Kawasaki Ninja 650 mods & upgrades

The Ninja 650 is the faired Z650: the same 649 cc twin and trellis frame. Its fork has no adjusters and its shock only preload, so the useful mods are protection, a taller screen, springs for your weight and, because none of the major exhaust makers list a slip-on for 2017+, a full exhaust system.

1. Tail tidy

   Fit a fender eliminator. Yoshimura lists one kit for Ninja and Z 650 2017–26 and New Rage Cycles lists 2023+. Yoshimura's kit includes a plate light and takes aftermarket signals through a separate bracket kit.

   Tail Tidy & Billet

2. Sliders and a radiator guard

   Bolt on frame sliders: Kawasaki sells a Frame Slider Set (99994-0797) and a Protection Package (99974-0062), and GB Racing lists XL bullet sliders and secondary engine covers for 2017–26. R&G lists a steel radiator guard and axle sliders for 2017–24.

   Crash Protection

3. Budget for a full exhaust system

   None of the major makers list a slip-on for 2017+, so the exhaust upgrade is a full system. Akrapovič's approved Racing Line keeps a catalytic converter and needs no remap; check what any other system does with the cat before you order.

   Exhaust

4. Taller screen

   Kawasaki's Large Windshield is item 99994-2530. The 2020 restyle changed the cowl, so aftermarket screens split 2017–19 and 2020+; buy the one listed for your year.

   Bodywork

5. Springs for your weight

   The fork has no adjusters and the shock only preload, so set springs and fork oil for your weight first. Then fit a shock: YSS lists Ninja 650 2017–22 and Nitron lists Z650 2017–25.

   Suspension

1. Tires

   Fit sport tires in 120/70-17 and 160/60-17. The OE Dunlop Sportmax Roadsport 2 is a street tire, and the narrow 160 rear limits race-compound choice.

   Tires & Wheels

2. Springs and a shock

   Fit fork springs and oil matched to your weight and set rear sag, then a better shock. YSS lists shocks and fork parts for Ninja 650 2017–22.

   Suspension

3. Pads, lines, fluid, lever guard

   Fit sintered pads (EBC lists HH pads for 2017–22), braided lines and fresh fluid, plus a lever guard if your organization requires one.

   BrakesLevers

4. Protection and gearing

   Fit sliders and engine covers before the first track day. Drop a tooth on the front sprocket to shorten the stock 15/46 gearing.

   Crash ProtectionDrivetrain

5. Full system and flash

   Akrapovič requires a remap on its track system; ask the maker of any other full system whether it does. Woolich lists the Ninja 650 for 2006–2026 and 2WDW has a Ninja/Z 650 mail-in flash; both sell for closed-course use.

   ExhaustTune

• Ninja 650 (ER-6f)2012–2016

  Predecessor platform, sold as the Ninja 650 from 2012 (the R was dropped): steel double-tube perimeter frame and an offset laydown shock. The 2017 redesign replaced the frame, swingarm and shock layout, so chassis, bodywork and exhaust parts do not cross to 2017+. Yoshimura, Two Brothers, Akrapovič and LeoVince list it as its own fitment.

• EX650J/K2017–2019

  New steel trellis frame and aluminum swingarm (Kawasaki claimed a chassis 42 lb lighter than the old one), horizontal back-link shock, assist-and-slipper clutch and an analog-tach dash. Sold ABS and non-ABS. Front fairing, screen and dash parts are specific to these years.

• EX650M/N2020–2022

  Restyle: twin LED headlights, a 4.3-inch TFT with Rideology app connection, a new upper cowl and lower windscreen, a thicker and wider passenger seat and Dunlop Sportmax Roadsport 2 tires. Frame, engine and suspension carry over, so chassis parts cross from 2017; front-fairing and screen parts don't.

• EX650P/R2023+

  Adds two-mode KTRC traction control; otherwise the 2020 bike. ABS and non-ABS versions are still sold. 2026 US price: $7,599 non-ABS, $8,199 ABS.