Sportbike fans, rejoice! Kawasaki is serving up a new-and-improved Ninja 650 for 2012. Mods in the engine, looks, ergonomics and user-friendliness departments, courtesy of a redesigned frame, make for one very attractive – and competitively priced – package.

Stiffer
If you think the 650 hasn’t changed much on first glance, think again. Other than its tastefully redesigned profile, the big news comes in the shape of a new twin-pipe perimeter frame featuring an advanced, high-tensile steel swingarm, which combine to improve the new steed’s overall dynamics. The slimmer frame and more comfortable seat make for an easier ride as well.

Mods in the engine, looks, ergonomics and user-friendliness departments, courtesy of a redesigned frame, make for one very attractive – and competitively priced – package. (Photo: Kawasaki)

The single side shock is still front and centre but has been completely revamped, as has the fork. The swingarm is slightly longer to help the shock do its thing, and the fork now has greater travel, ensuring a more progressive, and by the same token comfortable, ride. Kawasaki says the settings have been modified accordingly to preserve all the agility of the previous model.

And smoother
No revolutions on the engine front, however, just some surface tweaking, and Kawasaki promises a smoother piece of machinery. Beginners and riders who don’t like to fiddle around with the shifter will no doubt be thrilled to hear it. The 649-cc parallel twin is now torquier on the usable curve, which results in snappier accelerations and tamer ponies.

The rider benefits from a 3-way adjustable windscreen as well as a more compact, yet complete instrument cluster, which now displays the estimated range and average fuel consumption alongside the requisite fuel gauge.

The new Kawasaki Ninja 650 will descend on local dealerships soon, promising a more user-friendly, comfortable and above all thrilling experience. Judging from the undeniable fun factor and great value of the outgoing model, this latest sportbike offering from Team Green should be sumptin’ special.

The new Kawasaki Ninja 650 will descend on local dealerships soon, promising a more user-friendly, comfortable and above all thrilling experience. (Photo: Kawasaki)