Sportbikes
2008Kawasaki Ninja 650R
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The 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 650R is an accessible sport bike designed for entry-level and intermediate riders seeking affordable performance. Its responsive 649cc inline-four engine delivers smooth power and precise handling, making it ideal for both commuting and weekend riding. Known for its excellent fuel efficiency and reliability, the 650R remains a popular choice for riders transitioning into sport bikes.
- Capacity
- 649.0 ccm
- Engine
- Parallel Twin, four-stroke
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Dry weight
- 178.3 kg
- Seat height
- 790 mm
- Power
- 67.3 HP (49.5 kW)
What’s new for the 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 650R
vs the 2007| Spec | 2007 | 2008 |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 71.0 HP (52.2 kW) | 67.3 HP (49.5 kW) |
| Torque | 65.8 Nm (6.7 kgf-m or 48.5 ft.lbs) @ 7000 RPM | 48.5 Nm (4.9 kgf-m or 35.8 ft.lbs) @ 7000 RPM |
| Top speed | 220.5 km/h (137.0 mph) | not listed |
| Wet weight | 196.0 kg (432.1 pounds) | not listed |
| Front suspension | 41mm hydraulic telescopic fork | 41mm hydraulic telescopic fork / 4.7 in. |
| Rear suspension | Single offset laydown shock with adjustable spring preload | Single offset laydown shock with adjustable spring preload / 4.9 in. |
| Front brakes | Double disc. Dual 300mm Petal Disc with 2-Piston Caliper | Double disc |
| Rear brakes | Single disc. Single 220mm Petal Disc with hydraulic caliper | Single disc |
How it rides
Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested- 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?
Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to usEngine
- Capacity
- 649.0 ccm
- Power
- 67.3 HP (49.5 kW)
- EPA Certificate No.
- 8KAXC.649AAA-009
- EPA CO Emissions
- 3.0 CO g/km
- Torque
- 48.5 Nm (4.9 kgf-m) @ 7000 RPM
- Engine type
- Parallel Twin, four-stroke
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.3775 HP/kg (dry)
- Bore x stroke
- 83.0 x 60.0 mm
- Compression
- 11.3:1
- Cooling system
- Liquid
- Fuel system
- Injection
- Starting
- Electric
- Ignition
- CDI
- Aspiration
- Naturally aspirated
- Valves per cylinder
- 4
Transmission
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Transmission type
- Manual
- Final drive
- Chain
- Clutch
- Wet, Multi Disc
Dimensions & weight
- Wheelbase
- 1410 mm
- Overall length
- 2106 mm
- Overall width
- 759 mm
- Overall height
- 1270 mm
- Seat height
- 790 mm
- Dry weight
- 178.3 kg
- Fuel capacity
- 15.50 litres
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.
- 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
- Lime Green, Sunbeam Red, Metallic Diablo Black
Specs last verified against published sources: .
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 |
Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.
Rider Reviews
Common questions
What is the engine size of the Kawasaki Ninja 650R?
The 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 650R has a Capacity of 649.0 ccm (39.60 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Kawasaki Ninja 650R have?
The 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 650R has a Power of 67.3 HP (49.5 kW).
How many gears does the Kawasaki Ninja 650R have?
The 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 650R has a Gearbox of 6-speed.
What is the torque of the Kawasaki Ninja 650R?
The 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 650R has a Torque of 48.5 Nm (4.9 kgf-m or 35.8 ft.lbs) @ 7000 RPM.
How much does the Kawasaki Ninja 650R weigh?
The 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 650R has a Dry weight of 178.3 kg (393.1 pounds).
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