2024 Kawasaki Ninja 650

Kawasaki’s Ninja 650 offers the look of a traditional supersport, but with the practicality of a parallel twin and neutral ergonomics. A balance between performance and functionality, the Ninja 650 is capable of carving up a mountain pass or spinning laps at the track, but is equally enjoyable commuting to work.

The 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 650 features a 649cc liquid-cooled parallel twin with dual 36mm Keihin throttle bodies, a six-speed transmission, and a slipper/assist clutch. Rider aids are limited to ABS and switchable traction control, which can be adjusted via the 4.3-inch color TFT display. The Ninja 650′s sporty styling is inspired by the track-focused Ninja ZX-6R.

Chassis components consist of a high-tensile steel trellis frame, a nonadjustable 41mm telescopic fork, and a spring-preload adjustable shock. The braking system features dual twin-piston calipers with 300mm rotors up front, and a single-piston caliper with a 220mm disc at the rear. Wheel sizes are 17 inches and the tire dimensions are 120/70-17 front and 160/60-17 rear.

Updates to the 649cc mill in 2017 aimed to increase low-end and midrange power. Qualities suitable for a street-going sportbike rather than a high-revving trackday weapon. Handling characteristics are sporty enough for spirited riding, but the Ninja 650 isn’t so committed that the ride quality suffers during casual commuter miles.

The 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 650 is available in Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray/Ebony (non-ABS only) for $8,299. Kawasaki also offers the Ninja 650 in Metallic Matte Dark Gray/Metallic Spark Black/Metallic Flat Spark Black or Metallic Matte Covert Green/Metallic Spark Black/Pearl Sand Khaki for $8,499 (non-ABS) or $8,899 (ABS).

And for those who want race-inspired graphics, Kawasaki offers the Ninja 650 KRT Edition ABS for $8,899.