Kawasaki Ninja 650R
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Ninja 650R | |
Manufacturer | Kawasaki |
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Also called | ER-6n, ER-6f |
Production | 2006 — present |
Class | Sport bike |
Engine | 649 cc, 11.3:1 CR, liquid cooled, DOHC, parallel twin with digital fuel injection |
Top speed | +/- 120 mph (190 km/h) |
Power | 72 bhp (54 kW) @8,500 rpm |
Torque | 48.5 ft·lbf (65.8 N·m) @7,000 rpm |
Transmission | 6-speed casette-style |
Suspension | Front: 41 mm Hydraulic Telescopic Fork Rear: 4.9 in. Single Offset Laydown Shock with Adjustable Spring Preload |
Brakes | Front: Dual 300 mm Petal Disc with 2-Piston Caliper Rear: Single 220 mm Petal Disc with hydraulic caliper |
Tires | Front: 120/70-17 Rear: 160/60-17 |
Rake, Trail | 25°, 4.2 in. |
Wheelbase | 55.5 in. |
Dimensions | L 82.9 in. W 29.9 in. H 50.0 in. |
Seat height | 790mm (31.1 in) |
Weight | 178 kg (393 lbs) |
Fuel capacity | 15.0 L (4.1 gal) |
Related | Ninja 250R, Ninja 500R |
Similar | Suzuki SV650 |
The Kawasaki Ninja 650R is the U.S.-market, faired version of the motorcycle ER-6n, known as the ER-6f elsewhere in the world, introduced in 2006. The 650R is a middleweight twin motorcycle, designed for normal use on paved roads. It has modern styling and features, with low-seating ergonomics, a low center of gravity, and respectable, manageable power output, and has proven to be enough bike to keep seasoned riders entertained. The design of the bike is meant to maximize rider comfort and integration, and be aesthetically equivalent to larger, more powerful superbikes.
The 650R/faired ER-6, known as the ER-6f overseas, was introduced to the market in 2006 by Kawasaki Motorcycles. The unfaired ER-6n is not sold in the U.S. The 2008 650R has an MSRP of $6,499 USD, $200 more than the 2006 model. The motorcycle fits above the Ninja 250R & Ninja 500R models which were already present in Kawasaki's sportbike lineup, which includes the famous Ninja ZX models. 2006 U.S. models came in two color options; black upper with silver bottom, and silver upper with black bottom. The 2008 models are available in Sunbeam Red, Lime Green, and Metallic Diablo Black, in single-tone treatment.
Contents |
[edit] 2007 Model Specifications
Displacement: 649 cc
Horsepower Peak (est.): 72 bhp (54 kW) @8,500 rpm
Maximum Torque: 48.5 ft·lbf (65.8 N·m) @7,000 rpm
Compression Ratio: 11.3:1
Fuel Tank Capacity: 15.0 L. (3.96 gal)
Dry Weight: 178 KG (393 lbs).
Seat Height: 790mm (31.1 in).
Engine Type: 4-Stroke, Liquid-Cooled, DOHC, 4-Valve per Cylinder, Parallel Twin
Carburetion: Digital Fuel Injection with (2) 38mm Keihin Throttle Bodies
Bore & Stroke: 83.0 x 60.0 mm
Ignition: Digital CDI
Cooling: Liquid
Transmission: 6-Speed
Final Drive: O-Ring Chain
Frame: Semi-Double Cradle, High-Tensile Steel
Rake/Trail: 25°/106mm in.
Front Tire Size: 120/70-17
Front Suspension: 41 mm Hydraulic Telescopic Fork
Front Wheel Travel: 4.7 in.
Front Brake Type: Dual 300 mm Petal Disc with 2-Piston Caliper
Rear Tire Size: 160/60-17
Rear Suspension: Single Offset Laydown Shock with Adjustable Spring Preload
Rear Wheel Travel: 4.9in.
Rear Brake Type: Single 220 mm Petal Disc with Hydraulic Caliper
Overall Length: 82.9 in.
Overall Width: 29.9 in.
Overall Height: 50.0 in.
Warranty Included: 12-Month/Unlimited Mileage Limited Factory Warranty
[edit] Colors (US)
2006: Black & Grey, Silver & Grey
2007: Candy Plasma Blue, Passion Red
2008: Sunbeam Red, Lime Green, Metallic Diablo Black
[edit] Common Complaints
The 650R or ER-6F was released shortly after the original "naked version" and the full fairing was added on directly to this original design. Unfortunately, vibrations from the running engine causes a problem commonly referred to as "fairing buzz". A buzzing noise from the front fairing is most notable in the low- to mid-range of the engine when vibrations are strongest. Reports of this problem isolate the source as near the upper left fairing, but this problem is not limited to only that location. The buzz has also been found to be a loose windshield, this has been corrected by simply tightening the screws on the front. Improvised custom solutions for this problem include rubber washers, electrical tape, and weather stripping; however, a fix covered under warranty was later provided by Kawasaki first in the USA, then later in other countries such as Canada, the UK, and Australia.
Many owners did not receive "helmet tethers" (used to secure helmets to the bike when not riding). In most cases Kawasaki shipped the cables to owners free of charge, because installation is easy enough for individuals to do themselves.
For some owners the mirror stalks are not long enough and, as a result, do not allow for a full view to objects (including cars) directly behind the rider.
The handlebars remained unchanged from the original ER-6N design, which are more suited to more traditional "roadster" style motorcycles and offer a fairly unagressive, almost upright riding position. With the Ninja 650r aimed at being more of a sports bike rather than a middleweight tourer, the riding position feels inappropriate to some, although the handlebars and their mounting are a standard type and can easily be replaced with after-market parts.
[edit] European Version
In Europe the bike is sold as the ER-6f or faired version of the ER-6, the "naked" roadster version is sold as the ER-6n. The ER-6f differed slightly from the Ninja 650R as it featured the passenger handlebars as standard and a full single colored fairing. The ER-6n comes in 4 color options, orange, yellow or black with a champagne frame, and silver with a red frame. In addition the option of ABS brakes were made available for both the ER-6n and ER-6f. There is also a derivative of the ER-6 called the Versys which utilises many of the component parts. In many European countries the ER-6n naked version has proven considerably more popular than the 6f.
[edit] External links
- Motorcycle Daily review of 2006 model
- MotorcycleUSA.com comparison test of the 2006 model and the Suzuki SV650
- French ER-6 & Versys Forum
- Italian ER-6 & Versys Forum
- German ER-6 & Versys Forum
- Spanish ER-6 & Versys Forum
- Kawasaki USA
- Kawasaki Europe
- NINJA 650R & ER6N Forum
- Versys website and Forum
- Ninja 650R & ER-6N Resource