2026 Kawasaki Ninja 650 Review

2026 Kawasaki Ninja 650
Sharper Ninja Styling. The 2026 Kawasaki Ninja 650’s sharper new styling gives it a sportier appearance and even stronger Ninja family looks. Its sleek and sporty design inspires confidence in riders.
ReviewKey FeaturesFeatures & BenefitsSpecifications

2026 Kawasaki Ninja 650 2026 Kawasaki Ninja 650 2026 Kawasaki Ninja 650 2026 Kawasaki Ninja 650

2026 Kawasaki Ninja 650: RAW AND EXCITING.

Introducing the 2026 Kawasaki Ninja 650…

Unmistakable sport performance is met with an upright riding position for exciting daily commutes, while a supreme level of attitude reminds you of its legendary heritage.

Reinvigorated to further embody Ninja sportbike lineage, the Ninja 650 motorcycle comes packed with a sporty 649cc engine, KTRC traction control, next-level technology advancements and sharp styling updates.

 

 

 

2026 Kawasaki Ninja 650 Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features

  • Twin LED headlights
  • Flush-fit windshield and upper cowl
  • Comfortable passenger seat
  • Dunlop Sportmax RoadSport 2 tires
  • Kawasaki Genuine Accessories (sold separately)
  • Engine Management Technology
  • Assist & Slipper Clutch
  • Dual Throttle Valves
  • Economical Riding Indicator
  • KTRC (Kawasaki Traction Control)
  • RIDEOLOGY THE APP MOTORCYCLE
  • Smartphone Connectivity
  • ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
  • Horizontal Back-link Rear Suspension

 

AVAILABLE COLOUR
Metallic Flat Spark Black/Metallic Carbon Gray

 

Horizontal Back-link Rear Suspension
Horizontal Back-link Rear Suspension arranges its shock unit horizontally, greatly contributing to efficient use of space and mass centralization.

Assist & Slipper Clutch
Based on racing technology, the Assist & Slipper Clutch acts as both a back-torque limiter and a self-servo mechanism that enables a lighter clutch lever pull.

Dual Throttle Valves
Dual Throttle Valves offer increased power and greater ease of use care of a second set of ECU-controlled throttle valves.

Economical Riding Indicator
The Economical Riding Indicator is a mark appearing on the instrument panel to indicate favorable fuel consumption, encouraging fuel efficient riding.

KTRC (2-mode)
Two modes KTRC cover a wide range of riding conditions, offering either enhanced sport riding performance or the peace of mind to negotiate slippery surfaces with confidence.

Smartphone Connectivity
Smartphone connectivity contributes to an enhanced motorcycling experience by enabling riders to connect to their motorcycle wirelessly.

 

KAWASAKI ANNOUNCES FALL RELEASE OF 2026 SPORT AND SUPERSPORT MOTORCYCLES

The Ninja 650 features the beloved 649cc parallel-twin engine that is perfect for a daily commute or an afternoon on tight, winding back roads. Its lightweight chassis delivers smooth and agile handling that is both sporty and versatile. The sharp styling found on the Ninja 650 gives it a sporty appearance that is sure to catch the attention of new and seasoned riders alike. Its 4.3” all-digital TFT color instrumentation provides a premium feel and offers full color for great visibility. Twin LED headlights feature low and high beams as well as a position lamp. Utilizing its Smartphone Connectivity through RIDEOLOGY THE APP MOTORCYCLE*, a number of functions can be accessed, logged, and reviewed contributing to an enhanced motorcycling experience. KTRC, Kawasaki’s advanced traction control system provides both superior sport riding performance and peace of mind under certain conditions to negotiate low-traction surfaces with confidence. The system allows riders to select between two modes to suit their riding situation and preference.

For 2026, the Ninja 650 is available in Metallic Spark Black/Metallic Carbon Gray. The Ninja 650 ABS is offered in three colorways with Lime Green, Metallic Matte Whitish Silver/Metallic Flat Spark Black and Metallic Yellowish Green/Metallic Spark Black.

 

 

2026 Kawasaki Ninja 650 Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits

KTRC (Kawasaki TRaction Control)
Kawasaki’s advanced traction control system provides both enhanced sport riding performance and the peace of mind under certain conditions to negotiate low-traction surfaces with confidence. Two modes allow riders to adjust settings to suit the riding situation and rider preference. Riders may also elect to turn the system OFF.

TFT Colour Instrumentation

The all new digital TFT colour instrumentation – a Kawasaki first in the 650cc class – gives the cockpit a high-tech, highgrade appearance. The new meter also offers additional features unavailable on the previous model.

Improved Windshield

Prioritising a sportier appearance, the redesigned windshield is now lower and flush-fit with the upper cowl. It is set at a more upright angle to offer the rider decent wind protection.

Increased Passenger Comfort

Rear seat with 4 thicker urethane (approximately 5 mm thicker at the centre, 10 mm thicker at the sides) and sides that extend more widely offers increased passenger comfort.

Smartphone Connectivity

A Bluetooth chip built into the instrument panel enables riders to connect to their motorcycle wirelessly. Using the smartphone application “RIDEOLOGY THE APP,” a number of instrument functions can be accessed, contributing to an enhanced motorcycling experience.

LED Headlights

Twin LED headlights, each featuring low and high beam as well as a position lamp, offer increased brightness.

Sharper Ninja Styling

The Ninja 650’s sharper new styling gives it a sportier appearance and even stronger Ninja family looks. Its sleek and sporty design inspires confidence in riders.

 

 

 

 

2026 Kawasaki Ninja 650 – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $7,599 USD
Canada MSRP Price: $ NA CDN
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £ NA (On The Road inc 20% Vat)

POWER

POWER
Engine 4-stroke, parallel twin, DOHC, 8-valve, liquid cooled
Displacement 649cc
Bore x Stroke 83.0 x 60.0mm
Compression Ratio 10.8:1
Maximum Horsepower 67.0 hp¹ @ 8,000 rpm
Maximum Torque 48.5 lb-ft @ 6,700 rpm
Fuel System DFI® with dual 36mm Keihin throttle bodies
Ignition TCBI with Electronic Advance
Transmission 6-speed
Final Drive Sealed chain
Electronic Rider Aids Kawasaki TRaction Control (KTRC), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS only)

 

PERFORMANCE

PERFORMANCE
Front Suspension / Wheel Travel 41mm hydraulic telescopic fork/4.9 in
Rear Suspension / Wheel Travel Horizontal back-link with adjustable spring preload/5.1 in
Front Tire 120/70 x 17
Rear Tire 160/60 x 17
Front Brakes Dual 300mm petal-type discs and 2-piston calipers (and ABS)
Rear Brakes Single 220mm petal-type disc and single-piston caliper (and ABS)

 

DETAILS

DETAILS
Frame Type Trellis, high-tensile steel
Rake/Trail 24.0°/3.9 in
Overall Length 80.9 in
Overall Width 29.1 in
Overall Height 45.1 in
Ground Clearance 5.1 in
Seat Height 31.1 in
Estimated Dry Weight 392.5 lb** (ABS), 390.3 lb** (non-ABS) 50-State Model; 390.3 lb** (ABS), 388.1 lb** (non-ABS) 49-State Model
Curb Weight 425.6 lb* (ABS), 423.4 lb* (non-ABS) 50-State Model; 423.4 lb* (ABS), 421.2 lb* (non-ABS) 49-State Model
Fuel Capacity 4.0 gal
Wheelbase 55.5 in
Color Choices Lime Green, Metallic Flat Spark Black/Metallic Carbon Gray, Metallic Matte Whitish Silver/Metallic Flat Spark Black, Metallic Yellowish Green/Metallic Spark Black

 

 

 

 

2026 Kawasaki Ninja 650 – Totalmotorcycle.com  Canadian Specifications/Technical Details

TBA

 

 

 

 

 

2026 Kawasaki Ninja 650 – Totalmotorcycle.com European Specifications/Technical Details

NA

 

 

 

Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).

Posted on September 20, 2025 by Michael Le Pard

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