Kawasaki have confirmed a large chunk of their 2027 line-up, but before you get too excited, the changes are mostly limited. Rather than a wave of new tech, it’s more of a colour-and-price refresh with the Versys 650, Vulcan S, Z1100, Z500 and three returning Ninja models all confirmed as largely unchanged.
Everything here lands in UK dealers from October. Here’s what’s actually new for each bike.
The Versys 650 continues unchanged mechanically for 2027, with its 649cc parallel-twin, traction control, 4.3in TFT dash and four-position screen all as before.
It does get a lick of paint for 2027, though, and the colours are:
MCN rate the current Versys 650 four out of five, calling it a serious small-capacity sports-tourer, though we’ve found it lacks grunt for fully-laden two-up touring.
Again, new colours only. The mid-capacity Vulcan S cruiser carries over its 649cc parallel twin (a claimed 60bhp), 705mm seat, adjustable ergonomics and A2-conversion option unchanged.
MCN rate the Vulcan S four out of five, and while it’s badged a cruiser, we’ve found it to be a light, perky and genuinely fun middleweight roadster with a well-proven, reliable engine.
Kawasaki have confirmed these three return for 2027 with fresh colours and updated pricing. The ZX-4RR keeps its 15,000rpm-plus 399cc four (a claimed 77bhp), the ZX-6R supersport its 636cc engine, and the Ninja 500 its A2-friendly 451cc twin.
New colours for the range-topping naturally-aspirated Z1100 and Z1100 SE . The 1099cc inline four, six-axis IMU, quickshifter, cruise control and 5in TFT are unchanged, as is the SE’s uprated kit – Brembo M4.32 front calipers, an Öhlins S46 rear shock and a USB-C port.
Colour updates only for the Z500 models . The A2-friendly naked keeps its 451cc twin (a claimed 45bhp), triple-LED headlight, assist and slipper clutch, and the SE’s colour TFT dash and two-piece under-cowl.
Given the upheaval of 2026 and the scramble to get every bike through Euro5+ it’s not surprising to see minimal changes for models in 2027. Kawasaki won’t be the only ones updating prices and colours only.
Ben Clarke began riding (legally) at 21-years-old when he passed his direct access one month before shipping his Yamaha XT660 R to Miami and embarking on a 13,500-mile tour of the USA and Central America. He's worked at MCN for the last six years, riding everything from super nakeds and superbikes to small-capacity electrics and scooters across several continents. In more recent years, he's worked closely with the bike kit team to bring you all the latest news and reviews about the bike-related products we all use every day.
Lover of V-twins and big singles, partial to a tour