Kawasaki Ninja 650

OVERVIEW

PERFORMANCE AND ENGINE

The 649cc twin-cylinder engine makes 68 PS at 8,000 rpm, giving smooth acceleration for easy overtaking on highways. Torque reaches 62.1 Nm at 6,700 rpm, so the bike pulls well in city traffic and on open roads. With a 10.8:1 compression ratio, 83mm bore, and 60mm stroke, it offers a good mix of everyday usability and excitement. Riders say it can go from 0 to 100 kmph in about 5 seconds.

The bike comes with a 6-speed manual gearbox and a wet multi-disc assist-and-slipper clutch for smooth, accurate gear changes. The slipper clutch helps prevent the rear wheel from hopping during hard downshifts, making it easier to control in corners or traffic. Power is sent to the rear wheel by a chain drive, and the gears follow a simple 1-down, 5-up pattern.

The Ninja 650 can reach a top speed of 210 kmph. Most riders find it comfortable to cruise at 160 kmph, but going faster can affect stability in real-world situations. This speed is good for long highway trips and still practical for everyday riding.

MILEAGE AND FUEL EFFICIENCY

ARAI certification lists 21 kmpl for the latest model, reflecting efficient tuning for its 649cc displacement. This figure comes from controlled testing with a 15L fuel tank, promising a range of around 315 km per fill. Indian sites consistently note this as the official economy mark for the BS6-compliant engine.

In real-world use, Indian riders usually get 20-22 kmpl, depending on how and where they ride. Most owners see about 20 kmpl in mixed conditions, with lower numbers during aggressive riding and better mileage on tours. City traffic in places like Delhi or Mumbai can lower efficiency, while highway riding often matches the ARAI figure.

FEATURES AND TECHNOLOGY

The Kawasaki Ninja 650 offers a suite of advanced features tailored for Indian riders, emphasising safety, connectivity, and sporty ergonomics.

1. Liquid-cooled 649cc parallel-twin DOHC engine with 4 valves per cylinder, delivering 68 PS at 8,000 rpm and 62.1 Nm at 6,700 rpm for smooth power.
2. 6-speed manual transmission with wet multi-disc assist-and-slipper clutch and chain drive for precise shifting and reduced wheel hop.
3. Dual-channel ABS with 300mm front double disc (2-piston calliper) and 220mm rear disc (1-piston calliper) brakes for confident stopping.
4. Traction control system to prevent wheel spin on varied Indian roads, enhancing safety in wet or slippery conditions.
5. K-ACT (Kawasaki Advanced Coactive-braking Technology) for optimised braking distribution between front and rear.
6. 4.3-inch TFT digital instrument console with Bluetooth connectivity, supporting calls/SMS alerts and mobile app integration.
7. Adjustable windscreen to reduce wind fatigue on long highway rides, common in India.
8. LED headlight, taillight, turn signals, and DRLs (Daytime Running Lights) for superior visibility in traffic.
9. Real-time mileage indicator, average fuel economy display, service due indicator, and low fuel/oil/battery alerts for practical ownership.
10. Gear position indicator, shift light, engine temperature gauge, malfunction indicator, and hazard warning for comprehensive monitoring.
11. Split seat with passenger footrests, clock, pass switch, and engine kill switch for rider comfort and convenience.
12. Tubeless tyres (120/70-17 front, 160/60-17 rear) on 17-inch alloy wheels, with specified pressures for optimal grip.
13. Trellis high-tensile steel frame, telescopic front forks (125mm travel), and horizontal back-link rear suspension (130mm travel) for agile handling.
14. 15L fuel tank with 2.3L reserve, 790mm seat height, 130mm ground clearance, and 196kg kerb weight suited to Indian urban and touring needs.
15. Lime Green colour option with body graphics, including a 2-year/30,000km warranty.

BUILD QUALITY

The Ninja 650 employs a high-tensile steel trellis frame that justifies its premium positioning, with excellent fit and finish evident in components such as the full-LED headlight assembly and the sharp fairing design.

The bike keeps some chassis parts from earlier models and uses Dunlop Sportmax Roadsport 2 tubeless tyres on 17-inch alloy wheels. These tyres are durable for dry Indian roads and hold up well on rough city streets.

Riders like the strong-looking fuel tank, compact underbelly exhaust, and Kawasaki Racing Team graphics in Lime Green Ebony. These features stay in good shape with daily use and don’t develop rattles or gaps.

HANDLING

The Ninja 650 handles well, balancing sporty performance and everyday use. It has 41mm telescopic front forks and a rear monoshock that can be adjusted for preload, making it easy to change direction quickly on winding roads, even though the suspension is tuned for comfort.

The 1,410mm wheelbase and 196kg kerb weight deliver predictable stability at highway speeds up to 160kmph. However, low 130mm ground clearance demands caution over speed breakers and Bangalore-style potholes.

Dual-channel ABS and KTRC traction control help riders feel more confident when cornering on wet roads during the monsoon. Reviewers say the bike is agile, but changing direction takes a bit more effort compared to sharper supersport bikes.

COMFORT

The suspension is set up for a comfortable ride, smoothing out bumps on long trips and still keeping control in city traffic.

The bike’s ergonomics include a 790mm seat height, so most Indian riders can put their feet flat on the ground. It has clip-on handlebars, rear-set pegs that aren’t too aggressive, and a split seat with grab handles for comfortable rides with a passenger.

The bike manages heat well, even on hot afternoons, and the parallel-twin engine stays smooth up to mid-range speeds. Some vibration can be felt in the seat and pegs, but it’s not too much. The wide mirrors help with visibility, but you may need to fold them in during heavy traffic.

STYLING

The Ninja 650 has a sharper look with angular bodywork, twin LED headlights, and a sleek upper cowl with a low windscreen, giving it a bold, sporty appearance.

The muscular fuel tank, compact underbelly exhaust, and upswept tail make the bike look sporty. Wider mirrors and Kawasaki Racing Team graphics stand out on Indian roads.

The full fairing helps with aerodynamics and gives the bike a modern supersport feel. The split seats add to the sporty look, and riders like that it’s not too aggressive.

COLOUR OPTIONS AND VARIANTS

India receives the Ninja 650 exclusively in-

1. Lime Green

The new Lime Green colour comes with white and blue accents, updating the classic look from earlier models. This bright combination replaces last year’s Lime Green-Ebony-Pearl Blizzard White and stands out in showrooms across cities like Delhi and Mumbai.

Kawasaki sells the Ninja 650 in just one variant, making it easy for buyers who want the 649cc ABS-equipped model. This simple approach fits the premium middleweight market in India, and the bike comes with a 2-year/30,000km warranty from Kawasaki’s network.

VALUE FOR MONEY AND PRICING

The Kawasaki Ninja 650 is priced at Rs 7.91 lakh (ex-showroom) for the Lime Green version, which is Rs 14,000 more than the 2025 model because of new graphics and E20 compliance. The bike comes with a 2-year/30,000 km warranty. Service costs are moderate but higher than regular commuter bikes because some parts are imported.

The Ninja 650 offers good value with its 68 PS engine, dual-channel ABS, TFT display, and traction control. It’s a well-rounded bike for both touring and city riding, and few competitors match its faired design. Riders like its comfort on highways, lower maintenance compared to superbikes, and decent resale value. While the mileage is about 20 kmpl, which isn’t the best, maintenance costs are reasonable for this class.

The Ninja 650 stands out from entry-level sports bikes with its better build quality, features like Bluetooth, and its ability to handle Indian roads. Many users call it a “beast” for the price.

Primary rivals include the-

1. Honda CBR650R
2. Suzuki GSX-S750

The Suzuki GSX-S750 has a stronger inline-four engine but doesn’t offer as many features. No other bike matches the Ninja 650’s balance of sport and touring abilities.