The 2012 Kawasaki Ninja 650L ABS improves upon the balanced package of its predecessor. Increased engine performance adds more fun. A slimmer new frame and seat offer more comfort and lighter handling. And even more aggressive Ninja styling, featuring wind-tunnel-derived bodylines, is complemented by a new adjustable windscreen.
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COMPACT, QUICK-REVVING 650cc ENGINE WITH STRONGER LOW-MID RANGEThe Ninja 650L’s Parallel Twin engine configuration was chosen as the best balance of good power characteristics and compact size. Engine tuning delivered both a rider-friendly character ideal for new riders and performance to put a smile on the faces of more experienced riders. The engine’s compact size was one of the keys to realising the Ninja 650L’s slim package. The 2012 engine offers more low-mid range torque for more fun and greater usability in everyday riding situations, while maintaining the smooth, high-revving character of its predecessor. |
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Improved Engine Performance
The 2012 Ninja 650L’s Liquid-cooled, DOHC, 8-valve 649 cm3 Parallel Twin with fuel injection delivers smooth, responsive performance, especially in the low and medium rpm ranges. The engine was tuned for rider-friendly power characteristics that will inspire confidence in new riders. The engine’s excellent mid-range power characteristics make the bike especially fun to ride at medium speeds on city streets. Roll-on response is exceptional, offering impressive passing performance. |
Digital Fuel InjectionThe DFI settings boost the engine’s bottom-end power while letting it rev more quickly. The sub-throttle valve equipped 38mm Keihin throttle bodies offer optimum performance and rideability. Located behind the main throttle valves, the sub-throttles are controlled by the DFI system’s ECU for a precise throttle response, similar to a constant velocity carburettor. |
ABS BrakesDual 300 mm front petal disc brakes and 220 mm rear petal disc combined with front and rear ABS braking deliver plenty of reassuring braking performance. |
SLIMMER LIGHTER-HANDLING CHASSISThe Ninja 650L’s compact size is due largely to its compact Parallel Twin engine, which enabled the use of a narrow, lightweight frame. While the new double-pipe perimeter-style frame maintains the key design elements of its predecessor, a new backbone-style rear frame design enables an even slimmer package. Rigidity balance of the new frame and swingarm, and new suspension settings deliver lighter, easier handling, while maintaining the sporty nature of the previous model. And with a new seat contributing to both comfort and peace of mind, care of an easier reach to the ground, the new Ninja 650L is more accessible than ever. |
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Slim, Low and LightweightTogether with the compact engine and new rear frame, the frame’s design realises a package that is slim, low, lightweight and compact. The compact engine allows use of a slim, minimalist frame, resulting in a design that is narrow at the knees and feet. |
Increased Comfort for Rider and PillionThe front seat is not only thicker at the top edge, but thanks to the new rear frame design the plastic seat base construction was completely revised, enabling much thicker cushioning throughout. A sporty looking tandem seat with thick cushioning ensures good passenger comfort and ergonomic passenger grips are positioned to make them easy for tandem riders to grab. Good passenger confidence makes it easier for riders when carrying a pillion. |
Seat heightThanks to the low seat height and slim overall design, it’s easier to keep both feet firmly on the ground when stopped, an important consideration for many riders. While the new seat does not lower the seat height, its construction and the narrower distance between the pivot covers result in a slimmer package between the rider’s feet. Riders are now able to put their feet on the ground approximately 50 mm closer together (each side), which makes the reach to the ground feel significantly shorter. |
MORE AGGRESSIVE NINJA SUPERSPORT STYLINGStyling cues taken from our Ninja supersport models give the Ninja 650L an even more aggressive, sporty appearance. Like on its predecessor, all lines move forward and downward, suggesting a crouching countenance, however the sharp new bodywork gives the new machine a much more condensed, mass-forward appearance. The new bodywork is complemented by the new double-pipe perimeter-style frame and the Ninja 650L’s characteristic offset laydown rear suspension. Attention to the smallest details contributes to the new bike’s high-quality finish. |
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Aggressive Ninja Supersport Style BodyworkSharp dual headlamp design contributes to the more aggressive face of the new Ninja 650L. The dual headlamp design features twin position lamps – just like on our Ninja supersport models. The sculpted shape of the multi-reflector headlamp’s bulb hoods is an example of the attention given to detail on this model. |
Sharper stylingSharper front fender design contributes to the aggressive new image while a sharper new LED taillight contributes to the slimmer look of the rear. |
Increased Wind ProtectionA sporty new windscreen is adjustable offering three positions and a total range of 60 mm. The new bodywork and windscreen offer better wind protection and were designed to minimise head buffeting. |
Rider friendly featuresThe 2012 Ninja 650L ABS is equipped with a number of features that are designed to improve the riding experience.
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Easy grip grab barsSculpted new grab bars offer an easy grip as well as tie-down points for securing small items to the rear seat. Deeply grooved design complements the sharper styling. |
Multi-function Instrument DisplayStacked instrument cluster features an easier-to-read layout. Analogue-style tachometer and multi-function dual-window LCD screen use white LED backlights for excellent visibility at night. In addition to the fuel gauge, digital speedometer, clock, odometer and dual trip meters, new features include: remaining range, average/instant fuel consumption and the Economical Riding Indicator. |
Rider-friendly ErgonomicsThe riding position was specially designed to inspire rider confidence. An ideal relationship between the handlebars, seat and footpegs results in a comfortable and natural position suitable for a wide range of riders. |
| Type | Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke Parallel Twin |
| Displacement | 649 cm³ |
| Bore and Stroke | 83.0 x 60.0 mm |
| Compression ratio | 10.8:1 |
| Valve system | DOHC, 8 valves |
| Fuel system | Fuel injection: ø38 mm x 2 (Keihin) |
| Ignition | Digital |
| Starting | Electric |
| Lubrication | Forced lubrication, semi-dry sump |
| Transmission | 6-speed, return | |
| Final drive | Sealed Chain | |
| Clutch | Wet multi-disc, manual | |
| Type | Perimeter, high-tensile steel | |
| Wheel travel: | front | 125 mm |
| rear | 130 mm | |
| Tyre: | front | 120/70ZR17M/C (58W) |
| rear | 160/60ZR17M/C (69W) | |
| Caster (rake) | 25° | |
| Trail | 110 mm | |
| Steering angle (left/right) | 35° / 35° | |
| Front: | Type | 41 mm telescopic fork |
| Rear: | Type | Offset laydown single-shock with adjustable preload |
| Front: | Type | Dual semi-floating 300 mm petal discs |
| Caliper | Dual piston with ABS | |
| Rear: | Type | Single 220 mm petal disc |
| Caliper | Single-piston with ABS |
| Overall length | 2,110 mm |
| Overall width | 770 mm |
| Overall height | 1,180 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,410 mm |
| Ground clearance | 130 mm |
| Seat height | 805 mm |
| Curb mass | 211 kg (Includes full fuel tank) |
| Fuel capacity | 16 litres |
The specifications mentioned here apply to and have been achieved by production models under standard operating conditions. We intend only to give a fair description of the vehicle and its performance capabilities but these specifications may not apply to every machine supplied for sale. Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. reserves the right to alter specifications without prior notice. Equipment illustrated and specifications may vary to meet individual markets.
