Kawasaki Ninja 650: Top alternatives

For Kawasaki fans, it is a time to rejoice. The Kawasaki Ninja 650 has recently been revamped and relaunched in the Philippines. The middleweight fighter is now more focused and a proper supersports machine. Its 649cc parallel twin produces 68.3 hp and 65.7 Nm of torque giving it blistering performance.

Equipped with a slipper clutch, ABS and a redesigned chassis and swingarm, this bike is a proper track beast. At Php 390000, it is a very capable machine that easily lives up to the Ninja heritage. But if you find it a little too extreme, then the Philippines motorcycle scene does have a few options. Mind you there are not many bikes that compete against the Ninja 650 directly. Nevertheless, here are the best alternatives for the Ninja 650 on sale today.

1) Honda CBR500R

Honda takes a slightly different approach to the entry-level middleweight category than the Ninja 650 with its CBR500R. Launched in 2017, this bike is a more docile than the CBR600RR. Its nearly 500cc engine also gives it an odd fit between the 300cc and 600cc bikes. But while it bears a strong resemblance to its bigger CBR brothers, it also makes a niche for itself with a more learner-friendly disposition.

Its 471cc liquid cooled DOHC parallel twin produces a modest 46.4 hp at 8500 rpm and 43.1 Nm of torque at 7000 rpm. While the power figures are obviously lower, it is also delivered in an easier to manage fashion. The seating and wind protection also make it easy to ride with everyday usability. Honda also equips the bike with 2 channel ABS and a 9 step adjustable for preload Prolink monoshock rear suspension. At a price of Php 379000, it is also a tad bit cheaper than the Kawasaki Ninja 650. A very good choice for someone who wants to use their bike for their commute just as much as on the track.

2) Kawasaki Z650

Along with the new for Ninja 650, Kawasaki launched the new Z650 - its naked version. The new bike acts as a replacement for the popular ER 6n just as the Ninja 650 replaced the ER 6f. This, however, takes a more aggressive approach to its naked streetfighter ambitions. The styling stays true to the streetfighter ethos. The revised steering geometries have made it a better handler.

The new chassis also shave a lot of weight giving it a lighter feel, perfect for antics on urban roads. The engine is identical to the Ninja 650 and gives a linear power delivery. The bike also gets the ABS, large brakes and the assist and slipper clutch. At a price of Php 375000, it is one of the best middleweight streetfighters on the market today. While the kind of buyer that wants to buy a Ninja 650, may not be inclined to go for the Z650, it is definitely worth a look for the handling prowess alone.

3) Suzuki SV 650A

Now that we have mentioned the Z650, we simply cannot ignore the Suzuki SV650. The SV650 holds a legendary reputation in the hearts and minds of motorcycle riders around the world. A standard by definition, it is, in essence, a naked sportbike. Having been around since as early as 1999, Suzuki has constantly upgraded and improved it, bringing it to its current state. Like a standard, it comes with minimal styling and a conventional round headlight. The retro UJM styling carries on to the conventional riding stance that will still appeal to veterans just as much as newbies.

The bike is comfortable to ride and has easy ergonomics – especially for people with shorter inseam lengths. Best of all is the V-Twin powerplant that is a complete departure from everything else on this list and indeed much of the Pinoy motorcycle landscape. The 645cc 90-degree liquid-cooled DOHC V-Twin produces 75 hp and 64 Nm of torque. Combined with the distinct character of the V-Twin and the practical power delivery, it appeals to both newbies and more experienced riders. This bike is a comfortable step up from smaller displacement bikes and one that will be very much future proof. With the affordable price tag of Php 399000, it is no wonder one of the most highly recommended learner bikes of all time. Especially since it comes with a link type monoshock rear suspension with seven-step preload adjustment, ABS and Tokico twin pot disc brakes.