Bottom-end torque and low-to-mid throttle response were boosted, thanks to a revision of the fuel injection settings, which only added to its fun factor. Pulling away from stoplights or twisting the wrist to change lanes offers instant gratification in every gear. Throttle response is also linear and predictable, so rolling onto the throttle immediately inspires confidence and familiarity grows quickly. The 650R boasts respectable performance figures thanks to the 72 hp at 9,000 rpm and 48.5 ft-lbs of torque at 7,000 rpm. Those who have a true need for speed will likely feel better suited to the ZX-6R but the 650R is a bike with few compromises.

The complete and easy-to-read display adds great looks and value to the bike.

Riding the 650R at highway speeds is adequate but it isn’t ideal since it lacks the mass and moxie of more imposing bikes, with gusts of wind from passing transport trucks proving to be somewhat unsettling. Despite having a sixth gear, the engine drones at higher than ideal rpm at triple digit speeds, meaning that topping up the 15.5 litre tank is a regular occurrence when really stretching its legs. Fuel economy in and around town is excellent when the engine isn’t being pushed as hard. Wind protection is decent and thankfully, the placement of the pegs and handlebars make it easy to tuck in behind the windscreen. One afternoon I logged some serious seat time between Brockville and Mississauga, favouring highway 2 along the St. Lawrence River as opposed to the monotony of the 401. The parallel-twin was a blast on the secondary roads and always eager to please, so much so that I had to keep an eye on the speedometer to make sure I didn’t run into trouble with the law. Clearly this watered-down supersport still has plenty of sport left over. Hauling the Ninja down from speed inspires even more confidence thanks to the dual 300mm semi-floating petal discs and two piston calipers up front, and 220mm disc and single piston caliper at the rear.

The 650R does offer a more ergonomically-inspired riding position than the ZX-6R, but the angle of the handlebars means that either my elbows were hyper extended or that my wrists were perpetually angled – with each scenario being equally uncomfortable after long periods of time. One of my favourite attributes of the new 650R is the user-friendly gauge cluster, which includes a tach, gas gauge, clock and speedo. Not only does it offer all of the information a rider could want, the digital display is well laid out and easy to read while riding, even at night.

Great looks (And performance to back it up) for only $8,349.