Ninja gets inverted fork and four-piston calipersupdated 2027 kawasaki ninja 650 announced for europeKawasaki Europe announced an updated Ninja 650 for 2027, equipping the middleweight Twin with an updated front end that should improve overall handling.We expected an update was coming when we noticed emissions certification documents listing a new model code for the Ninja 650. As of this writing, the updated Ninja has only been announced for the European market, but the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and California Air Resources Board filings indicate it will eventually be confirmed for America as well.The certification documents only confirmed that Kawasaki's tried and tested 649cc parallel-Twin engine would return for 2027, but now that the update is official, we know what else to expect. Visually, the Ninja 650 looks about the same as the 2026 version, right down to the same graphics on the Lime Green livery.Kawasaki replaced the previous model's 41mm telescopic fork with a 37mm Showa SFF-BP (Separate Function Front Fork – Big Piston) inverted fork. According to Kawasaki, the Big Piston fork reduces damping pressure while providing greater control and stability going into corners, as well as a planted braking feel. The rear suspension uses the same preload-adjustable horizontal back-link shock, but with updated spring rates to pair with the new fork.updated 2027 kawasaki ninja 650 announced for europeThe braking system has also been updated, with dual radial-mount four-piston calipers replacing the previous axial-mount two-piston calipers. The new calipers are matched with round discs replacing the previous petal-style design. Kawasaki says the new braking system provides better feedback and linear, controllable performance. Anti-lock brakes remain standard on the European version, though it remains to be seen if the same applies to U.S.-bound models.Other changes include a larger front fender (to protect more of the lower fork tubes), a new layout for the 4.3-inch TFT display, and updated smartphone connectivity to now include navigation and voice command functions. The saddle height has also been reduced to 30.9 inches from the previous 31.1 inches.updated 2027 kawasaki ninja 650 announced for europeIn Europe, the 2027 Kawasaki Ninja 650 will be available in three color options: Lime Green, Metallic Flat Spark Black/Metallic Carbon Gray (with green highlights, and Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray/Metallic Spark Black (with red highlights). We expect an announcement for the U.S. market to follow shortly.2027 Kawasaki Ninja 650 SpecificationsEngine TypeLiquid-cooled, 4-stroke, parallel twinCompression Ratio10.8:1Valve SystemDOHC, 8 valvesBore x Stroke83.0 x 60.0 mmDisplacement649 ccFuel SystemFuel injection with dual throttles: 36 mm x 2LubricationForced lubrication, semi‑dry sumpStarterElectricIgnitionDigitalHorsepower67.3 hp at 8,000 rpm (claimed)Maximum torque47.2 lb-ft. at 6,700 rpmTransmission6-speed, return shiftClutchWet, multi discPrimary Ratio2.095 (88/42)Final DriveChainFinal Reduction ratio3.067 (46/15)Frame TypeTrellis, high-tensile steelFront SuspensionØ 37 mm Showa Separate Function fork (SFF-BP) inverted fork, 4.9 inches of travelRear suspension typeHorizontal Back-link with spring preload adjustability, 5.1 inches of travelFront BrakeDual semi-floating Ø 300 mm discs, radial-mount, Nissin 4-piston calipersRear BrakeSingle Ø 220 mm disc, single-piston caliperFront Tire120/70 ZR17 M/C (58W)Rear Tire160/60 ZR17 M/C (69W)Rake/Trail24.0°/3.9 inchesWheel base54.9 inchesLength80.5 inchesWidth29.1 inchesHeight44.9 inchesGround Clearance4.9 inchesFuel Capacity4.0 gallonsSeat Height30.9 inchesCurb Weight428 pounds (claimed)Become a Motorcycle.com insider. Get the latest motorcycle news first by subscribing to our newsletter.