2026 Kawasaki Ninja 650 Launched in India at ₹7.91 Lakh

Kawasaki has officially launched the 2026 Kawasaki Ninja 650 in India at an ex-showroom price of ₹7.91 lakh. The latest model year update keeps the Ninja 650 mechanically unchanged while ensuring compliance with India’s latest fuel norms. Positioned as a practical yet sporty middleweight, the Ninja 650 continues to target riders looking for a balance between daily usability and weekend performance.

Engine & Performance

Powering the 2026 Ninja 650 is the familiar 649cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine. It produces 68 PS of maximum power at 8,000 rpm and 62.1 Nm of peak torque at 6,700 rpm, paired with a 6-speed gearbox. Kawasaki continues to offer an assist and slipper clutch, which reduces lever effort and improves stability during aggressive downshifts.

The major update for 2026 is E20 fuel compatibility, making the engine compliant with India’s ethanol-blended petrol standards. Importantly, this update does not affect performance or rideability, ensuring the Ninja 650 retains its smooth power delivery and tractable nature.

Chassis & Handling

The motorcycle is built around a steel trellis frame, tuned for a mix of stability and agility. Suspension duties are handled by a 41 mm telescopic front fork and a rear monoshock, set up for comfort-oriented sport riding rather than outright track aggression.

Braking hardware includes dual 300 mm front disc brakes and a 220 mm rear disc, supported by dual-channel ABS. With a seat height of 790 mm and a kerb weight of 196 kg, the Ninja 650 remains approachable for a wide range of riders. The 15-litre fuel tank further enhances its touring capability.

Technology & Features

Feature highlights include a 4.3-inch full-colour TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity via Kawasaki’s Rideology app, enabling smartphone pairing and ride data access. The bike also comes equipped with Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC), selectable riding modes, full LED lighting, and dual throttle valves for refined throttle response.

For 2026, Kawasaki has introduced updated colour and graphics, keeping the Ninja 650 visually fresh without altering its core design.

Conclusion

The 2026 Kawasaki Ninja 650 remains a sensible yet exciting option in the middleweight sportbike segment. While the update is evolutionary, the addition of E20 compliance, combined with proven performance, modern features, and comfortable ergonomics, reinforces its appeal. At ₹7.91 lakh, it is well-suited for riders upgrading from smaller displacement bikes or those seeking a versatile sport motorcycle for Indian road conditions.