Kawasaki has given its Ninja 650 a significant update for 2027, with the long-running soft sportsbike gaining upside-down front forks for the first time, upgraded front brakes and a redesigned colour TFT instrument display.
The Ninja 650 retains its familiar upright, road-focused riding position, but its previous 41mm telescopic forks have been replaced by 37mm Showa Separate Function Big Piston (SFF-BP) units. The new forks remain non-adjustable and offer the same 125mm of travel as before.
Kawasaki says the larger piston design reduces damping pressure, helping improve stability when entering corners while also giving the motorcycle a more planted feel during braking. To complement the revised front suspension, the rear shock now features a higher spring rate, with Kawasaki aiming to preserve the Ninja 650’s accessible and natural character rather than making it feel overly stiff or focused like a traditional supersport.
The braking system has also received a notable upgrade. The previous axial-mounted front calipers have been replaced with radial-mounted units, while the number of pistons has increased from two to four. The changes are accompanied by a redesigned front mudguard, which is wider at the sides and extends further down to provide greater coverage around the fork tubes.
Technology has been updated as well, with a new 4.3-inch colour TFT display positioned behind the front fairing. Smartphone connectivity remains available through Kawasaki’s Rideology App, which now adds navigation and voice-command functions.
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Underneath the updated equipment, the Ninja 650 continues with its 649cc parallel-twin engine mounted in a trellis chassis. The motorcycle has a 785mm seat height and a claimed wet weight of 194kg, measured with 90% of its 15-litre fuel tank filled. The engine produces 67bhp at 8,000rpm and 64Nm of torque at 6,700rpm. Traction control and two rider-selectable riding modes remain part of the package, while a quickshifter is available as an accessory.
While the 2027 changes do not represent a complete redesign, the suspension, braking and electronics upgrades mark one of the most substantial updates the Ninja 650 has received in recent years. The model continues to occupy Kawasaki’s road-oriented middleweight sportsbike space alongside more performance-focused alternatives such as the Yamaha R7 and Aprilia RS660.
