This is an essential feature for a LAMS machine , but it also contributes towards hiding a decent portion of the 192kg curb weight – the 650 feels a much lighter bike because of these manageable proportions . Recent weight losses from the 650 are mainly due to a new hightensile steel trellis frame that only weighs 15kg and no doubt contributes to the overall handling precision . The screen is low , but it and the bodywork do a good job of keeping the weather away . I had zero buffeting and it is a quiet bike to ride , but as a taller rider my upper body is more exposed to poor conditions . The new TFT dash is clear with all the required information ... and then some . The brakes strike a great balance between stopping power , general ease of use and not being too strong
to intimidate up-and-coming riders - there are twin 300mm discs up front and a single 220mm disc at the rear . The ABS is well calibrated , works great and is only slightly upset by hard braking on uneven surfaces . ABS often seems to sense loss of traction on ripple shaped bumps resulting in a reduction of braking pressure and reduced stopping performance , this can be disconcerting to say the least . It feels like the brakes are momentarily failing as the lever pulses . However , keep the lever pressure on and you will keep stopping without the fear of the front wheel lockup , but perhaps not quite as quickly as a non-ABS system for an experienced rider in this situation . Overall , the Ninja 650L is a very competent ride that punches well above its price point of $ 14,995 . It has a quality and accomplished
68 KIWI RIDER