Updated Kawasaki Ninja 650 Breaks Cover, India Launch in 2027

Kawasaki has unveiled the updated version of the Ninja 650. The 2026 Kawasaki Ninja 650 will first go on sale in the UK and India launch is expected by early 2027. The new bike has undergone hardware upgrades and gets new features. The upright and comfortable riding ergonomics of the Ninja 650 has been maintained but the suspension has been upgraded. The 2026 edition now rides on a non-adjustable 37mm Showa Separate Function Big Piston fork. It replaces the older 41 telescopic fork while maintaining the same travel of 125 mm. According to Kawasaki, the larger pistons lower damping pressure, helping the bike feel more stable when turning in and more settled under braking.

Apart from improving the dynamics of the machine, the USD fork does make the Ninja 650 look more modern and this was a much delayed change in our opinion. At the rear, the spring rate has been altered to complement the new front setup. Kawasaki says the result remains comfortable and natural to ride, rather than feeling as stiff and focused as a traditional supersport. The braking hardware has also been revised. The front now uses radial-mounted four-piston calipers in place of the previous axial-mounted two-piston units. 

The 2026 Kawasaki Ninja 650 also gets a new 4.3-inch colour TFT display. It connects to a smartphone through the Kawasaki Rideology app, which adds navigation and voice-command features. Mechanically no changes have been made and it still is powered by a 649 cc parallel-twin, liquid-cooled engine. The engine produces 67 bhp at 8,000rpm and 64 Nm of torque is made available at 6,700rpm. 

Traction control and two selectable riding modes are included, while a quickshifter is available as an accessory on the 6-speed transmission. The current Kawasaki Ninja 650 retails for ₹6.91 lakh (ex-showroom) in our market and we expect the updated Ninja 650 to be priced around ₹8-8.20 lakh (ex-showroom) and it will rival the likes of the upcoming Norton Atlas and the Royal Enfield Himalayan 750.