2010 Kawasaki Ninja 650R | Review

While recent studies suggest multi-tasking may not be good for the brain, Kawasaki's Ninja 650R has been doing a flawless job of wearing several hats since its introduction in 2006.
As an easy-to-handle, non-threatening sport bike, it continues to serve novice motorcycle riders, as well as re-entry riders, admirably, even while it has enough spunk to satisfy experienced pilots in the canyons and on the track.
The mid-size Ninja 650R also works well as a commuter's companion, its narrow physique and light weight allowing for easy maneuvering amongst unruly 4-wheeled vehicles.
The Ninja 650's vital stats place the bike in the comfort zone of a wide range of motorcyclists; the 31-inch seat height actually feels lower than it is due to the narrowed seat near the tank, and 450-pound (claimed) curb weight is carried low, which boosts rider confidence when controlling the bike at slow speeds.
Similarly, the ergonomics favor a comfortable, almost upright riding position, and the controls are within easy reach. I don't have small hands, but keeping the front brake lever covered on my 25-minute commute to work is a bit tiring--even with the front brake dialed all the way in, it was still a bit of a stretch for me.
The 649cc liquid-cooled parallel twin has a most agreeable personality. The 6-speed transmission works flawlessly and missed shifts are rare enough to be considered non-existent.
Tuned for low to mid-range power, it is easy to control off idle and docile on first impression--which isn't a bad thing. On busy streets, keeping an eye on cross traffic, driveways, stoplights, and pedestrians takes enough of one's attention; having a handful of bike to keep track of at the same time is distracting and fatiguing.
When quarters aren't so tight or busy, the Ninja shows off its respectable legs. The DOHC four-valves-per-cylinder fuel-injected twin rolls on impressively well. You can run it up to triple digits without a quiver, courtesy of the steel trellis frame, 55.5-inch wheelbase and solid suspension.