2012 Kawasaki Ninja 650

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Audio

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I want to preface this by saying that I'm a relative newbie (3rd riding season in Toronto), and by no means a motrocycle expert. I am just offering my personal experiences and opinions...


I currently ride a 2008 Ninja 500, and am very happy with it...it's my third riding season on this bike, and it has been great for me and the current skill level that I'm at. Anyways, on a whim, I decided to do a test ride of the all new 2012 Ninja 650 (Candy Green in colour).


All I can say is WOW! This is one impresssive machine, at least from my relative newbie perspective. In comparison to my 500, It was astonishing to me - the significant jump in torque, power, acceleration, between a 500cc and 650cc. The 650 just had instant response, and a super long powerband, and on no matter what gear you were in, the engine seemed to be optimized and ready for launch if you were so inclined to to roll on the power. The feeling was amazing - almost ELECTRIC to have that much power readily on tap. Yet at the same time, the bike seemed very controllable and rider friendly, and I was able to enjoyably ride it at a very measured pace. On my 500, there are definitely rpm ranges where I'd define the engine being in it's "happy place" - meaning the revs are just ultra smooth and I can feel the vibrations smooth out. But on the 650, the engine seems to be happy everywhere - I think this may have something to do with a modern, chip controlled, fuel injection system, as opposed to the carburetor system on my 500.

I know the 2012 650 is basically a brand new model, but I'm wondering if there are any members out there who have also riding experience on the new 2012 model or any of the previous 650R versions (2006-2009), (2010-2012). I am very curious to know your real world riding impressions and reliability of this bike? The online professional reviews that I have seen can only tell you so much. I am seriously considering purchasing this bike - can't stop thinking about it...so your candid thoughts and comments are appreciated...
 
I had an 07 650 for almost 2 years and now have an 09 Versys that share the same engine. Personally I love this engine with the low end torque it provides. It's great for the weekly commute and having "a go" on weekends. Reliably is excellent with this engine. The 650 gave me 27,000 worry free kms with proper maintenance. I can't speak the same praise on the Versys yet as I've only had her 2 months but with now 25,000km already on the clock I expect lots of worry free riding to come. She's about to embark on a punishing 6000km 9 day tour with me next week where the redline will be tickled quite often so I'll let you know how she does.
 
thanks for your thoughts on the 650 - much appreciated. That sounds like an incredible journey you're about to embark on! Look forward to hearing more about it!
 
Audio said:
In comparison to my 500, It was astonishing to me - the significant jump in torque, power, acceleration, between a 500cc and 650cc.
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On paper they only have about 12-15 hp difference and a 20 Nm max difference - was your experience really that astonishing? Is your current bike in good condition?

I've had my '06 650r for just under a year and love the thing but have definitely gotten used to the power it puts out. I'm no longer surprised when I crank the throttle. She handles well and has been overall reliable. Aside from periodic maintenance the only work I've done to her has been cosmetic. I predict I'll be happy with her for a while to come, though I can't wait to test ride something beefier.

I sat on a 2012 model about a week ago and found the stock bars/seating position was significantly more relaxed/higher than I'd prefer. I've got aftermarket bars that put you in a more aggressive riding position and like it significantly more.
 
I recently picked up my new 2012 ninja 650 (back in April) and loving every bit of it. Last saturday i did a roundtrip run to Montreal (Toronto to Montreal for lunch, then ride back) Only stopped for gas in between. Let me tell you, that is one comfy seat. My butt was not sore and I was only tired from my heavy meat lunch and not from riding :) My time spent on the bike that trip was approx. 12 hours. The seating position is perfect for long rides (3-hour plus rides)

I agree with everything you mentioned with your test ride experience. My previous ride was a ninja 250 which I put 24,000 km on last season. My first impression on the ninja 650 was that it's just a bigger 250. Very nimble, you sit a bit more upright and taller than the 250. In fact, it's even much easier to do any kind of slow speed manouveurs with the 650.

My only complaint with the 650: 16L gas tank. I wish it's bigger. Most I've squeezed out of it so far is roughly 280km full tank (all highway riding). I will be taking this 650 on a 9-day east coast trip in the summer clocking 5,000km.

If you are looking for an new bike, go grab the 650 :) you won't regret it. $9,300 out the door price.
 
I picked up a 2011 650r last season - absolutely love it. I travel a lot up north to cottage country in the summers - perfect. Its comfy, its got tons of power on tap, and very agile.
Last season was my first season riding, and i have not ridin a SuperSport, but you do get comfortable with the power eventually. Dont get me wrong, its very quick, and its more than you should ever need in day to day driving - but you will eventually get use to the power band.

Realiablity - so far so good. I dont have 25,000 km's on it just yet, but she is getting drivin a lot. Nearly a daily commuter for me, run around town at night, and hit the back roads up north on the weekend - never an issue.

i find the upright sitting position to be very good and comfy. Great for slow manoeuvres. I'm a taller person - 6'1" - i can flat foot the bike, and i dont feel cramped on long trips.

2nd and 3rd gear are great in that if you ever lose what gear you are in - if you are in 2nd or 3rd - no matter what speed(well at least above 15kph) - engine will not stall.

So far, i am very happy with the bike. Its my first bike - and i am sure i will have it for a very long time.

i say, go pick it up! you wont regret it.
 
thanks for your comments on the 2012 650 - TOR to MTL for lunch and then return on the same day is pretty damn impressive! Where did you go for lunch? Can I ask what route you took to get to MTL? I have been considering doing this same trip myself...although will probably stay overnight for a few days before heading back home!

Also, can I ask what dealer you purchased your 650 from and were you happy with the experience? Were you able to get any special deals or incentives out of them. My understanding is that the MSRP is $8,200.

Thanks!
 
Audio said:
thanks for your comments on the 2012 650 - TOR to MTL for lunch and then return on the same day is pretty damn impressive! Where did you go for lunch? Can I ask what route you took to get to MTL? I have been considering doing this same trip myself...although will probably stay overnight for a few days before heading back home!

Also, can I ask what dealer you purchased your 650 from and were you happy with the experience? Were you able to get any special deals or incentives out of them. My understanding is that the MSRP is $8,200.

Thanks!
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It was all 401 the entire way. The Ontario Service Stations are pretty much spread out every 75km, and that's where our group made the stops. It was definitely an experience riding in Quebec, especially downtown Montreal, and I ride downtown Toronto all the time. I think mostly it was because the signs were in French (my brain took a bit to process) and slightly different rules (no right turns on red). There are other more scenic routes to get there, but we were doing a dry run for IronButt. Lunch was at Schwartz's ... get the platter :)

I got my bike from Norm at Kahuna. The 2012 ninja 650 is selling pretty good, so the margin for negotiation/discount is pretty slim. Tell Norm that Ed sent you, see what he can help you with :P He's an honest guy and this is the 2nd bike I bought from him.
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