2020 KAWAS AKI NINJA 650
R I D E R E V I E W
P86
high-quality brakes, adjustable clutch and front
brake levers, Kawasaki's Horizontal Back-link sus-
pension system (ala ZX-10R), and a gull-shaped
swingarm.
Again, the first thing you notice after throwing
your leg over the new Ninja 650 is the new TFT
dash. It's a significant improvement over the previ-
ous LCD unit. It's way more functional and, without
question, gives the Ninja a high-end look. No
other bike in the class offers a dash like the Ninja.
Luckily, you don't lose that premium feel as
soon as you touch the starter button. For a parallel
twin, the Ninja has a nice, throaty and aggressive
sound. Most Japanese parallel twins of the past
don't do that but instead sound...well, dull and
uninspiring. Not the Ninja. And not only
does it sound spicy, but the engine
also performs well. As before, the Ninja
650's sweet spot can be found from
down low to midrange. It has excel-
lent bottom-end power and torque. It
will scream all the way up to its 10,000
rpm redline if you want, but it's in the lower rpm
rev range where most of the fun is. It's where the
Ninja 650 is happiest, which, in turn, will make you
happy, too.
With just 649cc in displacement to work with,
the Ninja 650 makes the most of every single
one of them, and as a result, delivers remarkably
good power. And since it's lugging around only
419 pounds, 423 with ABS, it does feel pretty darn
zippy. With a low center of gravity, combined with
a narrow profile, the Ninja 650 feels exceptionally
light and nimble between your legs, not to men-
tion very agile and stable in the turns. This thing is
an absolute gas to ride on the twisties. Low seat
height also contributes to a feeling of pure control
and dominance. At just 31 inches, the
Ninja sits low to the ground, and the
riding position is comfortable, too. Not
too leaned over, not too straight up and
down. Though anyone over six-foot
might start feeling a little scrunched.
But our 6'1" test rider said he felt just
A low 31-inch seat
height, neutral riding
position and light
weight give the rider a
total feeling of control.
Nothing is intimidating
about this motorcycle,
except for, perhaps, its
supersport looks. But
that's a good thing.
