2011Kawasaki Ninja 650R

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The 2011 Kawasaki Ninja 650R is an accessible middleweight sport bike ideal for new and intermediate riders seeking an approachable entry into sportbike riding. Known for its manageable 649cc parallel-twin engine, forgiving handling characteristics, and refined performance, it delivers genuine sport capability without overwhelming inexperienced riders. The liquid-cooled, fuel-injected engine provides reliable power and smooth acceleration perfect for both street riding and track days.

Capacity: 649.0 ccm
Engine: Parallel Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Dry weight: 200.0 kg
Seat height: 790 mm
Power: 67.3 HP (49.5 kW)

⇄ Compare with another bike All model years

Other years 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail15%

Cornering70%

City riding75%

Daily riding78%

Touring55%

Two-up55%

Track45%

Best for: A versatile all-rounder built for commuting, weekend backroad rides, and light sport riding rather than outright track performance.
Built for: A friendly, torquey parallel-twin sportbike that favors approachable real-world performance over razor-edged aggression.
Not ideal for: Not the right choice for riders chasing superbike-level top speed or serious off-road capability.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 790mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2011 Kawasaki Ninja 650R, with a cramped knee angle of around 70 degrees and a forward-leaning riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 751-820 mm — Middle Ground →

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Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 649.0 ccm
Power: 67.3 HP (49.5 kW)
EPA Certificate No.: BKAXC.649AAC-002
EPA CO Emissions: 5.0 CO g/km
Engine type: Parallel Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.3365 HP/kg
Bore x stroke: 83.0 x 60.0 mm
Compression: 11.3:1
Cooling system: Liquid
Fuel system: Injection
Starting: Electric
Ignition: TCBI with electronic advance
Aspiration: Naturally aspirated
Valves per cylinder: 4
Lubrication system: Semi-Dry Sump
Torque: Not on record - add it

Transmission

Gearbox: 6-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Chain
Clutch: Wet, Multi Disc

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1410 mm
Overall length: 2101 mm
Overall width: 759 mm
Overall height: 1199 mm
Seat height: 790 mm
Dry weight: 200.0 kg
Wet weight: 204.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 15.50 litres
Ground clearance: 145 mm

Chassis & suspension

Frame: Semi-double cradle, high-tensile steel
Front suspension: 41mm hydraulic telescopic fork / 4.7 in.
Rear suspension: Single offset laydown shock with adjustable spring preload / 4.9 in.
Front wheel travel: 119 mm
Rear wheel travel: 124 mm
Rake (fork angle): 25.0°
Trail: 107 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Double disc
Front brakes diameter: 300 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc
Rear brakes diameter: 220 mm
Front tyre: 120/70-17
Rear tyre: 160/60-17

Other

Color options: Candy Burnt Orange/Flat Super Black, Metallic Spark Black/Flat Super Black
Warranty: 12
Fuel Tank Material: M

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

What changed, year to year

Differences highlighted

Specification	2007	2008	2009	2010	2011
Capacity	649 cc	649 cc	649 cc	649 cc	649 cc
Dry weight	178 kg	178 kg	—	200 kg	200 kg
Seat height	787 mm	790 mm	790 mm	790 mm	790 mm
Fuel capacity	15.5 L	15.5 L	15.5 L	15.5 L	15.5 L