2012 Kawasaki Ninja 650 Specs, and Review

2012 Kawasaki Ninja 650

2012 Kawasaki Ninja 650 - Since its debut back in 2006, the multi-talented Ninja® 650R has been a bona fide member of this elite group, winning accolades from owners and media alike. But for 2012, the massively reworked Kawasaki Ninja 650 is better than ever.

One of the most visible changes is the redesigned exhaust system. The Ninja 650’s stubby, low-slung exhaust has become a trademark with the design and for 2012 the system receives a new connector pipe as well as a higher-volume three-chamber muffler assembly. Engineers claim this improvement alone provides better mid-range torque on the 2012 Kawasaki Ninja 650. The fuel-injected 649cc liquid-cooled Parallel Twin

remains relatively unchanged for the new year, keeping its status as a terrific streetbike powerplant with torquey pull and impressive top end. The ultra-narrow engine produces substantial power with plenty of character – especially down low and in the mid-range – from an impressive array of technology, including double overhead camshafts acting on eight lightweight valves. Lightweight pistons run in plated, linerless cylinders, while a 180-degree crank assembly – coupled with a balancer shaft – maintains a surprising level of engine smoothness.

2012 Kawasaki Ninja 650

Improvements continue with an all-new twin-pipe perimeter frame that’s been installed for more rigidity. While providing more strength overall to the design, the trellis layout keeps its narrow-waisted profile that helps keep its seat height lower. Even with the narrow frame, however, sticklers will be quick to point out the 2012 Kawasaki Ninja 650 is 0.6 inches taller than previous models. The 41mm front fork and single shock rear out back include new settings along with increased wheel travel, with a new backbone-type subframe offering a 10% increase in maximum carrying capacity. The clutch cable design is also reworked for easier pull and better control. The twin-pipe swingarm is another major stylistic change from the previous edition, which featured only a single tubular structure. Braking has also been improved with new pads, and Dunlop’s new Roadsmart II tires are standard on the new edition.

It’s a more comfortable machine, too, with a 20mm wider handlebar than the previous version and a 2-piece seat assembly topped with foam that’s thicker than before. Both the handlebar and saddle are rubber-mounted, along with the footpegs, for even more vibration-free comfort. And while enjoying all that ergonomic goodness, you’ll gaze upon a new instrument panel featuring an analog tachometer situated above an LCD info-center showing speed, trip meters, fuel consumption, remaining range, etc., with a swath of info-lights to the right.

 

2012 Kawasaki Ninja 650 Specifications/Technical Details
MSRP Price: $7,499.00

ENGINE

• Type 4-stroke, Parallel Twin
• Displacement 649cc
• Bore and Stroke 83.0 x 60.0 mm
• Cooling Liquid
• Compression Ratio 10.8:1
• Valve System DOHC, 8 valves
• Fuel System Digital fuel injection with two 38 mm Keihin throttle bodies
• Ignition Digital
• Lubrication Forced lubrication (semi-dry sump)
  

DRIVETRAIN

• Transmission 6-speed, return
• Final Drive Sealed Chain
• Primary Reduction Ratio 2.095 (88/42)
• Gear Ratio: 1st 2.438 (39/16)
• Gear Ratio: 2nd 1.714 (36/21)
• Gear Ratio: 3rd 1.333 (32/24)
• Gear Ratio: 4th 1.111 (30/27)
• Gear Ratio: 5th 0.966 (28/29)
• Gear Ratio: 6th 0.852 (23/27)
• Final Reduction Ratio 3.067 (46/15)
• Clutch Wet multi-disc, manual
  

FRAME

• Type Perimeter, high-tensile steel
• Wheel Travel: Front 125 mm (4.9 in.)
• Tire: Front 120/70ZR17M/C (58W)
• Wheel Travel: Rear 130 mm (5.1 in.)
• Tire: Rear 160/60ZR17M/C (69W)
• Caster (Rake) 25º
• Trail 110 mm (4.3 in.)
• Steering Angle (Left/Right) 35º / 35º
  

SUSPENSION

• Suspension, Front 41 mm telescopic fork
• Suspension, Rear Offset laydown single-shock with adjustable preload
  

BRAKES

• Front: Type Dual semi-floating 300 mm petal discs
• Front: Calipers Dual piston
• Rear: Type Single 220 mm petal disc
• Rear: Caliper Single-piston
  

DIMENSIONS

• Overall Length 2,100 mm (82.7 in.)
• Overall Width 770 mm (30.3 in.)
• Overall Height 1,180 mm (46.5 in.)
• Wheelbase 1,410 mm (55.5 in.)
• Ground Clearance 130 mm (5.1 in.)
• Seat Height 805 mm (31.7 in.)
• Curb Mass** 209 kg (460.8 lbs.)
• Fuel Capacity 16 litres (3.5 gal.)
• Fuel Consumption N/A
  

PERFORMANCE

• Maximum Power‡ 53 kW {72.1 PS} / 8,500 rpm
• Maximum Torque‡ 64 N.m {6.5 kgf.m} / 7,000 rpm
  

DETAILS

• Colours Metallic Spark Black, Candy Lime Green
• Warranty 12 months warranty