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2026 Kawasaki Ninja 1100SX Launched: Refined for Modern Fuel Standards

Mohammed Bilal Avatar

Mohammed Bilal

Published: December 29, 2025

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2026 Kawasaki Ninja 1100SX

Kawasaki India has quietly updated its flagship sports tourer for the new model year. The 2026 Kawasaki Ninja 1100SX has officially been launched in India, bringing subtle but important updates while retaining its core strengths.

Crucially, Kawasaki has kept the price unchanged at ₹14.42 lakh (ex-showroom), making the 2026 model cost identical to the outgoing version. This keeps the Ninja 1100SX positioned as one of the most value-focused litre-class sport-touring motorcycles in the country.

2026 Kawasaki Ninja 1100SX Side Look

Key Update for 2026: E20 Fuel Compliance

The most significant mechanical update for the 2026 Ninja 1100SX is its transition to E20 fuel compatibility.

Following recent updates across Kawasaki’s lineup — including the Ninja 650 and Versys 650 — the 1100SX is now tuned to safely run on petrol blended with up to 20 percent ethanol. While there are no changes to engine hardware or performance figures, this update ensures:

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  • Compliance with India’s latest fuel regulations
  • Better long-term ownership viability
  • Future-ready compatibility with evolving fuel standards
2026 Kawasaki Ninja 1100SX Cornering

New Colour Scheme: A More Mature Look

For 2026, Kawasaki has introduced a new premium colour option, moving away from the brand’s traditional Lime Green identity for this model.

New Colour

  • Metallic Brilliant Golden Black
  • Metallic Carbon Grey

This elegant dual-tone black and brown finish gives the Ninja 1100SX a more understated, mature character compared to the sporty green graphics seen on earlier models. At present, this colour scheme is the only visual identifier distinguishing the 2026 model from existing stock.

2026 Kawasaki Ninja 1100SX Front look

Engine, Performance, and Hardware: Unchanged and Proven

Mechanically, the Ninja 1100SX remains the same well-rounded machine that has earned its reputation as a true long-distance performer.

Engine & Performance

  • 1,099cc inline-four, liquid-cooled engine
  • Power output: 136 hp
  • Torque: 113 Nm

Unlike aggressive supersport motorcycles, the Ninja 1100SX’s engine is tuned for strong mid-range torque, making it equally capable in city riding, highway cruising, and extended touring.

Electronics & Rider Aids

  • 6-axis IMU-based electronics package
  • Four riding modes: Rain, Road, Sport, and Rider (customisable)
  • Traction control
  • Bidirectional quickshifter
  • Cruise control

Chassis & Braking

  • Aluminium twin-spar frame
  • Fully adjustable Showa suspension (front and rear)
  • Tokico brake calipers with dual-channel ABS

This setup strikes an excellent balance between sporty handling and all-day ride comfort.

2026 Kawasaki Ninja 1100SX Riding

Touring Comfort and Practicality

The Ninja 1100SX continues to stand out as one of the most practical litre-class motorcycles in India.

  • Upright, relaxed riding posture
  • 4.3-inch TFT colour display
  • Wind protection suited for long highway stints
  • Comfortable seat and stable high-speed manners

It remains a rare combination of superbike-level performance with genuine touring usability.

Deliveries and Availability

Kawasaki has confirmed that deliveries of the 2026 Ninja 1100SX will begin from December 29, 2025 across India.

With no price increase and improved fuel compatibility, the updated model strengthens its appeal among riders looking for a refined, reliable, and comfortable litre-class motorcycle.

Final Thoughts

The 2026 Kawasaki Ninja 1100SX may not bring headline-grabbing changes, but its E20 compliance, unchanged pricing, and elegant new colour scheme make it a sensible and future-ready update.

So, what do you think — do you prefer this more sophisticated Gold and Black look, or do you miss the classic Kawasaki Green? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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India’s Two-Wheeler Industry Crosses 2 Crore Milestone in 2025

Mohammed Bilal Avatar

Mohammed Bilal

Published: January 15, 2026

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India’s Two-Wheeler

The Indian two-wheeler (2W) industry has scripted a strong comeback in calendar year 2025. For the first time since the pandemic slowdown, domestic sales have crossed the 2 crore (20 million) mark, closing the year at approximately 20.50 million units.

This translates to a 4.9%–7% year-on-year growth, depending on whether registration or dispatch data is considered. While still marginally below the all-time peak of 21 million units in 2018, the industry has clearly entered a fresh growth cycle heading into 2026.

1. Domestic Sales: A Policy-Led Recovery

The biggest turnaround came in the second half of 2025, driven largely by GST 2.0 reforms.

GST 2.0 Impact

  • GST on motorcycles and scooters up to 350cc reduced from 28% to 18%
  • Improved affordability for middle-class and first-time buyers
  • Immediate price correction across commuter and premium segments
  • Urban Growth Leads: Cities and tier-2 towns drove most of the volume
  • Scooters Grow Faster: Scooter demand grew quicker than motorcycles in urban markets
  • Festive Record: October–December (Q3) became the strongest quarter ever, with 5.70 million units sold
  • Rural Stability: Good monsoons and farm income kept rural demand steady, though urban India led growth
India 2 wheelers

2. Exports: India’s Global Two-Wheeler Boom

Exports were the standout performer of 2025.

Export Highlights

  • 4.94 million units exported – an all-time high
  • 24.2% year-on-year growth
  • Strong recovery in:
    • African markets
    • South Asia
    • Latin America

India continues to strengthen its position as the global hub for affordable motorcycles and scooters.

3. Brand-Wise Snapshot: Winners & Momentum

Manufacturer2025 VolumeMarket Status
Hero MotoCorp57.5 lakhMarket leader; modest ~2% growth
TVS Motor Co.39.8 lakhFastest growth at 15.7%
Honda (HMSI)Gap with Hero widened to 8.51 lakh units
Royal Enfield10+ lakhExpected to cross 1 million annual sales
SuzukiStrong double-digit growth (Access, Burgman)

TVS emerged as the growth champion, while Royal Enfield continued to dominate the mid-capacity premium segment.

4. Major Market Shifts in 2025

Move Beyond 110cc

  • Strong pivot toward 125cc+ motorcycles
  • Premium scooters gained traction in cities

Alternative Fuels & Convenience

  • Growing interest in CNG two-wheelers
  • Automatic and AMT-style convenience becoming more important

Premiumisation Trend

  • Rising demand for:
    • Adventure motorcycles
    • 300cc–500cc middleweights
  • Market gradually moving away from pure “commuter-only” focus

2026 Outlook: Can India Beat the 2018 Record?

With:

  • Strong export momentum
  • Expected repo rate cuts
  • Income tax relief boosting disposable income
  • Multiple EV and ADV launches lined up

2026 could finally see India surpass its 2018 peak of 21 million two-wheelers.

Entry-level electric scooters and premium motorcycles are expected to be the biggest growth drivers going forward.

GadiGarage Verdict

Crossing 2 crore two-wheeler sales isn’t just a recovery milestone — it signals a structural reset for the Indian market. With better pricing, stronger exports, and shifting buyer preferences, the industry is entering a healthier, more diversified phase.

So, what are you watching in 2026 — electric scooters finally overtaking 110cc commuters, or the continued rise of premium motorcycles?
Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!

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