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Sam I.
- 4 reviews
Not as good as you read about!
I purchased my Kwak (650 Ninja) in 2015 and was my tool to get me from and to work. The handling is OK but I really did expect more for the money. It doesn't compare to the likes of Triumph in terms of the luxury feel but the servicing costs far outweigh any good experience I had with this bike. They wanted me to service and pay over the odds. I felt like I paid a decent price for my Ninja but they wanted more money each time I took it back for a service. At higher speeds I din't feel that comfortable on the 650 as I have on previous bikes, the handling is so so through twisties. Wouldn't recommend due to price of servicing and parts. Just looks nice.
Purchased in March 2015.
Good commute bike fun to ride on weekends
Perfect bike for commute, really comfy for short or long distances (>150km) even for the passenger. 2 cylindre gives you good power, little fuel consumption 4L/100km. Change the exhaust and you have the best city bike. Also it is learner legal so really fun as a first bike, after 2years you will need an upgrade for something more powerfull
ChalkyoneSydney
- 7 reviews
Kawasaki 650R (Non-LAMS)
I'm relatively new to motorcycling, have progressed from high revving late 1980s 250's (Ninja and a Katana import) to the 2013 Ninja 650r (full power version, not LAMS). I chose this bike as it has great styling and colour (candy green), standard ABS and most importantly it looks like a sports bike but has the ergonomics more closer to a cruiser. It is a very comfortable riding position and the engine has great torque and moderate power. Seat height is ideal for a short-legged 5'11" rider with easily planted feet whilst stationary and I'm sure ...
Read moreit will suit a fair bit smaller height rider. In contrast, I found its sister adventure-styled model Versys having too great a seat height and ruled it out. I'm planning on doing some light-weight touring on this bike with luggage accessories. It also has a reasonable pillion passenger seating, unlike most of its rivals. In nearly 7000kms of use I can say it is reliable (starts first time), a comfortable ride (the seat is good) with good fuel economy. The dash is easy to read and use. The paint finish is excellent. The screen is adjustable to a degree, but in the end I purchased an aftermarket taller and darker screen with an upward lip on the end of the screen that better diverts the air whilst riding. The underslung exhaust pipe means pillions are not heated-up whilst riding and it has a fair exhaust noise. I have had a few minor issues that have been fixed under warranty with no problems other than having to make arrangements to go to the dealer. The issues have been one of the plastic fuel tank plastic side panels lifting, a noticeable gap developing between the plastic panels on the lower corner of the dash and a throttle that kept developing a loose cable. The cable was adjusted a number of times and then replaced. I understand the Ninja 650Rs are assembled in Thailand, not Japan. These niggles are the reason for giving the bike a 4 out of 5 rather than a 5. In summary, its a good bike, and has fitted my needs well, I love its styling and its riding position. Overall I am satisfied with the bike. There has been some new mid-sized bikes introduced in the market in the last year or two that are new competitors that were not around when I purchased (eg.Honda 4 cylinder CBR650R/Yamaha MT07 twin/MT09 triple).1 comment
Find out how Kawasaki Ninja 650 compares to other Sport Touring Bikes
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Troy17CANBERRA
- 2 reviews
Big lams bike
I purchased this big brand new and have no regrets.
Aways starts and is very reliable.
Is a nice full size bike so is ideally suited to any learner who might be a big guy, I'm 190 cm and have no trouble spending a full day riding.
Have had it for 3 months and covered 3,000 km both country rides and commuting.
Full size bike, plenty of torque, comfortable, reliable, economic (4.3l/100km)
Dreading the resale value, some finish not as neat as it could be, gear indicator would be nice for a learner
1 comment
I sold this bike in January 2014 and moved to a different bike.
While the Ninja was a comfortable and easy bike to ride, I found that it made me a lazy rider and taught me bad habits. ...
Read more Since changing bikes I'm much more engaged when riding and enjoying riding much more. Overall, a good bike to start on.Questions & Answers
Benasked
Is the Ninja 650F a learners approved bike in QLD (It has been rego'ed as a LAM's in NSW) Lots of conflicting information on the Govt websites.
No answers
Randel A.asked
Hi i have a kawasaki ninja ex650c and my cdi is stuffed and it letter N i got one of ebay with the letter E are thay the same
No answers
Michelle J.asked
As I am new to riding I would like to know that once you have your open class licence can you have the throttle restriction taken off the bike???????
2 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 ?
Details
 Kawasaki Ninja 650 ABS5.0(7) | | | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Category | Naked Bikes and Sport Touring Bikes | Naked Bikes and Sport Touring Bikes | Naked Bikes and Sport Touring Bikes |
| Release date | Jan 2010 |
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Chalkyone
As an update, still liking the bike overall with close to 9000kms now. It starts first time, even after a 5 week break, and the riding position is so relaxed. I originally reserved comment on gear cha...
Read morenges at my near 7000kms review as I thought it might become less clunky. But no, it remains a bit clunky, particularly from neutral to first and first to second. My 1989 Ninja 250 has a much smoother gear change in comparison. The lower dash corner has opened up a bit again, but the other minor faults remain fixed. I am starting to do longer rides, besides commuting (note that it lane filters well, its relatively narrow), and it is recommended as a good light tourer.