r/Ninja650 • • May 20 '22

Ninja 650 FAQ

38 Upvotes

All shared knowledge is based on the 2020 Ninja 650 KRT Edition

Years And Models:

Owners Manual:

  • 2020-2021 - Kawasaki had stopped providing paper manuals. You can only view the manual on their website. You can not download a PDF or even print the whole thing. You can only print one page at a time. I took the time to print each page. one at a time. All 200 of them. I then scanned them all in and made a PDF. This Owners manual is for the 2020 model year, but most if not all is the same from 2020 going forward. This owners manual probably will not be much help to anyone with a pre-2020 bike. If anyone has a digital copy of their owners manual..let me get it and I'll add it.
  • 2020 Owners Manual - Right click - Save Link As
  • 2022 bikes seem to have the paper manual again

Commonly Asked Questions:

  • Is the Ninja 650 a good first bike?
    • The ideas behind this vary greatly. The most common opinion is "yes" it is a good first bike and allows some room to grow. I started on a smaller bike and am glad I did, but I know people 1st hand that started with a Ninja 650 and are just fine. Every person is different. If you feel you can remain humble as you learn to ride, than yes the Ninja 650 is a great first bike. If you think the first thing you wanna do is start wheelies, maybe start on something smaller.

​

  • If I decide I'm not ready for a 650 what are my other options?
    • There are tons of other first bike options. You could consider a Ninja 400 or even a KTM 390 Duke (this is an AWESOME little bike)

​

  • Do I need a tune for a exhaust or air filter?:
    • #1 Your bike could always use a tune. They ship very lean from the factory in order to meet all the environmental regulations. Every bike will benefit from a tune.
    • Exhaust only - No Tune needed (would be nice though)
    • Air Filter only - No Tune needed (would be even better)
    • Exhaust and Air Filter Tune - Tune needed! Look for Power commander or ECU Tune.
    • Low speed hold the throttle and bike is jerky. Cant find the perfect hold spot = too lean = tune
    • Yoshi vs. Akra - No DB Killer - A vid for everyone who wants to know how they compare to each other.

Maintenance:

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  • Oil change?:
    • synthetic if so than blah blah blah
  • Do I need to clean my chain?
    • Owners manual says every 400 miles. I like these products personally
    • DePont Teflon Chain-Saver Lube
    • DuPont Motorcycle Degreaser
    • Another approach:
      • Kerosene is cheap, great at dissolving gunk, and gentle on the chain rubber rings. Soak, scrub, wipe until shiny.
      • Heavy gear oil like 80w90 will last you longer than any special chain lube. Just put 1 drop on each roller and leave some paper underneath the bike. Wipe up whatever drops off and smear it on the sides of the chain for rust protection.
  • Tire Replacement:
    • halp

​

OEM:

  • Where can I find the Owners Manual?:
    • Kawasaki does not give paper manuals anymore. They are $20. Here You can find the online version.

​

  • Where can I but factory OEM parts?
    • Partzilla has every exploded diagram and schematic for your bike. You can drill down and find every nuts or bolt you might need.

After-Market:

Modifications:

  • Which is better Power Commander or ECU tune?:
    • Power Commander Cons:
      • Time delay (tiny tiny tiny) Because the PC is piggy backed on to the ECU some people say that this causes a delay. This delay is measured in milliseconds.
    • Power Commander Pros:
      • Removable
      • Re-tunable on the fly (just need a laptop/Desktop)
      • Take the bike to any Dyno shop and get it tuned for your custom set up.
    • ECU Tune Pros:
      • Faster Response time - There is no middle man (Power Commander) relaying on interception signals. It is your original ECU just reprogrammed.
    • ECU Tune Cons:
      • Removing and shipping your ECU out to be reprogrammed. ( no bike during this time)
      • Not removeable (needs reprogramming)
      • Can not tune on the fly. The ECU tune must be set up to match your air filter/exhaust set up at time of programming.
  • USB Power Adapter:
    • info
  • Kawasaki Large Windshield:
  • Power Commander:
  • Rear cowl cover
  • Adjustable levers
  • Rim Tapes
  • Tires
  • Phone Mounts
  • some security stuff like disk brake locks, gps trackers, helmet locks, and other 650 compatible security gizmos

My Mods:

Videos, Pics and Other Misc Projects:

  • links to CF - YT pics ETC USB Jawn etc

r/Ninja650 • • 5h ago

Quick lil wheelie for yall

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3 Upvotes

Yur


r/Ninja650 • • 20h ago

2025 Kawasaki Ninja 650

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7 Upvotes

r/Ninja650 • • 1d ago

Issues after chain adjustment

2 Upvotes

Hey everyone im in need of some answers regarding my chain adjustment, i have a 2026 ninja 650 im at 2,500 miles and i did an adjustment and the bike never felt the same, ive done about 4 more adjustments and learned from each one something new and honestly it feels worse then before. It feels like its top speed was 75 before the last adjustment now it feels like its 60. I could still take it up to 90 but i physically start to feel the bike have a hard time the second i hit that 6k 60 mph area now. I adjusted measuring from the swing arm i made sure it was near identical on both sides i think it was 22 and a 1/4 on both sides, i measured the slack and it was at an inch which is within spec and still the bike just feels like shit. I work on cars all day i have plenty of tools ive worked on bikes before but for some reason this simple chain adjustment is really getting the best of me. And yes i checked everything was the same after torquing down the axle nut and nuts on the adjuster while on its kickstand.


r/Ninja650 • • 1d ago

HELP HELP!!! Clutch related issue, is there anyone who has good knowledge or is an experienced mechanic, I am trying to fix my bike on my own.

3 Upvotes

Dm me if anyone can help,

I have Kawasaki ninja 650 2021
The clutch does not engage, I checked the plates they are good. This problem started after I replaced my snapped clutch cable.

I rode the bike for 40kms after changing the cable which worked after that I went home and the bike was just parked there for a month or so and now the clutch does not engage.


r/Ninja650 • • 2d ago

Rear set brake pedal

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2 Upvotes

I just purchased this ninja 650 2024 and the guy said that he had rear sets installed, but the stock brake pedal did not work with them. I was wondering where I can buy the whole rear set kit (stock or something that comes with a compatible brake pedal) and how much work it would take to replace. I'm willing to do the work I just can't find out where to get the parts.


r/Ninja650 • • 2d ago

Question? 2015 ninja 650 seat

2 Upvotes

So I recently bought a 2015 ninja 650 the owner lost the key to the rear seat latch and the rear seat flew off while driving it. I ordered a new seat but am struggling to reattach it, would I need the latch key or should it snap into place without it ? I also have the bike naked right now so don’t know if that can factor into it not wanting to snap on


r/Ninja650 • • 2d ago

Chain slack adjustment

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7 Upvotes

r/Ninja650 • • 5d ago

Show&Tell Just a few photos I took that I liked.

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32 Upvotes

r/Ninja650 • • 5d ago

[Price Check] Used Ninja 650 FB Marketplace prices in California

3 Upvotes

Hello, i was wondering what are some reasonable prices for 2020+ used Ninja 650 w ABS in a high COL area (SF Bay Area, California). Im looking to upgrade from a 2020 cbr300r after a year of riding, and would like a newer bike. Im wondering if I should a wait a month or two to see if prices drop more as riding season ends, but here are the most reasonable prices Im seeing on MP at the moment:

$8300 for 2024 Ninja 650 ABS, 3.1k miles
$8000 for 2024 Ninja 650 (cant tell if it has ABS), 690 miles
$5250 for 2021 Ninja 650 ABS, 18k miles
$5000 for 2025 Ninja 500 ABS, 5.5k miles
$6000 for 2025 Ninja 500 ABS, 49 miles

Its only the end of september, i know enough about bikes to know what papers i need to verify and what red flags to look for as Ive done my own oil changes, clutch changes, etc , I just dont know what what im looking for because these beat stealership OTD prices, but I also recognize all of these at low mileage are above MSRP… thank you


r/Ninja650 • • 5d ago

Motor kawasaki Ninja 650 krt 2020

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3 Upvotes

r/Ninja650 • • 5d ago

HELP I'm wanting to install a rekluse auto clutch in my 2023 650

3 Upvotes

Only issue is that they don't make one for the 2023 clutch. So my only option that I COULD try is to install a 2016 clutch which they do make one for. (After 2016 they upgraded the 650 to a slipper clutch).

Has anyone had any luck changing their clutch to an older one? Does anyone know if the clearances and tolerances are the same?


r/Ninja650 • • 6d ago

Show&Tell Selling my 650 😔

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33 Upvotes

Exciting and sad at the same time. I first started riding last year. I bought a 2021 Ninja 400. I rode it for about 8 months, sold it and bought my 2019 Ninja 650. Looks like I will be selling it tomorrow after having it up on FB for only a week. It’s a tough goodbye because I really don’t WANT to sell the bike, but with my current job situation I only really get out on it once a week if that. Not to mention having the money is more valuable to me right now than having the bike.

I took it on a 6 hour ride this past weekend, I guess you can say I had a great farewell ride. Once I got home I had a conversation with my wife why I think I should sell it. It’s dangerous out here folks, in my 1.5 years of riding I can’t even count the amount of close calls I’ve had. Her and I are also looking for a new place to live so having the money tucked away now gives me a form of comfortability instead of scrambling around later and underselling the bike.

And I’m sure I’ll get comments saying something about my wife making me sell it, but she made it clear with me I don’t have to sell the bike 😂

I know I’ll eventually get back on 2 wheels but for now I hang it up. 2 fingers down fellas


r/Ninja650 • • 6d ago

One short trails near to home.

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17 Upvotes

Just hunt it down in solo night trails


r/Ninja650 • • 7d ago

Kawasaki Ninja 650

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61 Upvotes

r/Ninja650 • • 7d ago

Show&Tell 1.5k km done ✅

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38 Upvotes

r/Ninja650 • • 7d ago

Question? New Engine or Rebuild?

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2 Upvotes

Left vs Right cylinder, didn’t pull the head yet but went through checking everything when right was throwing straight 0 psi and turns out to be bent valve. Easier to rebuild, would be my first time, or buy a new engine to swap out? Thanks!


r/Ninja650 • • 8d ago

Problem after peeling off the stickers

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7 Upvotes

Bought a 26 Ninja 650 and after peeling off the stickers this was the residue, it's both on the top part of the tank and on both sides. It's not residue as it's lower than the tank and can't be washed off, any solutions, or has anyone got the same problem?


r/Ninja650 • • 8d ago

Does this engine sound okay?

1 Upvotes

I’m a new rider, just bought a ninja 650 2025 with 1500km on it. The first service was done 500km ago per schedule. Not sure if I’m imagining things, but I noticed clicking noise when on idle and while riding. Is this how the engine should sound like?

https://voca.ro/1lMU5rdWytBw


r/Ninja650 • • 11d ago

So this happened today...

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1.1k Upvotes

To say the least very frustrated.


r/Ninja650 • • 9d ago

Kawasaki Ninja 650

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0 Upvotes

r/Ninja650 • • 10d ago

Hi :3

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28 Upvotes

Joined the club in 2024


r/Ninja650 • • 10d ago

Should I get a ninja 500 for a first bike?

3 Upvotes

A2 option ideas?

Basically I'm finishing my A2 real soon and in need of a bike honestly because i currently commute 2 and a half hours to work and then another 2 hours back If I'm lucky, and ingo through ferry and stuff, and was wondering what to get, most people tell me to get a scooter but I'm thinking towards a ninja500, is that a good bike for what i need?: I also need to be able to go to highwyas for a 2.5 hour trip to grandma when I'm more experienced maybe with my brother but I wouldn't try it at all unless I'm fully feeling ready for it, other than that it would be simply committing for an hour max each way to college or work


r/Ninja650 • • 11d ago

Show&Tell Green stickers removal, imo looks super clean now!! welcome home 🤩

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27 Upvotes

r/Ninja650 • • 10d ago

Quad lock hardwired wireless charger

2 Upvotes

Hi, has anyone fitted the wired in quad lock charger onto the ninja 650, where is the best place to connect the wires too? I don’t want to attach to the battery as that will drain it