Kawasaki’s nimble new LAMS Ninja is not just for learners
The Kawasaki 650 Ninja bridged the gap between lightweight learner machine and supersport scalpel when it arrived on the scene in 2009. Wrapping a torque-laden 649cc four-stroke parallel-twin in supersport garb and adding a pair of raised clip-on ’bars had never been done before and it received wide praise for providing real-world comfort and confidence-inspiring control. Today’s LAMS version continues to fly that flag of practicality and remains just as attractive to penny-pinching greenhorns as it did six years ago.
This year the Ninja 650L has undergone a host of changes, including standard ABS, better economy and 19kg less weight, more than half of which has been trimmed from the frame.
Kawasaki claims “class-leading torque” and that’s good news for both rookies and the more experienced. After riding the restricted version I was suitably impressed by the punchy and well-rounded donk. As a LAMS model, the Ninja 650L has the potential to make even the most timid rider grow horns, and as a bike for around town zipping or back-road blasting, it’s sure to get the adrenaline pumping.
A quick comparison of the specs reveals power has been reduced by 1.2kW over last year’s model (37.8kW @8000rpm vs 39kW @8000rpm) while the formidable torque rises from 56Nm @4000rpm to 59Nm at a considerably higher 6500rpm.
The suspension package is characterised by a sporty yet compliant feeling that makes it possible to put every one of the crank rotations to good use. The horizontal back-link suspension is a little more tucked away than it has been in previous versions, and this helps to centralise mass while also reducing the influence of heat from the exhaust on rear shock performance. I found the stock rear shock a little soft, but the short upswept tail section leaves no doubt that this bike has a racing pedigree, and the compromise starts to make sense when you feel the ease at which it tips in and handles less than perfect road conditions.
The Ninja’s flush-mounted indicators are slick, and its slimline tank is easy to grasp with your thighs. Raised ’bars offer the control and comfort usually associated with a flat-bar roadster, and are just as easy to relax on if you plan to notch up the miles. There are grabrails for the willing passenger, but from personal experience I found the small pillion seat rather firm and not one of the Ninja’s strong points.
Fuel consumption reduces by 6.8 per cent to meet Euro 4 requirements, and there’s also an Economical Riding mode that is indicated when you’re coasting with less than 30 per cent throttle below 140km/h. Fuel capacity is a respectable 15L, which should see about 300km on a full tank, and there are plenty of high-quality touring accessories from Kawasaki to turn this sporty and lithe scratcher into a real sports-tourer, if that’s your bag.
The cat box is neatly tucked between the swingarm and underneath the rear hugger, which helps keep things compact, and the dash has been slightly modified with its digital elements displayed on the right to make them more eye-catching and easy to read. I found the gear-change indicator an especially useful addition and there’s the potential to set your shift indicator between 5000-10,000rpm, which is a nice touch for those who like to tinker.
The Ninja 650L’s sharp and sporty looks translate to scratch-worthy capability and rollicking good times when the pace hots up, and to reinforce this point Kawasaki has delivered a variant with KRT graphics. This new WSBK livery turns heads, and the baritone burble from the underslung exhaust will keep them watching as you wind out the throttle and keep it pinned all the way to its 10,000rpm redline.
There are only subtle vibes from the donk thanks to a series of rubber inserts in the top yoke, ’pegs and seat bracket mounts that dull things down, and this gives the Ninja a deceptive pace that can easily propel you into the bad books if you’re not paying attention.
For learners, the smooth engine and pliable chassis make it capable but forgiving, and for those with extra skill and experience there’s still plenty of bike here to keep you interested.
Pros
- Genuine accessories
- Smooth power
- KRT graphics available
Cons
- Stiff competition
- Pillion seat
By Paul McCann Photos Nick Wood