2020 KAWAS AKI NINJA 650
R I D E R E V I E W
P84
depending what configuration you
chose to look at—and operate.
To grab your attention afar, the
Ninja gets several tweaks in the styl-
ing department, all intended to give
it a sportier look. The most obvious
is the new twin LED headlights that
scream ZX-10RR. The upper cowl is
wider with a more pronounced slant,
and the redesigned windscreen is
lower and now flush fit to the cowl,
and it's positioned in a more upright
angle to provide increased wind
protection. And the fairing bolts have
been replaced by hooks for a cleaner
and smoother surface; this seeming-
ly small detail actually gives the Ninja
a more upscale look. A redesigned
seat, which has thicker and wider
padding, also contributes to the
Ninja's sportier styling (and comfort).
The icing on the cake is the Ninja's
new Dunlop Sportmax Roadsport
2 tires, which replace the outgoing
Sportmax D214 tires.
When it comes to the meat and
potatoes, the new Ninja isn't ex-
actly new. The liquid-cooled DOHC
parallel-twin engine is unchanged
from its last makeover in 2017, as
is the tubular steel trellis frame and
KYB suspension, which is again non-
adjustable (except for the shock's
spring preload). The Nissin brakes
are also back, as are the five-spoke
wheels. Also unchanged is price:
$7299 for the standard, $7899 for
the ABS version, and $7999 for the
green KRT paint scheme model
