Model And Technology Kawasaki Ninja 650R
Engine
The balance of compact size and good power offered by the Ninja 650R's predecessor was the key to its success. To fit into its trim package, an In-line Four would have been too wide and a V-Twin too long. The only engine design that offered both good power characteristics and the requisite compactness was a Parallel Twin. While maintaining this balance, the new engine gets a number of tweaks that offer smoother low-mid response and a quicker-revving character.
Engine Performance
Liquid-cooled, DOHC, 8-valve 649 cc Parallel Twin with fuel injection delivers smooth, responsive performance, especially in the low and medium rpm ranges. The engine was tuned for rider-friendly power characteristics that will inspire confidence in new riders.
Revised fuel injection settings result in smoother response (especially below 4,000 rpm) and contribute to the new Ninja 650R’s quicker-revving character.
The engine’s excellent mid-range power characteristics make the bike especially fun to ride at medium speeds on city streets. Roll-on response is exceptional, offering impressive passing performance.
Large-bore 38 mm throttle bodies feature sub-throttles for high power output with smooth, sensitive throttle response.
Wider radiator (by 40 mm) offers increased cooling efficiency (17.4 kW >> 19.4 kW).
Compact Engine Design
The Ninja 650R’s 649 cc liquid-cooled power unit is the most compact engine in its category. Don’t let the words “Parallel Twin” fool you. This engine is loaded with innovative technology that enabled the realisation of its compact design and surprising performance. Its abundance of Ninja technology and know-how explains why this compact and lightweight machine can outperform so many of its middleweight competitors (many of which have larger displacement).
•Triangular layout of the crankshaft and transmission shafts makes the engine very short front-to-back.
•Transmission input shaft, output shaft and change drum are contained in a “cassette”-style package that both allows a compact layout and facilitates transmission maintenance chores.
•Semi-dry sump design reduces engine height.
•Plated, linerless aluminium cylinder is lightweight, and the narrow cylinder pitch reduces engine width.
•Under-engine muffler improves mass centralisation and lowers the bike’s centre of gravity.
Euro-III Compliant
The combination of efficient fuel injection and a 3-way catalyser inside the muffler make for very low emissions which pass the stringent Euro-III regulations.
300-cell catalyser offers more compact size and lighter weight compared to previous 200-cell unit. Muffler internals were revised to suit the new catalyser.
Additional Features
Fine-tuned shift lever position is easier to actuate.
Auto-fast idle system simplifies starting and ensures the catalyser reaches optimum temperature quickly.
Simplified cooling system routes coolant through the engine cases to the cylinder and head to reduce external plumbing.
180° crankshaft drives a balancer shaft for silky smooth engine operation. The water pump is driven off the right end of the balancer shaft.
Oil jets located in the rod big-ends direct oil to the undersides of the pistons for added cooling.
Lightweight plug-mounted ignition coils deliver a hot spark while saving space.
Newly designed lightweight fuel pump mounted inside the fuel tank
