Unique features

- Aggressive Ninja styling
- Powerful parallel-twin engine
- Compact size and weight
- Low seat height

Engine

- 649cc twin-cylinder, DOHC engine
- Parallel twin engine is the most compact in its category. The engine is considerably smaller than that of the Ninja 500 and helps reduce the dimension of the entire motorcycle
- Tuned to deliver smooth, responsive power in the low-to mid-rpm range with exceptional roll-on response for negotiating city traffic
- Triangular crank and transmission shaft layout makes the engine very short from front to back, a semi-dry sump oil system reduces overall engine height, while narrow pitch of the chrome composite plated aluminum cylinders helps reduce engine width
- Muffler with 3-way catalyzer and bullet-tip opening is mounted below the engine to help lower the center of gravity and aid weight centralization
- 180-degree crankshaft plus balancer shaft for extremely smooth engine operation
- Oil jets on the connecting rod big ends spray oil on the undersides of the pistons to aid cooling

Liquid Cooling

- Maintains consistent engine temperatures for long engine life and sustained power during hard use
- Allows closer engine tolerances for more horsepower
- Coolant is routed through the engine cases to reduce external hoses

Digital Fuel Injection

- 38mm Keihin throttle bodies feature sub-throttle valves for optimum performance and rideability. The sub-throttles, located behind the main throttle valves, are controlled by the ECU so that the DFI system gives a more precise throttle response, similar to a constant-velocity carburetor
- Precise fuel injection plus exhaust catalyzer significantly reduce emissions
- Automatic fast idle system makes starting and warm-up easy

Digital Capacitor Discharge Ignition (CDI) System

- Microprocessor-controlled timing never needs adjustment and is ultra-responsive to engine needs
- Spark plug mounted “stick” ignition coils are compact and help reduce weight

Six-Speed Transmission

- Cassette-style transmission puts the transmission shafts and shifts into a compact layout that is easily removed as a single unit from the cases for easier maintenance

Trellis Frame

- High tensile steel trellis frame is small and light
- Designed using 3-dimensional computer analysis to achieve the optimum stiffness balance for better handling
- Narrow at the knees and feet for rider comfort and control

Single-shock Rear Suspension

- Braced swingarm and offset, laydown single rear and shock complement the frame design to create an integrated line flowing from the steering head to the rear hub
- Short, compact frame and engine design allows the swingarm to be longer, which helps improve overall handling

Triple Petal Design Brake Discs

- Petal design rotors offer improved cooling and warp resistance
- Same rotor design as found on the Ninja ZX™-6R and ZX-10R supersports machines

Six-spoke wheels

- With the same engineering as the Ninja ZX-6R and ZX-10R, the six-spoke design requires much less material between spokes so that the rim thickness is thinner and overall wheel weight is reduced

Confidence-Inspiring Cockpit

- Low, narrow seat combined with the slim overall design allows riders to firmly plant both feet on the ground when stopped
- Carefully designed ergonomics result in a natural, comfortable riding position
- Textured seat cover helps keep the rider planted

Bodywork

- Stylish full fairing with aerodynamic windscreen cuts through the wind and helps protect the rider
- Integrated front turn signals with clear lenses enhance appearance