Kawasaki have launched the 2023 Ninja 650 for Rs 7.12 lakh (ex-showroom), a Rs 51,000 hike over the outgoing model plus the addition of traction control that can be switched off.
The new 2023 Kawasaki Ninja 650 remains the same in terms of visual treatment and same mechanically too albeit the traction control now features two levels. One activates and takes over in an intermediate manner and the other is proactive, engaging earlier. They can be switched off as well. The traction control system is shared with the Versys 650 as well. Other changes include slight tweaks to the Lime Green paint job.
Mechanically, the steel trellis frame houses the same 649-cc, parallel-twin engine, mated to a six-speed gearbox with slipper clutch. The engine makes a good 68 hp and 64 Nm of peak torque. Suspension duties are managed by a telescopic fork up front and a preload-adjustable monoshock at the rear. Brakes bite on an axially-mounted 300-mm twin discs up front and a 220-mm single disc at the rear. The Ninja 650 comes shod with 17-inch Dunlop Sportmax Roadsport 2 tyres. The motorcycle is 2,115 mm long, 740 mm wide, 1,145 mm tall with a wheelbase of 1,410 mm and a ground clearance of 130 mm. It tips the scales at 196 kg with a fuel tank capacity of 15 litres. A seat height of 790 mm seems accommodating for riders of all shapes and sizes. Furthermore, it gets a TFT instrument cluster with Bluetooth connectivity.
The bike will lock horns with the Triumph Trident 660, Honda CBR650R and CF Moto 650 to name a few.
Story: Sumesh Soman
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