06 Ninja 650R

[eastsidetorino]

Looks like suzuki's SV650 might be getting some competition.

<img src="http://img273.imageshack.us/img273/5408/083105top6500jr.jpg" border="0" width="600" alt="Image Hosted by ImageShack.us" />

<img src="http://img273.imageshack.us/img273/156/083105bottom6501rl.jpg" border="0" width="600" alt="Image Hosted by ImageShack.us" />

personally I think it looks a little better than the SV650

[TonyMCev]

i'd pimp it...

[evil jose]

I saw it on another website and forgot to post it over here. Didn't get if it's a Twin or not but thought the can ala Buell was interesting.

[Super Coupe]

It doesn't look bad but I'd like to have clip on bars. I don't think that one has them.

[ram57ta]

So I guess thats replacing the ages old Ninja 500? If so its about damn time. The 500 is butt ass ugly.

[omar]

PIMP! :cool:

[ThreeFingerPete]

Looks good for what it's replacing.

[rangerriden20s]

I still like suzuki's sv's.

[BottleRocket]

its not a twin, its an inline something. you can see 2 primaries comming out of the front

[bug1124]

Thats some muffler!

[eastsidetorino]

The newest middleweight machine to enter what we like to call the 'Reality Bike' segment is the Ninja 650R, altered from the naked Euro ER6n by cloaking the twin-cylinder powerplant with a fairing that gives it an entirely different look than the ER6n. While the European version pulls off the mean streetfighter look, the American bike sports a full fairing with integrated turn signals that tone down the ER's bitchin' aesthetics for a more traditional supersport appearance.

The heart of the 650R is a liquid-cooled, DOHC 8-valve Parallel Twin, shelling out 649cc worth of grins from an overall smaller engine package than the SV-indeed, it's even smaller than Kawasaki's Ninja 500 Twin. Kawi engineers created the powerplant to be light and compact thanks to a semi-dry-sump lubrication system and new lightweight aluminum cylinders that are sans a liner. The cylinder's missing liner and narrow pitch help shave a bit from the 650R's girth along with the slim height and width measurements. Putting a claimed 72 ponies to the pavement is a compact, cassette-style 6-speed transmission, with input and output shafts stacked to yield an ultra-short powertrain.

Hidden underneath the plastic lies a maroon-colored high-tensile steel frame that Kawasaki claims rivals the lightness of an aluminum chassis. The skinny frame narrows at the knees and feet, tucking in slightly at the motor, completing the bike's slender build. A long swingarm combined with the bike's short wheelbase should offer up a quick-handling yet confidence-inspiring ride.

The 650R has two features that help it stand out in a crowd. First is its under-engine muffler that trims up the back end while simultaneously providing an overall lower center of gravity. Second is its direct-actuating single shock (adjustable only for preload) that is offset to the bike's right side. Also, the maroon color of the frame is echoed on the swingarm, shock spring and lower fork legs.

To raise the level of appeal to potential consumers, Kawasaki dropped the seat height and designed a fuel tank they claim provides comfortable yet stylish ergonomics. Braking is handled by a pair of petal-style brake rotors combined with a set of twin-piston calipers to provide adequate stopping power for this type of machine.

This new Ninja is attacking a market previously dominated by the Suzuki SV650, and this bike aims to please the common commuter with a comfortable yet sporty ride. Whether you're looking for a reliable commuter or a weekend back-road blaster, the Ninja 650R just might fit the bill.
copied from motorcycles-usa.com