New model release dates - 2012 Kawi 650 Ninja | GTAMotorcycle.com

New model release dates - 2012 Kawi 650 Ninja

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bskin

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The more I look at the 2012 650 Ninja, the more I want it!

I'm looking to upgrade from my 250 Ninja and I'm thinking the 650 would definitely be one of my top picks. Unfortunately, the bike does not even have a release date yet. I was wondering if new motorcycles have a pattern when they're released. (ex. Movies are usually out on Fridays and video games are released on Tuesdays) Do manufacturers usually release new models before spring each year?
 
Go and look at a 2011 - looks like the same bike to me.
Nice ride (they really go) and very slender too...
 
When I got my 09, it was February of 09. And the changes from 2011 to 2012 are significant, I'd wait for the new one.
 
72 horse power, that'll be a slight jump up from your 250 ;)

Looks like a nice, all around bike!

-Jamie M.
 
mikbusa said:
...the changes from 2011 to 2012 are significant.
Click to expand...
Really? They're not talking much about it then...
I was just on Kawasaki Canada's web and it looks just the same. Same 83 x 60 mm motor; compression ratio has gone down; bike weight is up.
Mildly re-styled...
What significant changes are you guys talking about?
 
Gryphon said:
Really? They're not talking much about it then...
I was just on Kawasaki Canada's web and it looks just the same. Same 83 x 60 mm motor; compression ratio has gone down; bike weight is up.
Mildly re-styled...
What significant changes are you guys talking about?
Click to expand...

I don't know if you classify these as significant but from I read here are the main changes:
- improved torque on the low end "additional power down into the mid-range zone"
- suspension improvements
- split seat (more comfortable - padding) without the increased height
- new fairing design
- adjustable windscreen
- better stock tires (Dunlop Roadsmart II)
- better frame "all-new twin-pipe perimeter frame that offers increased rigidity vs. the old Ninja’s trellis layout"
- revised exhaust
- new dash (analogue and LCDl)
- larger tank
- New Design - looks more sportier


Negatives: - weighs 20 lbs more

There is a good write up here: http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/motorcycles/2012models/2012-Kawasaki-Ninja650.htm

I'm hoping they will have one for us to see at the Motorcycle Show in December... I'm also seriously considering moving up to the 2012 650R this Spring.
 
I was looking at this bike before but with the new styling I'm sold. I'm also upgrading from a ninja 250 from last year, I'll probably put a deposit in one now and pick up in spring.
 
might have to look at one, I hope the riding position has changed to be a little more aggressive than the current model. There's something I don't really like about the current model but I can't quite put my finger on it. I just feel like my 250 has a better seating position albeit the seat being made from the finest japanese granite that was available at the time :eek:
 
kamikaze said:
might have to look at one, I hope the riding position has changed to be a little more aggressive than the current model. There's something I don't really like about the current model but I can't quite put my finger on it. I just feel like my 250 has a better seating position albeit the seat being made from the finest japanese granite that was available at the time :eek:
Click to expand...

The stock bike is set up for a more touring (upright type) seating postion. You can install a set of "sport Bars" which lower the bars approx. 3" and the seating position is close to what the 250R is. I know someone who cuurrently rides a 650R with lowered bars and they find the ride comfortable and it improved the handling for them. http://www.motospecialties.com/UploadImages%5Cspyshot.jpg
 
250R-ICE said:
I don't know if you classify these as significant but from I read here are the main changes:
- improved torque on the low end "additional power down into the mid-range zone"
- suspension improvements
- split seat (more comfortable - padding) without the increased height
- new fairing design
- adjustable windscreen
- better stock tires (Dunlop Roadsmart II)
- better frame "all-new twin-pipe perimeter frame that offers increased rigidity vs. the old Ninja’s trellis layout"
- revised exhaust
- new dash (analogue and LCDl)
- larger tank
- New Design - looks more sportier


Negatives: - weighs 20 lbs more

There is a good write up here: http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/motorcycles/2012models/2012-Kawasaki-Ninja650.htm

I'm hoping they will have one for us to see at the Motorcycle Show in December... I'm also seriously considering moving up to the 2012 650R this Spring.
Click to expand...

I couldn't have said it better myself. There is definitely and improvement over the earlier models.

Would it be safe to assume this would be priced similar to the older models? $8000?
 
bskin said:
I couldn't have said it better myself. There is definitely and improvement over the earlier models.

Would it be safe to assume this would be priced similar to the older models? $8000?
Click to expand...

8K sounds about right.
 
250R-ICE said:
The stock bike is set up for a more touring (upright type) seating postion. You can install a set of "sport Bars" which lower the bars approx. 3" and the seating position is close to what the 250R is. I know someone who cuurrently rides a 650R with lowered bars and they find the ride comfortable and it improved the handling for them. http://www.motospecialties.com/UploadImages\spyshot.jpg
Click to expand...

that does look a little better, but it wasn't just the bars that didn't feel right, it was the seat too. lets hope they have one at the Dec. bike show so we can get a better look.
 
I have an '09 that I love and th '12 does have some styling differences and gauges but mechanically it's pretty much the same. The one thing I really like about the new one is the gauges but that's not enough for me to upgrade just yet. If you are considering it I would say go for it, even the '06 - '08 are very much loved so you really can't go wrong with this model. Unless you really need all the new stuff I would look for a used one if you want to save yourself some cash.
Feel free to ping me if you have more specifice questions.
 
Gryphon said:
What significant changes are you guys talking about?
Click to expand...
Yes I see, LoL, I'm just not looking close enough!
I love the new frame design, and the way the swingarm is done - it looks hot.
This is a great bike, now improved...
But I hope they fixed the seat, the current one is pathetic.
Tough place to sit for more than ~15 minutes (but very short people can ride the bike).
Doesn't work for me (who is very tall), I need a good seat.
I still say it's a great platform for the 400cc motor!
You get 650-class frame/wheels/brakes/tires/fork etc, and it should make for a very solid Ninja 400...
Actually, testers loved the Ninja 400 - said it didn't feel like a bigger bike with a tiny motor, not at all.
Definite step up from Ninja 250 (which is already a fine little bike).
Good to see the renewed emphasis on these smaller-sized machines.
Most big cruisers these days are 800 pounds ++
Or at least 700...
 
bskin said:
I couldn't have said it better myself. There is definitely and improvement over the earlier models.

Would it be safe to assume this would be priced similar to the older models? $8000?
Click to expand...

I did a comparision of the US price increase from their 2011 cost to the 2012 and it's approx. $300.00 more for the 2012. So I can only assume the same approx. increase. 2012 model estimated cost before tax $8,300.
 
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bskin said:
Would there be any pros or cons buying brand new from the states?
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This is a trick question, right?
You'll have an American bike with MPH speedo, that Kawasaki Canada had no knowledge of, therefore no (Canadian) warranty.
But bikes are pretty reliable these days...
And I guess you could always go back to wherever you bought it, if something unusual happened.
 
The forks still appear to be damper rod, in design, so the front end won't likely be a significant improvement. They could only do better than the stock shock, that came on my ER (same shock as the Ninja 650R). There doesn't appear to be any additional adjustability.

Kawasaki Canada puts the curb weight difference down at about 12 pounds/5Kg. Any additional weight could be because of the larger fuel capacity, in a total wet weight.

They're also releasing a new ER-6n, based on the new Ninja 650R. Nice to see, given that they didn't even bother to bring it in last year.
 
Gryphon said:
This is a trick question, right?
You'll have an American bike with MPH speedo, that Kawasaki Canada had no knowledge of, therefore no (Canadian) warranty.
But bikes are pretty reliable these days...
And I guess you could always go back to wherever you bought it, if something unusual happened.
Click to expand...

Its a digital speedo, so I'm sure it can easily be switched to km. Also In the US they got Passion Red which is HOT!!! I didn't like it as much until I saw it in red and its so sexy, the front looks like a ZX6r profile view

Ninja650_Red.png
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