The Kawasaki Ninja 650 carries unmistakable Ninja attitude into a package built for daily riding as much as weekend thrills, sitting as the natural step up for riders who have outgrown a smaller sportsbike but still want genuine everyday practicality alongside it. It copes just as well with a wet Tuesday commute as it does a dry Sunday blast, without asking the rider to choose between the two.
Its liquid-cooled 649cc parallel twin, with an 83 x 60mm bore and stroke, 10.8:1 compression and a DOHC eight-valve head, produces 68PS at 8,000rpm and 64Nm of torque at 6,700rpm, fed by fuel injection through 36mm throttle bodies with dual throttle valves for cleaner, more precise response. A six-speed gearbox and wet multi-disc clutch deliver strong, usable performance with genuine Ninja character, and a sealed chain finishes the drive with a semi-dry sump keeping the engine compact. There is a meaty mid-range that makes overtaking effortless rather than something that needs planning several seconds in advance.
A trellis frame in high-tensile steel carries a 41mm telescopic fork offering 125mm of travel and a horizontal back-link rear shock with 130mm of travel and adjustable preload, at a 193kg kerb weight and a 1,410mm wheelbase. Dual semi-floating 300mm petal front discs with dual-piston calipers provide strong stopping power, on a 120/70 front and 160/60 rear tyre, with 130mm of ground clearance underneath keeping the ride composed over poorer surfaces. It gives genuinely confident feedback whether leant over on a fast A-road or threading through slower traffic.
Kawasaki Traction Control adds two selectable modes, plus the option to switch it off entirely, giving reassurance on greasy roads without getting in the way when you want to push on, while sharp styling and an upright riding position keep the 790mm seat comfortable for exciting daily commutes, and a 15 litre tank gives decent range between fill-ups. It suits riders who want sportsbike presence without sacrificing everyday usability. It’s a strong choice for riders wanting one bike capable of the daily commute, a spirited weekend ride and the occasional longer trip without ever feeling out of its depth. Available now at GT Motorcycles, your Kawasaki dealer in Plymouth, serving riders across Devon and Cornwall, with finance and test rides available.
Explore GT Motorcycles
