The Kawasaki Ninja 650R->ke1738 is an all-around sportsbike that combines good looks with user-friendly performance capabilities and excellent handling. All those three qualities in one package is enough to be a believer in the Kawasaki->ke299 sportsbike.

The 650R offers everything you need in a sports bike: a sporty and aggressive design, a stout chassis, upstanding performance capabilities, and a carefully-tuned suspension system. 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, allowing the bike to rev quicker at all times.

Sportsbikes have always been made to with the one credo in mind: look good and be powerful. That's exactly what Kawasaki has with the Ninja 650R. It's got a stunning sporty design that catches attention and a powertrain that comes with premium performance capabilities.

Really, what more do you want?

Find out more about the Kawasaki Ninja 650R after the jump.

2011 Kawasaki Ninja 650R

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2011 Kawasaki Ninja 650R
  • Engine/Motor: Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, four-valve, parallel twin
  • Transmission: Six-speed
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Design

The non-intimidating twin cylinder design of the Ninja 650R appeals to a wide range of riders, giving newbies a bike they can learn the ropes in while offering enough pizzazz to thrill more advanced riders. The sportbike’s frame, swingarm, and suspension have all been designed for minimal vibration and quick handling. The footpegs are also rubber coated to reduce the amount of vibration transferred to the rider while the bike's low seat configuration enhances the Ninja 650R's overall ergonomic look.

Avoiding unnecessary design flourishes, the Ninja 650R’s sporty styling features 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. The windscreen and matching dual headlights offer a high-quality finish that leaves little doubt about this Ninja’s supersport genetic make-up. Similarly, the Ninja 650R’s friendly ergonomics provide a versatile cockpit that both novice and experienced riders can enjoy to their heart's content.

Performance

The Ninja 650R is powered by a liquid-cooled, DOHC, 8-valve 649cc parallel-twin fuel-injected twin cylinder engine that delivers smooth, responsive performance, especially in the low- to medium-rpm range. The Ninja 650R comes with an exceptional roll-on response and impressive passing performance that makes even commuter traffic enjoyable. Oil jets on the connecting rod big ends spray oil on the undersides of the pistons to aid cooling while lightweight plug-mounted ignition coils deliver a hot spark while also saving precious space. There's also a high-capacity radiator that increases cooling efficiency and a coolant routing that travels directly to the engine cases, then follows internal passages to the cylinder and head for minimum external plumbing and a simplified cooling system.

Suspension and Brakes

A 41mm fork and preload-adjustable laydown shock are tuned on the Ninja 650 R for light, rider-friendly handling while a fork lower ends around the axle shaft, adding to the bike’s performance and enhancing its high-quality image. As for the brakes, the bike carries 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.

Specifications

Engine

Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, four-valve, parallel twin

Displacement

649cc

Bore x stroke

83.0 x 60.0mm

Compression ratio

11.3:1

Cooling

Liquid

Fuel injection

Digital fuel injection with two 38mm Keihin throttle bodies

Ignition

TCBI with electronic advance

Transmission

Six-speed

Final drive

O-ring chain

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

82.7 in.

Overall width

29.9 in.

Overall height

47.2 in.

Seat height

31.1 in.

Curb weight

449.8 lbs.

Fuel capacity

4.1 gal.

Colors

Candy Burnt Orange / Flat Super Black,

Metallic Spark Black / Flat Super Black

Warranty

12 months