Intermot: Kawasaki Rolls in New 2017 Ninja 650; 19 kg Less Flab!

So it has begun. The Kawasaki stand is a busy affair at Intermot. While the Ninja family needs no introduction, the Ninja 650 holds a special place for Indians. We, thanks to the Bajaj-Kawasaki alliance, got the first true taste of the middleweight sports category thanks to the motorcycle. At the Intermot, Kawasaki has unveiled the new Ninja 650, which gets an update after a long time! The Japanese bike maker is calling the 2017 Ninja 650 a ‘new’ one which has been ‘developed from the well-respected ER series unit’.

Now that does sound slightly confusing but the sporty tourer has emerged with a different look. It looks sportier and has a sharper looking fairing.

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Let’s have a look at what’s changed:

  • The engine is now Euro 4 compliant. But the power output has reduced to 69 PS from the 72 PS in the outgoing version.
  • The fuel efficiency though has been raised by 8 percent. Isn’t that be great? 😀
  • The assist and slipper clutch will help in traffic conditions, make the clutch lever lighter.
  • The best part though is the weight loss. Yes, a 19 kg reduction (compared to the ER-6f not the previous Gen Ninja 650 though)! You didn’t see that coming right? How did that happen though? The answer is in the next pointer
  • Gone is the perimeter frame. The new Ninja 650 utilises a trellis type chassis reminiscent of the mighty Ninja H2 plus a gull style aluminium swingarm. Thus, helping in weight reduction.

kawasaki-ninja-650-ab

  • Helping the riders the bike also gets an adjustable shift up light. The rev needle too will glow red to tell you when you have to shift up and will be pink when it is nearing the shift. You also get a digital gear indicator and an ambient temperature readout.
  • The suspension remains non-adjustable 41 mm forks in the front and a preload adjustable rear shock placed in a conventional position above the swingarm.
  • The brakes get a new setup of callipers sourced by Nissin which are mated with Bosch’s 9.1M ABS.
  • The boring instrumentation takes a bow out and is replaced with a brand new setup.
  • The wind deflector too new and is adjustable to three slots, giving a total 60 mm of movement.
  • The 2017 Ninja 650 also gets an A2 compliant version where the output has been toned down to 46.9 PS (35 kW).

The New Ninja 650 will be available in four colour options, which include, Metallic Spark Black, Pearl Blizzard White, Candy Burnt Orange and Lime Green KRT edition.

So Kawasaki India, when are you getting the 2017 Ninja 650 to our shores.