2027 Kawasaki Ninja 650 Gets Upside-Down Forks and Upgraded Brakes

The updated middleweight sportbike also gains radial-mount calipers, a redesigned TFT display, expanded smartphone connectivity and a lower seat height.

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Kawasaki has given the Ninja 650 a significant hardware update for the 2027 model year in Europe, with the middleweight sportbike gaining upside-down front forks for the first time, upgraded brakes and a redesigned colour TFT display.

While retaining its familiar road-focused riding position, the 2027 Ninja 650 replaces the previous 41mm telescopic forks with 37mm Showa SFF-BP inverted forks.

The new forks remain non-adjustable and continue to provide 125mm of suspension travel. Kawasaki says the larger piston design helps reduce damping pressure, contributing to improved stability when entering corners and a more planted feel under braking.

The rear shock has also received a revised spring rate to complement the new front-end setup. Kawasaki says the changes are intended to maintain the Ninja 650’s accessible and natural riding character rather than making it feel overly stiff or focused like a traditional supersport motorcycle.

The front mudguard has also been redesigned, with a wider profile at the sides and a longer lower section to provide greater coverage around the fork tubes.

Another major upgrade comes in the braking department. The previous axial-mount two-piston front calipers have been replaced by radial-mount four-piston calipers, while the twin 300mm semi-floating front discs remain unchanged. At the rear, the Ninja 650 continues with a 220mm disc and single-piston caliper.

The 2027 model also receives a redesigned 4.3-inch colour TFT display with a new layout. Kawasaki’s Rideology smartphone connectivity has been expanded to support navigation and voice-command functions.

Power remains unchanged, with the Ninja 650 continuing to use its 649cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine producing around 68 PS at 8,000 rpm and 64 Nm at 6,700 rpm. The engine is paired with a six-speed transmission and assist-and-slipper clutch. A quickshifter remains available as an accessory.

The electronics package includes traction control with two rider-selectable modes, giving riders additional control depending on riding conditions. The 2027 Ninja 650 also gets a lower 785mm seat height, while kerb weight stands at around 194kg. Fuel capacity remains at 15 litres.

For the UK market, Kawasaki will offer the 2027 Ninja 650 in Lime Green and Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray/Metallic Spark Black colour combinations.

In Malaysia, the current Kawasaki Ninja 650 ABS was priced at RM35,900, excluding road tax, insurance and registration. Local pricing and availability for the 2027 model have yet to be announced.