Kawasaki has just launched the 2026 Kawasaki Ninja 650 in India at ₹7.91 lakh ex-showroom, a slight bump from the previous model’s ₹7.77 lakh price tag. This middleweight super sport keeps its core appeal intact while adding E20 fuel compliance and a fresh Lime Green paint scheme, making it a compelling pick for riders craving track-day thrills with daily usability.
While it’s not a ground-up revolution, this update is more about “future-proofing” a bike that has long been the “sensible sibling” in the Kawasaki family. It remains the quintessential middleweight—friendly enough for someone moving up from a 300cc, yet punchy enough to keep a veteran rider grinning on a Sunday morning.
Engine & Performance:
At its core, the Kawasaki Ninja 650’s heart is a 649 cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine — a layout appreciated for strong mid-range torque, smoothness, and usable power delivery. This engine has been updated to comply with India’s E20 fuel standards, meaning it can run efficiently on ethanol-blended petrol now being rolled out in the country.
Power & Torque
Maximum Power: ~68 PS @ 8,000 rpm
Peak Torque: ~62.1 Nm @ 6,700 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed gearbox with assist-and-slipper clutch
These figures make the Kawasaki Ninja 650 both swift and tractable — perfect for highway cruising as well as peppy city rides. The assist-and-slipper clutch helps smooth downshifts and relieves lever effort, adding confidence during spirited riding or in traffic.
Design & Ergonomics:
Visually, the 2026 Kawasaki Ninja 650 continues the sharp, fully-faired look that Ninja bikes are known for — muscular tank, aerodynamic bodywork, and a sporty split-seat setup. While there aren’t drastic design changes compared to the outgoing model, the new Lime Green color scheme and refreshed graphics give it a fresh personality on the road.
Riding Position
Unlike crouched, track-only super sports, the Kawasaki Ninja 650 blends sportiness with a comfortable, upright stance that makes it easier on the wrists and back — ideal for longer journeys or daily commuting. This balance is what attracts many riders who want a bike with character but without the aggressive rider triangle of a full-on super sport.
Features & Tech:
The Ninja 650 for 2026 mixes practical technologies with sporty flair:
4.3-inch TFT color display — clear and modern, with smartphone connectivity via Kawasaki’s Rideology app.
Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC) — two modes help adjust power delivery and wheel slip, enhancing confidence in varied conditions.
Dual-channel ABS — adds safety by reducing the risk of wheel lock during hard braking.
Full LED lighting — bright, efficient, and adds to the premium feel.
These features show Kawasaki’s intent to cater to tech-savvy riders without overcomplicating the experience.
Chassis, Suspension & Brakes:
The Ninja 650’s skeleton and suspension components give it a composed ride and balanced handling:
Frame: High-tensile steel trellis
Front Suspension: 41 mm telescopic fork
Rear Suspension: Monoshock
Brakes: Dual 300 mm front discs, 220 mm rear disc with ABS
This setup keeps weight moderate (~196 kg curb) and gives a confidence-inspiring feel through twisty roads and highways alike. While not adjustable like track-oriented bikes, it’s tuned for comfort-oriented sport riding.
Pricing and Availability
The ex-showroom price sits at ₹7.91 lakh, up ₹14,000 from the 2025 version due to updates like E20 compatibility. On-road prices vary by city—for instance, expect around ₹8.85 lakh in Delhi, ₹9.62 lakh in Bangalore, or ₹9-9.16 lakh in Mumbai or Hyderabad, factoring in RTO and insurance. Both the MY25 and MY26 models will coexist in showrooms, giving buyers options amid year-end deals common in India’s two-wheeler market.
Conclusion
The 2026 Kawasaki Ninja 650 doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it doesn’t need to. With its balanced performance, useful tech, and classic Ninja aesthetics, it appeals to riders who want a genuine sportbike experience that still fits into real-world life. Whether you’re navigating city streets, carving open roads on weekends, or dreaming of longer journeys, this Ninja continues to deliver a blend of joy, practicality, and iconic presence — all wrapped in Kawasaki’s unmistakable green.
