2021 Kawasaki Ninja 650 Guide • Total Motorcycle (2023)

2021 Kawasaki Ninja 650 Guide • Total Motorcycle (1)

2021 Kawasaki Ninja 650 : NOTHING SHORT OF LEGENDARY.

Introducing the new 2021 Kawasaki Ninja 650…

Reinvigorated to further embody Ninja® sportbike lineage, the 2021 Ninja® 650 motorcycle comes packed with a sporty 649cc engine, next-level technology advancements and sharp styling updates. Unmistakable sport performance is met with an upright riding position for exciting daily commutes, while a supreme level of attitude reminds you of its legendary heritage. The Ninja 650 also features sharper Ninja® styling, Bluetooth Smartphone Connectivity via RIDEOLOGY THE APP, twin LED headlights, upper cowl and windshield, passenger seat, and Dunlop Sportmax Roadsport 2 tires. For 2021, the Ninja 650 and the Ninja 650 ABS are available in Metallic Graphite Gray / Metallic Spark Black. . The non-ABS model has an MSRP of $7,599 and the MSRP for the ABS model starts at $7,999.

With sleek, angular bodywork draped over a light weight, sporty trellis frame and responsive parallel twin engine, the Ninja® 650 delivers uncompromising middleweight Ninja motorcycle performance and style while maintaining everyday versatility.

2021 Kawasaki Ninja 650 Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features

• AGGRESSIVE NINJA® MOTORCYCLE STYLING
• TWIN LED HEADLIGHTS
• TFT COLOR INSTRUMENTATION
• FUEL-EFFICIENT TWIN-CYLINDER ENGINE DELIVERS SMOOTH POWER
• LIGHTWEIGHT TRELLIS FRAME PROVIDES AGILE, SPORTY HANDLING

2021 Kawasaki Ninja 650 Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits

ENGINE

(Video) 2021 Kawasaki Ninja 650 First Ride/Review

649cc Twin-Cylinder, DOHC Engine

  • Tuned to deliver strong, responsive power for performance that favors everyday riding and inspires confidence in newer riders, yet is spirited enough for sport riding.
  • Camshaft profiles are tuned for quick response and performance.
  • Slim intake port shape also helps boost engine response and performance.
  • Airbox design with a single large inlet contributes to the power feeling.
  • Exhaust system has a short header and the sleek muffler’s internal construction further enhances power delivery.
  • Muffler is mounted below the engine to help lower the center of gravity and aid weight centralization.
  • Kawasaki Air Management System(KP) (KAMS) radiator fan cover helps direct hot engine air down to the ground and away from the rider.
  • Compact parallel twin engine helps reduce the dimensions of the entire motorcycle to keep it small and nimble.
  • 180-degree crankshaft plus balancer shaft for extremely smooth engine operation.
  • Triangular crank and transmission shaft layout makes the engine very short from front to back, a semi-dry sump(KP) oil system reduces overall engine height, while the narrow pitch of the chrome composite(KP) plated aluminum cylinders helps reduce engine width.

Digital Fuel Injection(KP)

  • Fuel injection settings provide smooth low end response while contributing to the engine‘s quick-revving character.
  • Throttle body diameter is 36mm and utilizes fine atomizing injectors to further enhance engine response and low-to-mid-range power.
  • The throttle bodies feature sub-throttle valves(KP) for optimum performance and rideability. The sub throttles, located behind the main throttle valves, are controlled by the ECU so that the EFI system has more precise throttle response, similar to a constant-velocity carburetor.
  • Precise fuel injection plus exhaust catalyzer significantly reduce emissions.
  • Automatic fast idle system makes starting and warm-up easy.

Assist & Slipper Clutch(KP)

  • Using the rotational forces of the clutch hub and pressure plate, the clutch is forced together during acceleration (Assist function) so that fewer and lighter clutch springs can be used for a lighter feel at the lever. During high back-torque, such as when too low of gear is selected, the Slipper function allows some clutch slippage to help prevent engine lock-up and stalling, and rear-wheel hop.

6-Speed Transmission

  • Equipped with a linkage-type gear shift mechanism for positive shift touch and feeling.
  • Cassette-style transmission puts the transmission shafts and shift drum into a compact layout.
  • Includes Positive Neutral Finder, a Kawasaki exclusive user-friendly feature.

CHASSIS

Frame

(Video) Kawasaki Ninja 650 - Street Sport Perfection!

  • High-tensile steel trellis frame has optimized dimensions and wall thicknesses to significantly reduce frame weight and contribute to extremely light handling.
  • Frame components follow the ideal pipe line so that the lines of the frame are as straight as possible. When bends were necessary their angles were as small as possible, resulting in a design that disperses stress extremely well.
  • Three-point rigidly mounted engine and footpeg stays are used as stressed members to contribute to weight reduction.

Suspension

Horizontal Back-link Rear Suspension(KP)

  • Horizontal Back-link progressive suspension system like that found on the Ninja® ZX™-10R optimizes balance, sport riding potential and ride comfort.
  • The linkage is placed atop the swingarm and helps make room for the under-engine muffler for better mass centralization.
  • Rear shock is further away from the exhaust so that its operation will not be affected by exhaust heat.
  • Gull-wing swingarm uses hollow press construction that helps keep it light.

41mm Front Fork

  • Upper triple clamp has stylish reinforcing ribs on the upper surface to enhance appearance.

Triple Petal Design Brake Discs

  • Nissin brake calipers provide excellent brake feel and control and project a sporty image.
  • Front brake calipers grip dual 300mm petal discs and have big 27mm pistons for excellent brake feel.
  • Petal design offers great cooling and warp resistance.

ERGONOMICS

Wheels and Tires

(Video) 5 Reasons The Kawasaki Ninja 650 Is The Best Beginner Motorcycle

  • Sporty five-spoke wheel design has a light, nimble appearance.
  • Dunlop Sportmax Roadsport 2 tires contribute to light handling.

Confidence-Inspiring Cockpit

  • Separate, clip-on style handlebar mounts atop the upper triple clamp are positioned slightly forward for an aggressive sport riding position. However, the leg position is opened up by placing the footpegs low and forward to help maintain comfort.
  • The seat is low and slim at the front to make it easier for the rider to place both feet on the ground at a stop.
  • The fuel tank is positioned low on the chassis and its slim design further facilitates the reach to the ground for added rider confidence. A resin design fuel cap eliminates the presence of mounting bolts for a stylish design.
  • 5-way adjustable brake and clutch levers accommodate a variety of hand sizes for increased comfort and control.

Sharp Ninja Styling

  • Ninja motorcycle styling provides an aggressive appearance and strong resemblance to the multi-time Superbike World Championship-winning Ninja® ZX™-10R.
  • Wide upper cowl with a pronounced slant contributes to the aggressive looks.
  • Windscreen is flush-fit with the cowl for a sleek appearance and its upright angle helps deflect the wind for a more comfortable ride.
  • Twin LED headlights, each with low and high beam plus a position lamp, add to the aggressive appearance.

Fairing bolts were eliminated so the fairings have a clean, smooth surface for a more upscale appearance.Fairing has large openings to maximize airflow and reduce engine heat.

  • Front fender design and compact, upswept tail cowl contribute to the aggressive image.
  • LED taillight lights up in an X shape.

TFT Color Instrumentation

  • All-digital 4.3-inch TFT (thin-film transistor) color instrumentation gives the cockpit a high-tech, high-grade appearance.
  • TFT delivers a high level of visibility. The screen’s background color is selectable (black or white), and screen brightness adjusts automatically to suit available light.
  • Display functions include: digital speedometer, digital bar-style tachometer, gear position indicator, shift lamp, fuel gauge, odometer, dual trip meters, current and average fuel consumption, remaining range, average speed, total time, coolant temperature, clock, battery voltage, Kawasaki service reminder, oil change reminder and the Kawasaki Economical Riding Indicator.
  • Bluetooth chip allows connection to smartphone and RIDEOLOGY THE APP.

RIDEOLOGY THE APP Smartphone Connectivity

†Do not operate smartphone while riding

(Video) First time on the 2021 Kawasaki Z650!

  • A Bluetooth® chip built into the instrument panel enables riders to connect to their motorcycle wirelessly. Using the smartphone application “RIDEOLOGY THE APP,” a number of instrument functions can be accessed, contributing to an enhanced motorcycling experience.

Available functions:

Vehicle Info: information such as fuel gauge, odometer, maintenance schedule, etc can be viewed via the smartphone.

Riding Log: GPS route information as well as vehicle running information can be logged and viewed via the smartphone.

Telephone notices: when a call or mail is received by the smartphone, this is indicated on the instrument display.

General Settings: general instrument display settings (such as preferred units, date, date format, etc) can be adjusted via the smartphone.

  • Once vehicle information has been downloaded to the app, it can be viewed on the smartphone. Available information includes: odometer, trip A, trip B, fuel gauge, remaining range, average gas mileage, average speed, battery voltage, Kawasaki service reminder, oil change reminder, etc.
  • Detailed riding logs including GPS information and vehicle running information can be recorded. While riding, the app tracks vehicle speed, rpm, gear position, current mileage, and coolant temperature from moment to moment. Once the riding log has been paired, riders can review these items in a graphic-style display at any point along the route. The app can also display a ride summary, with information that may include: route travelled, total distance, total time, gas mileage (best/average), speed (best/average). For either display mode, riders can select which items are displayed, and can arrange them in their preferred order.
  • When riding with the app ON the bike and smartphone are always connected. When the engine is turned off, the latest riding information stored by the app may be viewed on the smartphone.
2021 Kawasaki Ninja 650 – Totalmotorcycle.comUSA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $7599 USD
Canada MSRP Price: $ NA CDN
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £ GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)

Engine Type 4-Stroke, Liquid-Cooled, DOHC, 4 Valve Cylinder Head, Parallel Twin
Displacement 649 cc
Bore & Stroke 83.0 x 60.0 mm
Maximum Torque 48.5 lb. ft @ 6,500 rpm
Compression Ratio 10.8:1
Fuel Injection DFI® with Keihin 36mm Throttle Bodies (2)
Transmission 6-Speed with Positive Neutral Finder
Final Drive Sealed Chain
Rake/Trail 24˚/3.9 in.
Front Wheel Travel 4.9 in.
Rear Wheel Travel 5.1 in.
Front Tire Size 120/70-17
Rear Tire Size 160/60-17
Wheelbase 55.5 in.
Front Suspension 41mm Hydraulic Telescopic Fork
Rear Suspension Horizontal Back-link with Adjustable Preload
Front Brake Type Dual 300mm Petal Disc with 2-Piston Caliper
Rear Brake Type Single 220mm Petal Disc
Fuel Tank Capacity 4.0 gal.
Seat Height 31.1 in.
Curb Weight= 419.0 / 423 4(ABS) lbs.
Warranty 12 months
Kawasaki Protection Plus™ 12, 24, 36 or 48 months
(Specifications subject to change without notice.)
= = Includes all necessary materials and fluids to operate correctly, full tank of fuel (more than 90% of capacity) and tool kit (if supplied).
When equipped, 50-state models with evaporative emissions equipment adds approximately 2.2 pounds.
Ask about the Riders of Kawasaki (ROK) Club and the Good Times™ Credit Plan.
(KP) = See Kaw-Pedia section for more details.* = Changes from previous model year.

(Video) 2020 Kawasaki Ninja 650 | First Ride

2021 Kawasaki Ninja 650 – Totalmotorcycle.com Canadian Specifications/Technical DetailsNA
2021 Kawasaki Ninja 650 – Totalmotorcycle.comEuropean Specifications/Technical Details

TBA

Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).

FAQs

Is Ninja 650 too much for beginner? ›

Kawasaki's Ninja 650R Has Been an Entry-Level Staple Since 2006. Bikes like the Ninja 650R, FZ6R, and SV650 are ideal for new riders that either needs something larger due to their height, or are confident in their ability to manage a bit more power than what the typical “beginner bike” ships with.

How long does it take a Ninja 650 to go 0 100mph? ›

The Kawasaki Ninja 650 will charge on to 100 mph in only 9.5 seconds and the quarter mile benchmark time for the Ninja 650 is a very respectable 12.3 seconds @ 110 mph. These are close to optimum times.

What is the top speed of a Ninja 650? ›

Q: How fast is a 650 cc Ninja? From the factory, the top speed of a Kawasaki Ninja 650 is about 131 MPH.

Is a Ninja 650 good on gas? ›

The Ninja 650 has been proving to be pretty good on fuel overall. The main fault for the mpg being so low is due to me, the rider who seeks to enhoy the bike to its full potential. Believe me when I say that you could well be sucked into this trap too: the bike naturally encourages you to use every rpm.

Is Ninja 650 good for daily use? ›

Its a hyper bike and the bike is very smooth to run and my riding experience is that you can use it as a daily routine and the look and aerodynamic are very excellent first of all, it has a engine of 650 cc so that is why i give 5 star to this bike i didn't face any time of problem till now.

How many miles per gallon does a Ninja 650 get? ›

With a decent size fuel tank and a claimed average fuel consumption rate of 51.75 miles per gallon, riders can expect to get good mileage from the bike.

Is Ninja 650 a slow bike? ›

The DOHC motor has plenty of power to have a good time, without intimidating a new rider, let alone someone moving up from a bike such as the Ninja 400. So, while we can't call the Ninja 650 slow, the motor is not as potent as its competitors, something we're a bit surprised Kawasaki hasn't addressed.

Is a Kawasaki Ninja 650 fast? ›

The Ninja 650 is not fast. The 649cc parallel twin has proved hugely successful and popular – especially with Minitwins racers - but the best performance is when you keep it in the midrange. Top speed is 125 mph, which to some might sound fast-ish, but in the world of modern performance bikes, it really isn't.

Is Kawasaki Ninja 650 discontinued? ›

Kawasaki has discontinued the Ninja 650 [2022] and the bike is out of production.

Is Ninja 650 a superbike? ›

Yes it's a superbike.

How many miles per gallon does a 2021 Ninja 650 get? ›

Based on data from 4 vehicles, 85 fuel-ups and 11,183 miles of driving, the 2021 Kawasaki EX650 Ninja 650 ABS gets a combined Avg MPG of 52.56 with a 1.58 MPG margin of error.

How many miles is a lot for a motorcycle? ›

1. Know the numbers, but look beyond them. Generally, high mileage on a motorcycle is anywhere from 20,000 to 50,000 miles. For sport bikes, the high mileage number will be on the low end (usually around 25,000), while cruisers and touring bikes typically become high mileage in the 40,000- to the 50,000-mile range.

Is the Ninja 650 bigger than the 400? ›

The Kawasaki Ninja 400 has a seat height of 30.9 inches which makes this motorbike an easy ride for shorter riders. The Ninja 650 has a seat height of 31.1 inches. The lower seat height, comfortable legroom, and upright back position of the Ninja 400 and Ninja 650 offer comfortable riding ergonomics.

Is Ninja 650 comfortable to ride? ›

8 It Has Friendly Ergonomics

It may look like a ZX-10R, but it certainly isn't as much of a pain in the, er, back to ride. It has relatively upright ergonomics that are more sport tourer than supersport, and the narrow seat allows even those of middling stature to put their feet down with ease when they roll to a stop.

Can I start riding on a Ninja 650? ›

For those wondering if they can start riding a Ninja 650, the answer is yes, a beginner can ride the bike. In fact, Kawasaki's Ninja 650R has been an entry-level staple since 2006.

Which Kawasaki bike is best for beginners? ›

Some popular Kawasaki motorcycles among beginners include the Ninja 250R, which is a great choice because it is lightweight and has a low seat height. The Vulcan 500 is another good option because it is a cruiser-style bike that is easy to handle.

Can a short person ride a Ninja 650? ›

It depends on your inseam length. A person with an inseam of 34 inches can ride it. Though I assume, with a height of 5′6″ you might have a shorter inseam and so it will be difficult for you to ride it. I am 5′11″ but with an inseam of 32 inches and I can rest half of both feet at the same time.

Videos

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2. 2021 Kawasaki Ninja 650 | First Ride | POV Full Exhaust Sound (4K)
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4. 2023 Kawasaki Ninja 650 Review
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