Kawasaki Ninja 650: Updates to the chassis, brakes and cockpit

This isn’t a major model overhaul that Kawasaki is carrying out on the Ninja 650, but rather a targeted upgrade to one of the brand’s bestsellers. The engine and chassis remain unchanged, but the previous conventional 41 mm telescopic fork has been replaced by a Showa SFF-BP upside-down fork with a 37 mm stanchion diameter. A larger damper piston is designed to reduce damping pressure, thereby enabling more controlled and smoother load changes, providing greater chassis stability when cornering, and delivering a more substantial, confidence-inspiring feel during braking.

The front mudguard has also been redesigned. Its wider shape provides greater coverage of the outer fork tubes. To complement the modernised front suspension setup, the rear shock absorber has been retuned with an increased spring rate.

The front braking system has also been revised. The previously axially-mounted front brake calipers have been replaced by radially-mounted components. At the same time, Kawasaki has switched from two-piston to four-piston brake calipers, which will undoubtedly improve responsiveness, modulation and braking performance.

Neu: USD-Gabel, radial verschraubte Vierkolben-Bremszangen

Foto: Kawasaki

Another new feature is the 4.3-inch TFT colour display. Smartphone connectivity via the Kawasaki Rideology app now also supports navigation and voice control functions.

Topic of the week

Nicolo Bulega: Toprak’s successor will not fail in MotoGP

The Italian Nicolo Bulega is the first rider to have won the world title in both the Supersport and Superbike classes; from 2027, he will be racing in MotoGP. His performances this season are second to none.

Ivo Schützbach

Read More

The 2027 model year Kawasaki Ninja 650 is available in several colour variants and, despite the technical improvements to the forks and brakes, is priced from €8,045 – the same price as the 2026 model year.