Kawasaki Ninja 650R
Kawasaki Ninja 650R Video Review:
Scroll down for our comprehensive review of the 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 650R.
Fast Tube by Casper
Summary:
Engine Size: 649cc
Price (new): $8,199 CDN/$6,799 USD
Comparable bikes: Suzuki GS500, Suzuki SV650, Kawasaki Ninja 250R, Kawasaki Ninja 500R, , Yamaha FZ6R
Over 40 updates make the Ninja 650R a real competitor for 2009. Its smooth 649cc engine, dynamic and aggressive styling, and modern chassis make it a real treat to ride. For a new rider looking for a first bike with longevity, the Ninja 650R could be a great match!
Our Kawasaki Ninja 650R Review:
We’ve always been fans of Kawasaki, and when I say “we” I’m referring to the collective group of motorcycle junkies that power BeginnerMotorcycleReviews.com. It’s not often that “we” all agree on something (countless debates over which first bike is ideal come to mind), but after experiencing the Kawasaki Ninja 650R for ourselves we have all come to the same conclusion: this bike is a good one.
The Ninja 650R is good for a lot of things, and because of that we’re inclined to recommend it to new riders looking for something that’s economical, but with a larger emphasis on fun and excitement. After all, while a 650cc sport bike may not get the same fuel economy as a 250cc bike (such as the 650R’s little brother, the Ninja 250R), but it still gets great mileage and seems to be adept at doing something much better than a smaller bike: implanting large grins on our faces.
There’s no denying that a new rider will find a 250cc bike a thrill, but unfortunately that thrill will tame itself over time as the rider becomes accustomed to the power and handling characteristics of that bike. Since it’s such a small engine, those limitations are found quickly and that’s when the “hum-drum” syndrome takes hold. The 650R, however, packs enough punch from its 649cc engine that a new rider should be satisfied for a few years before wanting to trade up- assuming they get tired of it at all!
The Ninja 650R is a great handling machine; a smooth parallel-twin provides plenty of power (right around 65-70 horsepower) and more than enough torque (around 45ft-lbs) for city riding and highway touring. As well, the comfortable seating position enables the rider to enjoy the Ninja for long periods of time without worry about back or joint pain.
Enter a corner and the Ninja 650R feels balanced, and after a few corners for practice the rider will quickly find the Ninja 650R to be predictable and controllable- traits that a new rider should seek out and an experienced rider always appreciates.
Let us be clear: this 650cc bike is not faster than the Ninja ZX6R (Kawasaki’s 600cc super-sport), despite having 50 more cc’s. However, a quarter mile time of 12.1 seconds and a 0-60 time of 3.8 seconds is hardly something to scoff at- all but the fastest supercars will be left in your dust.
Riders will enjoy the smooth-shifting 6 speed transmission, linear power delivery, and excellent riding dynamics. It may not sound like an F1 racer (like the 600cc super-sport bikes), but the v-twin has a great sound and combines with the rest of the bike to create a capable and well-mannered machine.
The Bottom Line:
As far as first bikes go this may be a bit much for some people, but spend some time riding it with caution and you will find yourself piloting a fast, good looking, capable motorcycle that you’ll enjoy for some time. Highly recommended.
Kawasaki Ninja 650R Update – April 23, 2009
When the weather is right, and a good friend decides to swap bikes with you for the last leg of your ride, you can really get a feel for a bike. In my case, it was the decision to swap my 2008 Suzuki SV650 (read my Suzuki SV650 review) for my friends 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 650R. Both bikes are fairly comparable in their capabilities, performance levels, and even horsepower figures.
There are differences, however. As one commenter noted, the 650R is powered by a parallel-twin engine, whereas the SV650 is powered by a v-twin. As well, the 650R features a slightly more upright riding position, where the SV650 is a bit more sports-bike like in its riding position (but not terribly so). These differences, along with the aesthetics of the bikes, are small, but they are significant enough to warrant switching from one bike to another over.
We were in Banff, Alberta and decided to make the final leg of the ride home to Calgary, Alberta. At just over an hour it’s not exactly a marathon run, but with varied terrain (mountain roads, followed by foothills, followed by prairie) I knew that I’d be able to get a great feel for the bike (I wasn’t the person who reviewed the Ninja 650R in the original review).
Launching the Ninja is easy, just like my SV, and the acceleration is brisk. It may be just me, but my SV650 feels a touch quicker- it may be the Yoshi pipe and K&N filter, or it may just be a mental bias. Regardless, the Ninja takes off with a reassuring growl from its engine and plenty of thrust forward. Every time, no matter how quickly it ends, the acceleration of a bike like this puts a smile to my face.
Through the mountains I found the Ninja 650R to be very predictable. Within a matter of minutes I found myself leaning it over quite a bit, and like my SV650, the power band is linear enough that I was able to apply throttle during the turn without worrying about breaking traction. Motorcyclists live for the twisties, and this bike is about as much fun as I’ve ever had in them.
I stuck with 3rd and 4th gear, finally moving into 5th and 6th once we reached the highway. The highway, which is a long and relatively straight/flat drive, made up the last 30 minutes of our ride. On the highway the Ninja is slightly more comfortable, and I believe that to be entirely due to the riding position that’s just a touch more upright. In 5th and 6th gear I found the Ninja to have enough power to pass traffic that was moving at highway speed with ease.
When we finally reached our destination my friend and I swapped bikes. “It’s a nice bike,” he said in reference to my SV, “but I think I’ll keep my Ninja.”
It’s funny he said that, because the Kawasaki Ninja 650R is a great bike… but I think I’ll stick to my SV 
Related posts:
- Kawasaki Ninja 500R
- 2011 Kawasaki Ninja 400R Impressions
- Review of the 2013 Kawasaki Ninja 300, now with ABS!
- Kawasaki Ninja 250R
- Kawasaki Gives Canada and Japan the Ninja 400R
Category: 500cc-650cc, Featured, Kawasaki
It’s perfectly fine to have loads of fun at below 100mph.
Ditto.
I’m 49 years old and 180 pounds. I’ve had a lot of bikes but have no more need of the liter class thrill. Nor do I need the Joe-racer wannabe knee-to-elbow neck cramping position on a street bike.
Just got a ’09 650R for $5300 OTD. Cheepest bike I’ve bought in 15 years. This is the best bike I’ve had for actually just using to get around and enjoy some recreational riding. I get quite a kick out of the strange sound of the parallel twin and the sweet torque curve. Very different than all the I4′s I’ve had. Still wheelies in 1st and 2nd.
BTW, full insurance $278/year.
I’ll be keeping this bike a long time.
Sounds like the bike for me. Thanks!
lol…So, the complaint is that this SPORT BIKE is not as fast as a SUPERSPORT BIKE????? If it was wouldn’t that make it a supersport bike and not just a sport bike??? You said it like kawi was misrepresenting the bike. It’s also about $4000 less than a supersport bike. I dont understand the complaint really and I think this bike is on top in comparison with the other sportbikes in the 600-650 class. From what I have read the bike was geared towards being well rounded (fast enough to be fun, comfortable to ride all day, ect…) and not to be a track bike. One example of this is the upright position of the handlebars and the taller windscreen when compared with the supersport bikes.
Ok….I’m done correcting you
This is my first road bike. I’m 49, my son is 16. It’s absolutely perfect for both of us. It’s the cheapest “sportbike” out there- I got my 2009 new in February of this year with two dirt bike trade-ins for $5000! My son is 6’5″, 240. I’m almost fifty. It suits both of our requirements perfectly. It will be all the bike I will ever need- I don’t need much more than the thrillatf 7000 rpm this bike gives me- and it’s safe enough for me to feel ok when my newbie son rides it. It’s got predictable handling, decent tires and suspension, darn good brakes, a lousy seat, and cool styling. For an entry level “sportbike” (it’s really a Standard) it’s really a well built, fun bike for 5 g’s. We both like it a lot. Should be in the family for at least a few summers.
Yea like Insurance, but Progressive is only charging just under 100 a month for top of the line coverage
Yea but beginners dont need to be riding those bikes. And with a finance payment, gas, and insurance those bikes can be too expensive for some riders. I know that the insurance for an 06′ GSXR 600 is100 more
You dont just buy one of these bikes for speed. I am getting a 09′ 650R and I just want it based on styling and comfort. Cruisers are just gay and Super Sport bikes are a bit expensive on the insurance side however that will be my next decision.
After reading all the reviews I have come to the conclusion that this bike will be the perfect starter bike for me. I initially was interested in the new 250′s cuz of the body kits and mpg but I read on another review that highway driving will kill those being as they only top out at around 100 they are pretty much red-lining on the interstate. Also I am 6’3″ and 210 pounds so that bike would not be the right choice for me.
So I thought about the 500, but the body kit just looks really gay. This bike looks fast and everyone says it is quick. Being my first bike I dont need to go 150+ or 0-60 in 3 seconds. Eventually I will upgrade to a supersport but for now this is the bike for me. And now that the bike is over a year old I am getting it brand new at 4999. And the insurance only runs at about 80 a month for top of the line coverage. And only 40 a month for basic. Cant beat that. I cant wait to have my bike!
@ K. Steadman: That sounds like Squid talk. Learn how to ride and get full gear before getting yourself on one of those Supersports.
The 650R is simply a great bike, it may not be the best at all things
but it is very good at almost all things. Mine is a 2008 set up as a week-end touring bike with the three Givi Hardcases and the fuel economy sure beats the heck out of my Suzuki Volusia and Yamaha 1100,
and for me it is so much more fun to ride. I am 65, 5’10″ around 200
lbs and I enjoy the heck out of this bike. Simply great for running North and South along the Oregon Coast and does better than journeyman
work across the Cascades to Oregons’ High Desert. This is without a
doubt one of Kawas’ better machines! I expect this one to be around a long time. It is a dandy!
True, but I dont think that includes comp and collision. I just upgraded my policy from basic liability (90.00 a year)and added comp and collision for less than 600.00 a year total.
Al,
Which insurance do you have?
I am looking into getting this bike but i am a first time rider. I will be taking the safety course offered in Ca to override the DMV test. I heard this will Help lower the rate a bit too.
Oh contrare amigo, this thing will do 0-60 in the 3′s
. I’ve owned this bike for 2 months and I totally love it. Does everything and is priced insanley good for what it can do. I’m so glad I decided on this bike. New, fast, handles well and looks good doing it. Sometimes I wish I could lean more sometimes, but I’m considering upgrading the bars. Other than that Love it.
Ok, I have read EVERY review on here and I Know without a Doubt that this is the Bike for me. I Am a BRAND NEW rider, I dont even know how to start a Motercycle yet or how to even put the Kick Stand down but I start My “Bassic Rider” Class This tuesday and with luck & (alittle brains) I should have my license on Thursday and I’m leaving straight from there to go get My 2008 650r w/ only 241 miles on it. You’ll have convinced me that this is a bike that I will have for a LONG time and that I can Grow with. I’m 30yrs old, 5′ 8″ and 185lbs so this bike should be just right for me…. oh did I mention my 3 kids, so im NOT NOT NOT interested in being in the front of the Pack or pulling off the line faster than everyone else, as a matter of fact If I ever (accidently) lift it off the ground I probably will head back to the parking lot for more trainning.
I love how cool the bike looks but I must admit, My true fellings and instinct is telling me to get a Suzuki Katana 600/750. Too many people have told me NO NO NO…. Dont get that bike. Can anyone offer any reasons or suggestions on why I should NOT get a Kan-a-Tuna. Here’s my reasons for wanting the Kat. Its Heavy, Its Not total Sport, It seems Reliable, and the #1 reason, Its NOT gonna Come up off the ground on Takeoff (Unless I tried REALLY hard).
All and all I know I’m gonna get the Ninja 650r but I will always wonder about the Katana. It wouldnt be far fetched for me to get Both. I have been known to do that. I had 2 300zx’s because I loved that car so much (one stick shift and one auto) I sold the stick and still have the auto.
Anyway please offer suggestion or your oponion on the difference in these two bikes and why the 650 is more fun to ride. I have been told that the Kat. is comfortable too.
When I do get to the point where I’m able to ride with the Pack, will I be able to keep up with the 650r (and Not be in the very back)?
Read again son, it says parallel twin. Maybe u got confused when he said suzuki
OMG they just said that this is a good beginner bike dude lol and an r6 will kill most if not all beginners lol get over it they are just saying basically this is an awsome beginner bike
Hey there everyone. Ive been searching around, looking at reviews, sitting on bikes at dealers, etc and ive finally narrowed my choices down to the ninja 650, the SV650, and the FZ6R. I plan on buying the bike within the next 9 months but not before about 6 months. I really just want to get an idea of what to look for. Currently i am 15 years old (16 in march 2011), 6 foot 1 inch, 190 pounds, and i am riding a yamaha XT225. I love the bike i have, but the power just doesnt satisfy my desires (i can barely hit 75 on a downhill with the wind behind me!). I feel as if i am a very capable and mature rider, but im struggling to decide which of the three bikes i like more. I like my yamaha so im leaning more towards the FZ6R. However, ive riden my dads Kawsaki KLR650 and I must say that was a fantastic experience. Power is not a concern for me (I think I could jump on an R1 today and survive… Barely), but comfort and style are. Please give me your opinions. I would love to hear them. Thanks!
I ride an ’06 Ninja ZX10R, and have had the opportunity to ride the ’09 650R a lot this summer, as my girlfriend picked one up. I have to say – excellent bike. Style, comfort, price, all excellent, and if it doesn’t quite have the power of my bike – it’s still more than adequate
@K. Steadman
Yup you could get faster motorcycle.. for the same price..
but it would be WAY older.. and WAY unconfortable..
Who know you don’t know what a 3 year motorcycle has been.. it could give you more problems in your pocket once you discovered that the engine is already used up.. and it would cost you more cash and a lot of time repairing it..
Why don’t you go to 2ndand3rdhandbikes.com. Now go smoke some bloody weed.. CHEAPSKATE!!
I have a 2009 and I have been riding for 20 years,this has too much power for a first bike,If your looking for a beginner bike get a ninja 250.Im very happy with it and I hate when people call it a beginner bike,because I don’t think it is.
I have been looking for a replacement bike for my totaled ST1300. Although I have had had several bikes over forty years of riding including a Kawasaki ZX-9R and a 2004 Suzuki Hayabusa, insurance has gone up so much that I can’t afford the price or coverage for a full on super sport anymore; The more I look at the 650R Ninja the better I like it.
Its a great bike,and it goes pretty fast, theres alot of low end power,so It takes of just as fast as any sport bike,Its a great highway bike too,it is not a super sport but still fast toping out at 220kmh or 130mph,I wouldn’t recommend it for a beginner rider,they should stick with a 250.
It’s a very comfortable bike too!
Hey all,
I’ve been researching which bike to get for my second motorcycle and I’ve been stuck on the 650. Looks like an amazing bike, definitely going to be getting it.
HOWEVER: To everyone that says it’s a perfect beginner bike, I believe you are wrong after looking at hundreds of review and the performance numbers. I cant say this from experience on this bike, but from owning my ninja 250r for a while, I can say with full confidence that THAT bike is the perfect beginner bike. If you are a beginner just starting out, go get a pre ’08 version of that bike (1500 with a little looking, or pay an extra couple grand for a newer version; your choice), learn the ropes, and upgrade after half year or a year. It’ll be worth it, and you can just resell the bike for almost what you paid for it.
K. Steadman do you even ride motorcycles? not to be rude but this is a fake review.
“it’s expensive! Seriously, you could get a 3 or 4 year old used R6 or ZX6R that’s WAY faster, WAY better looking, and WAY more fun to ride!”
this is a bike for people who like bikes not someone eho wants to go 180 mph
you cant compare this to a sports bike.
My good friend started on a super sport and did awesome he has been riding for a year now and never has droped. He has never been near a bike or known any one with a bike so he went for it and learned well. If he can do that then ill do great with a 650r cause me and him have always been fast learning. He needs a riding buddy so I am going for it. Thanks for the good reviews
He bike is the best
i think he was referring to the end of the article. if you look close to the end, before the trade off story, it says v-twin. i caught that too.
this is probably the best review i have seen on here yet. good job. well said.
VERY well said!