Intermot 2016: Kawasaki unveils 2017 Ninja 650

Kawasaki has unveiled the new Ninja 650 at the Intermot 2016 motorcycle show in Cologne, Germany. Featuring some major styling changes and weight reduction, the new Ninja 650 now seems more sports oriented than the outgoing model.

The Kawasaki Ninja 650 has now been styled to resemble its track oriented sibling, the Ninja ZX-6R. The fairing shape is more aerodynamic and the paint schemes give it a more aggressive look than its predecessor. Other bits like the fuel tank, swing arm and wheels have also been redesigned. While the seat height seems to be identical, the handlebar height has been dropped to offer a slight sportier riding position. The windscreen is manually adjustable in three levels, and the instrument cluster gets a new LCD digital display. The chassis and swing arm have also been redesigned, and the monoshock has now been moved to a more conventional position above the swing arm as opposed to the previous model’s offset orientation.

While the parallel twin engine still displaces 649cc, it is now Euro IV compliant. The power output has been dropped to 69bhp from 71bhp, though the engine has been tuned to offer better low and midrange torque. It is also 6.8 per cent more fuel efficient than the older engine. Despite the drop in power, the 19 kilogram drop in weight should ensure that the performance doesn’t take a hit. The six-speed transmission also gets a slipper clutch. 

The 2017 Kawasaki Ninja 650 is available in four colours - lime green, metallic black, pearl white and burnt orange. We can expect it to be launched here in lime green in 2017 as a locally assembled model.