Nice review, and a fair assessment. I have a 2020 Tourer edition, recently did a 700 mile round trip to the New Forest and averaged 78mpg very easily. Performance is fine, only small downside is some vibration cruising above 70mph for a couple of hours - but really this bike will handle that and you just have to take a comfort break now and then. I had a z1000sx previously which obviously had more of everything but the 650 is a fantastic balance between performance and economy - its incredibly easy to ride and probably more than enough for our UK roads. Low seat height makes for confidence with low speed handling and perfect for beginners. Modest insurance rates and enough fun on the B roads. Great all rounder.
I think you've touched on every reason I bought this bike. The economy is great, the low seat height is perfect for me. It looks really sporty- especially the performance edition. Thanks for the comment- very much appreciated!!
@@justashortride6943 Yes, really like the seat cowel but I do use the back seat for carrying a lock bag. Performance exhaust is much nicer than the standard. Some lovely roads in Norfolk to enjoy the 650, often make the day trip over via Acle and coastal road upto Cromer and Sheringham. Planning a trip to Scotland next year on mine - should blow the cobwebs away!
Yes. I feel very fortunate with the country roads of Norfolk. Albeit they are often quite treacherous with gravel and muck all over them, they are fun on a bike!!
I had one for two years put 5800miles only on it put all the extras on it changed exhause heated grips tail tidy seat cowl mad traded it in bought brand new z900 2021.125 horse power but the 650 was a good bike
Just ordered this exact bike (2022 model, the white/green one) a week back as my first bike. Partially due to this review! I've just got the bike reserved at the moment (delivery time should be withing a month or so) but I'm contemplating wether or not to go with the performance model, think I'm leaning towards the P-model after watching this again. Oh, an fuel prices in Norway are at about 1.52-1.60 GBP at the moment😬
Glad my review was of use. You'll love this bike . Fuel is similar in the UK currently 1.45-1.65 depending on location. The Performance model just made it feel a bit more sporty to me. It sounds better too.
Great review! I had a choice between a used cbr650r or the new Ninja - the Ninja had the lower seat but the honda had the inline 4 i like. I'm also the same height so have the same challenge of being on tip toes but both bikes are so light, it really isn't a problem. The ninja would be my main alternative - not many others exept maybe the rebel 500
ngl, but that “performance” akrapovic exhaust sounds exactly like stock😂 i just really dig the seat cover here in vietnam, we can completely remove the tail section which holds the license plate, and have the license plate hidden under below. and remove the two mirrors to give it an aggressive look
Does the Performance Edition have more power and/or less weight because of the Akra exhaust system ? Or is it just for the better sound ? Thinking about buying it, but not sure if the Performance Edition is worth the extra money 🧐....Good looking Ninja 🤘🏼
The exhaust sounds better for sure. I don’t think the performance is changed to a degree which would make it noticeable to the average rider on the road. Weight is likely slightly lower due to rear seat removal and exhaust system. I would say it’s more an aesthetic change than a performance change though
It is the performance upgrade package. So the bike comes as standard , tourer (with storage panniers ) or performance as this is. The bike came like this from the manufacturers
I suspect the Ninja 2021 is lighter - the brakes will help slow it quicker [although how much that makes a difference for everyday riding remains to be seen- but likely safer for the fun that occurs on the UK roads] I also prefer the TFT information - gear indicator etc. Makes life much easier for me riding. I'd be interested on your thoughts if you ride both!
@@justashortride6943 yes I have White one I just loved the green Frame ..my Zed tends to get derided against the MT 07 But I prefer the looks of the Z Personally..and that Brilliant TFT Dash ....Ride Safe
You would need to sit on it and see. Inside leg measurement is more important than overall height. But this is definitely a bike you should be considering
If you like this video, then you may find this one very helpful!
ruclips.net/video/9B4QUAJ68DA/видео.html
Nice review, and a fair assessment. I have a 2020 Tourer edition, recently did a 700 mile round trip to the New Forest and averaged 78mpg very easily. Performance is fine, only small downside is some vibration cruising above 70mph for a couple of hours - but really this bike will handle that and you just have to take a comfort break now and then. I had a z1000sx previously which obviously had more of everything but the 650 is a fantastic balance between performance and economy - its incredibly easy to ride and probably more than enough for our UK roads. Low seat height makes for confidence with low speed handling and perfect for beginners. Modest insurance rates and enough fun on the B roads. Great all rounder.
I think you've touched on every reason I bought this bike. The economy is great, the low seat height is perfect for me. It looks really sporty- especially the performance edition.
Thanks for the comment- very much appreciated!!
@@justashortride6943 Yes, really like the seat cowel but I do use the back seat for carrying a lock bag. Performance exhaust is much nicer than the standard. Some lovely roads in Norfolk to enjoy the 650, often make the day trip over via Acle and coastal road upto Cromer and Sheringham. Planning a trip to Scotland next year on mine - should blow the cobwebs away!
Yes. I feel very fortunate with the country roads of Norfolk. Albeit they are often quite treacherous with gravel and muck all over them, they are fun on a bike!!
The Ninja 650 is such a good bike, especially for a newer rider. And as you point out very good if you are shorter.
Excellent review
Agreed. Great bike for a new rider!
As a 6’5 rider of the 2021 ninja 650, it’s good for me too.
I had one for two years put 5800miles only on it put all the extras on it changed exhause heated grips tail tidy seat cowl mad traded it in bought brand new z900 2021.125 horse power but the 650 was a good bike
The z900 is a lovely bike too. I can see a lot of people starting on the Ninja 650 and progressing with the range up the capacity choices
I thrash this bike round everywhere that’s safe to do so and it’s great fun.
Just bought the 2020 white on black peformance edition! Can’t wait to put some miles onto it
You’ll love it !
Just ordered this exact bike (2022 model, the white/green one) a week back as my first bike. Partially due to this review! I've just got the bike reserved at the moment (delivery time should be withing a month or so) but I'm contemplating wether or not to go with the performance model, think I'm leaning towards the P-model after watching this again.
Oh, an fuel prices in Norway are at about 1.52-1.60 GBP at the moment😬
Glad my review was of use. You'll love this bike . Fuel is similar in the UK currently 1.45-1.65 depending on location. The Performance model just made it feel a bit more sporty to me. It sounds better too.
Great review! I had a choice between a used cbr650r or the new Ninja - the Ninja had the lower seat but the honda had the inline 4 i like. I'm also the same height so have the same challenge of being on tip toes but both bikes are so light, it really isn't a problem. The ninja would be my main alternative - not many others exept maybe the rebel 500
The CBR650R was also very high on the list when getting this bike ! If they did it in the fireblade colours I wouldn’t own the ninja lol
ngl, but that “performance” akrapovic exhaust sounds exactly like stock😂
i just really dig the seat cover
here in vietnam, we can completely remove the tail section which holds the license plate, and have the license plate hidden under below.
and remove the two mirrors to give it an aggressive look
Yeah we can’t legally do that here in the U.K. but I can see why people would
Bike looks so much better with that exhaust
Definitely agree. The performance upgrade is very much worth it on this bike
Sounds a lot better too!! Best upgrade for the Ninja 650
Nice review
Does the Performance Edition have more power and/or less weight because of the Akra exhaust system ? Or is it just for the better sound ? Thinking about buying it, but not sure if the Performance Edition is worth the extra money 🧐....Good looking Ninja 🤘🏼
The exhaust sounds better for sure. I don’t think the performance is changed to a degree which would make it noticeable to the average rider on the road. Weight is likely slightly lower due to rear seat removal and exhaust system.
I would say it’s more an aesthetic change than a performance change though
@@justashortride6943 Thanks for your reply ☺️👍🏻
@@infamouscircuits You're welcome! Let me know which bike you get in the end!
You know the "suspects"... Ninja 650, MT 07, SV 650, Trident 660 🙈😉. choices... 😂
I'm 4'11 and plan on getting this bike but a 2011
I think it’s a great choice for you.
@@justashortride6943 thank you so much
I ended up getting a 2019 kawasaki ninja 400 2 days
Great choice of bike. I hope you enjoy riding it. Stay safe!
@@justashortride6943 thank you
If you liked this video, check out my day on a police motor bike training course!
ruclips.net/video/dO8f9SO9alY/видео.html
From where did you buy this exhaust I need to get one too
It is the performance upgrade package. So the bike comes as standard , tourer (with storage panniers ) or performance as this is. The bike came like this from the manufacturers
@@justashortride6943 oh thanks for the information ❤️
How loud is the Akrapovic exhaust? Got some numbers?
I don’t have the data for the volume of the exhaust
2014 Er6f non abs . Wonder how different the 2 are to ride
I suspect the Ninja 2021 is lighter - the brakes will help slow it quicker [although how much that makes a difference for everyday riding remains to be seen- but likely safer for the fun that occurs on the UK roads]
I also prefer the TFT information - gear indicator etc. Makes life much easier for me riding.
I'd be interested on your thoughts if you ride both!
Have the Z model..its a great Engine
& Reports on some U Tube Channels
Of lots of Vibrations are Greatly
Exaggerated. !
.
Very nearly when for the Z650! It's a nice bike, and the 2022 colours- the Red particularly, looks very cool
@@justashortride6943 yes I have
White one I just loved the green
Frame ..my Zed tends to get derided against the MT 07
But I prefer the looks of the Z
Personally..and that Brilliant
TFT Dash ....Ride Safe
Iam 5'2 can i ride it.?
You would need to sit on it and see. Inside leg measurement is more important than overall height. But this is definitely a bike you should be considering
Watching this during the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Laughing at the fuel price comments. Wish petrol was that price now 😂
Yeah, just a little bit cheaper when the video was made!
im charging you for a new pair of pants when you turn the bike on i may have ruined mine.
It does sound good!
...you can see on the TFT... "HOOOO HOOOOOO HOOOOO HOOO HOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOO HHOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOO" xD
??
@@justashortride6943 wait you missed it ?