2017 KAWASAKI NINJA 650 ABS
FIRST TEST
P102
and thicknesses (while avoid-
ing bends)—has alone dropped
an astounding 19 pounds over
last year. The combined weight
of the wheels is four pounds
lighter; the swingarm is over six
pounds lighter. The engine is
4.4 pounds lighter and the many
remaining components (exhaust
and bodywork, etc.) when
added up, save an additional
eight pounds.
The bore and stroke remain
the same (since it's 2006 incep-
tion) at 83 x 63mm, but addition-
al 2017 enhancements include
lighter Nissin brakes, 41mm KYB
telescopic forks, and a high-ten-
sile steel trellis frame which uses
the engine as a stress-member.
There's a new gull-arm-type
swingarm, sportier bodywork, a
centered horizontal progressive
back-link suspension, shorter
exhaust system with the cross-
pipes removed for improved
midrange, new engine cases
with a semi-dry-sump (with less
drag from common "stirring
loss"), and now a redesigned
cassette-style gearbox allows
for a gear position indicator and
easy-neutral finder.
There are new camshafts
with reduced operating angles
and overlap which promote
better midrange, a new sophisti-
cated Bosch 9.1M ABS braking
The optional saddlebags are nicely integrated into the overall design.
Every area of the
new 650 has been
optimized to save
as much weight
as possible.
"HOW COULD THIS MOTOR POSSIBLY BE MORE
USABLE AND AMUSING FOR THE STREET?"
