I just bought a 23 650 5 days ago. I cannot believe how much I love it. When I’m not riding it, I watch videos of other ppl riding it. I’m obsessed! I am replacing the exhaust. The sound of the bike is the only bummer, but totally fixable!
Picked up 21’ 650 with 3700 miles for $5500 like 3 weeks ago. Rode it very little, but I love it. Can’t wait for the summer, tough to find a day to ride during this time of year.
I have been driving sports bikes only I’m 52 now I do have a 2023 Gsxr 600 now don’t care for 1000 anymore .. but as I get older have to say I need something more comfortable.. but am also not a Harley guy I’m a sports bike guy .. been driving since I was 14 .. started out on dirt bikes then my love sports motorcycles.. keeping my 600 but also would like to have a Kawasaki 650 in my garage .. I also thought about the 4RR but to me that bike is way way over price .. for that price better of getting a 600 or a 636 .. but have to say 650 yes that’s what I need for the week and my 600 will be my weekend bike Thank you for being honest 🏍️ great video
@@72garibay that's a really cool insight. Thanks for sharing that. The 650 has been real fun and comfortable so far. Nothing will compare to the comfort of a cruiser, but the 650 is awesome :)
One of the best videos. I have a Honda Rebel 500 ‘22 and I am selling that for 650 KRT ‘23 . It was a pleasure to listen such a long video. Pure pleasure, thank you!
Nice video, thanks. The Ninja 650 is great and a lot of fun. I have a '21 version and it's my favorite bike so far, although I will say the Ninja 250Rs were a lot of fun too, having enjoyed the 2003 and 2008 models combined for 20 years of my 20+ years riding so far. While the power of the 650 is noticeably more, the smaller engine 250Rs kept me out of a lot of trouble while learning. There were times if I had a faster bike, I might have gotten into trouble from speeding too fast for a road situation or danger. The 250R taught me discipline that it's okay to go slower on a sportbike when appropriate or whenever you feel like it. It can do 110 mph, and has the acceleration of a standard car I'd say, but won't get you in trouble as fast as a 650 can. The biggest weakness of a 250R, that a 400 Ninja twin might not have a problem with, would be passing on a freeway while going up an incline. It can do it, but as you said, slowly to the point it might take 5 to 10 seconds to pass a vehicle going at 75 mph for example. The Ninja 650 handles passing on hills on the freeway without any problem in 5th or 6th gear. Plenty of torque and horsepower for those helpful things.
@@MathewUnderwood Cool, thanks Mathew. That was good to hear your initial ambitions for a high revving R1 Yamaha have been eased by your enjoyment of the Ninja 650. As someone who started on smaller bikes, I feel it delivers much more power as I was hoping without needing to be the fastest. 3.5 seconds from 0 to 60 is quick enough IMO. The 650 bike with the black and white looks great, nice choice! And easier for other vehicles to spot. This is the coolest the Ninja 650 design I'd say, and the reason I finally jumped in and got a good deal on the '21. They do retain their value more, I agree. 67 hp, 48 torque, comfortable and flickable too. Great bike!
Just picked up a 2013 650 for $3900 only 8k miles on the dash best decision ever I’m a brand new rider and it’s definitely beginner friendly and you can really grow with it once I start to get bored I’ll get the ecu flashed and tuned to really open it up 😃 I plan to have this bike for the long haul I’ll probably buy a super sport as a 2nd bike but the 650 will definitely be my main bike nothing beats how comfortable riding this bike is 😊
If I need 32 videos to decide over a ninja 650 maybe I wouldn't take it. I have decided to buy one before watching any videos. The more I watch, the more excited I am to get one.
Great review, I just got a "14 model over here in Australia and I'm really impressed with what I have for the price , I'm somewhat experienced, had bikes all my life but mainly off road only had owned smaller road bikes like the ninja 300 and I have ridden some awesome superbikes so I difference between a 650 but I think it is enough for me
I have a 300 and can accelerate 0-60km in less than 3 seconds and 0-100km in ONLY 5.5 Seconds!!! Has slip on shorty gp exhaust screams like a Lamborghini in tunnels and has backfire gunshot sounds FX ! Definitely a menace to neighbors & dogs! 😜 Its more fun to ride a low cc bike fast than a high cc bike SLOW!!
@MathewUnderwood I've already started buying gear, signing up for the MSF course on my other tab. I appreciate your video because it REALLY helps with some insight to the bike and experience. I've owned sports and drift cars, but never wanted to own a bike until I felt "mortal" with a healthy respect for concrete. This is the year brothers
Great discussion. I'm really late to the game....getting my license in Germany at 53 together with my son (17). I've been learning to ride on a Z650 and I like it, but I miss a windscreen on the highway and the naked styling isn't my taste. I"m thinking of getting a 650 Ninja for me to ride and to keep it so that my son can ride it in a year. We have graduated licensing, so he can only ride a 125 for a year (15 HP) before moving up. I find its fast enough and easy to handle, but as you said, nothing ridiculously fast I would be afraid of my son thrashing around at 18+. Oddly enough, we both like it.....me as the old man and a young man. I have a 2003 HD Softtail classic in the garage I bought off a friend to ride when I get more experienced. A 750 lb bike with marginal brakes is not a beginner bike in Germany in my opinion, but it was on my bucket list. Question: How is the bike on longer rides, i.e. riding position? I'm 6'2" and my son is 6'...
I apologize for the super late reply, they are not very efficient with notifying comments on videos. I have heard of this graduated licensing and honestly think it is super smart. Over here, any kid with $1000 can throw their leg over a hyabusa and ride themselves 150mph straight to the casket. It is honestly really stupid how easy it is here... It's good that other places encourage gradual learning because it is something that I will always suggest for anyone wanting to learn to ride, regardless of age. As for the longer rides, my longest was roughly 100 miles with it currently (trip to the coast and back) and I was suprisingly comfortable. The 650 has a more standard, upright, sitting position that doesn't place too much pressure on anything. Other sport bikes like my old r6 was really rough on the wrists and lower back due to the aggressive, race-like position. I have been thoroughly enjoying my 650 every time I am on it for any distance of riding. Also, I'm super jealous of your riding relationship with your son! :) How cool that must be for him to have that avenue of creating memories with his father. That is super awesome and please be safe, both of you :) edit: I'm 6 foot... 6'1" if im talking to a cutie :) (just kidding of course) I find the bike very comfortable and easy to enjoy.
I’d say by far. If you’re a little shorter and have absolutely no experience, I would recommend a 400 but even if you’re really passionate about riding, you’re gonna wanna upgrade that pretty quickly. Now if you’re coming from dirt like me, who has a little experience riding since I was a kid but not on street went with a 2023 ninja 650 and I can’t say this bike was by far my wisest choice. An R7 would have been a great choice too for someone who has a little bit of experience, but I’d say the 400 or even the new zx4r is a good choice for absolute beginners who are a little shorter and lighter. I’m also 6’ 180
Gem of a channel. Subscribed. Good luck to a 1000! Quick question. How is it for commutes, long trips? My wife and I would tend to use it together often, so how is it as a sportbike in a more touring capacity?
I used to take my ex fiance out on it all the time and it was honestly fine. We had a lot of fun! It is a lot more comfortable than more traditional sport bikes.. it's very easy to control. Normal touring bikes will definitely be a lot more comfortable for longer adventures, but we use to take this one to the lake (roughly 1.5 - 2hrs of riding round trip) and had no issues at all. Still gotta stretch the legs after an hour or so. Thank you for your kind comment buddy, it means a lot!
I got a 3 wheeler Ryker 900 sport I’m going to eventually get me a motorcycle as someone who has never ridden but definitely going to get me a 650 ninja as a beginner Lord will; but Excellent video Bro…
Why are you always riding alone? (Me too, just curious why others do, and everyone may decide for this or have lack of buddies or some kind of story behind it )
Well for me it is just because I'm always busy lol. I'm usually recording while I'm on the way to something that I need to work on haha. But there is also a sprinkle of introvertedness with it too. Comfort. I'm sure there will be a day where I start to do more group stuff. Thanks for the interest and question bud! Be safe.
I am a beginner rider with a 2023 Ninja 650 I purchased new and ride many of the same roads as Mathew, including these here recorded in Southern Oregon. I ride alone having just put 1200 miles on the bike since early May and would like to find people to ride with occasionally. Not entirely sure how to organize that, however. On the local roads I rarely see two or more people riding together, usually it's solo riders I two-fingers-down sign to. So for me it's lack of riding buddies. I'll keep stopping in Jacksonville for a coffee though in the hopes that some day I'll meet a like minded rider.
Nope it's not... I almost died in this thing when I started learning... 65 bhp is no joke... When I first started I done a wheelie and crashed... It was my first experience with this bike I thought acceleration should be twisted all the way like the 100 or 150 cc bikes... I almost got killed, with a fat repair bill and i almost quit riding... Then i stepped it Down to the 300 and after 15 years I am still riding that and guess what I always felt that it has enough power for me... It doesn't have all the electronics but it has all the power a person who wants to see tomorrow needs. Honestly I am still traumatised and i havent ridden any higher cc bikes after that... 😢
It’s definitely a great beginner bike just use common sense of course the acceleration would be different and stronger you’re talking maybe 8-12hp with with maybe 3-5 lb-ft torque compared to 67hp and 47 lb-ft of torque. First thing taught in MSF courses is never whiskey throttle your bike and especially a bike you’re not familiar with
Mine is a 2020 actually. And yeah, the sound was a little off for me at first too. It is definitely not the strong point of the bike. At idle it is pretty lackluster, but when you open it up on the road, it sounds pretty nice.
@@MathewUnderwood that’s good to hear and I’m sure adding exhaust would make it sound less sewing machine I’m just really glad you made a good point for height and the fact it’s so forgiving for a new rider really pushed me over the edge Going to go look at a 2022 later
Hello... You mentioned that you have been riding for 10 years...and during your riding time did you developed any back or wrist problems by any chance? I am interested in getting a bike 🏍 first t time rider and the Ninja 650 is one of them . The others are Honda CBR650R and the Yamaha F7... Just trying to see all the aspects in riding and do research. And like you said, buy one when news ones come out so a rebate can be used..thanks for that point. Safe riding! Much blessings 🙌 🙏 🏍 🚲 😎
Well, I don't have any personal experience with a 400. I know that the 650 is pretty comfortable for my brother, who is around that height and weight though. My suggestion would be to visit a dealership near you who would allow you to throw a leg over one. That way you could get a feel for what fits you better.
Why did the Ninja 400 not even pass your lips? Hmmmm.... I'd personally skip the BS Ninja 500 cause it's not a 500, but you totally skipped the 400. Everything you proposed as a negative of the 300 was fixed with the 400. Every single thing you said. There isn't much of a difference between the 650 and the 400, except its lighter, fast and cheaper. I have to say I don't think you really know as much as you think you do. JMHO
Lol I appreciate your honesty. It is because I have no experience with the 400. I talked about the 300 and 650 because I know those two :) I'd rather not comment on bikes that I've never ridden and give false information about them. That's all haha. And trust me, I know that I dont know a lot lol :D just sharing my personal experience and opinions.
Thanks for the initial positive response and feedback for this video! You guys are awesome!
I just bought a 23 650 5 days ago. I cannot believe how much I love it. When I’m not riding it, I watch videos of other ppl riding it. I’m obsessed! I am replacing the exhaust. The sound of the bike is the only bummer, but totally fixable!
It is an incredible bike!
Get a yoshi slip on 👌
@@AnthonyNichol-yp1ytI’ve upgraded to a Hayabusa since this comment. I’m still thinking yoshimira slip ons!
Picked up 21’ 650 with 3700 miles for $5500 like 3 weeks ago.
Rode it very little, but I love it. Can’t wait for the summer, tough to find a day to ride during this time of year.
They are so fun! Definitely looking forward to being back on the road.
I have been driving sports bikes only I’m 52 now
I do have a 2023 Gsxr 600 now don’t care for 1000 anymore .. but as I get older have to say I need something more comfortable.. but am also not a Harley guy I’m a sports bike guy .. been driving since I was 14 .. started out on dirt bikes then my love sports motorcycles.. keeping my 600 but also would like to have a Kawasaki 650 in my garage .. I also thought about the 4RR but to me that bike is way way over price .. for that price better of getting a 600 or a 636 .. but have to say 650 yes that’s what I need for the week and my 600 will be my weekend bike
Thank you for being honest 🏍️ great video
@@72garibay that's a really cool insight. Thanks for sharing that. The 650 has been real fun and comfortable so far. Nothing will compare to the comfort of a cruiser, but the 650 is awesome :)
This ride made my morning coffee taste better. Blessings to you brother, from a Texan living in Thailand!
I love the torque, heaps more midrange than inline 4 cylinder 600
Totally love the skateboard dude!
One of the best videos. I have a Honda Rebel 500 ‘22 and I am selling that for 650 KRT ‘23 . It was a pleasure to listen such a long video. Pure pleasure, thank you!
Wow that's really nice! Thanks for that! :)
@@MathewUnderwood Got it :) '23 KRT edition, you had a great impact. LOVE IT!
@@AlexGritts heck yes dude! Enjoy it!
Nice video, thanks. The Ninja 650 is great and a lot of fun. I have a '21 version and it's my favorite bike so far, although I will say the Ninja 250Rs were a lot of fun too, having enjoyed the 2003 and 2008 models combined for 20 years of my 20+ years riding so far.
While the power of the 650 is noticeably more, the smaller engine 250Rs kept me out of a lot of trouble while learning. There were times if I had a faster bike, I might have gotten into trouble from speeding too fast for a road situation or danger. The 250R taught me discipline that it's okay to go slower on a sportbike when appropriate or whenever you feel like it. It can do 110 mph, and has the acceleration of a standard car I'd say, but won't get you in trouble as fast as a 650 can.
The biggest weakness of a 250R, that a 400 Ninja twin might not have a problem with, would be passing on a freeway while going up an incline. It can do it, but as you said, slowly to the point it might take 5 to 10 seconds to pass a vehicle going at 75 mph for example. The Ninja 650 handles passing on hills on the freeway without any problem in 5th or 6th gear. Plenty of torque and horsepower for those helpful things.
I love your response! Thanks for taking the time to share your opinion. It's always nice to hear from other perspectives.
Ride safe out there!
@@MathewUnderwood Cool, thanks Mathew. That was good to hear your initial ambitions for a high revving R1 Yamaha have been eased by your enjoyment of the Ninja 650. As someone who started on smaller bikes, I feel it delivers much more power as I was hoping without needing to be the fastest. 3.5 seconds from 0 to 60 is quick enough IMO.
The 650 bike with the black and white looks great, nice choice! And easier for other vehicles to spot. This is the coolest the Ninja 650 design I'd say, and the reason I finally jumped in and got a good deal on the '21. They do retain their value more, I agree. 67 hp, 48 torque, comfortable and flickable too. Great bike!
Just picked up a 2013 650 for $3900 only 8k miles on the dash best decision ever I’m a brand new rider and it’s definitely beginner friendly and you can really grow with it once I start to get bored I’ll get the ecu flashed and tuned to really open it up 😃 I plan to have this bike for the long haul I’ll probably buy a super sport as a 2nd bike but the 650 will definitely be my main bike nothing beats how comfortable riding this bike is 😊
I agree, it has definitely been comfortable bike! :) Thanks for sharing, I love hearing other's experiences too!
If I need 32 videos to decide over a ninja 650 maybe I wouldn't take it. I have decided to buy one before watching any videos. The more I watch, the more excited I am to get one.
Great review, I just got a "14 model over here in Australia and I'm really impressed with what I have for the price , I'm somewhat experienced, had bikes all my life but mainly off road only had owned smaller road bikes like the ninja 300 and I have ridden some awesome superbikes so I difference between a 650 but I think it is enough for me
Awesome! Thank you for the video! Looking forward to buy 2024 Ninja 650 next summer!
I have a 300 and can accelerate 0-60km in less than 3 seconds and 0-100km in ONLY 5.5 Seconds!!! Has slip on shorty gp exhaust screams like a Lamborghini in tunnels and has backfire gunshot sounds FX ! Definitely a menace to neighbors & dogs! 😜
Its more fun to ride a low cc bike fast than a high cc bike SLOW!!
1,000’th subscriber! Congratulations on the TH-cam! Keep up the great work
Thaaaanks bro! :) I appreciate that greatly! Ride safe!
Yes I will too, yes I will always love this bike
Im 30, never rode, and thinking about picking this up next month.
6 foot 2, 240 lbs for size reference.
Never too late to start : ) you'll love it!
@MathewUnderwood I've already started buying gear, signing up for the MSF course on my other tab. I appreciate your video because it REALLY helps with some insight to the bike and experience. I've owned sports and drift cars, but never wanted to own a bike until I felt "mortal" with a healthy respect for concrete. This is the year brothers
You’ll do great! As a 4’11, 115 gal who tippy toes the 650, your size will be great for it!
@@mc2355 I've put over 7000 miles on my GAXR 750 since I got it. I LOVE IT!
Great discussion. I'm really late to the game....getting my license in Germany at 53 together with my son (17). I've been learning to ride on a Z650 and I like it, but I miss a windscreen on the highway and the naked styling isn't my taste. I"m thinking of getting a 650 Ninja for me to ride and to keep it so that my son can ride it in a year. We have graduated licensing, so he can only ride a 125 for a year (15 HP) before moving up. I find its fast enough and easy to handle, but as you said, nothing ridiculously fast I would be afraid of my son thrashing around at 18+. Oddly enough, we both like it.....me as the old man and a young man.
I have a 2003 HD Softtail classic in the garage I bought off a friend to ride when I get more experienced. A 750 lb bike with marginal brakes is not a beginner bike in Germany in my opinion, but it was on my bucket list.
Question: How is the bike on longer rides, i.e. riding position? I'm 6'2" and my son is 6'...
I apologize for the super late reply, they are not very efficient with notifying comments on videos.
I have heard of this graduated licensing and honestly think it is super smart. Over here, any kid with $1000 can throw their leg over a hyabusa and ride themselves 150mph straight to the casket. It is honestly really stupid how easy it is here... It's good that other places encourage gradual learning because it is something that I will always suggest for anyone wanting to learn to ride, regardless of age.
As for the longer rides, my longest was roughly 100 miles with it currently (trip to the coast and back) and I was suprisingly comfortable. The 650 has a more standard, upright, sitting position that doesn't place too much pressure on anything. Other sport bikes like my old r6 was really rough on the wrists and lower back due to the aggressive, race-like position. I have been thoroughly enjoying my 650 every time I am on it for any distance of riding. Also, I'm super jealous of your riding relationship with your son! :) How cool that must be for him to have that avenue of creating memories with his father. That is super awesome and please be safe, both of you :)
edit: I'm 6 foot... 6'1" if im talking to a cutie :) (just kidding of course) I find the bike very comfortable and easy to enjoy.
You make me feel comfortable on this bike
I’d say by far. If you’re a little shorter and have absolutely no experience, I would recommend a 400 but even if you’re really passionate about riding, you’re gonna wanna upgrade that pretty quickly. Now if you’re coming from dirt like me, who has a little experience riding since I was a kid but not on street went with a 2023 ninja 650 and I can’t say this bike was by far my wisest choice. An R7 would have been a great choice too for someone who has a little bit of experience, but I’d say the 400 or even the new zx4r is a good choice for absolute beginners who are a little shorter and lighter. I’m also 6’ 180
Honesty like u said, i cant fault mine ., id only get hurt or locked up with anything like a h2r
Gem of a channel. Subscribed. Good luck to a 1000! Quick question. How is it for commutes, long trips? My wife and I would tend to use it together often, so how is it as a sportbike in a more touring capacity?
I used to take my ex fiance out on it all the time and it was honestly fine. We had a lot of fun! It is a lot more comfortable than more traditional sport bikes.. it's very easy to control. Normal touring bikes will definitely be a lot more comfortable for longer adventures, but we use to take this one to the lake (roughly 1.5 - 2hrs of riding round trip) and had no issues at all. Still gotta stretch the legs after an hour or so.
Thank you for your kind comment buddy, it means a lot!
I got a 3 wheeler Ryker 900 sport I’m going to eventually get me a motorcycle as someone who has never ridden but definitely going to get me a 650 ninja as a beginner Lord will; but Excellent video Bro…
I used to have the ryker rally, that was so much fun! Miss it to be honest
Helpful video - thanks!
Hope u feel better soon bro thanx for the info
Thanks bud!
I just picked up the 23 ninja 400 / it is plenty for anyone
If you want to go faster than 125 mph go wirh a 650
I've heard so many good things about the 400 :) you like it?
Yes
@@Jeff-lb6os absolutely
please can you drop a link for that thumbnail it looks sick haha!
Hmm I generated it with ai, I used imagine. Haha I thought it was pretty sick :) I dont have it anymore though
Why are you always riding alone? (Me too, just curious why others do, and everyone may decide for this or have lack of buddies or some kind of story behind it )
Well for me it is just because I'm always busy lol. I'm usually recording while I'm on the way to something that I need to work on haha. But there is also a sprinkle of introvertedness with it too. Comfort. I'm sure there will be a day where I start to do more group stuff. Thanks for the interest and question bud! Be safe.
I am a beginner rider with a 2023 Ninja 650 I purchased new and ride many of the same roads as Mathew, including these here recorded in Southern Oregon. I ride alone having just put 1200 miles on the bike since early May and would like to find people to ride with occasionally. Not entirely sure how to organize that, however. On the local roads I rarely see two or more people riding together, usually it's solo riders I two-fingers-down sign to. So for me it's lack of riding buddies. I'll keep stopping in Jacksonville for a coffee though in the hopes that some day I'll meet a like minded rider.
Nope it's not... I almost died in this thing when I started learning... 65 bhp is no joke... When I first started I done a wheelie and crashed... It was my first experience with this bike I thought acceleration should be twisted all the way like the 100 or 150 cc bikes... I almost got killed, with a fat repair bill and i almost quit riding... Then i stepped it Down to the 300 and after 15 years I am still riding that and guess what I always felt that it has enough power for me... It doesn't have all the electronics but it has all the power a person who wants to see tomorrow needs.
Honestly I am still traumatised and i havent ridden any higher cc bikes after that... 😢
Hmm I'm sorry to hear that.
It’s definitely a great beginner bike just use common sense of course the acceleration would be different and stronger you’re talking maybe 8-12hp with with maybe 3-5 lb-ft torque compared to 67hp and 47 lb-ft of torque. First thing taught in MSF courses is never whiskey throttle your bike and especially a bike you’re not familiar with
is that a 22 or 23 i like the white and black. also how do you feel about the sound? its the only thing keeping me from buying a 650
Mine is a 2020 actually. And yeah, the sound was a little off for me at first too. It is definitely not the strong point of the bike. At idle it is pretty lackluster, but when you open it up on the road, it sounds pretty nice.
@@MathewUnderwood that’s good to hear and I’m sure adding exhaust would make it sound less sewing machine I’m just really glad you made a good point for height and the fact it’s so forgiving for a new rider really pushed me over the edge Going to go look at a 2022 later
Hello...
You mentioned that you have been riding for 10 years...and during your riding time did you developed any back or wrist problems by any chance?
I am interested in getting a bike 🏍 first t time rider and the Ninja 650 is one of them . The others are Honda CBR650R and the Yamaha F7...
Just trying to see all the aspects in riding and do research.
And like you said, buy one when news ones come out so a rebate can be used..thanks for that point.
Safe riding!
Much blessings 🙌 🙏
🏍 🚲 😎
No sir, I'm still in great shape. Happy to hear your interest and you're very smart for trying to see all the angles.
Curious as to if you'd recommend a 650 over the 400 for someone that is close to 6' at a weight of 260+?
Well, I don't have any personal experience with a 400. I know that the 650 is pretty comfortable for my brother, who is around that height and weight though. My suggestion would be to visit a dealership near you who would allow you to throw a leg over one. That way you could get a feel for what fits you better.
Put big white squares on your on your tires, it's bad
How would you say the 650 stacks up against the new Ninja 500?
Unfortunately I have not had an opportunity to test out the 500 yet, but it does look very nice! :)
Let me buy yours
I'm 22o
Why did the Ninja 400 not even pass your lips?
Hmmmm....
I'd personally skip the BS Ninja 500 cause it's not a 500, but you totally skipped the 400. Everything you proposed as a negative of the 300 was fixed with the 400. Every single thing you said. There isn't much of a difference between the 650 and the 400, except its lighter, fast and cheaper. I have to say I don't think you really know as much as you think you do. JMHO
Lol I appreciate your honesty. It is because I have no experience with the 400. I talked about the 300 and 650 because I know those two :) I'd rather not comment on bikes that I've never ridden and give false information about them. That's all haha. And trust me, I know that I dont know a lot lol :D just sharing my personal experience and opinions.