@@nb6065 haha yeah I wish! Unfortunately I only have room for 1 bike, and I do have some aspirations for light touring in addition to 2 wheel shenanigans
This is a great everyday bike that has been styled to look a bit sporty but really its an all-rounder suited to newer riders. They sound good with an aftermarket pipe too.
I just bought this bike. Love it. Full Yoshimura exhaust. Dynojet PC smoked out tail light/windscreen rear seat cowl.its a clean machine for sure. Watching from Upstate NY.
Nice video and good review. I’ve ridden the ninja 650 a few weeks ago for a whole day. And I loved it! The engine is so much better now. I have a Versys 650 and ridden the ER6-N and you can really feel the difference. the superlight clutch is so nice to use. Gearbox is Very good and precise. And that TFT is one of the best on the market imo. This bike has surprised me alot! Rode over 400km that day and no issues on comfort. This is a great bike to attack your local twisties and go touring with some softbags on the back. Simple bike, No electronics, just pure motorcycle fun!
Love love love this bike. Got it as my first real bike and been so happy with it. Its something that i think wont get boring after a few years of riding.
I have a 2018 Ninja 400 for 2 yrs & I m a very happy owner. It's very similar to the 650 in most area except for the slightly slower pick up & softer front brake. Bought the 400 instead of the 650, used the savings $ to fit up my Shiver 900 into a comfortable tourer. *I m 5'5" & I can flat foot on the new range of Ninjas 👍
Gorgeous bike. Just bought my KRT as sort of a "refresher" bike (haven't ridden in 6 years or so), and can't wait to hit the road. Seems like a perfect balance of looking sporty while being user friendly.
I've went from one year riding GSX-R 125 (my first bike with car license) to this Ninja 650 back in March (now with my A2 license). While riding it, it felt like "even lighter" that the other one, or even just the same, thanks on having all its weight on the bottom. Really comfy and easy to configure the TFT panel. The more I ride it, comparing it to a racing one, the less I want to go back to an R.
Thank you so much for putting this video together. I have watched it quite a few times over the last couple of years. I have a 2021 650 ninja KRT. I have been riding it since I passed my test and I love the bike to bits it ticks so many boxes. I have just put a Leo Vince straight through exhaust on it. The difference is night and day I would recommend anybody that still has the stock exhaust to change it for an aftermarket upgraded exhaust.
I've been riding my 150cc honda CB for almost 5 years now, 55000 kilometers of daily commute to campus & long tours and roadtrips. Last march I went on a solo roadtrip, visited 6 cities & 1000 kilometers in 6 days. Would love to upgrade to this Ninja 650, maybe when I have a steady job & income :')
Agree with the review, i got my 650 2 months back. its very comfortable, has enough torque to put a smile on your face, perfect every day bike. Definitely recommend an after market exhaust, stock exhaust is terrible sounds like a lawn mower
I have a 2007 plasma blue Kawasaki 650R Ninja with 4,770 miles in mint condition. It was sold in Colorado US and imported to Canada where I live. I have had 0 issues with this bike. My bike has a bit more horsepower at 72 than the 2020 Ninja 650. I've never ridden a late model Ninja 650; test rides are hard to get where I live. I've been considering trading for a Ninja 650.
I have one and I love it. Nice amount of torque and very easy to use. The only thing I hate about it is the engine sound that's I've already fixed with an aftermarket exhaust. Very nice review tho. Cheers from Portugal :-)
@@Deon0026yickadee I can't tell about the cruiser, the riding position on the ninja is not sportier as it looks. I never had any problems with back pain (so far) :) Sorry for the late reply.
Awesome! Helped a lot in making a decision . From where I am at it's a Ninja 650 + Enfield Continental GT compared to just a CBR 650 R . Two for the price of one and I'm smiling very wide indeed .
..really good review ...showing how it relates to the Z series ...I a Z400 which I really like and am planning to use it for some track experience. The way the Ninja 650 is set up so you can ride up right if you wish ( which I like BTW) is a great selling point for me...thank you for a job well done
Excellent video. So informative. Just bought the 2021 in red. I wanted the CBR650r but the wait was up to a year. Hopefully, I will be in the wind within two months. Thanks for the great content.
First review that has really compelled me to consider the 650 above the zx6r... I’m 44 and driven cars since my teens... supercars, various countries etc and never crashed. Ridden low powered bikes sporadically... last time was 125cc rentals in Spain a couple years ago. Now wanting a bike of my own and wanted a bike to grow on and not want to upgrade later... thought the zx6r would be ideal but listening to this - especially the braking analysis, tells me I could end up in trouble on a xz6r due to lack of experience on 2 wheels. Who thinks I should still consider a zx6r?
I love this bike but a lot of people have advised to jump straight to the Z900 from a 300cc due to the marginal price difference. So I am confused between the Ninja 650, Z900 and the CBR 650R. The 650R is also not that super sportish and a bit comfortable too.
I wouldnt jump straight up to the Z900, it's a big jump in power and torque. Best bet is to take a Z650, Ninja 650 and then the Z900 for a test ride and see which one fits. UK Kawasaki dealers are open by appointment!
I went from the Z650 to the Z900. Have it for a 3rd season now and love everything about it except the power. It really is an amazing machine (especially bang for the buck), but I am seriously considering going back to the Ninja 650, or even a 400. The power is just too much for the street. When ever you twist your wrist a bit, you are immediatelly in "lose your license" territory. In my book, if you want to have fun on the streets, 70 hp is more than enough. I found the saying about riding a slow bike fast being more fun, than riding a fast bike slow, to be true.
@@EfferusZangetsu totally agree. Went from a bandit 1200 for a sv650 for the same reason after loosing some license points for speeding and in a car...realized i would loose my license with the bandit doing sometimes 100mph in 2nd gear just to ear the engine. Now with the 75hp of the amazing vtwin of the sv i get a lot of fun in lower speeds.
Excellent bike for beginners. Only weak points are suspension and OEM tyres. Progressive springs for the forks are cost effective and well worth the price.
I love my 2020 KRT ABS! I commute 50 miles a day, some of which is sporty riding if I like, I usually fill up after every three days at 150 miles and it's consistently a 2.4-2.6 gallon refuel. I have done over 200 miles on a tank but I was kinda nervous as the range indicator strangely went blank at about 190 miles! I don't know what's up with that. If you look at the range indicator after fueling up it tells you that you have about 145 miles to empty, but that's a lie. Once I registered about 40 miles on it the range strangely tells me that I have 170 miles to empty! Probably because I fill to the neck of the tank and the sensors are not accurate with what it considered overfill. Idk. I do know I love this bike better than my 2011 Ninja 1000! My Hindle Megaphone exhaust puts Harleys in their place with a sound like a straight pipe drag bike! I bought the suppressor! LOL. I invent shit to do just to go for a ride. I owned the original 2006 ninja 650 when it came out. It was a slimmer design but the rear shock was a bit wonky. Definitely better tune, suspension, and brakes than the original but the price did go up a grand (2006- $6,400). But that's 15 years ago so not really bad. I also owned a 2019 MT-07. The Ninja is a better bike. WAY better brakes and suspension and the MT was uncomfortable after half an hour on the highway. Throttle... Some people like how twerky the MT is. I say bad fuel mapping just like their MT-09.
I’m really tempted with this as my fist big bike. I’m pretty sold on the CBR650R, but I really like the look of this thing. What do you rate of the two? Im about 5’ 8” and only 10.5 stone, so i’m not very big if that matters lol.
I am thinking about the same two, the only thing that I don’t like about the Honda is that it’s pretty hard to get a newer one in Europe. Most of them sell immediately.
I’m seriously struggling with my decision. Recently told that 650s are sluggish and with poor suspension and too upright seating position. I was considering the 650 vs the 400, zx25R and the zx6r... outside of Kawasaki, I thought about the new Aprilla. The 650 at one point was probably just a click away from being my purchase decision, now it seems to be way down or even off the list of considerations entirely. Watching these videos for perspective.
I’m coming back to biking and I just put a deposit on one of these as it was going cheap ex demo model. Can’t wait till next month to use it when I get it
Not yet tested and passed for Euro5. I have the 2020 model that you feature and the V5 log book states Euro4. Love this bike - not so much ride it but wear it! The rear shock is a compromise, particularly on slowish rough surfaces - it’s also very difficult to adjust the preload, but one accepts and lives with these things. Kind regards and stay safe.
@@wiggygfe We will have to agree to disagree on this. Even with taking stuff off, very difficult to position a suitable “c” spanner and pull the ring around. Some suggest easier to remove the shock to adjust it! Kindest regards.
I have 1100 miles on my 2020 650 and so far the only flaw I've noticed is the sound, I'm just waiting for IXIL to release the 2020 model hyperlow exhaust and it will be perfect!
Kawasaki should ditch the twin cylinder, which is a mental block for most folks our for a bike, and put a detuned version of the 636 inline from the zx6r on this bike (think zx10r > Ninja 1000). The parallel twin just sounds pathetic.
Hello sir I'm planning to buy ninja 650 2021 But I really don't like the rear 160mm tyre Is there any chance that I can change it to 180mm rear section
It’s either a Honda CBR 650 R or the Kawasaki ninja 650 and I think I’m gonna go with the ninja because I’m tall it it would probably be better posture:)
Great review man! I totally agree with you, it is on its own category due to the characteristics and features it offers . I think is a perfect Mix. The only thing ,..... is... that the original exhaust sounds like pure shitttttt!! lol I mean I had a gsx r and a daytona and their stock sound is nice. The ninja 650 nopeeeeeee. lol/ thanks for making this video
Samuel Gillard to dissimilar to compare, the CBR650R is a great bike, but some new riders will come wider the near hundred BHP a bit too much. That’s why Kawasaki have slotted in to a place that few other manufacturers play in.
Only one thing would push me heavily in the direction of this bike: 270° firing interval. Otherwise, it's blandsmobile. Aprilia plans to shake things up with the RS660. I get it, the Aprilia is essentially a supersport with a snorty parallel twin. But.......this Kawasaki needs an excitement injection big time. No amount of plastics and tech is going to solve that. Engine will solve that.
Rs660 is $4k USD more to buy, probably $3k more USD over 5 years to insure, parts more money, 0 models sold vs tens of thousands. All in , TCO more than double the cost of ownership potentially. How many technicians have serviced an RS660? so many variables not a fair comparison.
@@AcmeRocket Silly and invalid. Except for some reason you didn't lay out the terms and conditions of the comment section so we could all play fair and avoid hurling insults.
@@m.rraghav817 I don’t ride regularly, I’d probably guess I’ve ridden around 12,000km over the last 4 years maybe... and only on 125cc that I’ve hired in UK and Spain... long highway rides and inner cities and towns. Really don’t want to get a 650 and feel the need to upgrade and equally don’t want to get a zx6r if it’s dangerous for my lack of experience or overkill on power... that’s the difficulty I’m facing... hopefully will have a chance of an extended test ride if I can’t find where/how to rent them.
@@jponz85 I’m stuck between the zx6r and 650... experienced driver and sensible but only ever rode 125cc bikes as rentals when abroad. Not at all regular.
Great video! But am I the only idiot on the planet that prefers an analog tach?! I actually bought a 2019 Ninja 650 about a year ago, and thank God! The TFT dash looks pretty, but what the hell is wrong with having a needle in a dial?? Anyway, it really is a great bike. There's not enough different b/n the '19 and '20 for me to trade in, but overall they really are great bikes.
I have a 2018 and I also love the analog and digital dash much more than the digital one. I don't feel any tempted to trade in my bike for the 2020 model. And yes, it's a lovely bike.
I think the 650 is a better buy, overall. The 400 is a better introduction to sport bikes and a better track bike, the 650 is a better commuter, yet it is faster and has much more power. You can easily take it to the track and be competitive, and in a straight line it is a faster bike. With the additional power of the 650, you would be shifting gears less. But the 400 is more maneuverable due to the lighter weight and smaller dimensions. Comfort I felt the 650 is much more comfortable (better seat, more padding), yet the 400 is lighter and has an even lower seat, so would be better for shorter riders. You can always change or modify the seat to improve it on either. They both are more upright in riding position than the super sports, not leaned over. The 400 you may outgrow, the 650 is a great starter bike, but has enough power to get you in trouble and you will never outgrow it. The 400 is about 20% less expensive, but the 650 comes with better equipment and more perks, plus a better "keeper". The 400, you may ride for a while but you will keep in your head that you want a bigger and faster bike over time (Not to say that is a good decision or mindset, it is just truth. Especially if your friends ride super sports.) I highly suggest you go to a dealership that stocks both, see and sit on them in person. Ask questions. Budget is another concern, the 650 is more expensive. Neither are expensive, relatively, but in the US the Ninja 400 ABS is around $5500 and the 650 ABS about $8000 MSRP. I hope this helps. No one can answer which is better for you, it is budget and personal feel which will determine which is better for you. What do you want in a motorcycle, what will you use it for? It is like Camaro vs Mustang vs Challenger/Charger. Ask 1000 people which is best and you will get 1000 different answers and reasons why they prefer their pick.
I am one to admit when I was wrong, and I will say this. I had a choice between the Ninja 400 and Ninja 650. I sat on both, test rode both, and ended up picking the Ninja 400 ABS. Here is my take on Ninja 400 vs Ninja 650. I am 5' 8" tall, weigh 205 pounds. 30" inseam Ninja 400 pros: -Much lighter and more nimble -More fun to ride -Less vibration -Smoother feel -Analog gauges (depends on preference) -Cheaper -Better for shorter riders and newer riders -For me, it was more comfortable with the clip ons and such -Better street bike -Better track bike -Better fuel economy Ninja 400 cons: -Blown around by wind more -Non-adjustable levers (aftermarket ones are not expensive) -Non-adjustable suspension -Stock exhaust is sort of ugly and heavy (you hit the back of your foot on it) (aftermarket ones can be had for cheap to expensive) -Single front brake (but stops just as well) Ninja 650 pros: -Little more comfortable seating (like very slightly) -More power and faster -Digital gauge cluster is awesome -Adjustable levers -Slightly better in the wind -Better for taller riders -Better overall commuter -Maybe better 2-up (no experience with either yet in this regard to truly comment on this) -Better (and better looking) swing arm -Underside exhaust is better, sounds better, and better looking than the Ninja 400 one -Dual front brakes Ninja 650 cons: -Slightly heavier than even 600cc super sport bikes and much heavier than the Ninja 400 -Much more top heavy feeling motorcycle -Did not personally like the clip-on feel -More vibration (I heard it goes away after some miles on it, cannot comment on this personally) -About 25% more expensive -Not as good for newer riders (can get you in trouble faster due to the extra power and much heavier weight) -Not as nimble or fun to ride as the Ninja 400 I got the 2021 Ninja 400 ABS in Graphite Grey Metallic and could not be happier. I take delivery of it within the next few days. I made the right choice for myself, but you cannot go far wrong with either. The issue with the Ninja 650 is there are better options for around the same price (better performance, better overall motorcycles, etc.) , while currently the Ninja 400 has no peers.
@@ricsim78 the wind isn't blowing you around, you're gripping the handle bars too tight and the wind is blowing into you which is transferring from your arms into steering inputs, all you need is enough grip to twist the throttle and press your control levers, they're not there as a means to keep you on the bike, your feet on the pegs, knees against the gas tank and weight slightly forward are what accomplishes that, so work on being looser with your shoulders, arms, and hands
@@johncorbin5332 while I appreciate your advice, I should have worded it better. You are for sure correct, I was referring to a more windy day, for example crosswinds on the expressway. The Ninja 400 is about 370 pounds stock, the Ninja 650 is around 430. That extra 60 pounds of heft is going to help prevent you from being blown around more. I also think the Ninja 650 seemed to not have as much wind hitting my helmet as the 400. Taller windscreen maybe? I rode the 650 first and the 400 right after with a fairly windy day and I felt the 400 being blown around a bit more. Good point though and appreciate your advice. I got Snake skin tank grips ready to install on my 400 when I take delivery of it. I have about 8 months riding experience and started on a GSXR 600, 2004 year. Completed my MSF after riding about 4 months and when I first started, I was definitely holding the bike too tight and got blown around like you described.
There is some help there from the fairing, although if it was my money, I'd go for the performance edition of the Z650. It's a proper mini-supernaked and so much fun! Check out the review here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-FUwRSY7hXbA.html
And the styling is tweaked, rider and passenger comfort increased and it's not an LCD, it's a TFT. Kawasaki did state when I collected the bike it's an evolution of the previous generation, based on customer feedback - so all sensible upgrades. If you want USD suspension and full adjustability, buy the ZX-6R Ninja!
Visordown Motorcycle Videos we have a bunch of "small" bikes comes with USD susp... kawasaki marketing is similar to apple, giving a couple of tiny things to customer and selling like a gold. I really don't think need to buy a zx6r to have a usd susp or radial brakes, in my opinion. Regards!
I'm 5'11 felt cramped in the legs so I bought the extended seat it's harder padding but feels better on Deez 🥜 . I have a bad back and seating position feels good. Which is one reason I bought it over cbr650r leaned over more. I do wish they made a "Ninja" 900 for more power, I'd probably trade up fast.
Based on my research the MT09 can be a handful and is a shocking animal. Be careful and do your research to avoid regret. I have no experience w this Kawi 650
Sadly yes the major problem is the dam wooden pogo stick suspension which dives hard into corners but is too dam hard on the straight aways.......and that skinny ass dam rear tire is shit on highway riding with a crosswind....and that engine sound is ehhh....good beginner bike
You need a relay kit and an actual USB charger outlet compatible for the bike. There is a spot for it, IMO it should have been a standard feature. There are official Kawasaki ones and aftermarket ones for both relay and USB charger ports.
