2023 Kawasaki Ninja 650 [Specs, Features, Photos]

Last updated:July 11, 2023

The 2023 Kawasaki Ninja 650 Is A Competent Middleweight

Model Overview
Specifications
Features
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For 2023, Kawasaki‘s Ninja 650 emerges as a contender in the middle weight category. This machine combines a compact 649cc parallel-twin, 68 horsepower engine with a lightweight trellis frame, yielding an exhilarating yet accessible riding experience. With a comfortable, rider-friendly ergonomics, it’s an ideal choice for both daily commuting and spirited weekend jaunts. The 650’s capabilities are highlighted by its sleek styling which mirrors the aggressive character of other bikes in Kawasaki’s Ninja family. Integrated within this aerodynamic design is a modern LED headlight, adding both function and form.

The motorcycle’s instrumentation is equally contemporary, boasting a full-color 4.4 inch TFT display that offers smartphone connectivity via Kawasaki’s RIDEOLOGY THE APP. The Ninja 650’s powertrain is optimized for smooth, linear power delivery, ensuring responsive low- to mid-range torque. The Assist and Slipper Clutch facilitates seamless shifts, while the Dunlop Sportmax Roadsport 2 tires provide superior grip and confidence on the road.

In terms of suspension, the Ninja 650 utilizes a 41mm telescopic fork in the front and a horizontal back-link rear suspension, both adjustable for preload, allowing riders to fine-tune their ride according to personal preference and road conditions. Braking duties are handled by Nissin components, with dual 300mm front discs and a single 220mm rear disc, ensuring reliable stopping power. The Ninja 650 is a well-rounded motorcycle that combines performance, style, and comfort in an accessible package for both new and experienced motorcyclists. It competes quite well with others in the middleweight category of Japanese motorcycles and makes it a top choice.

The 2023 Kawasaki Ninja 650 starts at: $7,999 USD/$9,699 CAD

On this page: we’ve curated specs, features, news, photos/videos, etc. so you can read up on the new 2023 Kawasaki Ninja 650 in one place.

Model Overview

General Info

Price: $7,999 USD/$9,699 CAD
Key Features:
- Twin LED headlights
- Windshield and upper cowl
- Traction control
- Horizontal Back-Link Rear Suspension

Main Specs

Engine: 649cc, 4-stroke, Parallel Twin, DOHC, 8-valve, liquid cooled
Power: 68 horsepower
Torque: 47.2 lb-ft
Weight: 419 lbs (207 kgs)
Seat Height: 31.1 inches (790 mm)

Competitors

2023 Kawasaki Ninja 650 Specifications

From Kawasaki

ENGINE

Engine

649cc, 4-stroke, Parallel Twin, DOHC, 8-valve, liquid cooled

Power

68 hp

Bore x Stroke

83.0 x 60.0mm

Compression Ratio

10.8:1

Fuel System

DFI® with dual 36mm Keihin throttle bodies

Starter

Electric

Lubrication

DRIVETRAIN

Clutch

Transmission

6-speed

Final Drive

Sealed chain

CHASSIS

Suspension Front

41mm hydraulic telescopic fork/4.9 in

Suspension Rear

Horizontal back-link with adjustable spring preload/5.1 in

Brakes Front

Dual 300mm petal-type discs and 2-piston calipers and ABS

Brakes Rear

Single 220mm petal-type disc and single-piston caliper and ABS

Tires Front

120/70×17

Tires Rear

160/60×17

Fuel Tank Capacity

4.0 gal

Color

Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray/Ebony, Pearl Robotic White/Metallic Matte Flat Raw Graystone/Ebony

ELECTRICAL

Ignition

TCBI with electronic advance

Spark Plugs

Headlight

LED

Tail Light

LED

DIMENSIONS

Overall Length

80.9 in

Overall Width

29.1 in

Overall Height

45.1 in

Wheelbase

55.5 in

Ground Clearance

5.1 in

Seat Height

31.1 in

Curb Weight

419.0 lb

WARRANTY

Warranty

12 Month Limited Warranty

Kawasaki Protection Plus

12, 24, 36 or 48 months

2023 Kawasaki Ninja 650 Features

Based on feedback from racing activities, the Assist & Slipper Clutch uses two types of cams (an assist cam and a slipper cam) to either drive the clutch hub and operating plate together or apart.
Under normal operation, the assist cam functions as a self-servo mechanism, pulling the clutch hub and operating plate together to compress the clutch plates. This allows the total clutch spring load to be reduced, resulting in a lighter clutch lever feel when operating the clutch.
When excessive engine braking occurs – as a result of quick downshifts (or an accidental downshift) – the slipper cam comes into play, forcing the clutch hub and operating plate apart. This relieves pressure on the clutch plates to reduce back-torque and helps prevent the rear tire from hopping and skidding. This race-style function is particularly useful when sport or track riding.

Late-model sport bikes often use large-bore throttle bodies to generate high levels of power. However, with large diameter throttles, when a rider suddenly opens the throttle, the unrestricted torque response can be strong. Dual throttle valve technology was designed to tame engine response while contributing to performance.

On models with dual throttle valves, there are two throttle valves per cylinder: in addition to the main valves, which are physically linked to the throttle grip and controlled by the rider, a second set of valves, opened and closed by the ECU, precisely regulates intake airflow to ensure a natural, linear response. With the air passing through the throttle bodies becoming smoother, combustion efficiency is improved and power is increased.

Using high-precision electronic control for engine management, Kawasaki models can achieve a high level of fuel efficiency. However, fuel consumption is greatly affected by throttle use, gear selection, and other elements under the rider’s control. The Economical Riding Indicator is a function that indicates when current riding conditions are consuming a low amount of fuel. The system continuously monitors fuel consumption, regardless of vehicle speed, engine speed, throttle position and other riding conditions. When fuel consumption is low for a given speed (i.e. fuel efficiency is high), an “ECO” mark appears on the instrument panel’s LCD screen. By riding so that the “ECO” mark remains on, fuel consumption can be reduced.

While effective vehicle speed and engine speed may vary by model, paying attention to conditions that cause the “ECO” mark to appear can help riders improve their fuel efficiency – a handy way to increase cruising range. Further, keeping fuel consumption low also helps minimize negative impact on the environment.

KTRC, Kawasaki’s advanced traction control system provides both enhanced sport riding performance and the peace of mind to negotiate slippery surfaces with confidence. Multiple rider-selectable modes (the number of modes varies by model) offer progressively greater levels of intrusion to suit the riding situation and rider preference.
Less intrusive modes maintain optimum traction during cornering. Designed with sport riding in mind, they facilitate acceleration out of corners by maximizing forward drive from the rear wheel. And because Kawasaki’s sophisticated software bases its dynamic analysis on the chassis’ orientation relative to the track surface (rather than relative to a horizontal plane), it is able to take into account corner camber, gradient, etc., and adapt accordingly.

Supercharged Kawasaki Ninja Drag Races A Modified McLaren 720S & Porsche Porsche 911 Turbo S

In the more intrusive modes (and for some models, in any mode), when excessive wheel spin is detected, engine output is reduced to allow grip to be regained, effectively enabling riders to negotiate both short, slippery patches (train tracks or manhole covers) and extended stretches of bad roads (wet pavement, cobblestone, gravel) with confidence.

Models equipped with IMU incorporate chassis-orientation feedback to offer even more precise management.