Rennie Scaysbrook | October 7, 2019
Kawasaki’s first new street model release for next year is an updated Ninja 650, with the mid-sized sportbike getting a facelift that brings it into line with the 2018 Ninja 400 and 2019 ZX-6R.
The 650 now looks just like the 400 and the 636, now all that’s left in the Ninja revamp is the ZX-10R…
Outwardly, the 650 gets new clothes in the new twin LED headlights revamped fairing, screen, seat unit, and 4.3-inch TFT color display, but under the skin, the 650 remains predominantly the same as it was.
There are no updates to the 649cc, parallel-twin, four-stroke motor and tubular steel chassis, so people who were hoping the 650 would come with a sportier chassis, and additions like upside-down forks will be disappointed.
Kawasaki’s attempted to future proof the 650 a little with the implementation of the Rideology app, correctly called RIDEOLOGY THE APP in company speak… The app allows the rider to connect to their bike and log rides, take calls, average speed, performance data and make adjustments to the bike’s electronic settings via their phone.
When riding and the app is on, the bike and smartphone are always connected and riding log data is being recorded by the app. After the ride, the latest riding information is stored by the app and may be viewed on the smartphone.
Tires are also new in the Dunlop Sportmax Roadsport 2 tires and there’s a full line of accessories in the larger windshield, helmet lock, TFT meter protection film, Ergo-Fit™ high seat (+30 mm), oil filler cap, tank pad, pillion seat cover, semi-soft panniers, top case, DC outlet (50 W), U-lock, radiator screen, frame sliders, tank pad, and knee pads.
The 2020 Kawasaki Ninja 650 is available in Lime Green / Ebony (Kawasaki Racing Team KRT), Metallic Spark Black and Pearl Blizzard White and starts at $7399 for the non-ABS model.
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