/ News
Kawasaki updates Ninja 650 and Z650 with traction control
Team Green’s middleweight models now get traction control with two available modes.
Kawasaki has given two of its middleweight motorcycles a significant update. The Ninja 650 and Z650 have both received a traction control system as well as new color options for the 2023 model year. It’s currently not clear when these updated models will be launched in the Philippines, if at all.
Although this new feature is definitely a win for any Ninja 650 or Z650 fan, the unit these bikes come with is a fairly rudimentary Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC) system. It uses wheel-speed sensors to gather data, with no IMU-enabled lean-sensitive functionality whatsoever. If we had to guess, this unit is likely similar or the same one fitted on the recently launched Versys 650.
The traction control system here features two modes, with Level 1 offering gentle rider intervention that allows for some slippage before activation, and Level 2 providing earlier intervention in low-grip conditions. There is technically a third mode, too, which turns the system off completely.
Traction control isn’t the only thing that’s new for 2023, as both the Ninja 650 and Z650 also get new color options. The former gets three new colorways while the latter gets two. Mechanically, however, things stay exactly the same for these bikes. Both pack a 649cc parallel-twin engine that punches out 68 hp at 8,000 RPM and 64 Nm of torque at 6,700 RPM. It also has the same suspension and braking systems, so the ride quality is expected to be the same as the previous model.
The Kawasaki Ninja 650 is still available in the Philippines for P433,500, with the Z650 also available for slightly lower at P415,000. As previously mentioned, we still don’t know if the new models are coming to our shores anytime soon. These existing models should sate most buyers’ need for a highly capable middleweight performer.
Tagged Under
Related Articles
-
Check out Kawasaki’s 2024 Ninja ZX-10RR Winter Test Edition / News
Kawasaki has unveiled the 2024 Ninja ZX-10RR Winter Test Edition in Europe.
-
Kawasaki Z650RS to get traction control for 2024 model-year / News
Kawasaki has launched the 2024 Z650RS in the global market with a new traction control system for added safety.
-
Kawasaki Ninja 7 unveiled as Team Green's first hybrid-electric model / News
Kawasaki has entered the hybrid market with the launch of the Ninja 7, a sportbike powered by both a parallel-twin engine and an electric motor.
-
Kawasaki launches electric versions of its popular Ninja and Z in the US / News
Kawasaki has unveiled its first electric models, the Ninja e-1 and Z e-1 in the US market. Could we see these bikes in the Philippines soon?
-
Kawasaki updates the Ninja ZX-25R SE in the Japanese market / News
In Japan, Kawasaki has updated the Ninja ZX-25R SE for the 2024 model-year with new colors.
Latest News
-
Royal Enfield launches Shotgun 650 the Philippines starting at P429,000 / News
Royal Enfield has launched the Shotgun 650 in the Philippines.
-
CFMOTO revs up Philippine market with four new models / News
CFMOTO Philippines unveiled a total of four new motorcycles in a stellar event in Xylo at The Palace.
-
Royal Enfield "One Ride" unites thousands of riders from all over the world / News
On September 22, 2024, Royal Enfield celebrated camaraderie and passion for motorcycles with its "One Ride" event which saw thousands of riders from all over the world unite.