Kawasaki is speeding its way into 2023 with a bit of familiarity, plus some new innovations that it will bring to the sport bike market. The Ninja 650 brings back the sporty performance that they are known for, and Kawasaki certifies that the 650 is “New Rider Friendly” for beginning riders.

Having said that, experienced riders will find it an engaging motorcycle too. With a comfy seat in an upright riding position for typical commute, to cruising around the side streets or canyon roads on weekend rides. This year’s 650 beautifully combines performance with intuitive control and new electronics which include a brand-new traction control system that will aid newer riders.

Related: 10 Reasons Why We Want The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR KRT Edition

Kawasaki Traction Control Keeps The Wheels On The Road

Green 2023 Kawasaki Ninja 650 KRT Edition Turning
Kawasaki
Lime Green 2023 Kawasaki Ninja 650 KRT Edition leaning into a curve in the city

The 2023 Ninja 650 line incorporates their new groundbreaking Kawasaki TRaction Control (KTRC) that keeps the bike hugging the street no matter the circumstances that you happen to be riding in. The new feature can analyze data from your ride in real time and makes adjustments depending on what mode the bike is running in. The KRTC system can run in two different modes, the 1st mode is milder and helps and helps to maintain traction on tight turns and curves. The 2nd mode is quicker & more sensitive, when a high number of revolutions from the wheels are detected it acts fast to lower engine power until traction and stability is once again regained. The system is perfect for navigating inclement weather conditions and wet, slippery surfaces that you may encounter on your travels. Kawasaki does of course gives you the option of bypassing the KRTC system for the more advanced riders that want to take total control, or simply in safer riding conditions where the traction control system seems unnecessary.

The Ninja 650 Comes Packed With Performance And Features

Gray 2023 Kawasaki Ninja 650 on mountain road
Kawasaki
Graphenesteel Gray 2023 Kawasaki Ninja 650 cruising on a mountain road

Besides the new KRT system the new Ninja 650’s have a ton of great tech and performance features for the new year. The lightweight frame allows for even handling and flexible riding in many different conditions. For all those corner carvers out there it has an Assist & Slipper Clutch which under normal conditions allows for a much softer touch of the clutch. During moments when extreme breaking is detected, the AS system relieves back-torque and keeps the rear wheel from bouncing and skidding whilst keeping the 6 speed transmission stable.

Related: Kawasaki Ninja 650 Top Speed Test: Faster Than The Yamaha R7?

The Ninja has Horizontal Back-Link Rear Suspension that means the exhaust components are more towards the center of the bike which shifts weight to the center of the bike which greatly improves handling capabilities. The chain is sealed for durability and there is an indicator for peak fuel efficiency during rides displayed on its highly visible digital 4.3-inch TFT color display. The 649cc Parallel Twin engine sports 8 valves (DOHC) and is liquid cooled, giving you plenty of power and performance that everyone has come to expect from the Ninja line. The engine boasts 68 peak horsepower running at 8,000rpm. The 650 has Twin LED headlamps with high beams and position adjustment to help you see further up the road. It tops everything off with smartphone enhanced experience using the Rideology app, which allows you to control a ton of riding options and look over information about all your trips and rides on smartphone.

The Ninja 650 Has Deep Roots

 2023 Kawasaki Ninja 650 KRT Edition
Kawasaki
Lime Green 2023 Kawasaki Ninja 650 KRT Edition coming out of a curve, turning on mountain road

The Ninja line started in 1984 with the GPZ900R bearing the word "Ninja" emblazoned on its side fairing. The Kawasaki's Ninja line has had over 30 different models since the mid 80s when the Ninja made its first appearance.

The 650 is only the second twin cylinder model in the line following the Ninja 250R that was introduced way back in 1986. The Ninja 650 started life as the Ninja 650R or EX-6 and debuted in the year 2006. The EX-6 has some things that have remained the same since its inception, being a middleweight bike with a parallel-twin engine. In 2009 Kawasaki released the ER-6N & ER-6F in North America which featured an ABS option (not yet common back then). In the year 2012 they dropped the “R” suffix for the line and updated the look of the body design. For the 2017 year they lightened the trellis frame for better and improved overall performance. Now in 2023 we see even more evolution for this beloved motorcycle series.

The New Ninja 650 Line Offers A Variety Of Options

2023 Kawasaki Ninja 650 sport motorcycle
Kawasaki
 New Black 2023 Kawasaki Ninja 650 sport motorcycle side view

For those that are ready to hop on a new 2023 Ninja 650, Kawasaki gives you plenty of options to choose from. The regular 650 starts at $7,999.00. The 650 is offered in Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray, Ebony or Pearl Robotic White, or Metallic Matte Flat Raw Graystone/Ebony. The Ninja 650 KRT Edition is available in Lime Green/Ebony and is styled after the Kawasaki Racing Team and starts at $8,199.00. There are many upgrade features you can add on such as ABS option or extended warranty from Kawasaki beyond the 12-year limited warranty that is included with the bike. Kawasaki even offers a Ninja 650 Sport Package that includes a bunch of accessories from a tall windshield to a DC outlet and even knee pads. With more features than ever before, the 2023 650 Ninja is ready to take on the competition.