2022 Kawasaki Ninja 650, Middleweight Entry-Level Sportbike.
When Kawasaki decided to make a larger and improved version of its long-running EX500,
the result was another sales hit for the company, and 16 years later, the Ninja 650 has demonstrated
the same long shelf life as its predecessor (in addition to spawning several other models
using the same engine such as the Versys 650 and Z650).
With sprightly performance aided by around 65 rear wheel horsepower pushing a sporty
chassis with low seat height and a list price in the $7K range, it’s not difficult to
see why it appeals to both new entry-level and experienced riders alike.
There are no changes to the 2022 Kawasaki Ninja 650, other than new colorways.
The available color motifs are Pearl Robotic White/Metallic Carbon Gray and Metallic Matte
Graphenesteel Gray, as well as a special KRT Edition model in Lime Green/Ebony/Pearl Blizzard
White Kawasaki Racing Team graphics.
The 2022 Kawasaki Ninja 650 has a list price of $7,899 for the non-ABS version and $8,299
for the ABS edition in the Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray colorway; the Pearl Robotic
White/Metallic Carbon Gray motif has an MSRP of $8,099 for the non-ABS model, and $8,499
for the ABS version.
The KRT Edition model lists for $8,099 for the non-ABS version, and $8,499 for the ABS
model.
The Ninja 650′s 649cc DOHC vertical-twin engine is claimed by Kawasaki to put out 67
hp at 8,000 rpm and 47 pound-feet of torque at 6,700 rpm.
The engine received some internal updates in 2017 aimed at increasing midrange and low-end
power, providing “spunky performance” according to Kent Kunitsugu in his First Ride
Review.
The Ninja is definitely down on power compared to its competition, however.
The six-speed transmission is equipped with a slipper/assist clutch.
A major weight reduction program in 2017 sliced more than 40 pounds off the Ninja 650, which
helps its overall handling manners over the previous version immensely.
Overall steering manners are light and neutral, and the nonadjustable (except for spring preload
in the rear) suspension strikes a nice balance between comfort soft and sport firm as long
as you don’t try to get too aggressive in the turns, as Morgan Gales noted in his 2020
Ninja 650 First Ride Review.
For the majority of riders in the market for this bike, though, the stock suspension will
do just fine.
The combination of 300mm petal-type rotors and twin-piston slide-pin Nissin calipers
up front provide strong stopping power with good feel in the middle of the pull, without
being aggressive enough to overstep the limits too easily.
There are no CW test miles-per-gallon figures or claimed mpg figures from Kawasaki for the
2022 Ninja 650.
Being the sporty brother to the Z650, the Ninja 650′s ergos are expectedly a little
more aggressive.
The same comfy seat (and somewhat sparse legroom for taller riders) as the Z650 is on the Ninja
650, but the reach to the slightly more aggressively angled bars is a bit longer, canting your
torso forward a little more.
Passenger accommodations are as you’d expect for a sportbike: fairly spartan.
Other than ABS with the ABS-specific models, there are no electronic rider aids on the
Ninja 650.
The upgrade in 2020 to a full-color 4.3-inch TFT dash display brings Bluetooth connectivity
to your smartphone via Kawasaki’s Rideology app, tracking various riding facts such as
time riding, distance ridden, fuel mileage, etc.
Headlights were also updated to LED units in 2020.