Kawasaki reveals Ninja 650

KAWASAKI has just expanded its already broad Ninja family with this new parallel-twin 650.

Kawasaki’s says the Ninja 650 is ‘all-new’ – but also 'developed from' the tried and tested ER-6 series.

It makes a claimed 69hp – slightly down on some of the competition, like Yamaha’s 74hp MT-07 – but Kawasaki says it’s ‘tuned for excellent low-to-mid-range urge’.

It’s novice-friendly and aimed at riders looking for their first middleweight or trading down from a bigger machine, the firm says.  

It complies with latest Euro4 emission limits and fuel economy has been improved by a claimed 6.8% compared to the ER-6.

It’s also got a new trellis-type steel chassis and a gull-style aluminum swing-arm, helping to achieve a claimed weight reduction of 19kg compared to the ER-6f.

There’s an adjustable shift-up light, with a rev counter needle that glows red, a digital gear indicator and an ambient temperature gauge.  

The Nissin brake calipers are new according to Kawasaki and equipped with ABS.

It’s available with a 47hp restrictor kit fitted for A2 licence holders.

The Kawasaki Ninja 650 was revealed today at the Intermot motorcycle show in Cologne, Germany, with price to be confirmed.