2012 Kawasaki Ninja 650 Prices and Specs

2012 Kawasaki Ninja 650

Price: $7,499 (MSRP)

• Type: Sport Bike
• Engine Configuration: Parallel-twin
• Available Colors: Metallic Spark Black, Candy Lime Green, Passion Red

With Honda's NC700X and Kawasaki's Ninja 650 winning both 2012 Best Value categories, displacement moves from 250cc bikes (Ninja, CBR and TU) of the past few years and refocuses on mid-displacement models. Experienced motorcyclists enjoy a bargain just as much as new riders. Unlike the utilitarian nature of the NC700X, the Ninja 650 is a more sport-focused model appealing to newer, younger and performance-oriented riders. The revamped 650 entered 2012 in more aggressive fashion, taking cosmetic cues from its high-performance Ninja brethren. The Ninja's 649cc, liquid-cooled parallel-Twin is updated with several small improvements to the intake and exhaust to deliver a modest bump in midrange torque and a claimed 10% boost in fuel economy.

Manufacturers typically let their budget bikes simmer on the backburner for far too long, but Kawasaki isn't resting on its laurels with the Ninja 650. For 2012 the midi-Ninja was thoroughly revamped with a new frame and swingarm, ZX-10R superbike-inspired bodywork, a cushier seat, fresh dash, adjustable windscreen and optimized engine state-oftune, among other things. The seat height is lower and the frame is narrower, making the bike a little easier for shorter riders to enjoy while the suspension has been retuned to offer even better ride quality. For the $7499 entry price, you get a lot of motorcycle for your money. The fuel-injected 650cc vertical-twin is nimble, reasonably quick, ridiculously fuel-effcient and versatile enough to excel at any number of activities, from commuting to the occasional track-day soirée. Cutting-edge technology and outrageous horsepower are exciting, but when you need a kickass bike and you're on a budget, the Ninja 650 is too legit to quit.

Ninja 650 Specs

ENGINE SPECS

Engine Configuration	Parallel-twin Compare Parallel-twin Motorcycles
Combustion Cycle	4-stroke
Cooling System	Liquid-cooled
Valvetrain	DOHC 2 valves per cylinder
Bore x Stroke	83.0 x 60.0 mm
Compression Ratio	10.8:1
Power	71 HP @ 8,500 rpm
Torque	47 ft lb @ 7000 rpm
Ignition	TCBI with electronic advance
Fuel System	Digital fuel injection with two 38mm Keihin throttle bodies
Exhaust	3 chamber muffler
Emissions	Euro 3
Overall Fuel Mileage	44 mpg
City Miles per Gallon	34 mpg
Highway Miles per Gallon	54 mpg

DRIVETRAIN SPECS

Transmission	6-Speed
Clutch	wet multi-disc, manual
Gear Ratios	1st 2.43 2nd 1.71 3rd 1.33 4th 1.11 5th .96 6th .85
Primary Drive	O-ring chain
Final Drive	O-Ring Chain

CHASSIS SPECS

Frame	Twin-pipe perimeter design, high-tensile steel
Front Suspension	41mm hydraulic telescopic fork
Rear Suspension	Single offset laydown shock with adjustable spring preload
Front Suspension Travel Rear Suspension Travel 4.9 INCHES 5.1 INCHES
Front Brake	Dual 300mm petal discs with two-piston calipers
Rear Brake	Single 220mm petal disc with single piston caliper
Front Tire Size	120/70-17
Rear Tire Size	160/60-17
Front Wheel Type	6 spoke aluminium wheel
Rear Wheel Type	6 spoke aluminium