Customizing the Ninja 650 Sport Bike with Aftermarket Fairings

Customizing the Ninja 650 with a Sport Bike Fairing

The Kawasaki Ninja 650 is an excellent middleweight motorcycle that provides great power and handling for a very reasonable price. Many owners choose to customize their Ninja with aftermarket parts to improve its appearance and aerodynamics.

One popular customization is adding a sport bike style full fairing kit. This changes the look of the bike dramatically and also offers several useful benefits.

Improved Aerodynamics and Wind Protection

Adding a full fairing around the front of the bike improves aerodynamic efficiency. The fairing cuts more easily through the air allowing higher top speeds and better fuel efficiency. It also provides much improved wind protection and reduces rider fatigue on long highway rides.

A racing style fairing features an upper section that shields the rider's upper body from buffeting wind. This directs air flow up and around the rider rather than into them. There is also a bottom section that smooths airflow underneath the bike.

Cooler Engine Temperatures

Without a fairing, wind hits the engine directly as the bike moves forward. Much of the airflow gets directed around the fairing rather than into the engine and radiator area. This has the benefit of lowering engine operating temperatures especially in very hot riding conditions.

Keeping the engine cooler lets it make more optimal power compared to warmer running temperatures. This improves riding performance.

Improved Handling and Cornering Clearance

Attaching a full fairing relocates the bike's handlebars into clip-on style mountings. These position the handlebars lower and further forward. This ace riding position provides superior control and handling through tight turns and technical riding sections.

Lowering the handlebars also improves cornering clearance as they will be less likely to scrape the ground when deeply leaned over through turns.

Aggressive Sport Bike Looks

Adding a streamlined full fairing entirely changes the visual character of the Ninja 650. It transforms its standard naked bike looks into a futuristic fully faired sport bike profile.

Many options feature angular and sharp designs with integrated LED accent lighting. These give the 650 a highly aggressive facade making it look like a much more expensive superbike.

Custom Paint Schemes

Installing a full fairing also opens up many possibilities for custom body work paint jobs. Fairing kits are available with color matched patterns or can be painted to the owner's desired scheme.

Some of the most popular looks include blacked out designs, bright colored accents that match motorcycle jackets and helmets, or more subtle satin finishes with racing sponsorship decals.

Selecting the Right Fairing Kit

Several companies produce bolt-on fairing kits specially designed to fit the Kawasaki Ninja 650 chassis. Most modify the bike's original mounting points using provided hardware for a straightforward installation.

It's important to select a kit made specifically for the 650 rather than trying to adapt one for a different model. Correct mounting points must match and the fairing shape should provide full coverage while retaining complete steering movement.

Focus on Sturdy Construction and Secure Mounting

Look for fairings constructed from durable ABS plastic that is capable of flexing rather than cracking if impacted in a crash. Aircraft grade aluminum reinforced mounting plates help safely secure the vital outer structure to the bike.

All mounting hardware and brackets should firmly connect with no wiggle or slop that would allow the fairing to flutter in wind gusts at riding speed.

Consider a Matching Rear Hugger

A color matched rear hugger bolts securely to the bike's swing arm to match the lines of the front fairing. This provides protection from flung road debris hitting the rider's back.

It also continues the aerodynamic shaping right around the rear. This reduces turbulent airflow coming off the back end of the bike.

Electrical Connections for Lighting

Most fairings integrate LED lighting elements including accent strips and dual headlights. These visually set off the new sport bike look even when stationery.

The kit should tap into the Ninja's electrical system using provided adaptors and wiring. This powers the lighting so it works seamlessly with bike's turn signals and operation modes.

Improving Riding Experience on the Ninja 650

While the Kawasaki Ninja 650 offers an unmatched blend of affordable performance straight out of the box, adding a full fairing kit takes it to another level.

The bike becomes much more viable for long distance sport touring with improved wind protection and riding ergonomics. Performance also steps up through increased top speed potential and better engine operating conditions.

Best of all, the radically refreshed appearance makes the trusty 650 look like a million bucks roaring down the highway. Investing in a quality full fairing conversion can transform both the look and abilities of Ninja 650.

FAQs

Does installing a fairing on the Ninja 650 require any engine modifications?

No, most bolt-on fairing kits for the Ninja 650 chassis are designed to fit directly onto the stock mounting points. No changes to engine components or performance parts are required for fairing installation.

What type of performance gains can I expect from adding a Ninja 650 fairing kit?

Fairings improve top speed by 3-5 mph in most cases by reducing aerodynamic drag. Engine and oil temperatures also run 5-10 degrees cooler which optimizes power output. The bike's range per tank increases as well.

Will I need to upgrade my headlights if I install fairing lighting pods?

Most kits tap into the stock headlight power supply and wiring harness to power integrated LED strips and pods. This avoids any electrical upgrades, making installation plug and play.

Do I need any special tools to install Ninja 650 fairings?

The only tool typically required is a quality hex key set to tighten down the various bolts securing panels and brake/clutch assemblies during the install process. Otherwise install is done by hand.