Ninja 650R review

What makes the Ninja 650R enjoyable is power isn't delivered at high rpm. The 649cc motor comes into its own in the midrange and revs nicely to the top before losing some steam. The engine has an impressive punch to it.
Really nippy performance proves the Ninja offers a lot more than its 71bhp suggests. The ace in this Ninja pack is its remarkable ability to handle everyday riding, and shoot from rest to 150kph plus speeds with effortless ease. It’s light and easy to ride at low speeds, with a meaty clutch and a gearshift that feels precise still solid, more European than Japanese.
You get traditional telescopic forks in front, and a mono-shock behind. The nice wide handlebar allows an upright, comfortable seating position, ensuring the 650R isn’t a bike where you need to sit with knees tucked under your ears. The lightly stepped and low seat, at 790mm is one even a shorter rider will have no problem straddling. Massive 300mm double petal discs at the front and a single 220mm petal disc at the rear offer solid stopping power. Tyres are ample, tubeless Bridgestones.

Fact File

Engine

Fuel	Petrol
Installation	DDHC, 8 valve, Parallel Twin
Bore/stroke	83.0/60.0
Power	71bhp @ 8500rpm
Torque	6.73kgm @ 7000rpm

Transmission

Gearbox

6-Speed

Dimensions

Length	2100mm
Width	760mm
Height	1200mm
Ground clearance	145mm

Chassis & Body

Construction	Diamond High -tensile steel
Weight	204kg
Wheels	17inch alloys
Tyres	120/70 front, 160/60 rear

Suspension

Front	Telescopic front
Rear	Mono-shock

Brakes

Front	300mm Tripe pedal disc
Rear	220mm petal disc