What's it like to live with a Kawasaki Ninja 650? Find out here...

Tested by Gareth Evans, Head of Digital

This year’s going to be a tale of two Ninjas. I’m starting on the Ninja 650, which is a Kawasaki sportsbike for the mainstream. It’s modestly powered, roomy, has about the right amount of kit, and ushers me back into sportsbike riding after a year on the Honda XL750 Transalp.

While it’s got a fairing and Ninja styling, I’m not planning on entering this bike into the fast group at Cadwell. Instead, my aim is to make the best of our road network, and reconnect with cornering quickly.

The bigger news will come as I swap the 650 for the Ninja 7 Hybrid. With acceleration akin to a ZX-10, the potential for silent running, a vast swathe of kit and no clutch lever, it is an inviting prospect.

Instant torque with no range anxiety? I like the sound of that. Although will I like the sound of it, given the engine’s the 451cc lump from the Ninja/Z500? Let’s find out.

Kawasaki Ninja 650 quick specs

• Price: £7539
• Engine: 649cc liquid-cooled, four-stroke parallel twin
• Power: 67.3bhp @ 8000rpm
• Torque: 47.2lb.ft @ 6700rpm
• Seat height: 790mm
• Weight: 193kg (kerb)

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