Kawasaki has revised the Ninja 650 for 2027 with a new front suspension package, upgraded braking hardware and a redesigned instrument panel. Its upright, road-biased riding position remains central to the motorcycle, but the changes give the middleweight a more contemporary technical specification without turning it into a traditional supersport.

A different front end

The Ninja 650 gains upside-down forks for the first time. They are 37mm Showa Separate Function Big Piston units with 125mm of travel and no adjustment, replacing the previous 41mm conventional fork. Kawasaki says the larger piston lowers damping pressure, aiming to improve stability when entering a corner and provide a more settled feel while braking. The rear shock spring rate has also been increased to suit the revised front end. Kawasaki says this leaves the bike natural and rider-friendly rather than making it stiff and demanding in the manner of a more focused supersport.

There is a corresponding change to the front brakes. The former two-piston calipers with axial mounts are replaced by four-piston radial-mounted units. The front mudguard is new as well, with more width at the sides and extra length at its base to shield more of the fork tubes.

Updated instruments, unchanged engine layout

A 4.3-inch colour TFT display now sits behind the fairing and links to the Kawasaki Rideology app. Its functions include navigation and voice commands. The motorcycle retains its 649cc parallel-twin engine in a trellis chassis, producing 67bhp at 8,000rpm and 47.2lb.ft of torque at 6,700rpm. Traction control and two selectable riding modes are included, while a quickshifter remains available as an accessory.

Seat height is 785mm, while the claimed wet weight is 194kg with 90% of the 15-litre tank filled. In the UK, the 2027 Ninja 650 is expected to arrive from December at £7,499. That is the same price as the 2026 model in that market.