
Kawasaki Ninja R: Beginner Bike Profile + Owner Reviews
Kawasakis Ninja R Has Been an Entry-Level Staple Since
Bikes like the Ninja R, FZ6R, and SV are ideal for new riders that either needs something larger due to their height, or are confident in their ability to manage a bit more power than what the typical beginner bike ships with.
With an estimated 71 horsepower on tap, the R is significantly more powerful than the entry-level cruisers, sportbikes (such as the R3 or the old-school R), and sport-touring bikes. If youve been learning to ride your motorcycle at a riding school, the R likely has three times as much power as what you were learning on.
In addition to good power, the Ninja R is also a well-balanced machine that makes a great case for itself as the ideal city motorcycle. It has softer suspension that beginner sportbikes, most models come with ABS, and its parallel-twin engine has enough torque down low in the rev range that it also is a ton of fun to flick around the corners.
Our Take: Should You Buy a Ninja R?
Given how I chose to introduce the R, its fair to say that I recommend it. Enthusiastically, in fact.
If youre keen to buy new (which I do not recommend new riders do), the Ninja comes in at under $8, with ABS. Brand new. Considering what it offers you, thats a very fair price. But the real value is when you find a great used bike, because not only will you save a bunch of money compared to new, but youll also be able to recoup most of it when you sell (once these bikes are few years old they hang on to their value pretty well).
The cc parallel-twin engine is considered to be very reliable, and its fuel economy is also quite good (estimated somewhere around 40 mpg). Paired with sporty but also comfortable suspension, and youve got a great everyday bike.
Bottom line: The Ninja R is one of the best middleweight entry-level sportbikes you can buy. New riders should get several seasons out of it before they get that itch to move into something bigger.
Reasons to buy the R:
- 71 hp is plenty for a novice rider
- It has comfortable suspension that wont cause you to hate your life on long rides
- Acceptable fuel economy
- You can get a brand new one with ABS for under $8,
- They are easy to sell used because there is good demand for these bikes
Reasons not to buy the R:
- Its height and weight may be difficult for smaller riders to manipulate
- Not all models come with ABS
Production Run & Notable Model-Year Changes
Production Run & Model Generations
Kawasaki first introduced the Ninja R to the market in , alongside the non-faired (naked) ER-6n (which wasnt sold in North America until ). The R/ER-6n have received three major updates since its introduction: , , and
First Generation ( )
- This was the first version of the R.
- The styling is meant to be sporty while providing a more upright riding position
Second Generation ()
- The full-faired R is given updated bodywork, mirrors, lighting, and gauges.
- The refined bodywork is more angular, aggressive, and ups the sport looks even more.
Third Generation ( date)
- A new trellis-frame is introduced, along with numerous small weight reductions and suspension that is tuned for better handling.
- Engine torque is increased slightly, to lb-ft (up from lb-ft)
Owners Review of the Kawasaki Ninja R
Press & Magazines
Model Year Review
There’s plenty to like about Kawasaki’s cleverly updated middleweight challenger, which refines its deservedly popular ER-6f predecessor’s parallel twin engine, mounts it in a notably lighter and sharper-handling chassis, and tops the job off with an infinitely more stylish set of clothes that contributes hugely to the new Ninja’s appeal.
Roland Brown, Bennets.co.uk
Model Year Review
This is a lot of motorcycle for $ And while it is an excellent all-around machine, its strongest suit is the approachability and ease of use it offers, pleasingly coupled with enough performance headroom to allow a dramatic upturn in rider skill tf youre bargain hunting, the motorcycle market—like the Ninja R—provides an embarrassment of riches.
Mark Hoyer, Cycle World
Model Year Review
The R obliges as it accelerates effortlessly in top gear roll-ons, with no flat spots or bogging before it decides to get out of its own way. That is an excellent trait to have for any bike looking to be a commuter champion. The clutch and transmission were flawless, so much so that I never thought about them.
Pete Brissette, Motorcycle.com
What I Like
- ABS ABS on a bike is so dramatically better than non-ABS bikes that its hard to articulate the difference.
- The power According to Motorcyclist, the R will do the quarter-mile in seconds- thats fast!
- The riding position The riding position, while sporty, is more upright than typical sportbikes and is more comfortable people taller than 58.
- The price They are a bargain on the used market, and theyre sub-$8, brand new (with ABS).
What I Dont Like
- The range km is about how far youll comfortably go on its 4-gallon tank.
- No ABS Not all models come with ABS. Be mindful of this when looking at older bikes.
The Bottom Line
The Ninja R is to modern middleweights what bikes like the GSF and Ninja R were to their generation. Like those fondly remembered classics, the R represents the pinnacle of what a new rider can enjoy in a beginner motorcycle. Its fast, but not scary; reliable and economical; stylish and good looking; comfortable and compliant; sporty and exhilarating.
For a new rider, few bikes offer you the whole package a cake that you can actually eat like the R does. And the R, like any decent wine, has only gotten better with age. Its not often when you find a machine that is perfect for its intended function, but thats what you get when you choose a Ninja R for your first bike.
Kawasaki Ninja R Competition
If youre looking at a R, you may also want to check out these other bikes:
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Kawasaki Ninja R Specifications
The important specs are listed below. See the Wikipedia page for more detailed specifications.
Dimensions + Chassis
- Height:
- in (1, mm)
- 50 in (1, mm)
- + in (1, mm)
- Length:
- in (2, mm)
- +: in (2, mm)
- Seat Height:
- in ( mm)
- +: in ( mm)
- Wet Weight:
Engine
- Engine Type: 4-stroke, 2-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke parallel twin
- Maximum Horsepower:
- bhp @ 8, rpm
- +: 71 hp @ 8, rpm
- Maximum Torque:
- lb-ft @ 7, rpm
- +: lb-ft @ 7, rpm
- Fuel System: Fuel injection
- Fuel Capacity: 16L ( US gal)
- Fuel Efficiency: Approximately 45 mpg ( L/ km)
- Range: Approximately km
Brakes, Rims, & Tires
Note: ABS was optional for model years +.
- Front Brakes: Dual mm discs with 2-piston calipers (ABS optional)
- Rear Brake: Single mm disc with a single-piston caliper (ABS optional)
- Front tire: /70ZRMC 58W
- Rear Tire: /60ZRM/C 69W
Suspension
- Front suspension:
- 41 mm hydraulic telescopic fork, mm ( in) in travel
- +: 41 mm hydraulic telescopic fork, mm ( in) in travel
- Rear suspension:
- Single offset laydown shock w/ adjustable preload ( mm / in travel)
- +: Single offset laydown shock w/adjustable preload ( mm / in travel)
Helpful R Communities & Resources
Facebook Groups
Forums
YouTube Reviews
Kawasaki Ninja R Photo Gallery
Kawasaki Ninja R
KAWASAKI NINJA® R BRINGS REAL WORLD PERFORMANCE TO BOTH THE TWISTIES AND MORNING COMMUTE Powerful is efficient and easy to ride With a unique look and feel, the Kawasaki Ninja® R delivers cutting edge design and astonishing versatility. This is a motorcycle that excels in real world riding. With a comfortable seating position and sportbike performance levels, the Ninja R is well-suited for freeway commutes, around town errands and weekend track days. Look at Kawasaki Ninja R sportbike and the first impression is one of pure design appreciation. Look a little longer and many of the innovative engine and chassis elements begin to come into play. However, the entire package doesn’t truly project its intended engineering outcome until the motorcycle is viewed with a rider seemingly melded into its unique posture. Because the R was meant to have broad rider appeal, Kawasaki’s development team began its task with the rider – not the motorcycle. After studying every kind of rider, and all types of riding, Kawasaki’s engineers focused on the human-machine interface. Different riding positions were examined to discover which instilled the most confidence. Narrowing the distance between the footpegs and striving for a lower seat height and low effort controls all played into the design effort. The compact liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, DOHC, 8-valve cc parallel twin engine delivers a smooth responsiveness that is tuned for rider-friendly power characteristics – especially in the low and medium rpm ranges. It is a power delivery that will inspire confidence in new motorcyclists. Its excellent mid-range characteristics will make the R a natural in commuting environments, and slipping in and out of traffic will be a cinch thanks to its lightweight trellis frame and responsive steering. The R’s engine may be tuned for manageable power delivery, but it also has outstanding roll-on response when making a highway pass and more than enough power to make it an entertaining trackday companion. Kawasaki engineers called on their vast experience building Ninja supersport machines to develop a motorcycle possessing performance characteristics that will be a match for anything currently available in the middleweight arena, including those with larger displacement. Ultimately, this exceptionally well-proportioned Ninja R represents a genre of motorcycle which is at home with both novice and experienced riders – and one that will be seen equally in daily midtown commuting situations as well as back-road-blasting on the weekends. FEATURES: Unique features Engine Liquid Cooling Digital Fuel Injection Digital Capacitor Discharge Ignition (CDI) System Six-Speed Transmission Trellis Frame Single-shock Rear Suspension Triple Petal Design Brake Discs Six-spoke wheels Confidence-Inspiring Cockpit Bodywork Review Story by: Gabe Ets-Hokin, Feature Editor, January Completely revamped for , the SVS is an awful lot of motorcycle for $6, It uses the same basic formula that was so successful in with just enough tweaks to keep it fresh and modern. SourceMotorcycle.com |
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Kawasaki Ninja
Make Model | Kawasaki Ninja R |
Year | - 09 |
Engine | Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder. DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder. |
Capacity | cc / cu /in |
Bore x Stroke | 83 x 60 mm |
Cooling System | Liquid cooled |
Compression Ratio | |
Lubrication | Wet sump |
Engine Oil | Semi-Synthetic, 10W/40 |
Induction | 2x Keihin 38mm throttle bodies |
Spark Plug | NGK, CR9EIA-9 |
Ignition | TCBI with digital advance |
Starting | Electric |
Max Power | hp / kW @ rpm |
Max Torque | Nm / lb-ft @ rpm |
Clutch | Wet, Multi Disc |
Transmission | 6 Speed |
Final Drive | O-ring chain |
Gear Ratio | 1st (39/16) 2nd (36/21) 3rd (32/24) 4th (30/27) 5th (28/29) 6th (23/27) |
Frame | Semi-double cradle, high-tensile steel |
Front Suspension | 41 mm hydraulic telescopic fork |
Front Wheel Travel | mm / in |
Rear Suspension | Single offset laydown shock with adjustable spring preload, |
Rear Wheel Travel | mm / in |
Front Brakes | 2x mm discs 2 piston calipers |
Rear Brakes | Single mm disc |
Front Tyre | /70 |
Rear Tyre | /50 |
Rake | 25° . |
Trail | mm / in |
Dimensions | Length mm / in. Width mm / in. Height mm / in |
Wheelbase | mm / in. |
Seat Height | mm / in |
Ground Clearance | mm / in |
Dry Weight | kg / lbs |
Wet Weight | kg / lbs |
Fuel Capacity | Litres / US gal |
Kawasaki made some substantial changes for /9 designed to improve rider comfort, enhance handling and modernize the look of the bike. Engine performance was not overlooked, either. Fuel injection is revised to improve throttle response and mid-range power, while cooling capacity was increased. The entirely new frame has a revised rigidity balance to enhance performance, as well as additional rubber mounts for the engine to decrease vibration. All-in-all, more than 40 "updates and refinements" can be found in the Ninja R. H
More than a pretty face with a good personality, this is a true Ninja sportbike
The Kawasaki Ninja® R already epitomized the ideal marriage of sportbike performance and relaxed comfort. For Kawasaki improved on this combination and gave this popular model several new upgrades, from improved suspension to updated Ninja supersport styling. The end result of over 40 updates and refinements, the new sportier Ninja R delivers serious performance fun and maximum transportation practicality.
The key to the Ninja R’s slender size is its compact liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, DOHC, 8-valve cc parallel twin engine, which permits the use of a narrow, lightweight frame. Revised fuel injection settings on this torquey engine boost its bottom-end torque, smooth low-mid rpm response and allow it to rev more quickly.
Routing the coolant to the cylinder and head through the engine cases reduces the number of external hoses. The engine also meets stringent Euro-III emission regulations thanks to its precise fuel-injection and a three-way catalyzer system with a new cell catalyzer that’s smaller and lighter than the previous cell unit.
The non-intimidating twin-cylinder appeals to new riders, and has an excellent mid-range that offers enough pizzazz to thrill more advanced riders. A modified shift lever position permits easier application of the Ninja R’s linear power delivery. The manageable power delivery and superb roll-on response enable the new Ninja R to make short work of the morning commute or perform as an entertaining track day companion – all while delivering good fuel economy.
This spunky sportbike received several changes to the frame, swingarm and suspension that result in reduced vibration and lighter handling, making the new Ninja R more nimble and comfortable than ever. Its signature trellis frame and offset laydown rear shock design remains, but the frame was completely revamped and now sports a higher quality paint finish.
The slim, compact trellis style chassis received more than cosmetic changes. Revisions to rigidity balance and suspension settings, and the addition of rubber upper-rear engine and handlebar mounts result in reduced vibration and lighter handling, enabling an improvement on the Ninja R’s comfort and handling.
Rider and passenger footpegs are now rubber coated to further reduce the amount of vibration transferred to the rider. The natural riding position and ergonomics are enhanced by a new slimmer and lower seat, which makes reaching the ground even easier than on the previous model.
Surrounding the Ninja R’s updated chassis is unquestionably sportier styling. From the wider windscreen and dual headlights to the high-quality finish of the sleek minimalist fairings and covers leave little doubt about this Ninja’s supersport genetics.
Avoiding unnecessary design flourishes, the Ninja R’s new sharper lines flow throughout the bike, giving it an aggressive appearance. Even with a new, taller fuel tank, the new fairing with integrated turn signals and a sharp tail cowl ably highlight this motorcycle’s compact dimensions.
Beyond its exciting appearance, new MotoGP inspired multi-function instrumentation and revised controls, the Ninja R is rolling proof that a performance motorcycle can be practical and comfortable. The rider may notice the slimness of the chassis, low seat height and minimal effort controls first before realizing the true aim of Kawasaki’s design efforts – the rider.
The Ninja R’s friendly ergonomics provide a versatile cockpit that both novice and experienced riders will use to employ its assets to the fullest, from the daily commute to a weekend canyon run. In other words, this real world overachiever easily demonstrates its versatility and everyday usefulness
Features
Quick-Revving, cc Parallel-Twin Engine
- Liquid-cooled, DOHC, 8-valve fuel injected twin cylinder delivers smooth, responsive performance, especially in the low to medium rpm range
- Excellent mid-range power, exceptional roll-on response and impressive passing performance make even commuter traffic enjoyable
- Silky smooth engine vibes via a ° crankshaft driven balancer shaft, which in turn drives the water pump
- Oil jets on the connecting rod big ends spray oil on the undersides of the pistons to aid cooling
- Lightweight plug-mounted ignition coils deliver a hot spark and save space
- 40mm wider radiator offers increased cooling efficiency
- Coolant routing travels directly to the engine cases, then follows internal passages to the cylinder and head to reduce external plumbing and simplify the entire cooling system
- Finetuned shift lever position is easier to use
Digital Fuel Injection
- Revised fuel injection settings boosts the engine’s bottom-end torque while letting it rev quicker
- Sub-throttle valve equipped 38mm Keihin throttle bodies offer optimum performance and rideability
- Located behind the main throttle valves, the sub-throttles are controlled by the DFI® system’s ECU for a precise throttle response, similar to a constant-velocity carburetor
- Auto-fast idle system simplifies starting and helps ensure that the catalyzer reaches optimum temperature quickly
- New, lightweight fuel pump mounted inside the fuel tank.
Compact Engine Design
- Powerful twin-cylinder engine is the most compact in its category, which helps reduce the dimension of the entire motorcycle and allows use of a slim, minimalist frame
- Triangular setup of the crankshaft and transmission shafts makes the engine short front-to-back
- Transmission input shaft, output shaft and change drum are contained in a “cassette”-style package that allows a compact layout and eases transmission maintenance chores
- Semi-dry sump design reduces engine height
- Plated, linerless aluminum cylinders with a narrow cylinder pitch keep the engine light and slim
Cleaner Emissions
- Efficient fuel injection and a three-way catalyzer inside the exhaust produce very low emissions, able to pass the stringent Euro-III emission regulations
- New cell catalyzer is more compact and lighter than previous cell unit
- Under-engine muffler placement improves mass centralization and the bike’s low center of gravity
Reduced Vibration
- Rubber mounts replace the rigid upper-rear engine mounts to reduce the amount of vibration transferred to the rider through the seat
- Handlebar is rubber-mounted to lessen vibration transmitted through the handle grips
- Rider and passenger footpegs are rubber coated to further reduce vibration
Lighter Handling Trellis Frame
- All-new frame which retains the key Ninja R elements — a slim, low, lightweight and compact design that is narrow at the knees and footpegs for rider comfort and control
- Featuring reduced rigidity, the strong, high-tensile steel trellis frame not only looks lightweight, but it is – rivaling that of aluminum frames
- Ideal frame stiffness balance achieved through extensive 3D analysis translates directly into superb handling
- The frame, rear suspension and swingarm designs flow together with an integrated line running from the steering head to the rear hub
- Short front-to-back dimensions of the engine allow for a long swingarm and a short wheelbase combination that contributes to the light and nimble handling
- Cleaner frame joint finishes improve overall quality of the bike
More Rigid Swingarm
- Swingarm stiffened to balance the reduction of the frame’s rigidity – due primarily to the rubber engine mounts
- Swingarm now has a D-shaped cross-section
- The new swingarm and revised stabilizer design further contribute to the Ninja R’s higher-quality appearance
- Elegant one-piece rider/passenger footpeg stays complement the new swingarm and stabilizer
- Revised chain adjuster design also contributes to the improved appearance
Suspension
- New front and rear suspension settings match the changes to the frame and swingarm for lighter, more rider-friendly handling
- New shape of the 41mm fork lower ends around the axle shaft add to the bike’s performance and enhance its high-quality image
Confidence Inspiring Ergonomics
- An ideal handlebar, seat and footpeg relationship results in a comfortable and natural riding position suiting a wide range of riders
- Frame narrowed just aft of the fuel tank enabled a slimmer seat, making the reach to the ground even easier
- The offset single-shock rear suspension layout with the battery located beside the shock instead of beneath it allows a lower seat height as well
- Low seat height and slim overall design make it easy to plant both feet firmly on the ground when stopped
Brakes
- Dual mm front petal disc brakes with twin 27mm piston front brake calipers and a single mm rear petal disc deliver plenty of braking power
- New front brake master cylinder houses a new ball-joint and revised pivot location to deliver smoother actuation of its new 14mm master cylinder piston
Sleek New Supersport Bodywork
- New dual headlight design features multi-reflector bulb hoods and the twin position lights – like its Ninja supersport brethren
- Rider comfort is improved via a lip at the top of the revised windscreen, which helps deflect air away from the rider, along with a duct in the center of the cowling that creates an “air curtain” to reduce wind buffeting at higher speeds
- New, taller fuel tank – especially noticeable when viewed from the side –adds to the bike’s crouching appearance and allows fuel capacity to remain the same despite adding a fuel level sensor – for the new fuel gauge
- A flush-surface fuel cap and its sharp-edged motif give the new tank a distinctive new look
- Sharper, edged lines give the Ninja R a more aggressive, crouching supersport look, yet the bodywork still accentuates the frame
- Distinctive Ninja supersport design elements of the front cowling and the fairings, such as the judicious combination of colored and black panels enhance its sportier image and compact appearance
- New integrated front turn signals with clear lenses and orange bulbs
- Completing the bike’s aggressive sport appearance is a sharper tail cowling featuring a thin new LED taillight, revised rear turn signals, new license plate bulb housing and a slimmer rear mud flap
- An inner rear fender was added to help keep the underside of the sleek new tail cowl clean
- The turn signals also function as flashing hazard lights
- A new longer front fender keeps mud splashing to a minimum and its two-tone design matches the Ninja R’s light, compact theme
- Storage options include four tie-down hooks for baggage or a spare helmet to be secured to the seat and a storage space under the seat with room for a U-lock or similar device
Mirrors
- Mirror design is a similar supersport-style to that on the new Ninja ZX™-6R
- Positioned 14mm further out from the centerline, they also offer an improved rear view
Wheels
- Attractive six-spoke supersport-style wheels augment the bike’s light look while reducing unsprung weight
Instruments/Controls
- New MotoGP-inspired multi-function instrumentation, which includes a new fuel gauge, digital speedometer, clock, odometer, dual trip meters and a bar-style digital tachometer
- The new layout allows the clock and trip meter to be viewed simultaneously
- Red backlighting for the LCD screen adds to the sporty image while the area around the instrument panel presents a clean, finished front cowl interior
- Redesigned handlebar holder and new curved shapes on the brake master cylinder reservoir and clutch lever contribute further to the Ninja R’s improved appearance
Horsepower kawasaki ninja 650r
Kawasaki Ninja R
hp (kW) @ 9,rpm (rear wheel)[9]
lb⋅ft (N⋅m) @ 7,rpm (rear wheel)[9]
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
6th
39/16 ()
36/21 ()
32/24 ()
30/27 ()
28/29 ()
23/27 ()
mm (in) (ER-6n)[11]
kg (lb) (ER-6n)[11]
° (ER-6n)[11]
mm (in) (ER-6n)[11]
Did you agree. - Well agreed. So you promised, no offense. -Yes, yes, of course, well, tell me.
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