2017 Kawasaki Ninja 650
It’s actually the parallel-twin ER-6f with a mass of
updates and improvements, all dressed up to look like a closer relative of the
Ninja family. Think of it as being more of a Ninj-ER, than Ninja.
It’s a genuinely impressive update for the nifty
middleweight, though. While the 649 cc parallel-twin has lost 3 bhp at peak
during the revisions needed to get it through Euro4, it’s also gained claimed
better fuel economy, and when you offset the power loss against the weight loss
– owners will still be winning.
The new Ninja 650 has shed a hugely impressive 19 kg
compared to its forebear, a difference that even – or especially – the least
experienced rider will be able to feel as they lift it off the sidestand. The
new trellis frame is a big contributor to the losses, as is the new
asymmetrical aluminium swingarm.
The suspension hardware is still necessarily budget,
with a conventional 41 mm RWU fork that boasts no adjustment, and a preload
adjustable rear shock which has been repositioned to sit in a more conventional
position above the swingarm (rather than off to the side on the ER).
The braking hardware gains new Nissin calipers,
mated to Bosch’s 9.1M ABS module for superb braking control, even if you’ve
lost the plot and grabbed the lever with all your might. The rider’s view is
improved by a new screen, which is adjustable to three set positions offering a
total range of 60mm between lowest and highest settings.
Nestled in behind the screen is new instrumentation,
which is a welcome improvement over the current bike’s quirky offering –
comprising a large analogue tacho and classy black LCD screen, plus all the
usual idiot-lights. There’s also a new programmable shift light, and as part of
the illuminations the usually white tacho needle goes pink when you’re
approaching a shift, and red when it’s time to make the change. All very Ninja
H2.
The new model comes in four colour options: Lime
Green KRT Edition, Metallic Spark Black, and Candy Burnt Orange.
