"new" 650R for 2009

[Kiwi]

I like the fairing update and the addition of a gas gauge, but I can't stand the new gauge cluster. I've never been a fan of digital tachometers or speedometers, I find analog gauges much easier to read when I'm moving. Other than that, it's a nice update to the bike. I think I'll stick my '07 though.

[Sport-Touring]

[Phenix_Rider]

I like the fairing update and the addition of a gas gauge, but I can't stand the new gauge cluster. I've never been a fan of digital tachometers or speedometers, I find analog gauges much easier to read when I'm moving. Other than that, it's a nice update to the bike. I think I'll stick my '07 though.

I feel the same way.  Did you notice they removed the 650R badging?  I think their aiming more at the supersport wannabe ricky racer noobs by making it look like the 10R and giving it digital gauges.  That's not what I wanted- still isn't.  If I were looking to buy now, I'd have a hard time finding a Kawi I like.  The -6n is the only one that appeals at all.  

[Dave the slave]

I think the new 650 looks like a great bike.  Style is always subjective, but I really like the new styling of the fairing.  I'm being very tempted by the green one.  Looks like a great commuter/grocery getter!

I guess I could try to pick up an 08 in green too.... hmmmmmm

[Cricket1]

I like the fairing update and the addition of a gas gauge, but I can't stand the new gauge cluster. I've never been a fan of digital tachometers or speedometers, I find analog gauges much easier to read when I'm moving. Other than that, it's a nice update to the bike. I think I'll stick my '07 though.

Anyone have a link to pics of the gauge cluster? The Kawi website doesn't show it.

[DogBoy]

Anyone have a link to pics of the gauge cluster? The Kawi website doesn't show it.

Not a close-up but here is one view. (I know its a weak image.)

[jadziadax8]

Not a close-up but here is one view. (I know its a weak image.)

Digital?  Yuck!

[Phenix_Rider]

Digital?  Yuck!

yep.  
I'm amazed there's no lap timer.  Of course, they did add a gear indicator- which all the little kids on the 650R forums were complaining about.

[Dave the slave]

yep.  
I'm amazed there's no lap timer.  Of course, they did add a gear indicator- which all the little kids on the 650R forums were complaining about.

Gear indicators are nice.  I'm adding one to my ZX10...

[Phenix_Rider]

Gear indicators are nice.  I'm adding one to my ZX10...

Must be a lazy rider thing.  One quick look at the gauges is all it takes to know what gear your in- heck, I can usually tell just by the sound/feel.  There's really no point on the track either- if you redline you're too low, if you're below the powerband you're too high.

[Dave the slave]

Must be a lazy rider thing.  One quick look at the gauges is all it takes to know what gear your in- heck, I can usually tell just by the sound/feel.  There's really no point on the track either- if you redline you're too low, if you're below the powerband you're too high.

Well I am going to take issue with this....  I am not a Lazy rider.  Plus I have had 16+ Liter bikes and GT bikes.  I've been riding for 25+ years.  And frankly it's not a bad thing to have a nice little gear indicator on your dash to tell you what gear you're in...  My 2005 GSXR1000K5 was the first bike I ever had that had a gear indicator and it was darn nice to have sometimes.  I'm standing by that comment.

One quick look is all it takes?  At 100mph on my bike 300rpm seperate 5th and 6th gear.  Now go ride 100mph coming into a quick decreasing radius turn and tell me by feel exactly what gear you're in...

edited to add that 150mph only 500rpm seperate 5th and 6th.  Have you ever BEEN 150mph?  Trust me when I say there is a LOT of *other* stuff going on with the bike.

[Dobieman]

And frankly it's not a bad thing to have a nice little gear indicator on your dash to tell you what gear you're in...  

+1 I love it on my K8 Busa

[Cricket1]

I think a gear indicator is a nice addition. Lots of times I reach for seventh on the Sprint.

[Johnny Monsoon]

I think a gear indicator is a nice addition. Lots of times I reach for seventh on the Sprint.

I'm with you, but on the opposite side of the spectrum.  I'd often find myself in 4th or 5th on my XX on the highway because it was so smooth.  From an economy standpoint, the indicator could save a lot of gas and wear and tear.

[tourinoob]

Anyone else notice they are bringing the naked 650R here too?

Love it!! Look like a Super Duke!! Good Job kawi!

[Cricket1]

Anyone come up with a close up shot of the instrument panel??

[Phenix_Rider]

Anyone come up with a close up shot of the instrument panel??

'09 650R   Yuck

[Fav]

Bet that's fun to read in the sun    Why does Kawi use those hard to read instrument panels ?

[Tar Snake]

I really like both versions. I hope per the picture that the headlights on the faired version both light on low beam. I don't care for the one-eyed look. I also like that it comes in Kawasaki green

As for the instruments at 1st I didn't think I'd like the digital speedo on my Sprint RS, but I've come to prefer it over an analog gauge. I'm sure I could get used to it.

Anyway, the 650 looks like a really nice bike that wouldn't cost an arm and a leg.

[Fav]

Digital Speedo is one thing..... but digital Tachs are harder to read.