2020 Kawasaki Ninja 650: All You Need To Know

Kawasaki has extensively updated the new Ninja 650. Here’s what’s changed

The Kawasaki Ninja 650 has undergone a generational update. For 2020, it gets a new bodywork, new features and an updated motor. Here’s what you need to know about this mid-capacity sports bike that has been launched overseas. 

Also read: Kawasaki India Offers Massive Discounts On Its CKD And SKD Products

Looks like the Ninja ZX-6R:
For 2020, the Ninja 650 gets a completely new bodywork and now looks a lot similar to the recently updated Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R and Ninja 400. It also gets similar green/black livery besides new colours like white/black and metallic black. It also gets a narrower and taller windscreen. The pillion now gets a wider and thicker seat. 

Gets new features:
For 2020, the Ninja 650 gets twin LED headlamps and an all-new 4.3-inch colour TFT display along with Bluetooth connectivity via Kawasaki’s Rideology app. The app displays ride logs, vehicle status, notifications and allows you to change the display settings. Kawasaki is also offering new optional accessories such as a taller screen, taller seat, tank pads, TFT screen protector, touring bags and a DC charging port.

Gets an updated motor:
Kawasaki hasn't confirmed any updates to the motor. However, its torque figure of 64Nm is 1.7Nm less than before and arrives 200rpm higher in the rev range. Power output remains the same 68PS as before. A look at the motor reveals a different exhaust routing and that could be due to the introduction of a catalytic converter to make it Euro 5/ BS6 compliant. 

Underpinnings remain mostly unchanged:
The Ninja 650 continues to use the same frame and suspension setup consisting of 41mm conventional telescopic fork and preload-adjustable monoshock. Even the 300mm twin front discs and 220mm disc setup with ABS remains the same. Interestingly the updated bike retains the same 196kg kerb weight and 790mm seat height as the current Ninja 650 sold in India. The only change is to the tyre setup. While the 120/70-ZR17 front and 160/60-ZR-17 rear wheel sizes remain the same, the tyres are Dunlop Sportmax Roadsport 2 instead of Dunlop Sportmax D214.

Pricing:
Overseas, the Ninja 650 costs the same Rs 5.25 lakh for the base variant and Rs 5.67 lakh for the KRT Edition with ABS. We can expect Kawasaki India to launch the new Ninja 650 at the same price of Rs 5.89 lakh for the base model and Rs 5.99 lakh for the KRT edition (ex-showroom India). As fo the launch date, we expect the new Ninja 650 to launch in India early next year.