Kawasaki Ninja 650R 2013 Review
Kawasaki Ninja 650R - Best Bike in its Segment.
Wednesday, February 27, 2013Overview of Kawasaki Ninja 650R
Kawasaki has launched the grown up version of Ninja in India - Ninja 650R. This 650cc bike will be fighting with other full fairing sports bikes like Hyosung GT650R. Let’s try to know about the surprising elements of this bike.
Kawasaki Ninja 650R Exterior
Kawasaki has paid special attention to the styling details of Ninja 650R. They have made sure that the bike carries the unique Ninja characteristics in its styling and looks more like a future thing. Its face features new twin, day time running multi reflector headlights which bring freshness to this bike while it’s extended transparent visor adds the sense of maturity to this bike. The sharply designed rear view mirrors are mounted on its front fairing which also features integrated clear lens indicators. Ninja 650R comes with a trimmed front fender which is very sharp and complements the design of its front twin disc plates and tyre. As you move to the side of this bike, you will notice the best part of this Ninja. Its full size side fairing has been commendably designed as it has an aerodynamic design which flaunts big air inlets which gives motion to this bike. Ninja 650R’s up-raised fuel tank also looks distinct and eye catching in dual colors. Its black colored engine, under cowl, alloy wheels and split seats gives it a sporty look. Kawasaki has also placed a unique and stylish muffler in this bike which is placed below the engine. It’s up raised rear cowl and extended fender helps this bike to get a naked look from the back. Its rear cowl houses its LED tail light while its fender sports the clear lens indicators. The bike gets a rugged rear look thanks to its extremely broad tyre.
Instrument Console of Kawasaki Ninja 650R
There is good news in this department as Ninja 650R gets a combined analogue-digital instrument console. It looks more impressive and premium than the fully analogue instrument console of its younger sibling. The bike has a semi-circular dial for its analogue tachometer while it has white back lit LCD for its digital speedometer, clock, trip meter and fuel gauge. This instrument console also provides important information to the rider while it features other essential LED indicators on the right side of this console.
Engine and Gearbox
A 4-stroke, mono cylinder 649cc engine supplies power to this new Ninja. This liquid-cooled, DOHC engine can generate a maximum power output of 71 bhp at 8500 rpm. Its torque production arrives at 7000 rpm which is of 65.68 nm. This fuel injected engine is mated with a six-speed manual gearbox with one gear down and five gears up shift pattern.
Acceleration and Performance
This engine is certainly the most refined and powerful 650cc engine available in our Indian bike market. The bike manages to reach 0-100 km/hr in less than 7 seconds thanks to its dual throttle bodies. It has a magnificent throttle reaction which helps this bike to be a ripper. It has a very strong mid-range which proves this bike better than others. It shows no sign of stress and vibrations when you try to push this bike to its limits. The bike can easily go pass the speed of 200 km/hr which is achievable through its well matched gear ratios. The six speeds gears are well proportioned and work effortlessly. The gear transitions are very smooth and gives you stress free city rides. The bike has an ample amount of torque which is quite evident while overtaking on highways. The bike always urges you to test its potential on highways and when you do so; it will leave you with a big smile on your face.
Kawasaki Ninja 650R Mileage
You can’t expect good fuel economy from performance oriented bikes and Ninja 650R is no different. It may return you an overall mileage of around 18 km/ltr.
Comfort while Driving Kawasaki Ninja 650R
Kawasaki Ninja 650R is surprisingly comfortable even on long journeys. Kawasaki has used high quality of fabrics in its seat which gives you nice support while you sit on this bike with rear set foot pegs. Its fuel tank also avails you a tight grip around it with your knees which boost your confidence around corners. Moreover, the bike has rubber damped handlebars which not only offers you a firm palm grip but also makes sure that your arms don’t get tired on long runs.
Storage Space and Safety Features
Kawasaki Ninja 650R lacks storage space but comes equipped with safety features like two piston callipers at its front, one rear piston calliper and powerful halogen headlight.
Suspension and Braking System
Ninja 650R has 41mm telescopic forks at its front and swing arm with 7-step adjustable mono shock absorber at the back. The bike has dual petal disc brake of 300 mm on its front wheel while it has a single rear disc brake of 220 mm.
Kawasaki Ninja 650R Ride and Handling
It has a wheelbase of 1410 mm which makes this bike stable around corners and it has a low ground clearance of 130 mm to enhance its aerodynamics. Its capable suspension system and broad tyres offer firm grip to this bike on roads but we still wish if it had a longer wheelbase. The braking system accurately stops this bike in city traffic and improves the handling quality of this bike. It’s quite energetic and impressive on highways but its full fairing limits its movement in city traffic as the bike constantly looks for space to move frequently in city.
Tyre Size, Shades and Variants
Kawasaki Ninja 650R has 17 inches alloy wheels. Its only variant is available in two colors which are red and green.
Technical Highlights of Kawasaki Ninja 650R
- Liquid-cooled, DOHC, 8-valve fuel injected twin cylinder delivers smooth, responsive performance, especially in the low to medium rpm range
- Excellent mid-range power, exceptional roll-on response and impressive passing performance make even commuter traffic enjoyable
- Minimal vibration via a 180° crankshaft driven balancer shaft, which in turn drives the water pump
- Oil jets on the connecting rod big ends spray oil on the undersides of the pistons to aid cooling
- Lightweight plug-mounted ignition coils deliver a hot spark and save space
- High-capacity radiator for increased cooling efficiency
- Coolant routing travels directly to the engine cases, then follows internal passages to the cylinder and head for minimum external plumbing and a simplified cooling system
- Fuel injection settings boosts the engine’s bottom-end torque while letting it rev quicker
- Sub-throttle valve equipped 38mm Keihin throttle bodies offer optimum performance and ride ability
- Located behind the main throttle valves, the sub-throttles are controlled by the DFI® system’s ECU for a precise throttle response, similar to a constant-velocity carburetor
- Auto-fast idle system simplifies starting and helps ensure that the catalyzer reaches optimum temperature quickly
- Lightweight fuel pump mounted inside the fuel tank
- Powerful twin-cylinder engine is the most compact in its category, which helps reduce the dimension of the entire motorcycle and allows use of a slim, minimalist frame
- Triangular setup of the crankshaft and transmission shafts makes the engine short front-to-back
- Transmission input shaft, output shaft and change drum are contained in a “cassette”-style package that allows a compact layout and eases transmission maintenance chores
- Semi-dry sump design reduces engine height
- Plated, liner-less aluminum cylinders with a narrow cylinder pitch keep the engine light and slim
- Efficient fuel injection and a three-way catalyzer inside the exhaust produce very low emissions, able to pass the stringent Euro-III emission regulations
- 300-cell catalyzer is compact and light
- Under-engine muffler placement for mass centralization and a low center of gravity
Whats New in 2013 Kawasaki Ninja 650R
- Redesigned twin-pipe perimeter frame offers proper rigidity, stable handling, a low seat height and improved aesthetics
- Twin-pipe swingarm assembly offers improved rigidity and maximum style
- Redesigned exhaust system features a new connector pipe, a higher-volume 3-chamber muffler assembly for improved mid-range while maintaining peak top-end power, and a higher quality finish
- Redesigned bodywork features better aerodynamics, improved engine-heat dissipation and sharper looks that identify with the flagship ZX™-14R
- Easier-pull clutch cable design for reduced fatigue and enhanced control
- Revised suspension settings and increased wheel travel front and rear offer improved ride comfort while offering excellent compliance in varying situations
- Improved brake pads offer better braking performance and control
- New instrument cluster assembly features an analog tachometer and a digital readout module for at-a-glance information transfer to the rider
- 20mm wider handlebar offers improved rider comfort and control
- All-new multi-function instrumentation includes a fuel gauge, digital speedometer, clock, odometer, dual trip meters, economical riding (ECO) indicator, and an analog tachometer above the LCD info-pod
- Redesigned 2-piece seat assembly features thicker and wider foam for improved comfort for rider and passenger
- Dunlop’s grippy yet durable Roadsmart II tires are standard
- Increased fuel capacity and more compact battery
Verdict
Ninja bikes tend to have an expensive price tag in India. This bike may cost you around INR 5.14 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi (approx., may vary)). We certainly feel that Kawasaki has over priced this bike as it lacks high quality of ride and handling but we doubt if this reason is enough for Ninja fans to stay away from this bike. Ninja has a certain class in society and with its aggressive looks and performance; we think people will accept this bike as a complete value for money bike.