Alright, let’s talk about my time with the Kawasaki Ninja 650. I’ve been eyeing this bike for a while now, and I finally got my hands on one. I live in a place with a ton of highways, so I needed something that could handle that but also be fun for the occasional weekend ride. This seemed to fit the bill, so I went for it.
This wasn’t my first bike. I actually learned to ride on an old Honda 450 years ago but then didn’t ride for a long time. Getting back into it, the Ninja 650 felt like a good step up. It’s got more power, but it’s not overwhelming. It took me some time to get used to the riding position and the weight distribution. It’s definitely heavier than that old Honda, but it carries its weight well. Once I got the hang of it, though, it was smooth sailing.
Riding Experience
Took it out on the highway for the first time a couple of weeks ago, and man, it was a blast. It handles high speeds like a champ. I was a bit nervous at first, but the bike felt stable and responsive. Merging and passing were no problem. It’s got enough power to get you out of sticky situations, but it’s also easy to control when you’re just cruising. I also took it out on some twisty back roads, and it was just as fun. It’s surprisingly agile for a bigger bike.
- Handling: The handling is great, it is effortless. I can easily maneuver through traffic or lean into corners. It’s not as flickable as a smaller bike, but it’s still pretty nimble.
- Comfort: The seat is comfortable enough for longer rides. I did a couple of hours on it without any major issues. The riding position is a bit more upright than a full-on sportbike, which I appreciate. My back doesn’t kill me after a long ride.
- Power: Power delivery is smooth. It’s not going to throw you off the back, but it’s got enough to get your heart racing. I haven’t taken it to the track yet, but I’m sure it would do just fine.
Fuel and Maintenance
As far as fuel goes, it’s not too bad. I’m getting somewhere around 49 miles per gallon, and with that 15-liter tank, I can go a decent distance before needing to fill up. I haven’t had to do much maintenance yet, but from what I’ve read, it’s a pretty reliable bike. The engine is based on the old ER-6f motor, which is known for being bulletproof. That’s good news, because I’m not exactly a mechanic.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I’m really happy with the Ninja 650. It’s a great all-around bike that’s perfect for both commuting and weekend fun. If you’re thinking about getting one, I’d say go for it. It’s a solid choice, especially if you’re looking for something that’s not too intimidating but still has enough power to keep things interesting. It’s a good-looking bike too. I get compliments on it all the time. The green is classic Kawasaki, but they have other colors too if that’s not your thing. Anyway, that’s my two cents on the Ninja 650. Hope this helps anyone who’s on the fence about getting one.
It’s been a few months now, and I’m still loving the Ninja 650. I’ve taken it on a few longer trips, and it’s been a great companion. It’s comfortable enough for all-day rides, and it’s got enough power to make the journey exciting. I’ve even started taking it to the track, and it’s been a blast. It’s not the fastest bike out there, but it’s definitely capable. I’m learning a lot about riding and about the bike itself. It’s been a great experience so far, and I’m looking forward to many more miles on this thing.
