The Kawasaki Ninja 650 Sheds 40 Pounds for 2017 (with video)

Kawasaki has updated the Ninja 650 for 2017 with a new, lighter frame, revisions to the engine for improved low-end power, a more relaxed riding position, and styling borrowed from the latest Ninja ZX-10R. The 2017 model is nearly 40 pounds lighter than its predecessor, and "built for the street rider who wants the performance of the Ninja family, but with more street-focused ergonomics and control.

The new steel-tube trellis frame is just part of the chassis updates, which are mostly shared with the all-new 2017 Z650 naked bike. A lighter and more stylish gull-arm swingarm works with a horizontal back-link rear suspension for improved traction, response and ride comfort (the previous model's rear shock was directly mounted to the frame with no link). The new swingarm and shock mounting allows more room for the centrally mounted exhaust, which is tucked in for better mass centralization. The rear section of the frame is a twin-tube design, for more rigidity and added carrying capacity. New Nissin brake calipers offer improved feel, while new five-spoke wheels also help to shed weight. Ergonomics have been adjusted with a slightly reduced seat height, a new adjustable windscreen, and an overall slightly more relaxed (but still sporty) riding position.

The vertical-twin powerplant has been revised with slimmer intake and throttle body ports, for finer atomization of fuel and improved airflow. The camshafts have reduced overlap and less duration, and the exhaust pipe length has been shortened. The updates result in improved low-end and midrange power and a smoother power delivery with a more consistent torque output to redline. A new slipper/assist clutch reduces lever effort and helps reduce rear-wheel hop during downshifts.

The updated Ninja 650 is available in Metallic Spark Black, Pearl Blizzard White, Candy Burnt Orange, or in the KRT Edition Lime Green/Ebony. MSRP is $7399 for non-ABS models, $7799 for ABS versions, and $7999 for the KRT Edition.

Scroll through our gallery below for more images of the 2017 Kawasaki NInja 650, a video of the new bike in action, and for the complete text of Kawasaki's press material.

See all the 2017 Kawasaki sport bikes in our 2017 Sportbike Buyer's Guide

A NEW SPORTY, COMFORTABLE, MIDSIZED MOTORCYCLE BUILT WITH NINJA ENGINEERING.
A lone sportbike is heard gliding through the turns of a two-lane mountain road. A casual Sunday, with the sun falling behind the peaks, and the light fading. Through one corner and onto the next, each mile bringing a new adventure. Carving out your own line, you daydream of the racetrack. The race may be on TV, but at home your couch is empty. Instead, you replay the race in your head as you roll into the next corner and out to a long straight. You blast past the local biker-hangout café. The parking lot is full, riders stand and talk in their full-race leathers. But you have no time for standing.

Your bike isn’t meant for a parking lot.

Riding through the canyons on the weekend or to work on Monday, introducing the new, easy-going sportbike, the Ninja® 650 motorcycle.

The 2017 Kawasaki Ninja 650:

With improved styling resembling that of its bigger siblings, the stylish 2017 Ninja 650 features new components. Built for the street rider who wants the performance of the Ninja family, but with more street-focused ergonomics and control, the Ninja 650 is new with a twin-spar frame and the redesigned, race-proven 650cc parallel twin.

The mid-sized member in the Ninja lineup, the Ninja 650 is built to satisfy the needs of riders who want to step up from a Ninja® 300, but don’t want the high technology, cost and high performance of the Ninja® ZX™-6R.

The Ninja 650 is truly a member of the Ninja family, with a new front cowling that takes styling cues from the Ninja ZX™-10R motorcycle, but with comfortable ergonomics so riders can enjoy this ride for more miles. The Ninja 650 will also be available without ABS.

STYLE

The Ninja 650’s new upper cowling fits with the Ninja family identity. The chin spoiler below the headlight emulates the design theme from the Ninja® ZX™-10R. Accompanying the new front cowling is a sharply redesigned headlight.

New mirrors contribute to the stylish look and enhance visibility. Further adding to the sporty look is a X-shaped LED taillight.

ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION

Kawasaki’s 650cc parallel twin has been a winner on the race track in the AMA PRO Flat Track series, and is also a proven street engine. Designed with a steady and smooth torque curve and progressive clutch, the power plant for the Ninja 650 is great for riders of all experience levels, making for a fun and easy ride for riders gaining experience and for those with thousands of miles under their belts.

The engine of the 2017 Ninja 650 features a new, slimmer intake and throttle body ports which allow for finer atomization of fuel and improved engine air-flow. These changes result in improved, smoother power down-low. Camshafts also now feature reduced overlap and less duration. The exhaust pipe length has also been shortened.

These changes result in an engine that’s smooth and progressive with better low-to-mid range power. The engine retains its smooth off-throttle power delivery, with a steady climb to max output. The torque curve is now smoother and more consistent to redline. Along with more performance and better emissions the 650cc engine also has improved fuel consumption.

A new assist and slipper clutch allows for a lighter clutch pull and reduces rear-wheel hop during downshifting. This is ideal for new riders learning and for those wanting a carefree ride.

CHASSIS

An new high-tensile steel, trellis frame uses the engine as a stress-member, bringing engineering development from performance bikes like the Ninja H2™ to a lightweight, entry-level platform. Minimized bends cut down on stress-points in the frame and result in a lighter overall weight by nearly 40 pounds. The rear section of the frame is twin-tube, for added rigidity and improved carrying capacity.

The new gull-arm swingarm provides space for the central mounted exhaust, while creating a strong mount from the frame pivot point to axle. The new horizontal back-link suspension design features a linkage with progressive ratio, creating better suspension action and improves the rider’s feel of the road.

ERGONOMICS

The Ninja 650 tows the line between racy sportbike and comfortable commuter. New top-mount clip-on handlebars further showcase its sportbike heritage, but the slightly higher positioning, combined with the new, lower seat height, allows the rider to sit upright with relaxed hand positioning. The grips are mounted slightly forward, to aid in the slightly aggressive stance, making the Ninja 650 a great motorcycle on the weekend canyon ride or on the Monday commute.

This year the Ninja 650 seat height has been lowered 15mm, for a more stable foot placement when stopped and lower center of gravity. This year features a newly designed adjustable windscreen for added wind protection.

WHEELS, TIRES AND BRAKES

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