Segment:
Middleweight Sportbike / Sport-Touring Motorcycle
Target Audience:
Riders seeking a balance of performance, comfort, and affordability; suitable for commuting, spirited riding, and light touring.
Key Competitors:
Yamaha YZF-R6, Honda CBR600F, Suzuki GSX-R600 (though the Ninja 650R often positioned slightly below the track-focused 600cc supersports in terms of outright performance and price).
Design Philosophy:
Emphasis on accessible performance, rider comfort, and practicality for everyday use and longer rides.
Versatility:
Combines sportbike styling with a more upright riding position and user-friendly power delivery.
Primary Coverage:
Engine, Chassis, Electrical Systems, Bodywork, Troubleshooting
Secondary Coverage:
Maintenance Schedules, Specifications, Component Removal/Installation
Type:
Full Service and Repair Manual
Engine Systems:
Fuel Injection, Ignition, Cooling, Lubrication, Engine Mechanical (Top End, Bottom End), Emissions Control
Drivetrain Systems:
Clutch, Transmission (Gearbox), Final Drive (Chain and Sprockets)
Chassis Systems:
Frame, Suspension (Front Forks, Rear Shock), Steering, Wheels, Tires
Braking Systems:
Front and Rear Brakes (Hydraulic, Calipers, Master Cylinders, Lines), ABS (if equipped)
Electrical Systems:
Battery, Charging System (Alternator, Regulator/Rectifier), Starting System, Lighting, Instrumentation, Ignition System, ECU and Sensors, Wiring Diagrams
Bodywork And Trim:
Fairings, Seat, Fuel Tank, Handlebars, Footpegs, Fenders
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Service, Chain Adjustment, Brake Pad Replacement, Fluid Flushes (Brake, Coolant)
Repair Procedures:
Engine Rebuild (Piston, Rings, Valves), Transmission Overhaul, Suspension Fork Rebuild, Brake System Bleeding and Component Replacement, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Replacement
Troubleshooting Guides:
Diagnostic flowcharts for common symptoms (e.g., no start, poor running, electrical faults)
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from routine maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and specifications.
Configuration:
Parallel-Twin, Four-Stroke
Displacement:
649 cc (39.6 cu in)
Bore X Stroke:
83.0 x 60.0 mm
Valve Train:
DOHC, 8 Valves (4 per cylinder)
Cooling System:
Liquid-Cooled
Horsepower Estimated:
71.0 hp @ 8,000 rpm (approx.)
Torque Estimated:
46.5 lb-ft @ 6,500 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Digital Fuel Injection with Dual 38mm Keihin Throttle Bodies
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline, Minimum 87 Octane
Oil Type Specification:
SAE 10W-40 API SG, SH, SJ, SL or JASO MA/MA2
Oil Capacity With Filter:
3.0 US qt (2.8 L)
Instrumentation:
Digital LCD display including speedometer, tachometer, odometer, trip meters, fuel gauge, clock, and indicator lights.
ABS:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available for enhanced safety.
Diagnostics:
Standard OBD-II interface for diagnostic code reading and potentially ECU flashing (depending on aftermarket tools).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 6,000 km (3,700 miles) or 6 months.
Air Filter Inspection:
Every 12,000 km (7,500 miles).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 12,000 km (7,500 miles).
Valve Clearance Check:
Every 24,000 km (15,000 miles).
Chain Lubrication Adjustment:
Every 1,000 km (600 miles) or after washing/riding in rain.
Coolant Type:
Kawasaki Motorcycle Specific Coolant or Equivalent (50/50 mix of ethylene glycol and distilled water)
Common Wear Items:
Chain and sprockets, brake pads, tires, regulator/rectifier unit (can be prone to failure on some Kawasaki models of this era), clutch plates.
Potential Faults:
Some owners report occasional electrical gremlins or issues with the fuel pump relay. Proper maintenance of the charging system is crucial.
Kawasaki Legacy:
Kawasaki Heavy Industries has a long-standing reputation for performance motorcycles, particularly in the sportbike and racing arenas.
Ninja 650R Lineage:
The Ninja 650R (also known as ER-6f in some markets) was introduced to offer a more accessible and versatile sportbike alternative to the higher-strung 600cc supersports. The 2010 model represents a refinement of the earlier generations.
Manufacturing Location:
Likely manufactured in Japan or Thailand.
Market Reception:
Generally well-received for its balance of performance, comfort, and value. Often praised as a good entry-level to intermediate sportbike.
Consumer Reviews:
Consistently rated highly by owners for reliability, handling, and smooth engine power delivery.
