Kawasaki India has officially launched the 2026 Ninja 650 in the Indian market, updating its popular middleweight sports tourer for the new model year. The latest Ninja 650 is priced at ₹7.91 lakh (ex-showroom), marking a ₹14,000 increase over the outgoing version.
While the core mechanical package remains unchanged, the 2026 update focuses on fuel regulation compliance and a refreshed visual identity, keeping the Ninja 650 relevant for Indian roads.
Table of Contents
What’s New on the 2026 Ninja 650?
E20 Fuel Compatibility
The biggest update for 2026 is under the tank. The Ninja 650’s 649cc parallel-twin engine is now E20 compliant, meaning it can safely run on petrol blended with 20% ethanol. This ensures compliance with India’s latest emission and fuel norms without affecting performance or reliability.
Updated Lime Green Graphics
Kawasaki continues to offer the Ninja 650 in its iconic Lime Green colour, but the 2026 model gets revised graphics with blue, black, and white accents. This new design was already seen on international models earlier this year and adds a fresher, more modern look.
That said, darker global colour options are still not available in India, at least for now.
Engine and Performance (Unchanged)
Despite the fuel system update, performance figures remain exactly the same — and that’s good news.
- Engine: 649cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin
- Power: 68 PS (67.3 bhp) @ 8,000 rpm
- Torque: 62.1 Nm @ 6,700 rpm
- Gearbox: 6-speed with Assist & Slipper Clutch
The Ninja 650 continues to strike a sweet balance between everyday usability and strong mid-range performance.
Hardware, Electronics, and Features
The 2026 Ninja 650 carries forward its well-rounded hardware package:
- Suspension:
- 41mm telescopic front forks
- Preload-adjustable rear monoshock
- Brakes:
- Dual 300mm front petal discs
- Single 220mm rear disc
- Dual-channel ABS
- Tyres:
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- Dunlop Sportmax Roadsport 2 tyres
- Electronics & Tech:
- 3-mode Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC)
- 4.3-inch full-colour TFT display
- Smartphone connectivity via Rideology app
Price, Positioning, and Rivals
Even after the price hike, the Ninja 650 remains one of the best value-for-money middleweight motorcycles in India.
Its closest rival, the Honda CBR650R, is priced at ₹11.16 lakh (ex-showroom) — making the Ninja 650 nearly ₹3.25 lakh more affordable.
With a 790mm seat height and a 196kg kerb weight, the Ninja 650 continues to be one of the most approachable and practical “big bikes” for Indian riders.
The 2026 Kawasaki Ninja 650 may not bring radical changes, but its E20 compliance and refreshed styling ensure it stays future-ready while retaining everything buyers already love.
So, what do you think — does the Ninja 650 still offer the best balance of price, performance, and everyday usability in the middleweight segment? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
