Five things you should know about the 2017 Kawasaki Ninja 650

We're mighty impressed with the time we've spent aboard the 2017 Kawasaki Ninja 650. Here are five things about it that stand out.

1.It has lost weight.  Not only that, it is smaller as well. Never before did we see so much weight and size reduction outside a VLCC advertisement, and the results are just as staggering. This motorcycle is fun.

2.The name fits. Before, it didn’t quite look like a Ninja and it didn’t quite go like one either. At least one of those two issues has been resolved, and how! It still is a comfortable sportbike, though; no sudden supersport aspirations for this one.

3.It is a true follower of the art of ninjutsu. It looks so much like a Ninja 300 with a facelift, both in design and size, that nobody truly gives it a second glance. The muted exhaust note also contributes to this while on the move. Not always a good thing though.

4.The brakes have improved. In the beginning, the Ninja 650’s brakes didn’t offer feel or confidence. The 2017 model not only rectifies this but also offers ABS. 

5.There are no advanced electronics. If you came here looking for anti-wheelie-lean-angle-ABS-stupidity-mitigation electronics, you’re going to be solely disappointed. None of that tomfoolery is present here; you’re going to have to ride the 2017 Ninja 650 yourself outside of the ABS.