Kawasaki Ninja 650 (EX650, 2017+) Maintenance Schedule and Service Intervals

This is the maintenance schedule with associated service intervals for the Kawasaki Ninja 650, also known as the ER-6F or EX650, and previously known as the Kawasaki Ninja 650R.

This is the maintenance schedule for the 2017+ Ninja 650, which is the sportier stablemate of the Z650. Both motorcycles have the same engine at their base.

The Kawasaki Ninja 650 has gone through a few major updates since launch in 2006.

  • 2006-2008 Kawasaki Ninja 650R, a.k.a. ER-6F/EX-6: The first base model. Made 53 kW (71 hp) @ 8,500 rpm, and weighed 208 kg (461 lb) wet. Twin gauges.
  • 2009-2011 Kawasaki Ninja 650R a.k.a. ER-6F: First US imported model. Revised first edition with more midrange and better engine cooling. Reduced vibration from rubber engine and handlebar mounts. Wider seat, taller fairing. Big LCD (no tachometer dial) with red backlighting.
  • 2012-2016 Kawasaki Ninja 650: All new bodywork, wider handlebars, new analogue tachometer + digital LCD with more information.
  • 2017+ Kawasaki Ninja 650: New lightweight trellis frame and lighter engine — bike is 19 kg (42 lb) lighter. No side-mounted shock. New slipper clutch. More aggressive bodywork. Slightly lower top-end power due to emissions restrictions.

During the years, nothing changed fundamentally with the engine, though some parts changed in the intake, chassis, braking etc. And the maintenance schedule changed as the motorcycle evolved.

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Kawasaki Ninja 650 Service Intervals

Overall, the Ninja 650 has 7500 mi / 12000 km or annual service intervals. At every service, change the oil and filter, and look down the service schedule for other things to check.

You should also change the spark plugs and the air filter at every 7500 mile / 12000 km mark, though you don’t have to do those on a time interval.

Every 15000 miles / 24000 km, check the valve clearances. The first of these services is the most important, though as time goes on it’s less and less likely that the clearances will be out of spec.

Make sure you change the brake fluid and the coolant every two and three years respectively.

What you need to service the Kawasaki Ninja 650

If you’re servicing the Kawasaki Ninja 650, firstly, you might need these common motorcycle maintenance tools (thinks like an oil filter wrench, catch pan, etc.).

But aside from that, you’ll need these specific items to maintain the Kawasaki Ninja 650.

PartKawasaki Ninja 650 Spec
OilYou need 1.8L (1.7 US qt) of SAE 10W-40 engine oil “with API SG, SH, SJ, SL or SM with JASO MA, MA1 or MA2 rating”, preferably Kawasaki 10W-40 Engine Oil, or a high quality alternative like Motul 7100 10W-40.

Kawasaki oil grade recommendation
Don’t over-torque the drain bolt (spec is 30 Nm/22 lb-ft per the manual) — use a torque wrench if you don’t have experience with how much torque is enough.
Oil filterOil filter is part 16097-0008, or you can use Hiflofiltro HF303RC. Torque for oil filter is 17.5 Nm (12.9 ft-lb) (use a torque wrench)
Fuel filterFuel filter kit for the 2017+ Ninja 650 is 99999-0525.
Front brake padsYou can get original OEM parts from a dealership, or double-sintered EBC brake pads for better bite and wear. Part numbers are FA226HH (you need two pairs).
Rear brake padsAs with the front brake pads, you can get original OEM parts from a dealership, or double-sintered EBC brake pads for better bite and wear. EBC part number is FA174HH.
Spark plugsNGK CR9EIA-9, with a spark plug gap of 0.8-9.0mm (use a spark plug gapping tool), torqued to 13 Nm or 9 ft-lb (use a torque wrench)
Air filterKawasaki changed the air cleaner during the evolutions of the Ninja 650R/Ninja 650. For 2017+, the Kawasaki part number is 11013-0745. Ninja 650 owners like the after-market air filter with part number P-K6N15-01.
Cable lubricantRemember to lubricate your clutch cable (and brake cables if you have them) with a cable lubricant. Protect All Cable Life is a good general-purpose lubricant.
Chain lubricantThe chain needs to be lubricated every 600 km/400 miles (or more, if it gets wet/dirty). Motul chain paste is cheap and well-loved.
Brake fluidSpec is to use DOT-4 brake fluid like Castrol DOT 4.
CoolantUse nitrate-free, phosphate-free, ethylene glycol-based coolant with anti-corrosion inhibitors, e.g. Zerex Asian Vehicle blue coolant.
GreaseUse a lithium soap based grease for all the important greasing points.
Consumables for servicing the Kawasaki Ninja 650 motorcycle (2017+)

Maintenance Schedule for Kawasaki Ninja 650R (2017+)

Below is the maintenance schedule for the Kawasaki Ninja 650R.

The 2017+ maintenance schedule (particularly in recent years) has become simpler than in previous years, mercifully.

Notes

  • Follow the earlier of distance-based or time-based service intervals.
  • Some things should be attended to more often if you ride in dusty or wet conditions, like the chain and the air filter.
mi x 10000.67.51522.530Every
km x 1000112243648Year(s)
Engine oil — Replace (Kawasaki 10W-40 engine oil, Motul 7100 10W-40)Year
Oil filter — Replace (HF303RC oil filter)Year
Air cleaner element — Replace (P-K6N15-01)More often when riding in dusty / wet conditions
Spark plugs — Replace (CR9EIA-9)
Engine vacuum synchronization — Check / Adjust
Valve clearances — Inspect / Adjust
Idle speed — Inspect / Adjust
Throttle control system — Inspect (smooth operation) / adjust playYear
Fuel system — Inspect for leaks / kinksYear
Fuel filter — Replace (Fuel filter kit 99999-0525)
Fuel hoses — Replace5 years
Evaporative emission control system — Inspect / Adjust (CA only)
Cooling system — Inspect for leaks, correct functionInspect
Coolant, water hoses, and O-rings — Replace (Zerex Asian Vehicle coolant)3 years
Air suction system — Inspect
Clutch operation — Inspect / Adjust (play, engagement, disengagement)
Wheel bearing — Inspect for damageYear
Drive chain wear — InspectMore often if riding in dirty / dusty conditions
Drive chain guide wear — Inspect
Brake system — InspectYear
Brake operation — Inspect (effectiveness, play, no drag)Year
Brake fluid (front and rear) — Replace (Castrol DOT 4)2 years
Brake hoses — Replace
Rubber parts of brake master cylinder and caliper — Replace4 years
Suspension system — Inspect for leaksYear
Rear suspension — Lubricate
Steering play — Inspect / AdjustYear
Steering stem bearings — Lubricate2 years
Electrical system — InspectYear
Chassis parts — Lubricate (use lithium soap-based grease)Year
Bolts, nuts, and fasteners — Inspect / tighten
Kawasaki Ninja 650 (2017+) Maintenance Schedule

Periodic maintenance (daily, short-term)

There are a number of daily and short-term bit of maintenance to do on your Ninja 650. These are below.

Regular Checks
Fuel — Check adequate supply in tank, no leaks
Engine oil — check level is between level lines
Tires — check air pressure (when cold) and valve cap is installed
Tires – check wear
Drive chain — check/adjust slack every 1000 km (600 mi)
See below notes on checking / adjusting slack
Drive chain – Lubricate every 600 km (400 mi) — Motul chain paste
Bolts, nuts, and fasteners — check for loose/missing bolts, nuts, and fasteners
Steering — check action smooth but not loose from lock to lock
Steering — check no binding of control cables
Brake pads — check wear is within spec
Brake fluid — check fluid level is between lines, and not leaking
Throttle — check free play is adequate
Clutch lever — check free play is adequate, and it operates smoothly
Coolant — check for no coolant leaks, and level is between lines
Electrical equipment — check all lights and horn work
Engine stop switch — make sure it works
Side stand — make sure it returns up to its position by spring tension, and that the spring is not weakened/damaged
Rear view mirrors — make sure they let you see
Kawasaki Ninja 650 regular daily checks

Maintaining The Chain on the Kawasaki Ninja 650

It’s important to maintain your chain on the Ninja 650, as it’s a bike likely to see all kinds of conditions in everyday use

Kawasaki recommends you follow the following chain maintenance schedule:

Chain maintenance itemEvery
Check drive chain lubrication condition, lubricating if necessary (Motul chain paste)400 mi / 600 km
Check drive chain slack, adjusting if necessary
Target chain slack: 20-30mm (0.8-1.2 inches) free play at loosest part of chain
600 mi / 1000 km
Chain maintenance — Kawasaki Ninja 650

Notes:

  • Do these items (checking/adjusting slack, and checking/applying lubrication) more often if you ride your Ninja 650 in dusty or rainy conditions.
  • Always lubricate the chain after washing the motorcycle.

If the chain slack is too great (or too little), follow these steps:

  1. Remove the cap from the rear axle nut.
  2. Loosen the adjuster lock nuts on both sides.
  3. Remove the cotter pin from the axle.
  4. Loosen the axle nut.
  5. Turn the adjusters evenly to get to the right chain slack, checking constantly. To keep it even, look at the chain alignment indicators on the swingarm.
  6. Tighten the adjuster lock nuts.
  7. Tighten the axle to 108 Nm / 80 lb-ft.
  8. Install a new cotter pin.
  9. Reinstall the cap on the axle nut.
  10. Make sure the rear brake works.

Tyre size and tyre pressure for the Kawasaki Ninja 650

The Kawasaki Ninja 650 has the following tyres and tyre sizes standard:

TyreSizeTyre pressure (cold)
Front120/70 ZR17 M/C (58W)225 kPa/32psi
Rear160/60 ZR17 M/C (69W)250 kPa/36psi
Kawasaki Ninja 650 Tyre sizes, brands, pressures

Stock, the Ninja 650 ships with sport touring type tyres.

About the Kawasaki Ninja 650

Kawasaki Ninja 650 KRT in the hills
Kawasaki Ninja 650 KRT in the hills

The Kawasaki Ninja 650 is an amiable but fun motorcycle that can be called in for commuter and touring duties at a moment’s notice.

The twin-cylinder motor has ample torque, making it easy to go fast in the real world of public roads and freeways — there’s enough power to take you over 125 mph or 200 km/h, should you ever wish to. But you definitely don’t need to push the bike that fast to have fun on it.

The engine in the Kawasaki Ninja 650 is a strong and compact 649 cc liquid-cooled dual overhead cam 8-valve parallel-twin engine that’s almost un-killable. You can try! Most Ninja 650s are crashed or neglected rather than dead because of engine failures, though.

The engine’s modest power in its latest incarnation (50 kW / 67 bhp at 8000 rpm) is driven to the ground by a modern six-speed transmission. The gearbox is light and easy, which helps newer riders make smooth shifts. Final drive is a chain, like on most sport bikes.

The Ninja 650 has always been an “affordable favourite” for many riders. The power is not so much that it feels like a caged animal at commuting speeds, but is easily enough for most everyday scenarios. You might have to downshift once or twice to do fast passes on the highway, but to many, that’s what makes it more fun.

The riding position of the Ninja 650 is comfortable, despite the fairings and clip-ons (which are raised). The latest 2017+ Ninja has handlebars that mean you barely have to lean forward at all — but then when you compare it to a real standard like the Kawasaki Z900RS, you see that ah yes, the Ninja 650 is still a sport bike.

The riding position also means your knees are flexed, rather than a comfortable 90 degrees like you’ll find on the Ninja 650’s parallel twin stablemate, the Kawasaki Vulcan S.

Brakes come via dual 300m petal-style discs with 4-piston calipers at the front, and a 220mm petal-style rotor with a 2-piston caliper at the rear.

The Ninja 650 has been a favourite of many kinds of riders, including

  • People who want a mildly sporty middleweight for everyday commuting
  • Beginner riders (in the US, where people can ride anything, or in the UK, Europe, or Australia in A2 or LAMS-friendly de-tuned format)
  • Some track riders, who improve the suspension and now have an unkillable and very learner-friendly motorcycle

The latest KRT Edition of the Ninja 650 looks really nice, too — see the pics above!

TFT display on 2021 Kawasaki Ninja 650
TFT display on 2020/2021 Kawasaki Ninja 650

The 2020 edition of the Kawasaki Ninja 650 gets a couple of updates to bring it into the modern era. Visually it gets KRT livery, with bodywork that’s as clean as that on the latest ZX-10R. It also receives a color 4.3-inch TFT display, with multiple display modes, to show you a little (or a lot) of information.

Since the 2017 version, the Ninja 650 isn’t as heavy as it used to be, either. Fully loaded with oil and gas it weighs 190 kg (423 lb), which is very reasonable.

Manual for the Kawasaki Ninja 650

The above maintenance schedule comes directly from the user’s manual for the 2020/2021 Kawasaki Ninja 650 and Ninja 650 ABS, which is available on Kawasaki’s website.

There are minor differences from 2017, but it’s mostly just not checking some non-critical parts as often (though the parts didn’t change), e.g. the evaporative emission control system.

Belos is a reference file — the maintenance section from the 2023 Kawasaki Ninja 650 manual.

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