New 2012 Ninja 650R and ER-6N released

Zandit · Oct 11, 2011

Wow, I can't believe that they have redesigned my bike yet again! This model was only introduced in 2006, and came under a full redesign in 2009, now for 2012, they have done it again!
Let us know what you think.

There is a lot of influence from the Ninja 1000, and I even see a little CBR1000RR in the headlight area. That exhaust would be gone pretty quick if it was mine, since it looks bigger and heavier than the one that was on mine! Plus that rear fender is big and bulky.
New adjustable windscreen stolen from the N1000, and that swing arm and double frame work looks pretty nice!
Stepped seat looks like it has been done nicely, and it would be interesting to see how comfortable it will be for the pillion. One bone of contention has always been the "Ugly" banana seat, but Wifey and I have had no real issues with it. Maybe they will finally have a seat cowl available for it.
Supposedly the torque curve has been smoothed out in the lower and mid range and bumped up a little. Suspension has been played with, but there is no extra adjustment over the rear preload. There was a lot of talk of adjustable front forks, and additional adjustments to the rear, but that hasn't come about unfortunately.
Can't wait to see one in the flesh, just have to wait till maybe November/December before they are available.

Aysee · Oct 11, 2011

Both look really nice, especially the ER-6N in black!

Your bike's obsolete now Zan. Join the club!

Zandit · Oct 11, 2011

Yeah, didn't take long!! Considering the 250 went for 20+ years before being redesigned, and has not been touched since 2008, the 650 range has been updated twice. Not even the Supersports get played with so much!

BlackBoar · Oct 11, 2011

Looks great. I wonder if part of the re-do was to put more distinction between the 650 and the 400? I notice the 2012 400s did not get the same re-design. I really like the N1000 touches, the bike looks very brute-like and agressive without looking too "boy racer". The gull wing shape to the swing arm is a copy from the Versys, it is supposed to be a very efficient form for the job, but I like the aluminum "wing" on the Versys more that the twin tubes on the new 650.

Kawasaki Canada's website shows we'll be getting the 2-tone green, and the black here.

KURT · Oct 11, 2011

I don't care much for the two-tone tank, but in all-orange it looks good. Seat might be a stiff as the 250's... that would be a drag. But a seat cowl would be nice. Not a fan of the exhaust, either...less is more, with this bike.

Can't say I like the instruments.. still like the analog gauges of my 2007.

I'd still like to see Kawi do a sport-touring version of this bike, with a bit larger fairing, belt drive and Versys saddlebags. :thumb:

Zandit · Oct 11, 2011

You might have to check your colour settings Kurt, that "orange" you are looking at is Passion red from the 250R!!

KURT · Oct 11, 2011

Whatever... I just don't care for the two-tone.

Zandit · Oct 12, 2011

Hmmm, Just came accross this little Gem, Maybe a Versys 1000?? Supposedly using the I4 from the Z1000!!!

spooph · Oct 12, 2011

oooo, now that's a 650r I might actually own... If only it had clip-ons....

Aysee · Oct 13, 2011

spooph said:
oooo, now that's a 650r I might actually own... If only it had clip-ons....

That shouldn't be too difficult.

S. Blunt · Oct 16, 2011

The red & the black are sexy. That's a damn good looking machine right there.

nherald · Oct 17, 2011

They both look a lot better to me. I still hate the seat on the 650r... Looks too much like a jetski seat.

nor*calian · Oct 25, 2011

its about time they got rid of the banana seat! the gas tanks gotta go too and why do a step backwards from an all digital cluster?... on the upside im digging the adjustable windscreen and the swing arm! if it wasnt for the tank id trade in my 11 in for it...

czsummy · Nov 1, 2011

nor*calian said:
its about time they got rid of the banana seat! the gas tanks gotta go too and why do a step backwards from an all digital cluster?... on the upside im digging the adjustable windscreen and the swing arm! if it wasnt for the tank id trade in my 11 in for it...

personally i like the step back, im not a fan of all digital, and apparently alot of others aren't either, but the set looks better, i still think the could make it sportier but the split really helps

Stealth · Nov 14, 2011

As a 2011 650R owner, this bike is making me wish I had a little more patience. I really like the new seat design. Nor*Calian said it best when he said the older models had a banana seat. I can dig the new gas tank style as I think it is often over looked as a design point with sport bikes. Nice to see something different there.

I like the all digital guages but I can deal with a hybrid display that they gave this bike. I wouldn't trade mine in just from a pure dollars & cents stand point. Mine is paid off, no need for another playment.

But this is probobly the best looking ninja yet... in my humble opinion

czsummy · Nov 14, 2011

i agree with you its my favorite so far, but when i look at the side view i feel like the seat should be a little longer to hang over the back tire more.

i'm picturing without the original license plate holder, putting something sleeker back there

Fry1024 · Nov 15, 2011

Stealth said:
As a 2011 650R owner, this bike is making me wish I had a little more patience. ...

I feel you pain. I bought the 2008 650r only to have them release a new design months later. BUT, on the other hand that would have been one less season of riding. :thumb:

czsummy · Nov 17, 2011

at least you guys have 650's......=[=[=[

Fry1024 · Nov 17, 2011

Cheer up czs, it's not the size of the bike, it's how you ride it!

czsummy · Nov 18, 2011

haha, but i would fit better!!!, i get cramps on the 500, so i stick my legs out while riding you should see the looks i get sometimes haha