What is the suitable height range for riding a Kawasaki Ninja 650?
2 Answers
160-180cm. Below is relevant information about Kawasaki: Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. (TYO: 7012) is a Japanese heavy industry company. Kawasaki Heavy Industries originated during the Meiji Restoration era and primarily engages in heavy industry, with historical connections to JFE Steel (formerly Kawasaki Steel) and Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (K Line). Its main products include aerospace equipment, railway vehicles, construction machinery, electric bicycles, ships, and mechanical equipment. "Kawasaki" is the Chinese transliteration, with the Romanized name being "KAWASAKI". The company is named after its founder, Kawasaki Shozo. Among Japanese motorcycle manufacturers, Kawasaki Heavy Industries ranks fourth in terms of motorcycle production volume and output value. The original Kawasaki company was a shipyard that entered the motorcycle industry after World War II, initially producing Kawasaki engines to supply the then-booming motorcycle manufacturers. Soon after, the predecessor of Kawasaki Motors, Meihatsu Industries, Ltd., was established. The first motorcycle it produced was the "Meihatsu 80" model, and in 1955, it manufactured the "Meihatsu 125" model based on a West German motorcycle design. Amid intense competition at the time, Meihatsu Company, due to limitations in scale and capability, was eventually acquired by the more powerful Kawasaki company. Because it was still in business collaboration with the established Meguro Manufacturing at the time, it wasn't fully owned by Kawasaki until 1964.
The seat height of the Kawasaki Ninja 650 is approximately 790mm, making this motorcycle suitable for riders with a height ranging from around 170cm to 185cm. Due to the relatively high seat, riders need to stretch their legs comfortably to maintain balance. Based on my over ten years of riding experience, if the rider is too short—for example, under 160cm—they may only be able to touch the ground with their tiptoes when stopping, which can make handling difficult and increase the risk of tipping over. Conversely, if the rider is too tall—say, over 190cm—the riding posture may become hunched and uncomfortable. Additionally, weight distribution and footwear also play significant roles. It’s best to visit a dealership to try sitting on the actual bike. I recommend that riders around 170cm in height will find it the most comfortable, as it offers easy handling without causing fatigue. If the fit isn’t ideal, options like lowering the seat or wearing thick-soled boots can help adjust the riding position. Ultimately, safety should be the priority—don’t just consider height; personal comfort and actual riding experience are equally important.
