Kawasaki Ninja 650 Questions & Answers

You can remove the throttle restriction. The models from 2017 require no ECU remapping. Be aware that this "may" void your insurance however

so the 2017 models require no re tune ? for their full potential? just the throttle restriction ?

I would suggest you to get it checked with another mechanic before getting it fixed. If its the abs go to wreckers and find the same part and you try fixing it. That's what I did when my bike fell down went to wreckers bought the parts and fixed it myself. Regards Bhaskar

Hi Dblk89,
If you are doing a lot of country roads I would go for the Versys. I have never had a Lams version of any bike but when I had the Ninja 650 there were occasion where the extra clearance would of been beneficial. The new N 650 2017 does look very very good but if you can wait to get off Lams I would do that and get the n650 unrestricted 2017 and then the 2017 n 1000 (which I have just bought and could not be happier). If you are impatient like me get the 2017 Ninja 650 but like I say sounds like you are close to getting off Lams and if that is the case it would be a waste of money investing in another restricted bike.

From what I have read from net rider forums, it is illegal and you won't be able to register the motorcycle as there is a significant change in the power to weight ratio.

It's not illegal for a full licensed rider, but it will void your insurance. If you want to have an insured bike, you will need to register it as unrestricted, but then it can never go back to restricted so the resale value will drop.

Since LAMS approved bikes are easier to sell with the more riders wanting them, you'd be better off to sell the bike and buy the unrestricted version.

If you're trying to do a sneaky and you aren't really full lisence, try the way they do it with the 2012-16 bikes, it is a massive pain in the rear to get the throttle pin out,involves tearing down the bike, and using a makeshift security torx T20 screwdriver bit.. The clip in the back is easy. Just remember. Your insurance will be voided and if you drop the bike, there's no way to get that pin back in quickly.. Especially if you're in hospital, and if you hit a pedestrian and the cops find your bike was unrestricted illegally, it goes from an accident to manslaughter.

Be smart, ride safe, make smart decisions.

"From what I have read from net rider forums, it is illegal and you won't be able to register the motorcycle as there is a significant change in the power to weight ratio."
I don't understand this. It's the same engine, no, just "restricted"?? Yes, it will change the power to weight ratio, but if you have a full licence, why is it illegal to de-register the bike, remove the restrictor on the throttle, remap the ECU, then re-register it as an unrestricted bike? Also, if you inform your insurer that the bike has been de-restricted and they accept that, how will it void your insurance?

It'll be just fine, in fact they go beautifully at highway speeds.