Kawasaki Ninja 650: The Kawasaki Ninja 650 is a name that instantly stands out among bike lovers, especially in the middleweight sportbike segment. It’s a well-known model, respected for its stylish design and reliable performance over the years.
The latest Ninja 650 comes with a fresh, modern appearance—sharper lines, a sportier vibe, and a price tag that’s friendly for new buyers. This combination makes it ideal for beginners or anyone looking for a smart, everyday sportbike.
To highlight its true “Ninja” spirit, the new version features a more aggressive design, race-inspired wheels, and a sleek, refined tail section. It’s also nearly 20kg lighter now, which makes a big difference in both performance and handling.
What hasn’t changed, though, is its easy-to-ride nature. That’s what made the Ninja 650 popular in the first place—whether it’s for new riders taking their first step into the sportbike world, those upgrading from smaller bikes, or experienced riders who want a balance of power and practicality.
Design & Styling – Sporty Looks with a Premium Feel
Kawasaki has always focused on design, and the Ninja 650 is no different. From the beginning, this bike was built to stand out, but the new version looks even sharper and more stylish.
It takes design inspiration from its bigger brothers—the ZX-6R and ZX-10R. The sharp twin LED headlights at the front blend smoothly with the front cowl, while the sharp lines across the body give it a bold and confident look.
The muscular fuel tank shows off its sporty attitude, not something you’d find in a regular commuter. The short and edgy tail section adds to its aggressive street presence.
Still, the Ninja 650 doesn’t feel scary to ride. With a seat height of just 790 mm, it’s accessible for most riders—even shorter ones.
The riding position is mostly upright with a slight forward lean, giving riders an active feel. It’s comfortable enough for both daily commuting and longer rides.
Engine & Performance – Smooth and Practical Power
The Ninja 650 runs on a 649cc parallel-twin, liquid-cooled engine that produces 68 PS of power at 8000 rpm and 64 Nm of torque at 6700 rpm.
The power delivery is very smooth, with enough pull at low and mid-range speeds—making it great for riding in city traffic, cruising on highways, or weekend rides.
The throttle responds quickly when you twist it, and the mid-range power makes overtaking simple. While it doesn’t have the wild power of a four-cylinder supersport bike, it’s easier to control and more beginner-friendly.
The 6-speed gearbox shifts smoothly, and the light clutch helps a lot in traffic. The slipper clutch also makes downshifting easier and safer.
Ride & Handling – Light and Easy to Control
The Ninja 650 is tuned for real-world riding rather than just track performance.
It’s built on a trellis frame that keeps the bike light and agile, with a total weight of just 196 kg. That means it’s easy to move through city traffic or take on tight corners.
At the front, it has telescopic forks, and the rear uses a horizontal back-link monoshock. The suspension isn’t meant for hardcore track racing, but it works well for everyday roads, highway rides, and even twisty routes.
It rolls on 17-inch alloy wheels paired with Dunlop Sportmax Roadsport 2 tyres that offer great grip.
For braking, it uses dual 300mm discs at the front and a 220mm disc at the rear, supported by dual-channel ABS. This setup offers strong and safe braking even under hard use.
Features & Technology – Focused on the Rider
The Ninja 650 isn’t packed with high-end features, but everything it includes serves a purpose and supports the rider’s experience.
Its main highlight is the 4.3-inch full-color TFT digital display, which connects via Bluetooth using Kawasaki’s Rideology app.
This allows riders to view trip info, check bike status, and get notifications while riding.
Additional features include:
- Full LED lighting
- Gear position indicator
- Real-time and average fuel consumption display
- Ride-by-wire throttle system
There are no ride modes or traction control, which might disappoint tech-focused riders. However, this simplicity also makes the riding experience more natural and focused.
Pros
- Smooth and easy-to-manage parallel-twin engine
- Comfortable for daily rides and long trips
- Modern, aggressive styling
- Lightweight and beginner-friendly handling
- Full-color TFT screen with Bluetooth support
- Confident braking with ABS
Cons
- No advanced ride modes or electronic aids
- Rear suspension is not adjustable
- Not designed for high-speed track racing
- Pillion seat is not very comfortable for long rides
- No quickshifter or traction control
Kawasaki Ninja 650: Final Thought
The Kawasaki Ninja 650 is a smart option in the middleweight sportbike segment. It offers a rare mix of sporty design, daily usability, and smooth performance.
This isn’t just a toned-down supersport—it’s a complete package built for riders who want fun, control, and comfort in one bike.
If you’re stepping up from a smaller motorcycle or want a twin-cylinder sportbike that can handle everything from city rides to weekend tours, the Ninja 650 is definitely worth checking out.