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2009 Kawasaki Ninja 650R Review Photo Gallery
See photos of the Kawasaki Ninja 650R in action in Motorcycle USA's Ninja 650R photo gallery. Read the full
2009 Kawasaki Ninja 650R Review
.
2009 Kawasaki Ninja 650R
Revisions to the Ninja's bodywork didn’t jump out to us at first, as the most visually striking features on the model, its low-slung stubby exhaust and offset rear shock, appear identical.
Cutting a turn with 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 650R.
Another positive change for 2009 is a new rubber engine mount. Located in the rear, the rubber mount further subdues the vibes rattling up through the bars (also rubber mounted now), seat and fairing, a noticeable complaint on the predecessor.
2009 Kawasaki Ninja 650R dyno stats.
Kawi claims an increase in bottom-end torque, our test unit topping out at 61.7 hp and 41.4 lb-ft on the MCUSA dyno.
More neutral than aggressive, the riding position allows for long stints without great fatigue, a rider’s knees tugging in snug under the taller 4.1-gallon fuel tank - Ninja 650R
Sitting behind the controls at 6’1”, the Ninja feels on the small side, but not tiny.
2009 Kawasaki Ninja 650R
Does it feel like riding on rails? Well, the Ninja 650R is a fine handler anyways.
The visual styling cues are easy to overlook, as the 650R's stubby low-slung exhaust and off-set rear return.
Revamped with the 2009 model year, the Kawasaki Ninja 650R remains a sure-footed mid-sized sportbike for the beginner/intermediate market.
By our recollection, the new Ninja doesn’t feel a whole lot different than its predecessor – a good thing.
The 650R's frame and swingarm, while visually similar, have had rigidity retuned, along with suspension settings, for lighter handling in the corners.
Observed fuel mileage for out test rides fluctuated. Relaxed commuting runs yielded near 50 mpg, while more spirited play-ride jaunts netted less than 40 mpg - 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 650R
Compared to its predecessor, the Ninja 650R continues all the positive traits we recall, with some extra refinements.
We’d have to sample the old and new Ninjas back to back to notice any appreciable difference from the frame and suspension.
The Ninja 650R all-digital instrument cluster.
Kawi revised the steel trellis frame’s flex for reduced rigidity, the swingarm tuned for more rigidity to complement.
The Kawasaki Ninja 650R remains an approachable motorcycle, easy to ride and, most important, fun.
The updated mill also sports a smaller, lighter exhaust catalyzer, though the stubby exhuast muffler appears unchanged.
The 2010 Kawasaki Ninja 650R is available in green.
The 2010 Kawasaki Ninja 650R comes in blue.
