12:04 AM   Motorcycles , News

2012 Kawasaki Ninja 650R - All you need to know

   K awasaki no doubt is one of the most respected motorcycle brand in the world for producing serious engineering marvels, bikes that are b...

   Kawasaki no doubt is one of the most respected motorcycle brand in the world for producing serious engineering marvels, bikes that are beautiful in their own way. Known for their supersport bikes across the globe, when we talk of kawasaki, what often comes to mind are high-performance machines like the race-winning Kawasaki ZX-10R and Kawasaki ZX-6R. Altought the Ninja 650R isn't a track focused sports bike but is still a very capable all round performer, that has a class and reputation of its own in the world of biking as a balanced, user-friendly and all-rounder, capable of standing well above its two-wheeled counterparts, forging lasting reputations as an exciting, practical and stylish machine. 

The Ninja 650R has always been a pretty bike to look at since its launch back in 2006. With a host of new changes that make the already awesome bike even better, the 2012 baby ninja is here to take our hearts away. It would not be wrong to say that the most exciting mid sized sports bike got even better. With an almost endless list of changes and upgrades over the previous model, this practical sportbike now features a raft of new technology and design elements, including a totally new double-pipe perimeter frame instead of the single-pipe creating a slimmer profile through the midsection where the rider’s legs drop down from the seat. The footpeg mounts, frame covers and swingarm pivot are all narrower, resulting in the rider’s feet being 50mm closer together when resting on the ground. Seat height is 805 mm, but it’s easier to touch the ground with less girth between the legs.The new frame is compact and aesthetically pleasing, while the swingarm with forged axle holders that lets the rear wheel arc through its suspension travel adds to the overall cadence. The new backbone-type subframe also offers a 10 percent increase in maximum carrying capacity. Suspension settings has been revised in the front and rear (there’s more ride comfort for 2012 from the 41mm fork and single-shock rear end) along with the overall chassis setup that promises to be “sporty-yet-comfortable.” Another new change is Dunlop’s new Roadsmart II tires. We have to test ride it to see how it performs.

The handle bars are wider and the seat assembly is now 2 piece with more foam for better back support.  Both the handlebar and saddle are rubber-mounted, along with the foot pegs, for even more vibration-free comfort. 

With all the changes and more comfort, now comes a bike that is sleeker and more appealing from all angles. True to its supersport genre the bike has curves that have beautiful flowing lines all the way from front to the back. This also makes the bike more aerodynamic, while an adjustable 3-position windscreen allows riders to tailor the cockpit’s still-air cocoon for maximum riding comfort. Engine heat is routed rearward more effectively than before, as well, further adding to the comfort level. You also get a new instrumentation showing speed, trip meters, fuel consumption, remaining range, etc with a pool of info-lights to the right. The new-and-massively-improved version promises even more of the all-around capability with improved engine performance, a more comfortable saddle and  much more.

The Ninja 650R has always been a brilliant tourer and equally capable street bike - torquey, smooth yet punchy enough to shed all your hair of you. There has been key exhaust system changes, including a header-section connector pipe and a three-chamber muffler design.The Power and Torque output remains the same though at 72Ps @8500 rpm 66 Nm @7000rpm respectively and so does the high-rpm rush , but Kawasaki engineers have pushed additional torque down into the mid-range zone, which results in even more all-around usability and in-town responsiveness.

It all adds up to one excellent mid-sized sportsbike, one that works superbly for beginners and pro's. A bike with perfect throttle response that makes riding an effortless job, something which you don't have to make it do, but it happens. Crisp, linear brakes make slowing down a simple affair, while the low seat height gives riders maximum confidence once stopped. And a light steering and maneuverability keep even beginners grinning all day long. Experts will love the new Ninja’s powerful yet flexible engine, modern suspension, disc brakes and nimble handling. And the new more aggressive styling looks like it’s going 200 km/h even when sitting still.

The 2012 Ninja 650 really can do it all.

The Indian Context:

- Pricing:

The new Ninja will cost about Rs. 5.37 lakhs ex-showroom New Delhi with a price hike of about INR 80,000, which is high considering that the previous model was very well priced at Rs. 4.57 lakhs ex-showroom New Delhi. The booking shall be opened from 15th of July and deliveries will commence from July 20th pan India.

- Mileage:

The fuel economy factor has been taken into serious consideration in the new 2012 Kawasaki Ninja 650R, since even a superbike owner in India asks the million dollar question 'kitna deti hai'.Kawasaki claims a mileage of 17.7 kmpl which is pretty decent for a 650cc sports bike. Hence a Fuel tank capacity of 15.8 litres gives it a range of 280 kms which may be a little disappointing for the tourers.A larger fuel tank would have been better. 

- Payment Options:

This dream machine can be yours either by complete cash payment or through a finance scheme.

Two finances are available: -

1. Bajaj finance. (Minimum down payment of rs. 1.2 lacs)

2. HDFC finance. (Minimum down payment of rs. 95,000/-)

Kawasaki Ninja 650 India website : Click Here

Kawasaki Ninja 650 World website : Click Here

Ninja 650R 2012 Specifications :-

Engine	Four-Stroke, Liquid-Cooled, DOHC, Four-Valve, Parallel Twin
Displacement	649 Cc
Bore X Stroke	83.0 X 60.0 Mm
Compression Ratio	10.8:1
Cooling System	Liquid
Fuel System	Digital Fuel Injection With Two 38mm Keihin Throttle Bodies
Ignition	TCBI With Electronic Advance
Transmission	6-Speed
Final Drive	O-Ring Chain
Frame Type	Twin-Pipe Perimeter Design, High-Tensile Steel
Rake/Trail	25°/109mm
Front Tire	Size 120/70-17
Rear Tire	Size 160/60-17
Wheelbase	1410mm
Front Suspension / Wheel Travel	41mm Hydraulic Telescopic Fork / 4.9 In.
Rear Suspension / Wheel Travel	Single Offset Laydown Shock With Adjustable Spring Preload / 130mm
Front Brakes	Dual 300mm Petal Discs With Two-Piston Calipers
Rear Brakes	Single 220mm Petal Disc With Single Piston Caliper
Fuel Capacity	15.8 l
Seat Height	805mm
Curb Weight	209 kg
Overall Length	2111mm
Overall Width	770mm
Overall Height	1181mm
Color Choices	Metallic Spark Black, Candy Lime Green, Passion Red

Story by Rohit Arora