2020 Kawasaki Ninja 650

Saddling itself right in the middle of the Ninja lineup, the 2020 Kawasaki Ninja 650 is a transitional sportbike for riders who are moving up the ranks from beginner to expert. Powered by a 649cc parallel-twin engine that is paired with revised bodywork and comfortable ergonomics, the Ninja 650 is a versatile canyon carver, daily commuter, and trackday machine. It has also been revised with new tires and seat and modern 4.3-inch TFT display and LED headlights.

As the more approachable middleweight in the Ninja lineup, the Ninja 650 “is both a comfortable entry-level machine and one that beginners can expect to grow into, or even never grow out of, enjoying it for many years to come,” Morgan Gales related in his first ride review.

Middleweight competition is found in the likes of the other Japanese manufacturers. Machines like the Yamaha YZF-R6, Honda CBR650R, and Suzuki GSX-R600, to be specific.

Following the major slim-down that was done in 2017, the 2020 model sees aggressive styling with the new angular bodywork and modern tech updates such as twin LED headlights and 4.3-inch TFT color dash. The Dunlop Sportmax Roadsport 2 tires are also new. The passenger seat is also thicker and wider for comfort.

Colors available include Lime Green/Ebony, Metallic Spark Black, and Pearl Blizzard White. MSRP starts at $7,399.