The robust 649cc engine of the Ninja 650 accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in merely 3.5 seconds, reaching a maximum speed of 130 mph. Although it doesn’t match the performance levels of a Supersport motorcycle, it serves as an excellent introduction to the realm of sport bikes.
Sport bikes typically focus on performance at the expense of comfort, imposing a physical toll on the rider. This often involves adopting a pronounced lean towards the handlebars and bending the legs significantly to rest on the footpegs. While this configuration is advantageous aerodynamically, it forces the rider into a potentially uncomfortable and unsustainable position for long durations. This is an aspect where the 2013 Kawasaki Ninja 650 distinguishes itself from other sport bikes.
In a shift from the norm, the bike’s suspension has been reengineered for enhanced smoothness, moving away from the usual rigid setup. The reimagined rider ergonomics promotes a more upright seating position, avoiding the excessive forward lean. With handlebars set higher and footpegs placed lower, the Kawasaki Ninja 650 mitigates much of the strain encountered on conventional sport bikes.