Bought a new one about six weeks ago from my local dealer as my first bike. It does everything I need it to, has more than enough power for exploring the local twisty and mountainous roads. Handling, cornering and braking are all well balanced. I couldn't ask for more at this stage. Comfort, smooth, responsive at the twist, easy to shift up and down. I got the sport package and the larger windscreen controls buffeting and redirects air towward the middle of the visor. Excellent value.
@@Rotasa2Yes, there is a slight vibration. All parallel twin engine bikes have it. Kawasaki put enough rubber on the parts you feel the vibration to make the ride good.
I have a new 2023 Ninja 650 and I've had 42 other motorcycles in my career since 1965. This bike meets all my requirements and hopes. I presently have two other bikes including a 2019 Z900RS cafe. This 650 will do everything the Z900 does just slightly slower. The motor makes all the power a person can possibly use on the street and I do believe the top speed for both is just about the same. I've had other, 270 degree crank engines, and to be honest I think 180 degree is better, certainly smoother than a 270. Kawasaki is known for the durability of their engines and the transmission on Kawasaki's are far smoother than any of my Yamahas and I've had plenty of those too.
Your takeaways are very accurate. It's a bike that delivers on the traits of desirable motorcycles by being easy to ride, fuel efficient, and street friendly.
No please the z900 top speed its around 145 mph the ninja 650 at the most reach 125......you can't really compare z900 inline 4 with parallel twin......
You would think that for ALL the complaining about this engine , over the 18 or so years Kawasaki have been loyal to it, the kids that likey loud vroom vroom noises would finally realize there MUST be SOMETHING positive about this engine. Why would Kawasaki put this engine in so many of their bikes if the loud noize lovin’ folks weren’t buying them? Odd, that, no? Personally, I think the engine has great character and reliability, IMHO. I don’t think Kawasaki likes louder over performance either, it would seem. Thank you for the review!
Totally agree about the 18-year stint. However, as you mentioned, they must have a lot of faith in it to be stuffing it into so many different chassis for different applications. I just wish it had a little more character - it falls flat for me in terms of performance, power, and sound, when looking at the competition's offerings. At the end of the day, Kawasaki has ironed out most of the common issues the first generation of engines was prone to. From my experience of being around them, they are dead reliable, and it's hard to fault it at the end of the day in that regard for the everyday rider.
I can say that I really appreciate the quietness of this bike. Reliability and fairly long maintenance intervals are very attractive too. I'd love to have one. I generally don't like riding near other bikes because of hypersensitivity to sound but anyone with a stock exhuast on a Ninja 650 is welcome to tag along ;) I might be the one tagging along though, I have a KLX 300, not fast but nice and quiet, killer MPG too..
Great review,I bought the red and black 2021 Ninja 650 back in April 2022-absolutely a stellar machine that gets you up to legal speed almost as quickly as those in line 4's.Also worth noting it's much cheaper to insure than the supersports.
While I still think the Ninja 650 could use a little razzle-dazzle to make it more enticing to all motorcyclist, you absolutely hit the nail on the head! Cheap to insure, and can do nearly everything the super-sports can do, just not quite as fast. Glad you are having a great experience with your purchase. Thanks for watching and ride safe!
I have had 72 motorcycles of all types and sizes and my 2021 Ninja 650 is the best of the lot. I think Kawasaki, has made the perfect motorcycle for street use. I am only 5' 7" and 115 lbs so the bike fits me perfectly and the performance is just right kind of like Goldilocks, not too much and not too little but just right. I think the bike is anything but boring and I enjoy riding it very much. You can ride this bike for an extended period of time and not get get tired or sore to the point that you have to get off. I would definitely by it again. You're right there is no real need for TRC and for that matter ABS. You can save some money there.
My mother told me I was supposed to have been a female. My bike likes it and I can give away a few horsepower and a little weight too and still be right there.@@tristanpage9548
Had to comment, MIZ! No seriously, great video. I’m on the market for a bike and have sat on a few bikes at a dealership. Think the 650 might be my route of choice
The Ninja 650 was honestly one of the few bikes I was genuinely looking at. However if I spend the money on a new bike any time soon it's gonna be the ZX4RR or a Duke 790... If the 800NK releases then that.
Wheelie tests should be a part of every motorbike review video. Nice job bossman! EDIT: Shame about the move, the test ride route has become iconic, still though, good luck with the future!
A bit late to this new video lmao, I really love this review but at 5’3 or 5’4 ish would you recommend this bike? I’m looking to buy one soon but I want something that’s speedy but good for my height if not any tips or tricks to get on bigger bikes?
Too late? Nonsense, it's never too late lol. If you are confident in your ability to come to a stop in any condition/situation while only having one foot touching the ground, I'd say you can manage the Ninja 650. If this is your very first ever bike and you have zero prior riding experience, I'd recommend moving down to the Ninja 400 since it's more lightweight and has a slightly lower seat height. Here's my review on the Ninja 400: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-IoeUs67sYjs.html And here's a video where I did a short comparison between the two motorcycles. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-zBuCn4iOWDA.html Hope this helps. Thanks for tuning in!
ahh Omni Moto comes in clutch again 😂, I remember when you only had 1k man happy to see this channel get the recognition it deserves. Stay blessed man and happy riding 🤍
@@lnsxmniaxytim 5"4 got the 2019 it fit well! Tip toes but its enough for me to handle. Hope you got it by now too! Im thinking of trading in mine for the 2024 40th anniversary version
Thanks for the video. I’m considering this bike or the ninja 400. Is the riding position similar between the two? I prefer a more relaxed and neutral position.
Both the 400 and the 650 feel incredibly similar, but that's largely attributed to them both being in the same family of motorcycles. The 650 is better for taller riders since it's slightly larger and has a taller seat height, but the ergonomics on both are mostly neutral, with a slightly forward bias. Hope this helps. Thanks for watching!
Not the same bike at all actually. The Ninja ZX-6R is a super-sport, whereas the standard Ninja is just a sport motorcycle. The "ZX" moniker is what sets the super-sports apart. You'll find the ZX series with a very aggressive riding position featuring downward-pitched clip-on bars, high-mount rear sets, and a seat that basically forces you into an attack position. They will also have the inline 4-cylinder engine for high-revving horsepower focus. The best compromise between the standard Ninja and the ZX series Ninjas is a bike from Honda actually! The CBR650R/CBR650F (same bike, just different names through the years) has an inline 4-cylinder with comfortable ergonomics very similar to the standard Ninja. Hope this helps! Thanks for watching.
Gloves are from Scorpion and the jacket is from a company called Atrox! I love the gloves, and the jacket is great but I could have ordered a size down. The jacket is currently sold out on the Atrox website, but here's a link where you can purchase the gloves through eBay! ebay.us/F2Ikqz Thanks for watching, ride safe. 👍
Darn I was looking for a cbr 650 but now I'm looking at this for my first official big boy bike. Had a Grom and a lady and her U Turn ended that mini moto and my life but Thank God still here and now I want a bigger bike.
CBR650 does come at a bit of a premium over the Ninja 650 but it has a more premium engine in it that has a bit more character. The Ninja 650 is probably the better all-rounder when it comes to a daily rider that is easy to ride and enjoyable with enough power to keep you entertained for years to come. All the best! Ride safe. 😎
@Omni_Moto so I'm officially a Ninja lol got me the 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 650cc with the matte steal with green Ninja letters enjoying it big power difference from the 125cc 😅 now I'm looking to get a good loud exhaust for it seems like every country sent the dumbest drivers to Long Beach California 😅.
The Ninja 650 is just a solid machine. It doesn't excel in any category really, but does everything you'd want out of a middle-weight street bike. Thanks for watching - Ride safe!
Some people say this bike feels closer to an adventure or sport touring bike. Would you say that is correct? I am looking for something that just does everything. I cant afford more than one bike, so I need something that I can tour on, cruise on, do some fun twisties, etc... Would this be a good fit? I have heard a lot of people complain about the 650 feeling sluggish, but it looks like it goes pretty quick. Anymore power than this and I feel like it would be like trying to swat a fly with a cannon if you were not putting it on the track consistently. What are your thoughts?
I think your takeaways are accurate. This bike definitely sits like a miniature sport-touring motorcycle, and is capable of cruising at most any speed. It handles well around town and accelerates and has more than enough pick up at highway speeds. It does it all while getting excellent MPG/KPL. For what you described, the Ninja 650 fits the bill. I'd say go for it if you haven't yet. 😄
If you had a choice, which one would you choose for everyday commuter/cruising: Ninja 650 or CL700X Sport? Looked at both and went for CF, seemed like weight is the only real advantage Ninja has over it and even then not sure how noticeable 13kg will be in everyday use after you get used to it.
The CLX 700 Sport has that cruise control! If I'm commuting, that's one thing I am looking for in a motorcycle. It's got great components on it as well that make for a fun riding experience you'll be able to enjoy beyond your commute. The dealer network is larger with Kawasaki, but the Ninja for me just doesn't cut it. CFM gets my vote! Thanks for watching. 😎
Do both headlamps work on low beam setting? I have the 2021 Versys and the only way to make both headlamps to work is by turning on the high beam which I don't do. Also does it come with Flash-to-pass light switch?
A LOT of Japanese motorcycles only have 1 headlamp on for the low-beam setting, and they don’t turn both on until high-beams are activated. The motorcycle in the video does have a flash-to-pass switch. Great questions. Thanks for watching!
Ruroc Atlas 4.0 Color scheme is Ghost Here's a link to their website where you can check out the full lineup and offerings. They have some really wicked designs. Tip: They just released the "Street" series that uses a fiberglass shell, which is considerably more affordable than their flagship carbon shell helmets like mine. Thanks for watching. Ride safe!
Ok so I bought the 2023 400 se the white and black with the color changing decals. I put a leo vince on it and it sounds great. I'm thinking about trading in the 400 already for this 650. I'm only concerned about the stock exhaust sounding like crap since there no straight slip on atm unless you get a custom welded mid pipe. What do you think I should do? Does the 650 sound better in person stock? Or should I wait till next year maybe.
Then just buy a 750 supersport and add a helibar / lowering footpegs. 650 twins are designed with daily commuting (comfort,mpg) as main selling point and sportbike capability second. A 750cc = 4cyl with not so great mpg.
@@allancheli That's a decent solution, but Honda already produces a unique 650 with an inline-4. You can scoop up used ones for ~$5K-$7K and get all of the benefits of the Inline 4 while still having a bike set up for commuting. Perhaps even a GSX-S 750 is the best compromise since it has the upright ergos already. Great input though!
At 5’2 you’d be better suited up on a Vulcan S 650. Same engine/transmission. Different frame and design, but it has a significantly lower seat height while still offering reliability and zippy engine characteristics.
Hey, great question! More so just talking about the engine and the bike around it. I want something with a little more pazzaz and character. Thanks for watching!
Hey, this is an excellent machine for you to start on given your rider dimensions. I've seen larger individuals start on smaller bikes than this, so a Ninja 650 should be more than ample for you! Best of luck and ride safe.
The closest I can think of would be the CBR650F, but it's priced way beyond what the Ninja is. There are some trade-offs with that price though, and oftentimes you spend a little extra, you get a little extra. Opportunity cost is real. 😄
@@Omni_Moto is the Honda more run to ride than this ninja? I love the looks of the ninja an the ergonomics, was planning on buying one but that boring factor you mentioned is now a concern
@@VS-yv8yk Here’s a video from over a year ago when I had just started making content (sorry if it’s not on par with this review lol) ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-cGND1BzqYPI.html To answer your question without you having to watch the video, yes, the CBR650R is more fun to ride than the Ninja 650 in my opinion.
Wow Omni Man! Doing a wheelie first up! That’s you giving it the berries 😂😂⭐️ This is not my favourite Kawasaki. I’m absolutely hanging out for you(USA) to get the new Suzuki GSX-8S!!!!💪💪💪 Enjoy your summer & love seeing your safety riding gear😂😂😂😎 However, today is looking a tad humid🤔☔️ Peace to you brother 🌍 Ohh, where are you going??? Email me!!!
Hey Steve, I think the GSX-8S is currently being shown as an available model here in the US. Hopefully, wherever I end up, I will be able to get my hands on one and can get a video out. Drop me an email anytime! omnimoto1@gmail.com
Tough to say without seeing the bike up close. If it's in great condition and has good tires, brakes, no leaks, and it's never been laid over, I'd say it's a decent price. Not exactly a "steal", but if the bike has been well maintained and is road ready, it seems like it's priced within the average market range for these bikes. It sounds fair to me, and if it comes with any additional warranty from the dealer, that's an added bonus for you. Hope this helps. Thanks for watching! 😄
@@trentmas9210 If you ever go to sell it, that will hurt your resale value. Private party asking price for a dropped bike is usually lower than what a dealer asks. If this is your first bike and you’re thinking it might get a little beat up and scuffed while you own it, it’s nothing to worry about really. You could ride it for 1-2 years and still get $3K-$5K out of it as long as you maintain and don’t do any additional damage. Also, make sure the bike’s bars are not bent from the layover. Most important, make sure the bike is tracking straight and not “dog-walking” or “crabbing”. That means the frame is bent, and it is basically totaled. If it passes those tests, and you feel comfortable with its status, I’d say buy it and start your 2-wheel journey.
You said the bike doesnt do power wheelie? Not true tried to slide you butt back on the seat in first gear around 3rpm give quickly full trotthle the bike will do power wheelie really well you just need found the match torque
Matey! this bike is not a bike for the American market, it's a bike for for the old world where 600 yards is a long straight and that we have corners everywhere. you bring that bike to the UK and it shows where it shines, in the twisties. You guys over there are so obsessed with litre bikes, and yet the country that makes them, like the UK, are obsessed with bikes for cornering and the TT
Another subscriber had recommended I do it actually - Good things come when you form the content based on what your audience asks for. 😁 Thanks for watching! Ride safe.
All I've ever rode is a KLX 230s, and I'm still very new to riding. Was almost sold on the 400, but now I'm really considering the 650 for some backup power if ever needed. Now I'm not sure which one to get haha.
@isaiahexile I bought a 650 for my son and have a 400 also I normally ride. I'm 6'1" and 275lbs and commute daily 20 miles each way for work very comfortably at 75 to 80mph. Plenty of power in the 400. With my 170lb son they both top out at 125mph. The 650 just gets there a little quicker. The 400 handles better being lighter but the 650 handles wind and traffic turbulence better. It's really which one you sit more comfortably on. We have 5 bikes and I have 40 plus years of experience and am mostly content with the 400 and 60mpg.
@@jeffomspaugh6691 Living in Texas with very long country roads and highways with most traffic being trucks and big SUVs there might be a lot of traffic wind I've never realized existed before, also it being very windy here somedays has me considering the 650 more. But I LOVE the idea of a very lightweight easy to maneuver bike. You're probably right, will just have to get both!!!
@isaiahexile I commute from Keller to Arlington and back for work in DFW traffic. You'll have some buffeting either way. Real windy days is what the truck is for.
@@SB-mw1bg That is accurate. The power increase is somewhat negligible and it would be a lateral step rather than a vertical step for someone to go 400 --> 500. Here is my review on the 500 where I discuss some differences between the models. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-uUlcCrDvXSk.htmlsi=m0fNRkbf3QO1PxB9
GSX-8R will be more fun because it has more power. It's also not terribly much more expensive, and you get more tech in the 8R. For me, it's a no-brainer - the GSX-8R would be my choice. Buy what makes you happy though! Thanks for watching and ride safe.
Hey, you won the giveaway from the video! Send me an email to omnimoto1@gmail.com and I will send one back with the e-Giftcard. Thanks for tuning in. Congratulations!
@@buzzyaiki You said that the first time, but that doesn't tell me what that is in regard to. Moving? 0-60? Wheelie? Take off? Again, I'm always willing to improve, but I'd be willing to wager my throttle application is better/smoother than 80% of riders on the roadways.
@@Omni_Moto Dude, all of it. Accelerating is accelerating. From 0-40 or from 40-100, accelerating is accelerating, and you are not in the game. If you crank the throttle like you do, you will never get what you want from any bike.
@@buzzyaiki My guy, it is not all about twisting the throttle. Brake application, body position, gear selection, clutch work, suspension setup, and so many other variables go into getting what you want out of a bike. I get what I want out of the machines I ride with what works for me. What works for me might not be what works for you, and that's perfectly fine. Enjoy the ride brother. Be safe out there. 👍
it always has a "hey am not a full true sports bike"vibe to it...really look like a versys and that sx1000...truly a turn off for me...i have yamaha r series...and it's s real good sports bike,,,i wish this was a R7
does anyone recommend a 650 for a beginners first bike? i've been pushed away from the ninja 400 towards the 650 by multiple people because they say im "too big" at 6'3 200 lbs and that ill outgrow the 400 too quickly anyways. the extra $$ and HP makes me a bit tentative...any thoughts? thanks.
Hey Santa, the people pushing you that way are onto something with the whole “outgrowing” thing. That said, here’s what I think. If you have absolutely ZERO prior experience on 2-wheels and your confidence in yourself is rock bottom, you should start on the Ninja 400. Sure, you might “outgrow” it quickly, but you’ll be hard pressed to “outride” the bike in less than 6 months if you’re completely new. If you have experience on 2-wheels, and have confidence in yourself to have: throttle control, low-speed maneuver control, and self control, you can start on the 650. The initial investment may be larger for the 650, but in the long run you’ll save money because you won’t have to upgrade/resell/trade in the Ninja 400. Hope this helps. Thanks for watching!
@@designerfars for parallel twin engines, the crank is usually 180 degrees opposed cylinders. So ever 180° of rotation you get a power stroke. This is called a flat plane crank. However a 270° is different. You have a cross plane crank where the cylinders fire then a half rotation the fires again. So it has a slightly uneven fire rate. However is has a better sound and power delivery to the wheel. Hopefully that helped explain it.
@@tyrant1178 thanks so much for the explanation. So with a 270 crank the engine fires and after 270 degrees it fires again, at 0 degrees it fires again so that sounds like a “double” fire?
@@designerfars pretty much bud. It hits with a larger pulser longer pulse of power to the wheel then a longer low without power. That longer low without power helps maintain grip and while giving a much snappier punch on the throttle.
"It's a really good motorcycle." "But the low end grunt is actually, very good." "Suspension is fairly decent." "Throttle response, very smooth." "It has plenty of passing power." "More power will not make you a better rider." "It's worth spending the extra money compared to the Ninja 400." "The Ninja 650 definitely has the edge there." "For commuting purposes, the Ninja 650 is going to be the better motorcycle." "It's very nice to have the adjustable levers." "It's hard to fault this motorcycle." "Jack of all trades." It's a Good Buy." "It's boring." "It does everything decent." "It's a Goodbye." TYPICAL SALES GUY (vomit emo here)
I'm confused about the tone of your comment. Yes, I do sales. Yes, I sell these motorcycles. Yes, one is better than the other and it is more expensive, but that's the price to pay. Yes, every motorcycle has pros and cons. No, I will not ignore them. No, I will not stop sharing my thoughts and opinions. Thank you for watching the video and leaving a comment to help push it back into the algorithm. All the best. Ride safe. 👍
If you like your ice cream vanilla, your hamburgers plain, and your favorite drink is tap water then this may be the motorcycle for you!! Ninja - because it's so bland you don't even notice it! But hey, 2 wheels is 2 wheels...
Hahaha, I was waiting for someone to point this out. When an exhaust system is cold and you start a motorcycle up, one of the byproducts of fuel burning is condensation. What you are seeing is the condensation build-up coming out of (what I suspect is) a weep hole. You can also see this happen with automobiles when it's colder outside and you let them warm up for a few minutes. Thanks for being the first person to point it out! Ride safe. 😎
I love these gloves. I've been down with them (doing wheelies on Grom in a slanted parking lot, being dumb lol), and if it wasn't for the carbon fiber knuckles, I would have 100% broken them instead and gotten some gnarly road rash. Highly recommend! $60 is well worth the price of not being in pain on your hands in the event of a lay-down.
