New model code certified by EPA and CARBupdates coming for the 2027 kawasaki ninja 650Kawasaki may be introducing a new Ninja 650 for the 2027 model year, giving the middleweight sportbike its first update since 2023, when it received a traction control system.Nothing official has been announced as yet, which is one of the reasons we think a change is coming. Kawasaki Europe just announced the 2027 Ninja ZX-4R, Ninja ZX-4RR, Ninja 500, Ninja 500 SE, and Ninja ZX-6R, all returning unchanged except for new paint options. Considering the press release was titled "Ninjas accelerate into 2027," you would think the Ninja 650 would be included in this bunch if it was also returning unchanged.Of course, omission alone isn't enough to prove a new model is coming, but emissions might. Both U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the California Air Resources Board recently released updated certifications for Kawasaki's 649cc parallel-Twin engine, adding the model code "EX650VV" alongside the returning Versys 650 ABS, Z650 S ABS, and Z650RS.updates coming for the 2027 kawasaki ninja 650In the past, when Kawasaki certifies a new motorcycle in the U.S., it uses the model code, while returning models are listed under their commercial names. This tells us that the EX650VV is a new or updated bike. The Ninja 650 uses the model code "EX650," with the letters that follow indicating the model version and the year. The 2026 Ninja 650, for example, goes by the code EX650PT for the ABS version, and EX650RT without ABS. The double Vees would thus indicate a revised model for the 2027 model year.updates coming for the 2027 kawasaki ninja 650So, what can we expect from an updated Ninja 650? We know the engine is unchanged, as it will again share the same parallel-Twin with the returning models. As for any other changes, we may have to look at the Z650 S for clues. Kawasaki replaced the previous Z650 with the S version last year, updating its styling and revising the ergonomics with a wider handlebar and a thicker seat, producing a more forward-leaning posture. Kawasaki also replaced the Z650's petal-style front brake discs with circular ones. We can probably expect similar changes for the updated Ninja 650.AdvertisementAdvertisementKawasaki announced the Z650 S last October, weeks ahead of EICMA, and it's likely we'll see a similar timetable for the revised Ninja 650. But we'll keep our eyes open for more information as it emerges.Become a Motorcycle.com insider. Get the latest motorcycle news first by subscribing to our newsletter here.