Both the colours look awesome in this model.
The 2012 Ninja 650R which celebrates six years as part of Kawasaki’s street lineup gets significantly updated for 2012. The sporty but fuel-conscious 649cc parallel-Twin powering this middleweight Ninja streetbike sees updates in the exhaust system, including a new header-section connector pipe and a three-chamber muffler design. One of the most visible changes is the redesigned exhaust system. The Ninja 650’s stubby, low-slung exhaust has become a trademark with the design and for 2012 the system receives a new connector pipe as well as a higher-volume three-chamber muffler assembly. Engineers claim this improvement alone provides better mid-range torque on the 650. The fuel-injected 649cc liquid-cooled Parallel Twin remains relatively unchanged for the new year, keeping its status as a terrific streetbike powerplant with torquey pull and impressive top end.
Improvements continue with an all-new twin-pipe perimeter frame that’s been installed for more rigidity. While providing more strength overall to the design, the trellis layout keeps its narrow-waisted profile that helps keep its seat height lower. Even with the narrow frame, however, sticklers will be quick to point out the 2012 Ninja 650 is 0.6 inches taller than previous models. The 41mm front fork and single shock rear out back include new settings along with increased suspension travel, with a new backbone-type subframe offering a 10% increase in maximum carrying capacity. The clutch cable design is also reworked for easier pull and better control. Braking has also been improved with new pads, and Dunlop’s new Roadsmart II tires are standard on the new edition.
Revised suspension settings, including a 0.2-inch increase in travel front and rear (4.9” front, 5.1” rear), are apparently aimed at improved rider comfort. Although Kawasaki doesn’t specify as to the suspension updates other than the moderate increase in travel, we speculate minor internal changes for improved damping performance.
One of the flaws with the past Ninja 650 was its seat. Often cited for being uncomfortable, Kawasaki took note of this in their updates by changing to a two-piece seat assembly with wider and thicker foam padding. Handlebars have also been widened by 20mm, which Kawi claims offers more control and overall comfort. To keep vibrations down the bars and seat are rubber-mounted as well as the footpegs.
A new instrument panel features an analog tachometer situated above an LCD info-panel showing speed, trip meters, fuel consumption, remaining range, etc., and the ignition is now located at the fuel tank assembly in order to give a clear view of the gauge cluster.
Bodywork was updated for better aerodynamics and improved engine-heat dissipation, while styling was influenced by the ZX-14R’s appearance. The manually adjusted, three-position windscreen we like so much on the 2011 Ninja 1000 was apparently a big hit elsewhere, as the 2012 Ninja 650R now also sports a similar three-position shield.
Fuel capacity of 4.2 gallons is up 0.1-gallon from last year, and battery size was decreased. Also up is curb weight, going from just under 450 pounds in 2011 to a little less than 461 pounds on the ’12 model. The 2012 Ninja 650R comes in Metallic Spark Black, Candy Lime Green or Passion Red. The good news is that once the Ninja 650R bookings re-start, we in India would get the new upgraded model.
