The latest edition of the sporty star beautifully blends good looks, punchy power, modern tech and a nice price.If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn moreFans of Kawasaki's long-running Ninja nameplate will be stoked to hear it's back for the 2027 model year, with four versions just announced. The Ninja ZX-6R "636" is the headliner, joined by the ZX-4R, ZX-4RR and Ninja 500, which also gets a Special Edition variant.Perhaps the coolest Ninja returns with everything riders love and updated hues, including, of course, Lime Green. - Credit: KawasakiThankfully, the ZX-6R retains all the performance and tech features that make it such an appealing mid-size super sport.AdvertisementAdvertisementIt also scores arguably the best-looking paint schemes in years.Go Ninja goThe beating heart of the bike is its 636cc liquid-cooled in-line four-cylinder engine, whose six speeds are easy to cycle through thanks to the Assist & Slipper Clutch.The bike's power, torque, suspension and brakes guarantee confidence-inspiring control and loads of thrills. - Credit: KawasakiThis little monster produces 126 horsepower at 13,000 rpm and 50.8 Ib-ft of torque at 10,800 rpm, stirring numbers geared toward aggressive riding on the track or street or two-lane twisties. Outfitted with a Showa SFF-BP (Separate Function Fork – Big Piston) and a fully adjustable Showa rear shock, the race-derived chassis offers confidence-inspiring agility.Possibly the freshest of the bunch, this Metallic Matte Twilight Blue colorway just might be my first pick. - Credit: KawasakiMeanwhile, dual 310mm front discs deliver responsive stopping power, complemented by Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tires that maximize grip in a range of conditions.AdvertisementAdvertisementFrom a style standpoint, it takes cues from the Ninja ZX-10R, yet presents its own strong supersport attitude with compact LED headlights, a layered front cowl and a sporty windshield.The Galaxy Silver colorway is only available on the non-ABS version of the bike. - Credit: KawasakiThe aesthetics come to life in three pitch-perfect paint schemes: Lime Green, Metallic Matte Twilight Blue and Metallic Spark Black/Metallic Flat Spark Black. (The non-ABS version gets a fourth, Galaxy Silver.)I'd be remiss not to mention the bevy of tech under the hood, including a Kawasaki Quick Shifter (KQS), Kawasaki TRaction Control (KTRC) with three performance settings, the Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock Brake System (KIBS), Power Modes and Integrated Riding Modes.The new Ninja ZX-6R reminds us that Kawi can deliver a black-on-black scheme with the best of them. - Credit: KawasakiLast but not least, the 4.3-inch color TFT display, pairable with a smartphone via the Rideology App, enables fine-tuning of adjustable features, access to key data and more.Pricing and availabilityThe 2027 Kawasaki 2027 Ninja ZX-6R (non-ABS) starts at $11,599, while the ABS version starts at $12,599.2027 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R Starts at $11599 AdvertisementAdvertisementAbout the Author:Now managing editor, Steve has served in a variety of roles with GP since 2019. Having previously written and edited for such publications as Men's Health, Men's Journal, Esquire and ESPN, he enjoys covering a range of topics — but mostly those pertaining to cycling, snow sports, pocket knives and motos — and dreams of a utopian world in which everyone's bike seat is at the proper height.Want to stay up to date on the latest product news and releases? Add Gear Patrol as a preferred source to ensure our independent journalism makes it to the top of your Google search results.