Introduction
For 2009, Kawasaki engineers and designers worked closely together to refine the Ninja 650R into an even more user-friendly motorcycle with many design similarities to the ZX-6R.
Starting with the 650cc parallel-twin engine, continuing with the frame and finishing with the suspensions, the bike is now a more tempting approach for novices. But what exactly is that due to? For starters, the engine’s fuel injection system has been revised for greater low rpm torque and more linear power delivery, making it perfect for those leaving their cars in the garage in favor of an economic and enjoyable motorcycle.
2009 Kawasaki Ninja 650R
Other modifications to the small and yet pushy engine (72 hp and 48.5 lb/ft) consist in moving the cooling fluid from the external hoses and inside the cases as well as adding a new catalyzer which helps Kawasaki stay true to its now consecrated color (meets Euro-III regulations).
Further easing a beginner’s choice is the lowered seat (now 31.1 inches), rubber-mounted handlebars as well as rubber threads fitted pegs. A rider would now feel more confident in maneuvering the bike as we all know that slow-speed is the one that gets headaches into the helmets.
Having also upgraded the front suspension and the swingarm, Kawasaki people are happy to price the new Ninja 650R at just under $7 grand. Note that this is still a relatively new introduction which gets a fair market share sure won’t get beaten when it comes to fuel consumption, comfort and appearance.
And these are also pretty much the chapters that Kawasaki wanted to master when first introducing the Ninja 650R as a 2008 model year. Inspiration came from the naked ER-6n, but the “R” started as more than just a faired model; it stood up as the choice of those who didn’t quite had the skills or need to go for the ZX-6R and yet searched for good aerodynamics.
Competition
Yamaha has spotted the same profitable market share and starting 2009 it gets benefits from it with the FZ6R. This is an aggressive piece of motorcycle from all points of view and yet manages to retain a comfortable riding position and good wind protection. The engine is the same previous generation R6 fuel-injected, 600cc, liquid-cooled, four-stroke, DOHC 16 valves unit so there’s plenty to expect from that while the full fairing covering it is inspired from racing too. Yet, the tall windscreen and sport-touring like accommodations make a strong competitor for this class out of the 2009 Yamaha FZ6R.
2009 Suzuki SV650SF ABS
On one hand, the Yamaha – with those four cylinders – is definitely superior to the Kawasaki and the cheapest starts at $6,990 which is very good. But on the other hand we have the 2009 Suzuki SV650SF which is powered by a 90-degree V-twin engine, there is also a full fairing and the riding position is no killer either. But what’s with the $7,499 MSRP? An ABS-equipped model is also available and it starts at $7,999.
The only explication we could find for the apparently exaggerated starting prices is the fact that Suzuki has more than a decade building the SV while the Yamaha and Kawasaki are new additions to the class and need to make up for the lost ground.
Exterior
2009 Kawasaki Ninja 650R
As far as style is concerned, the 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 650R manages to distinguish both from the crowd and from the previous model year with supersports inspired features such as the headlights and windscreen while the fairing is mainly characterized by aggressive lines in an attempt to enhance 650R’s sporty appearance. In reluctance to that idea, the gas tank, seat, and the bike’s tail are all rounded up. Add on a tubular trellis frame and D-shaped cross-section swingarm and the bike ends up representing refined agressivity.
The six-spoke wheels measure 17 inches in diameter and we can spot a sharp little front fairing too. Those perfectly integrated transparent signal lights are a nice touch as well as the perfectly camouflaged exhaust silencer.
Regardless of color scheme (Lime Green, Passion Red, Metallic Diablo Black), the 2009 model year features a matte black lower half fairing as yet another distinctive final touch.
----
2009 Kawasaki Ninja 650R
Although it was all-new for 2008, the Kawasaki Ninja 650R got even better looking, as we’ve just seen, and better performing, as we’re about to state.
A first swing over the bike’s 31.1 inches high seat makes us immediately aware of how it was built to allow even short riders to safely touch the ground and feel confident when maneuvering it around the parking lot. The handlebars are at quick reach, allowing for an upright riding position with the rider’s knees ‘hugging’ the lower sides of the gas tank and enhancing that much needed safety feel during cornering especially for beginning riders.
The new multi-function instrumentation gives the Ninja 650R a racing feel, but rolling on the throttle won’t disappoint either. The liquid-cooled, 649cc, parallel-twin engine has been retuned mostly through the fuel injection system to deliver greater low and midrange grunt instantly and yet without scaring those who are just starting out on this model. Acceleration is smooth, constant and the Ninja will make proper use of both the 48.5 lb/ft at 7,000 rpm and the 72 hp at 9,000 rpm virtually at all times.
For a middleweight engine, the parallel-twin isn’t a blast, but it doesn’t need to as it is built for whole different purposes such as user-friendliness, dependability and reliability. Cruising down the freeway on a relaxed pace in sixth gear will clearly show why Kawasaki didn’t just stick to a five-speed gearbox and the savings from gas are just part of the immense benefit that riding the Ninja or any other such middleweight motorcycle brings.
2009 Kawasaki Ninja 650R
Day long comfort is another such benefit and if we’re still at freeway riding, it is well worth mentioning that wind protection is much improved on the 2009 model year even though the bike was aimed at becoming more aggressive looking. The screen directs the air flow just above the rider’s head and the mirrors offer proper rearwards visibility.
That much needed sporty feel is seriously unveiled on curvey roads. The bike leans easily and confidently from side to side and, once again, the fact that the rider’s knees grip on the laterals is a major advantage. The suspensions, offering 4.7 inches of travel front and 4.9 inches of travel rear, soak up any imperfections that the road might present and even passing over speed bumps a little bit faster isn’t that harsh on the back.
Like any great overall motorcycle, the 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 650R can stop as effectively as it performs in all of the other chapters. Relying on two 300mm front petal discs with two-piston calipers and on a single 220mm petal disc, the 440.9 lbs weighing two-wheeler adds yet another safety feel with every risky situation and the implicit emergency stop. ABS is not yet available.
The greatest thing about it is that it makes for a great commuter and a trip bike too, which is what Kawasaki perfected on the 2009 model year.
Price
Seriously refined as a 2009 model year, the Kawasaki Ninja 650R still manages to remain the most affordable bike in the middleweight sport class. The $6,799 MSRP also ensures it can be easily considered one hell of a bang for the buck.
Conclusion
2009 Kawasaki Ninja 650R
Very often, after a brand new introduction, motorcycles carry on being produced with little changes, but not this one. The 650R benefits of Kawasaki’s precious attention and lives up to the Ninja name.
----
2009 Kawasaki Ninja 650R Rear Suspension
Engine and Transmission
Engine: Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, four-valve per cylinder, parallel twin
Displacement: 649cc
Bore x stroke: 83.0 x 60.0mm
Compression ratio: 11.3:1
Maximum torque: 48.5 lb/ft @ 7,000 rpm
Cooling: Liquid
Fuel injection: Digital fuel injection with two 38mm Keihin throttle bodies
Ignition: Digital CDI
Transmission: Six-speed
Final drive: O-ring chain
Chassis and Dimensions
Frame: Semi-double cradle, high-tensile steel
Rake / trail: 25 degrees / 4.2 in.
Wheelbase: 55.5 in.
Front suspension / wheel travel: 41mm hydraulic telescopic fork / 4.7 in.
Rear suspension / wheel travel: Single offset laydown shock with adjustable spring preload / 4.9 in.
Front tire: 120/70x17
Rear tire: 160/60x17
Front brake: Dual 300mm petal discs with two-piston calipers
Rear brake: Single 220mm petal disc with single piston caliper
Overall length: 82.9 in.
Overall width: 29.9 in.
Overall height: 50.0 in.
Seat height: 31.1 in.
Curb weight: 440.9 lbs.
Fuel capacity: 4.1 gal.
2009 Kawasaki Ninja 650R
Quick-Revving, 649cc Parallel-Twin Engine
Liquid-cooled, DOHC, 8-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
Silky smooth engine vibes via a 180° 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
40mm wider radiator offers increased cooling efficiency
Coolant routing travels directly to the engine cases, then follows internal passages to the cylinder and head to reduce external plumbing and simplify the entire cooling system
Fine-tuned shift lever position is easier to use
Digital Fuel Injection
Revised fuel injection settings boosts 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
New, 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 dimension 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 the stringent Euro-III emission regulations
New 300-cell catalyzer is more compact and lighter than previous 200-cell unit
Under-engine muffler placement improves mass centralization and the bike’s low center of gravity
Reduced Vibration
Rubber mounts replace the rigid upper-rear engine mounts to reduce the amount of vibration transferred to the rider through the seat
Handlebar is rubber-mounted to lessen vibration transmitted through the handle grips
Rider and passenger footpegs are rubber coated to further reduce vibration
Lighter Handling Trellis Frame
All-new frame retains the key Ninja 650R elements — slim, low, lightweight and compact design that is narrow at the knees and footpegs for rider comfort and control
Featuring reduced rigidity, the strong, high-tensile steel trellis frame not only looks lightweight, but 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
Cleaner frame joint finishes improve overall quality of the bike
More Rigid Swingarm
Swingarm now has a D-shaped cross-section and is stiffened to balance the reduction of the frame’s rigidity – due primarily to the rubber engine mounts
The new swingarm and revised stabilizer design further contribute to the Ninja 650R’s higher-quality appearance
Elegant one-piece rider/passenger footpeg stays complement the new swingarm and stabilizer
Revised chain adjuster design also contributes to the improved appearance
Suspension
New front and rear suspension settings match the changes to the frame and swingarm for lighter, more rider-friendly handling
New shape of the 41mm 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 enabled a slimmer 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 disc brakes with twin 27mm piston front brake calipers and a single 220mm rear petal disc deliver plenty of braking power
New front brake master cylinder houses a new ball-joint and revised pivot location to deliver smoother actuation of its new 14mm master cylinder piston
Sleek New Supersport Bodywork
New dual headlight design features multi-reflector bulb hoods and the twin position lights – like its Ninja supersport brethren
Rider comfort is improved via a lip at the top of the revised windscreen, which helps deflect 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
Sharper, edged lines give the Ninja 650R a more aggressive, crouching supersport look, yet the bodywork still accentuates the frame
New, taller fuel tank adds to the bike’s crouching appearance and allows fuel capacity to remain the same despite adding a fuel level sensor – for the new fuel gauge
Distinctive Ninja supersport design elements of the front cowling and the fairings, such as the judicious combination of colored and black panels enhance its sportier image and compact appearance
New integrated front turn signals with clear lenses and orange bulbs
Completing the bike’s aggressive sport appearance is a sharper tail cowling featuring a thin new LED taillight, revised rear turn signals – that also function as flashing hazard lights, new license plate bulb housing and a slimmer rear mud flap
A new longer front fender and an inner rear fender keep mud splashing to a minimum
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
Positioned 14mm further out from the centerline, they also offer an improved rear view
Wheels
Attractive six-spoke supersport-style wheels augment the bike’s light look while reducing unsprung weight
Instruments/Controls
New MotoGP-inspired multi-function instrumentation, which includes a new fuel gauge, digital speedometer, clock, odometer, dual trip meters and a bar-style digital tachometer
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
Redesigned handlebar holder and new curved shapes on the brake master cylinder reservoir and clutch lever contribute further to the Ninja 650R’s improved appearance
Picture Gallery
Post a comment
RSS -
Webmaster free news |
Forgot your password?