far as I know, they're selling like hotcakes here! Still, I could wait a year or two before buying a new motorcycle.

[@soulofanunknownsoldier8066]

Get the 650. Zx4rr has more top end but the torque of the 650 will translate to a more fun street bike. Only get the zx4 if you plan on lots of track days

[@PeterLoweOne]

@@soulofanunknownsoldier8066 I agree that the 650 has more midrange torque, where I hesitate to support your argument is where you say that the ZX-4RR is really just for lots of track days. I think it will be one of the best supersport bikes for the roads.

[@soulofanunknownsoldier8066]

@@PeterLoweOne the fact that the zx4 has a dedicated lap time button where the 650 has traction control selection to me would mean it was meant to be a pure hybrid. If you plan on more street than track in any way you should probably get a 650 pure and simple

[@EvolvingNaturally]

Still debating the 400 vs 650. The two up benefits are definitely a plus. It's about 200 bucks a year more than the 400 on insurance.

[@GhadSpeed]

I have a ninja 500 great bike. Love it but I want this 650 to add to my bike collection! I hear it’s a great cruiser for road trips with mid end torque. Plus I don’t want to deal with the cost of a super sport bike and the seating style is crucial for road trips.

[@yiannislafogiannis9472]

Love the white and red the middle one, looks like Yamaha colours but it's a Kawi and looks great

[@pallawkumar5195]

Very comprehensive..well done

[@PeterLoweOne]

Thanks for watching!

[@Italianborn]

I don’t get why the 650 has the usb port, the 400 has quick shifter and blipper and the zx6r is supposedly a better bike and has non of that ! And i’m saying it cause i bought the 2024 model of krt color

[@markfisher2683]

What a fantastic, comprehensive review and breakdown, for an excellent bike! I only wish you could/would do a riding review as well, maybe towards the end of each video. Anyway, I've owned a FEW of these 650s in the recent past, and they just keep getting better! May have to return to this color too- real unique! My only question at the moment: are all of these colors available with ABS? Thank you again, and well done!

[@PeterLoweOne]

Thanks for watching! Because these all come with traction control, it's the same sensors (wheel speed sensors) that work with ABS, so all versions will now come with ABS and Traction Control. As far as doing riding reviews, I'd love to, very few bikes are demonstrator bikes here. We want people to have the option to buy the bikes that they want in the colours that they want, in brand new condition. If I'm ever able to ride anything, you'll see me doing riding reviews, but the other thing that's at play right now is it's winter here, and there is still a lot of snow around and corrosive road salt. So stay tuned because I'll diversify in the future. I did buy a Z900RS SE which I'll be doing plenty of riding reviews this summer. Anyway, thanks for watching! I appreciate your support!

[@kwakithailand]

​@@PeterLoweOne Looking forward to the Z900RS SE riding VDOs, Peter 👍 Wishing for a speedy Spring arrival in your region, mate 👍

[@TheShadeManGuitar]

Bought a 650. Still had the urge to go to a zx6r within a year. I got 2 bike now🤣

[@SKEEZOTHEREALSKEEZO]

I want to do the same. How's the comfort between the two bike's when riding all day?

[@TheShadeManGuitar]

@SKEEZOTHEREALSKEEZO 650 is very comfy to ride, the zx6r will hurt after a few hours

[@rudecomb2006]

I have ninja 650 in krt green very good bike it is 😊

[@kwakithailand]

Awesome stuff (not only by Kawasaki Industries, but also by you)! Your presentations are always highlighting the practical benefits (e.g. the benefits of the torquy 2inline 650 compared to the 4inline 400 as well as the sitting ergonomics of the different bike styles) of the different types of the bikes in your YT VDO, Peter 👍 Cheeky question: How many clicks do you have amassed on your own Z900 RS SE as yet, Peter?

[@PeterLoweOne]

Haha. Thanks for your support. I really appreciate it! How many clicks? I haven't checked. I used to run a MUCH larger channel in the past so the numbers are still small here, but things are growing, over the past month we've had over a quarter million views just in that month, so things are starting to grow. Video views are available for everyone to see on KZbin, and it doesn't matter to me what takes off, if it's my own bike, that's fine, but I just want to see the overall channel grow in time.

[@95turboteggy65]

I was going to buy a 650 still might but I really want to wait for the ninja zx4R. The anticipation is killing me. 15k rev limiter is going to be fun to play with.

[@PeterLoweOne]

The only thing I'd say about that is that I expect that ZX-4R to sell out very quickly. Those who wait on it, will likely miss out until next year. So if you want to ride this year, I'd get to your dealer and make sure you get the bike you want, especially if it's that ZX-4R

[@95turboteggy65]

@@PeterLoweOne yeah your right which sucks haha. Any idea on OTD pricing? Hoping its not 13k with markups.

[@ColeGunther]

At 6’3 and 260 does anyone have any recommendations for a first bike that wouldn’t look absolutely silly? I’ve looked at these heavily as well as tiger sport 660, rsv660, klr650, and a couple other dual sport/adv bikes. But I do much prefer more of a sport bike. Any recommendations are greatly appreciated! Thank you all and much love!

[@PeterLoweOne]

Have you tried the Ninja 650? A lot of people worry about their weight on these bikes, but these bikes can take passengers, so the weight isn't an issue. As far as how you look on it, the Ninja 650 is a full size bike, so you might be fine. Adventure bikes are also great for taller riders, and be open to something like the Vulcan S which shares an engine with this Ninja 650 but is a cruiser style. It may not be the look you're going for, but it does offer a sporty ride for a cruiser.

[@paulstanley3265]

Another great job . I been looking at the ninja 1000sx a lot here lately

[@PeterLoweOne]

Thanks for watching!

[@2356reptilia]

I bought the pearl white in the middle a couple a months ago now. and i must say as a first bike for me im defintely not dissapointed. I absolutely love everything about my bike.

[@PeterLoweOne]

That bike looks great in person! Enjoy it. It's also great to ride!

[@rudylee7658]

Does it have ABS?

[@2356reptilia]

@@rudylee7658 yes it does!

[@rudylee7658]

@@2356reptilia Does it have ABS written on the fender?

[@wereoursouls3472]

Great review Peter. Would love to see more on the ninja 650 and other sports bikes. Could you do a review on the optional higher seat for the ninja 650. Thanks.

[@PeterLoweOne]

I'll have to look into what accessories we have in stock and see if I can make some videos like that. Thanks for the idea!

[@armandovidaurri2693]

Nice I just got one exactly the same 2023. Love it just can't wait till I break in after 500 miles and go on the freeway.

[@PeterLoweOne]

Nice!! What color did you choose? And I hear you with the break in miles. I've got a new bike sitting in the garage waiting for the snow to melt, and as soon as it does, I still have to go through the break in... I just want to ride! 😃

[@armandovidaurri2693]

@@PeterLoweOne it's perl white and like redish orange and black.

[@Emmiiillyyy]

In comparison to the 2022 ninja 650 what would the differences be? I am debating because I want a 650 but from my understanding of just doing my own research the 2022 doesnt have the power mode button ( correct me if I am wrong of course) and i am trying to figure out if the extra money is worth having that especially as a new rider with less than a thousand miles on me.

[@hectorfigueroa8068]

I love this bike. 2 months in and I’m having so much fun 😂

[@PeterLoweOne]

I was talking with a newer Ninja 650 rider this morning and he said the exact same thing! Thanks for sharing!

[@RyanKrock-b8n]

Got the exact one..and I ❤it. Wish it did have more options with the rideon app. Such as lean and suspension. But it will do. Lol

[@AdriánVega-c1y]

Hi Peter, great video!! What do you think about the point that this bike doesn't have an inverted suspension? does this bike is worth it without that? I think the bikes from other brands, even some smaller and cheaper ones, are implementing inverted suspension

[@PeterLoweOne]

Great question. The Versys 650 has that, and in the case of that bike, the suspension is adjustable. So you can get an upgraded suspension with this engine, and the Versys 650 is surprisingly sporty. It's also more expensive. At the end of the day, I'd rather have suspension that works great, and not just suspension that looks great. For this class of bike, and for the average rider who buys this bike, the suspension works really well. I think if you rode this bike and any other bike in the class, you wouldn't be able to tell which bike has traditional suspension, and which bike has upside down (or inverted) forks. So if you wanted it for style, I can see a reason to have it, but for performance, I think you're getting class competitive performance, at a great price.

[@AdriánVega-c1y]

@@PeterLoweOne excellent, I'm really looking forward for more videos about this bike as you mentioned 👍 because I'm thinking of buying this one or maybe the 1000sx 🤘

[@kestlebess9091]

OK how did you get the black and green one when they only show the gold one

[@PeterLoweOne]

I film in Canada, so these are Canadian colours.

[@matthewbecknell664]

I financed a 2023 ninja 650, im a month in, I I wnt more already, should i avoid changing the exhaust,ecu tuning, etc, since I know im gonna upgrade next season.

[@PeterLoweOne]

I wouldn't modify a bike that you're planning on selling. That's just my opinion.

[@Palerideravs]

Great job, thanks! What about weight differences between 400 vs 650? Something to worry about it? I'm a short guy, what about the height? Thanks in advance

[@PeterLoweOne]

I don't think weight differences are something to worry about, but they are something to be aware of. According to the Kawasaki website, the Ninja 650 weighs 423 lbs while the Ninja 400 weighs 366 lbs. That's a 57 lb weight difference, so it's not an insignificant difference.

[@rudylee7658]

Every Dealership I go to says the white one is not available in ABS. I don't see it on Kawasaki's website, is this a dealer exclusive?

[@PeterLoweOne]

I film in Canada, so these are Canadian model bikes. Here, they all come with ABS.

[@sideswipetv8141]

So I currently ride a Ninja 400 and want to get something that's a little better for highway riding and so I've been thinking about getting the 650 but wasn't sure if it's worth the upgrade or I should go with something bigger?

[@PeterLoweOne]

I really like the 650. I think it's a great engine for most people and as much as anyone would "need". I happened to buy the Z900RS SE after driving the Versys 650 for years. The Z900RS has more power than anyone needs. It's fun, but it's not at ALL necessary to have fun!

[@sideswipetv8141]

@@PeterLoweOne I just went and talked to my dealer about switching over to the 650 to make my commuting on the highway, hopefully better 😊🤞🤞🤞

[@PeterLoweOne]

@@sideswipetv8141 Sweet!

[@elec7ricwaffle163]

I have a 24’ krt 650 and I love it

[@simonyeager6062]

Awesome video as always!! Would you be able to film yourself ride the motorcycles that you're reviewing in the future? Thank you!

[@PeterLoweOne]

I would love to, and I will be doing that this summer, especially on my brand new Z900RS SE that I just bought. The issue is that I can't just ride every bike here, most people, when they're buying a brand new motorcycle, want to get one that is actually new, and not a demonstrator. The other issue is the amount of snow still on the ground here right now! I film in Canada! 🙂

[@1stfrompuertorico568]

1st

[@ruled216]

my new GO-TO-GUY in terms of MC and details... thank you bro. keep it up!

[@PeterLoweOne]

Haha! Thanks. I appreciate the support! If you haven't already, feel free to subscribe!

[@kenjicollingablines4199]

why is it Philippines don’t have krt edition of 650? 😢

[@PeterLoweOne]

I'm not sure why they do different things in different countries. I'm sorry.

[@jordanwilliams8559]

How tall are you in comparison

[@PeterLoweOne]

I'm about 6 feet tall.

[@alihernandez6612]

What is the difference between the KRT model and the regular one?

[@PeterLoweOne]

The paint scheme. 🙂👍

[@alihernandez6612]

@@PeterLoweOne Thanks!

[@Forgivefull]

I wonder if its liquid cooled. Either way im getting it.

[@PeterLoweOne]

These are all liquid cooled.

[@Forgivefull]

@@PeterLoweOne noice!

[@bfarm44]

Love the color but honestly the way they labeled the 650!has got to go. Don’t know what they were going for but it looks dropped and scratched instead of whatever they thought it looked like……yeet

[@PeterLoweOne]

I think some of those things look better better when you see them in person. Most of the graphics don't look great in person. Personally, I think that each of these paint schemes look pretty good in person.

[@hectorfigueroa8068]

I have the white one. Gorgeous

[@PeterLoweOne]

The white one looks great!

[@fartknocker132]

your reviews are awesome. I have a 2022 400 and am debating between a zx6r and a 650. I'll probably get the 650 as I really don't care about going to a track to be honest.

[@jimmansi1187]

Great review, I’m interested in a middleweight bike preferably with a fairing, this looks like the best option

[@PeterLoweOne]

Thanks for watching! I'd agree with you, this bike should definitely be near the top of your list given what you're looking for.

[@christiansanchez1486]

Kawasaki 650 is essentially a Yamaha R7/6

[@PeterLoweOne]

They're competitors. I really like the Kawasaki though.

[@christiansanchez1486]

@@PeterLoweOne 100% me as well man I’ve loved Kawasaki bikes since I was a kid my mom and dad have always tried to scare the biker boy in me out of me didn’t work though motorcycle is my main mode of transportation

[@ragimundvonwallat8961]

the 650 dont need need widgets... it need a new set of cam 10hp more at 9000 instead of 8 and the gearing need to be taller... its ridiculusly short

[@PeterLoweOne]

I think this engine is a great mix of performance, efficiency, and cost. It's not meant to rev like crazy like a super sport bike, but it also returns great mid-range torque. I think the gearing works great for how most people ride on the street, it's geared well for acceleration, most people riding these bikes aren't looking for ultimate top speed on a racetrack, but fun acceleration on the streets. So I guess I just have a different opinion about this bike. No bike is perfect, so it's always good to hear what people think manufacturers should do! Thanks for watching!

[@ragimundvonwallat8961]

@@PeterLoweOne i love the bike...my friends have 2, we live in the country so city riding mean nothing here,,, they just geared a lot taller and the bikes felt so much better. only slower at clutching off the line but the first gear pull is great. just my own taste i get it why kawie do it that way

[@herrtomas6729]

Hi

[@dflowski3427]

More ninja 650 content

[@PeterLoweOne]

Perfect! You and I are on the same page!

[@dflowski3427]

I have a deposit on one right now but I don’t know if 10 k it’s really worth it. Looking at a 1500 mile 2020 for 5500 from a private seller

[@Keshlipwn]

@@dflowski3427which one did you choose mate and how do you like it?