The Kawasaki Ninja is a staple of the sportbike world with an extensive legacy that supports its performance claims. For 2021, an updated version of the 650 Ninja will be available. These bikes are a practical choice for light sport-touring purposes with consistent power delivery, rider assistance features, and ergonomic design.
Kawasaki offers a 649cc power plant paired with a 6-speed transmission. The bike combines both performance and comfort-based functionality and can make a great companion for long-distance and short commutes alike. Its sporty powertrain allows it to cover significant ground in a short amount of time. Here’s a more in-depth look at the newest Ninja 650 and its sport-touring personality.
Aesthetic And Ergonomic Upgrades
The 2021 Ninja is bolstered with a trellis frame constructed of high-tensile steel. A curb weight of just 423.4 lbs makes the bike especially maneuverable, which is key to rider comfort in a variety of contexts. In a review from Ultimate Motorcycling, Nic de Sena explains the agile handling of the 2020 650: “The tubular steel trellis frame does an effective job of telegraphing the road to the rider. The Ninja 650 feels light and whippy with its sporting 55.5-inch wheelbase and 24-degree rake, making it amazingly maneuverable at any speed.”
One of the most eye-catching features of the new Ninja is its novel color offerings. Three color combinations are offered, which include Metallic Spark Black paired with Pearl Nightshade Teal, Metallic Imperial Red, or Metallic Graphite Gray. The bike looks uniquely striking in Pearl Nightshade Teal, a color that hasn’t been offered on previous iterations of the Ninja. The total length of the 2021 Ninja is 80.9”, with a ground clearance of 5.1” and a seat height of 31.1”. For taller riders, an extended reach seat is available which raises the seat height by approximately 1”.
In contrast to a more aggressive track bike, the Ninja has a more upright riding position which promotes rider comfort in the long distance. “The Ninja 650’s upright bars and standard footpeg placement make for a neutral seating position that left me mostly comfortable after riding all day”, explained Ryan Adams in a review of the 2020 Ninja 650. A substantial windshield and upper cowl are also fitted to the bike. Combined with sport fairings, these features make for efficient aerodynamic properties.
The 2020 Ninja 650 was also offered in the Kawasaki Racing Team (KRT) edition which included race-inspired fairings and a tubular diamond frame similar to that of the supersport ZX-6R.
Agile Power And Performance
The powerhouse of the Ninja 650 is a 649cc parallel-twin 4-stroke with digital fuel injection. Two 36mm Keihin throttle bodies are fitted to the liquid-cooled DOHC engine. The clutch incorporates an assist and slipper cam, which work together to provide a lightweight clutch feel. Rear-wheel hop is reduced by engagement of the slipper cam upon rapid downshifting.
The suspension package of the 2021 Ninja is designed for comfort and agility. The bike employs 41mm hydraulic telescopic forks in the front and a horizontal back-link setup in the rear. These provide 4.9” and 5.1” of travel, respectively. Braking power is supplied by two 300mm discs with dual-piston calipers and a 220mm single-piston caliper. Riders can choose between ABS and non-ABS models, however, the ABS system is ideal for added safety and rider confidence. The ABS model in its standard configuration adds $200 to the base MSRP, bringing the price from $7,599 to $7,799.
Long Distance Efficiency And Comfort
An ideal sport-touring bike effectively blends high performance with consistent power delivery, aerodynamics, and rider comfort. Although the 650 doesn’t have exclusive touring intentions, it can prove to be a comfortable companion on long trips.
Accessories for distance riding such as cargo cases, tool kits, and backrest pads can be easily fitted to the Ninja. Kawasaki also offers a larger windscreen with optical-grade polycarbonate and a scratch-resistant “Quantum” coating. Substantial windscreen protection is essential on any touring bike. Products such as an integrable DC power outlet can be useful for charging devices while on the road.
Additional technologies that complement the enjoyable qualities of the Ninja include performance monitoring capabilities such as Kawasaki’s Rideology app. After pairing the bike and Kawasaki’s mobile app via Bluetooth, riders can record trips and monitor variables such as MPG, temperatures, RPMs, and average speeds. “Don’t let the displacement fool you”, said the staff from Cycle News; “The Ninja 600 doubles as an excellent lightweight backroads touring bike.”
Although it isn’t purpose-designed for touring like the Ninja 1000 or 1000SX, it has an affordable platform that is conducive to novice and veteran riders alike. The 2021 Ninja 650 integrates features that highlight its versatility as both a sportbike and a reliable touring machine.
Sources: Kawasaki, Cycle World, Cycle News, Motorcycle.com