The Kawasaki Ninja® 650R already epitomized the ideal marriage of sportbike performance and relaxed comfort. For 2009 Kawasaki improved on this combination and gave this popular model several new upgrades, from improved suspension to updated Ninja supersport styling. The end result of over 40 updates and refinements, the new sportier Ninja 650R delivers serious performance fun and maximum transportation practicality.

The key to the Ninja 650R’s slender size is its compact liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, DOHC, 8-valve 649cc parallel twin engine, which permits the use of a narrow, lightweight frame. Revised fuel injection settings on this torquey engine boost its bottom-end torque, smooth low-mid rpm response and allow it to rev more quickly.

Routing the coolant to the cylinder and head through the engine cases reduces the number of external hoses. The engine also meets stringent Euro-III emission regulations thanks to its precise fuel-injection and a three-way catalyzer system with a new 300-cell catalyzer that’s smaller and lighter than the previous 200-cell unit.

The non-intimidating twin-cylinder appeals to new riders, and has an excellent mid-range that offers enough pizzazz to thrill more advanced riders. A modified shift lever position permits easier application of the Ninja 650R’s linear power delivery. The manageable power delivery and superb roll-on response enable the new Ninja 650R to make short work of the morning commute or perform as an entertaining track day companion – all while delivering good fuel economy.

This spunky sportbike received several changes to the frame, swingarm and suspension that result in reduced vibration and lighter handling, making the new Ninja 650R more nimble and comfortable than ever. Its signature trellis frame and offset laydown rear shock design remains, but the frame was completely revamped and now sports a higher quality paint finish.

The slim, compact trellis style chassis received more than cosmetic changes. Revisions to rigidity balance and suspension settings, and the addition of rubber upper-rear engine and handlebar mounts result in reduced vibration and lighter handling, enabling an improvement on the Ninja 650R’s comfort and handling.

Rider and passenger footpegs are now rubber coated to further reduce the amount of vibration transferred to the rider. The natural riding position and ergonomics are enhanced by a new slimmer and lower seat, which makes reaching the ground even easier than on the previous model.

Surrounding the Ninja 650R’s updated chassis is unquestionably sportier styling. From the wider windscreen and dual headers to the high-quality finish of the sleek minimalist fairings and covers leave little doubt about this Ninja’s supersport genetics.
Avoiding unnecessary design flourishes, the Ninja 650R’s new sharper lines flow throughout the bike, giving it an aggressive appearance. Even with a new, taller fuel tank, the new fairing with integrated turn signals and a sharp tail cowl ably highlight this motorcycle’s compact dimensions.

Beyond its exciting appearance, new MotoGP inspired multi-function instrumentation and revised controls, the Ninja 650R is rolling proof that a performance motorcycle can be practical and comfortable. The rider may notice the slimness of the chassis, low seat height and minimal effort controls first before realizing the true aim of Kawasaki’s design efforts – the rider.

The Ninja 650R’s friendly ergonomics provide a versatile cockpit that both novice and experienced riders will use to employ its assets to the fullest, from the daily commute to a weekend canyon run. In other words, this real world overachiever easily demonstrates its versatility and everyday usefulness
 

Quick-Revving, 649cc Parallel-Twin Engine
- Liquid-cooled, DOHC, 8-valve fuel injected twin cylinder delivers smooth, responsive performance, especially in the low to medium rpm range
- Excellent mid-range power, exceptional roll-on response and impressive passing performance make even commuter traffic enjoyable
- Silky smooth engine vibes via a 180° crankshaft driven balancer shaft, which in turn drives the water pump
- Oil jets on the connecting rod big ends spray oil on the undersides of the pistons to aid cooling
- Lightweight plug-mounted ignition coils deliver a hot spark and save space
- Wide radiator offers plenty of cooling efficiency
- New coolant routing travels directly to the engine cases, then on to the cylinder and head through internal passages, which reduces external plumbing and keep the cooling system simple
- Fine-tuned shift lever position is easy to use 

Digital Fuel Injection
- Fuel injection settings permit a healthy bottom-end torque while letting the engine rev fast
- Sub-throttle valve equipped 38mm Keihin throttle bodies offer optimum performance and rideability
- Located behind the main throttle valves, the sub-throttles are controlled by the DFI® system ECU for a precise throttle response, similar to a constant-velocity carburetor
- Auto-fast idle system simplifies starting and helps ensure the catalyzer reaches optimum temperature quickly
- The lightweight fuel pump is mounted inside the fuel tank.

Compact Engine Design
- Powerful twin-cylinder engine is the most compact in its category, which helps reduce the dimension of the entire motorcycle and allows use of a slim, minimalist frame
- Triangular setup of the crankshaft and transmission shafts makes the engine short front-to-back
- Transmission input shaft, output shaft and change drum are contained in a “cassette”-style package that allows a compact layout and eases transmission maintenance chores
- Semi-dry sump design reduces engine height
- Plated, linerless aluminum cylinders with a narrow cylinder pitch keep the engine light and slim

Cleaner Emissions
- Efficient fuel injection and a three-way catalyzer inside the exhaust produce very low emissions, able to pass the stringent Euro-III emission regulations
- Utilizes a compact and light 300-cell catalyzer unit
- Under-engine muffler placement improves mass centralization and the bike’s low center of gravity
- The exhaust pipe bend and under-engine muffler arrangement contribute to the ER-6n’s attractive styling

Good Vibrations
- Rubber upper-rear engine mounts decrease the vibration transferred to the rider through the seat
- Handlebar is rubber-mounted to lessen vibration transmitted through the handle grips
- Rider and passenger footpegs are rubber coated to further reduce vibration

Lighter Handling Trellis Frame
- Frame has all the key ER-6n elements — slim, low, lightweight and compact design that is narrow at the knees and footpegs for rider comfort and control
- The strong, high-tensile steel trellis frame not only looks lightweight, but it is – rivaling that of aluminum frames
- Featuring balanced rigidity, achieved through extensive 3D analysis translates directly into superb handling
- The frame, rear suspension and swingarm designs flow together with an integrated line running from the steering head to the rear hub
- Short front-to-back dimensions of the engine allow for a long swingarm and a short wheelbase combination that contributes to the light and nimble handling

Rigid Swingarm
- Swingarm stiffness to balance the frame rigidity – due primarily to the rubber engine mounts
- The D-shaped cross-section swingarm, stabilizer, chain adjuster design and elegant one-piece rider/passenger footpeg stays complement to the ER-6n’s high-quality appearance

Suspension
- Front and rear suspension settings to match the frame and swingarm rigidity values for lighter, rider-friendly handling
- Shape of the 41mm fork lower ends around the axle shaft adds to the bike’s performance and high quality image

Confidence Inspiring Ergonomics
- An ideal handlebar, seat and footpeg relationship results in a comfortable and natural riding position suiting a wide range of riders
- Frame narrows just aft of the fuel tank enabling a slimmer seat, making the reach to the ground even easier
- The offset single-shock rear suspension layout with the battery located beside the shock instead of beneath it allows a lower seat height as well
- Low seat height and slim overall design make it easy to plant both feet firmly on the ground when stopped
- Aluminum passenger grips are positioned and shaped for easy grabbing by the passenger

Sharp Masculine Styling
- Angular, stacked dual headlight and its shroud contribute to the ER-6n’s masculine image and features two position lights
- Headlights can be adjusted behind the headlight cover
- Reinforcing the ER-6n’s masculine styling, the sharp, edgy radiator shrouds feature integrated front turn signals with clear lenses and orange bulbs and forward-leaning lines
- A flush-surface fuel cap and its sharp-edged motif give the tank a distinctive look
- The new ER-6n’s compact front-to-rear appearance is enhanced by the short front cowl, short rear cowl with its LED tail light and shrouds that start behind the front fork
- Finishing out the bike’s aggressive image is a sharp tail cowl design featuring a slimmer rear mud flap and turn signals that can also function as hazard lights
- A long front fender keeps the mud splashing to a minimum and its two-tone design matches the ER-6n’s light, compact theme
- An inner rear fender helps keep the underside of the tail cowl clean
- Storage options include four tie-down hooks for baggage or a spare helmet to be secured to the seat and a storage space under the seat with room for a U-lock or similar device

Mirrors
- Mirror design is a similar supersport-style and offer an unparalleled rear view

Brakes
- Dual 300mm front petal disc brakes with twin 27mm piston front brake calipers and a single 220mm rear petal disc deliver plenty of braking power
- Housed in a curved brake master cylinder reservoir , the front brake lever utilizes an optimized ball-joint and pivot location to deliver smooth actuation of its 14mm master cylinder piston

Wheels
- Attractive six-spoke supersport-style wheels augment the bike’s light look while reducing unsprung weight

Instruments/Controls
- Stacked instrument cluster has a sharp design and clean layout with an analog speedometer that uses white LED backlights for excellent visibility at night
- The multi-function LCD screen has amber backlighting and its features include a fuel gauge, bar-style digital tachometer, clock, odometer and dual trip meters
- Inner cover inside the front cowl provides a clean appearance in this area
- Handlebar mount design and curved shapes on the brake master cylinder reservoir and clutch lever contribute further to the ER-6n’s masculine appearance

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