Ninjas accelerate into 2027

A name linked irrevocably to Kawasaki, the very mention of Ninja creates visions of performance and engineering excellence. Maintaining that approach, Kawasaki has announced the continuation of the first of a swathe of models as part of the 2027 range.

Covering the bases in the heavily fought over mid-capacity segment, the company has confirmed that the ZX-4RR will feature in the coming year as well as the iconic Ninja ZX-6R 636 plus the highly popular Ninja 500. 

The only twin cylinder machine among this four-cylinder pack, the Ninja 500 utilises Kawasaki’s highly regarded 451cc parallel-twin, water-cooled motor which has garnered much praise when tuned in Ninja guise in addition to its adaption to Z and Eliminator duties. With all the style and attitude of its more track-focussed siblings, the Ninja 500 at 33.4 kW is fully A2 European licence compliant making it the default choice for a range of riders looking for a Supersport style machine within their budget and skill level.  An SE model features exclusive graphics plus a full colour TFT meter display.

A partnership in performance, the Ninja ZX-4RR have quicky carved a reputation as cleanly and precisely as they carve corners on the road or racetrack.  Blessed with 57 kW (77 PS) peak power 399cc engines, the tachometer on these machines can climb to over 15,000 rpm  to produce an intoxicating wail that is music to the ears of high-performance motorcycle fans.

Benefiting from Electronic Throttle Valves (ETV), the 399cc motor has a jewel-like quality and boasts not simply sand cast intake ports to smooth the intake charge but also the port exits are machined in two stages like those of the Ninja ZX-10R. Add race style forged camshafts and you can see this is serious performance engineering. Taking things to the next level, the Ninja ZX-4RR features a higher-grade front fork with adjustable spring preload, and a high-grade Showa BFRC lite rear shock – the same type as the Ninja ZX-10R plus a dual-direction quick shifter.

Topping out the initial four model release is the venerable Ninja ZX-6R 636. Featuring the legendary 636cc cylinder capacity created exclusively by Kawasaki, the 2027 Ninja ZX-6R has the speed and aggression expected of a bike equally at home on track or road with the added benefit of extra low and mid-range urge thanks to its 37cc displacement advantage.

With a race-based engine and chassis performance optimised for the street, the Ninja ZX-6R offers riding exhilaration in a wide range of riding situations. While its roots give it a high potential for track-riding fun, its street-riding focus makes it the 600cc-class Supersport machine of choice. Traction control, Supersport-grade brake management, selectable power modes and quick shifter are complemented by full-colour TFT instrumentation, Smartphone connectivity and integrated Riding Modes.

A choice of five machines and five distinctive personalities – Kawasaki Ninja delivers…always. 

Available from October, the colours for 2027 are:

Ninja ZX-4RR, priced at £8,799:

• METALLIC SPARK BLACK

• LIME GREEN

• METALLIC MATTE CARBON GRAY / METALLIC SPARK BLACK

• METALLIC MATTE GRAPHENESTEEL GRAY / METALLIC SPARK BLACK

Ninja 500, prices starting from £6,599:

• METALLIC FLAT SPARK BLACK / METALLIC SPARK BLACK

• LIME GREEN / EBONY

• METALLIC MATTE GRAPHENESTEEL GRAY / METALLIC SPARK BLACK

Ninja ZX-6R, priced at £10,799:

• METALLIC SPARK BLACK / METALLIC FLAT SPARK BLACK

• LIME GREEN

• METALLIC MATTE CARBON GRAY / METALLIC SPARK BLACK