Introduction
More than a pretty face with a
good personality, this is a true Ninja sportbike
The Kawasaki Ninja® 650R already epitomized the ideal marriage
of sportbike performance and relaxed comfort. For 2009 Kawasaki
improved on this combination and gave this popular model several
new upgrades, from improved suspension to updated Ninja supersport
styling. The end result of over 40 updates and refinements, the
new sportier Ninja 650R delivers serious performance fun and
maximum transportation practicality.
The key to the Ninja 650R's slender size is its compact liquid-cooled,
fuel-injected, DOHC, 8-valve 649cc parallel twin engine, which
permits the use of a narrow, lightweight frame. Revised fuel
injection settings on this torquey engine boost its bottom-end
torque, smooth low-mid rpm response and allow it to rev more
quickly.
Routing the coolant to the cylinder and head through the engine
cases reduces the number of external hoses. The engine also meets
stringent Euro-III emission regulations thanks to its precise
fuel-injection and a three-way catalyzer system with a new 300-cell
catalyzer that's smaller and lighter than the previous 200-cell
unit.
The non-intimidating twin-cylinder appeals to new riders, and
has an excellent mid-range that offers enough pizzazz to thrill
more advanced riders. A modified shift lever position permits
easier application of the Ninja 650R's linear power delivery.
The manageable power delivery and superb roll-on response enable
the new Ninja 650R to make short work of the morning commute
or perform as an entertaining track day companion all while
delivering good fuel economy.
This spunky sportbike received several changes to the frame,
swingarm and suspension that result in reduced vibration and
lighter handling, making the new Ninja 650R more nimble and comfortable
than ever. Its signature trellis frame and offset laydown rear
shock design remains, but the frame was completely revamped and
now sports a higher quality paint finish.
The slim, compact trellis style chassis received more than cosmetic
changes. Revisions to rigidity balance and suspension settings,
and the addition of rubber upper-rear engine and handlebar mounts
result in reduced vibration and lighter handling, enabling an
improvement on the Ninja 650R's comfort and handling.
Rider and passenger footpegs are now rubber coated to further
reduce the amount of vibration transferred to the rider. The
natural riding position and ergonomics are enhanced by a new
slimmer and lower seat, which makes reaching the ground even
easier than on the previous model.
Surrounding the Ninja 650R's updated chassis is unquestionably
sportier styling. From the wider windscreen and dual headlights
to the high-quality finish of the sleek minimalist fairings and
covers leave little doubt about this Ninja's supersport genetics.
Avoiding unnecessary design flourishes, the Ninja 650R's new
sharper lines flow throughout the bike, giving it an aggressive
appearance. Even with a new, taller fuel tank, the new fairing
with integrated turn signals and a sharp tail cowl ably highlight
this motorcycle's compact dimensions.
Beyond its exciting appearance, new MotoGP inspired multi-function
instrumentation and revised controls, the Ninja 650R is rolling
proof that a performance motorcycle can be practical and comfortable.
The rider may notice the slimness of the chassis, low seat height
and minimal effort controls first before realizing the true aim
of Kawasaki's design efforts the rider.
The Ninja 650R's friendly ergonomics provide a versatile cockpit
that both novice and experienced riders will use to employ its
assets to the fullest, from the daily commute to a weekend canyon
run. In other words, this real world overachiever easily demonstrates
its versatility and everyday usefulness.
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Features
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
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Technical Specifications
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
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.
Colors: Lime Green
Passion Red
Metallic Diablo Black
* Price and specifications subject to change
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