The nimble 2011 Kawasaki Ninja 650-R deftly combines user-friendly power and excellent handling. The 2011 Kawasaki Ninja 650-R offers serious low-end grunt boosted by digital fuel injection, light weight, and a beautiful chassis that will keep riders smiling from ear to ear whether they're riding in the canyons or commuting on city streets. Its carefully tuned suspension complete with distinctive side-mounted shock, triple petal disc brakes and light weight make this bike a serious presence in the middle of the Ninja line.The 2011 Kawasaki Ninja 650-R slim structure is due to its compact 8-valve 649cc parallel-twin engine, which permits the use of a narrow, lightweight frame. The fuel injection and ignition settings are tuned to boost the liquid-cooled engine's bottom-end torque, to smooth the low-to-mid rpm response and allow the engine to rev quicker. Routing the engine coolant internally to the cylinder and head through the engine cases reduces the number of external hoses. The engine also meets stringent emissions regulations thanks to its precise fuel injection and a three-way catalyst system with a 300-cell catalyzer. The non-intimidating twin cylinder appeals to new riders, and has an excellent mid-range that offers enough pizzazz to thrill more advanced riders. With a natural shift lever position, selecting gears is very easy. The manageable power delivery and superb roll-on response enable the Ninja 650-R to make short work of the morning commute or perform as an entertaining track day companion all while delivering good fuel economy. This spirited sportbike's frame, swingarm and suspension are all designed for minimal vibration and light, quick handling. Rubber upper-rear engine mounts in the signature trellis frame, and rubber-insulated handlebar mounts result in low vibration, for all-day comfort along with great handling. Rider and passenger footpegs are also rubber coated to reduce the amount of vibration transferred to the rider. The natural riding position and ergonomics are enhanced by a slim, low seat which makes reaching the ground easy for increased confidence. Surrounding the 2011 Kawasaki Ninja 650R chassis is unquestionably sporty styling. Avoiding unnecessary design flourishes, the Ninja 650R's sharp lines flow throughout the bike, giving it an aggressive appearance. The fairing's integrated turn signals and a sharp tail cowl highlight the motorcycles compact dimensions. From its windscreen and dual headlights to the high-quality finish of its sleek minimalist fairing, there's little room for doubt about this Ninja's supersport genetics.
Beyond its exciting appearance, MotoGP-inspired multi-function instrumentation and controls, the Ninja 650R is rolling proof that a performance motorcycle can be practical and comfortable. The rider may notice the slimness of the chassis, low seat height and minimal effort controls first before recognizing the true aim of Kawasaki's design efforts the rider. The Ninja 650R's friendly ergonomics provide a versatile cockpit that both novice and experienced riders can use to employ its fullest, from the daily commute to a weekend canyon run. In other words, this real-world overachiever easily demonstrates its versatility and everyday usefulness.
*Authentic Kawasaki Accessories are available through Kawasaki dealers.
2011 Kawasaki Ninja 650-R USA Specifications
MSRP: $7,199 USD
Engine: Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, four-valve, parallel twin
Displacement: 649cc
Bore x stroke: 83.0 x 60.0mm
Compression ratio: 11.3:1
Cooling: Liquid
Fuel injection: Digital fuel injection with two 38mm Keihin throttle bodies
Ignition: TCBI with electronic advance
Transmission: Six-speed
Final drive: O-ring chain
Frame: Semi-double cradle, high-tensile steel
Rake / trail: 25 degrees / 4.2 in.
Wheelbase: 55.5 in.
Front suspension / wheel travel: 41mm hydraulic telescopic fork / 4.7 in.
Rear suspension / wheel travel: Single offset laydown shock with adjustable
spring preload / 4.9 in.
Front tire: 120/70x17
Rear tire: 160/60x17
Front brake: Dual 300mm petal discs with two-piston calipers
Rear brake: Single 220mm petal disc with single piston caliper
Overall length: 82.7 in.
Overall width: 29.9 in.
Overall height: 47.2 in.
Seat height: 31.1 in.
Curb weight: 449.8 lbs.
Fuel capacity: 4.1 gal.
Colors: Candy Burnt Orange / Flat Super Black,
Metallic Spark Black / Flat Super Black
Warranty: 12 months
2011 Kawasaki Ninja 650-R - Canada Specifications
MSRP: $8,699 CDN
ENGINE
Type Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke Parallel Twin
Displacement 649 cc
Bore and Stroke 83 x 60 mm
Compression Ratio 11.3:1
Valve System DOHC, 8 valves
Fuel System Fuel injection: ΓΈ38 mm x 2 (Keihin)
Ignition Digital
Starting Electric
Lubrication Forced lubrication, semi-dry sump
DRIVETRAIN
Transmission 6-speed, return
Final Drive Sealed Chain
Primary Reduction Ratio 2.095 (88/42)
Gear Ratios: 1st 2.438 (39/16)
2nd 1.714 (36/21)
3rd 1.333 (32/24)
4th 1.111 (30/27)
5th 0.966 (28/29)
6th 0.852 (23/27)
Final Reduction Ratio 3.067 (46/15)
Clutch Wet multi-disc, manual
FRAME
Type Diamond, high-tensile steel
Tire: Front 120/70ZR17M/C (58W)
Tire: Rear 160/60ZR17M/C (69W)
Wheel Travel: Front 120 mm
Wheel Travel: Rear 125 mm
Rake 25
Trail 106 mm
Steering Angle (Left/Right) 32mm; / 32mm
SUSPENSION
Front: Type 41 mm telescopic fork
Rear: Type Offset laydown single-shock with adjustable preload
BRAKES
Front: Type Dual semi-floating 300 mm petal discs
Front: Caliper Dual piston
Rear: Type Single 220 mm petal disc
Rear: Caliper Single-piston
PERFORMANCE
Maximum Power 53 kW {72.1 PS} / 8,500 rpm
Maximum Torque 66 N·m {6.7 kgm} / 7,000 rpm
DIMENSIONS
Overall Length 2,100 mm
Overall Width 760 mm
Overall Height 1,200 mm
Wheelbase 1,410 mm
Ground Clearance 145 mm
Seat Height 790 mm
Curb Mass 204 kg
Fuel Capacity 15.5 L
Fuel Consumption 4.9 L/100 km (58 MPG)
DETAILS
Colours Metallic Spark Black / Flat Super Black, Candy Burnt Orange / Flat Super Black
MSRP* $8,699
Warranty 12 months
ADDITIONAL COST OPTIONS
Good Times Protection Plan 24 or 36 months (Kawasaki GTPP coverage begins after the standard limited warranty expires)
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