Pre-owned 2023 KAWASAKI NINJA 650 (2,512 miles)

The 2023 Kawasaki EX650RPFNN Ninja 650: A Detailed Review

The Kawasaki Ninja 650, known for its sharp, sporty styling and strong performance potential, offers a compelling mix of adrenaline and affordability. Freshly updated for 2023, the Ninja 650 is lighting up the sportbike scene with a host of exciting enhancements, including LED lighting, updates to the electronics package, and some fresh style tweaks.

Power and Performance

The Ninja 650 is powered by an impressive 649cc parallel twin engine, a powerplant that’s earned its share of respect in various performance circles. The engine benefits from a highly oversquare bore and stroke (83mm x 60mm), a medium 10.8:1 compression ratio, and a digitally managed fuel-injection system with twin 36mm throttle bodies. This setup allows the Ninja 650 to produce 68 peak horsepower at 8,000 rpm and 47.2 lb.-ft. of torque at 6,750 rpm. Power is transferred to the rear wheel via a six-speed transmission, equipped with a slipper clutch for smooth, controlled gear changes​.

Chassis and Handling

Maintaining a consistent general layout for 2023, the Ninja 650 features a steel-tubing cradle frame, with the engine serving as a semi-stressed element. The frame benefits from added upper triangulation for further rigidity. The sporty wheelbase spans 55.5 inches, while the front-end geometry boasts 100mm (3.9 inches) of trail. With a seat height of a comfortable 31 inches, this bike is designed to deliver a blend of comfort and sporty handling.

The suspension setup includes a non-adjustable 41mm fork upfront and a linkage-assisted spring-preload adjustable shock at the rear, providing a smooth and responsive ride. Braking is handled by twin 300mm petal discs at the front and a single 220mm petal disc at the rear.

Electronics and Features

One of the most significant updates for 2023 is in the bike’s electronics package. Riders now benefit from an advanced, selectable two-mode traction control system. All the electronic features and updates can be accessed via a new TFT instrumentation display that offers Bluetooth connectivity to the rider’s personal smartphone, allowing for the tracking of vehicle speed, rpm, gear position, current mileage, and coolant temperature from moment to moment. This provides riders with a wealth of information at their fingertips and allows for a more tailored riding experience​.

Engine and Transmission: The Ninja 650 is powered by a 649cc parallel twin engine that uses a highly oversquare bore and stroke measurements (83mm by 60mm) and a medium 10.8:1 compression ratio. The engine can produce 68 peak horsepower at 8,000 rpm and 47.2 lb.-ft. of torque at 6,750 rpm​. It has a digitally managed fuel-injection system with twin 36mm throttle bodies. The engine is coupled with a six-speed transmission with a slipper clutch​.

Frame and Suspension: The Ninja 650 uses a steel-tubing cradle frame, with the engine acting as a semi-stressed element, adding to the overall rigidity. The front suspension is a non-adjustable 41mm fork, and the rear suspension is a linkage-assisted spring-preload adjustable shock​. o-piston calipers and a 220mm petal disc at the rear with a single-piston caliper. 

Dimensions and Capacities: The Ninja 650 has a wheelbase of 55.5 inches, a seat height of 31.1 inches, and a fuel tank capacity of 4.0 gallons. The manufacturer’s reported weight is 419 pounds

Additional Features: The major updates in the 2023 model include an advanced, selectable two-mode traction control, a new TFT instrumentation display with Bluetooth connectivity, and a full-LED lighting package. The fairing features a more protective windscreen and sharper overall styling. Detailed riding logs including GPS information and vehicle running information can be recorded and reviewed via an app​​.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to find specific information on the fuel consumption of the 2023 model, but previous models have generally shown good fuel economy​​. Furthermore, details on the warranty weren’t available at the time of research.

The 2023 Kawasaki Ninja 650 provides a balance of sporty performance and everyday versatility, making it a strong contender in the mid-size sportbike category. Its competitive pricing, strong performance potential, and the array of tech enhancements in the 2023 model further underscore its appeal.