Kawasaki to Launch 2027 Ninja 500 in November
The refreshed motorcycle arrives at United States dealerships with a $100 price increase for the upcoming model year.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Motorcycles
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Kawasaki will release the 2027 Ninja 500 in the United States starting in late November 2026. The updated lineup will discontinue the non-ABS trim while increasing the base model price by $100.
Why it matters
The price adjustment reflects broader cost shifts within the motorcycle industry, while the removal of the non-ABS version signals a push toward standardizing safety technology across entry-level sport bikes.
The 2027 Ninja 500 features a 451cc engine producing 51 horsepower and 31.7 lb-ft of torque. The motorcycle weighs 377.1 pounds, includes a 30.9-inch seat height, and offers a 1-year limited factory warranty.
The players
Kawasaki
Kawasaki is a Japanese multinational corporation that is a major manufacturer of motorcycles, engines, and heavy industrial equipment.
The details
The motorcycle utilizes a high-tensile steel trellis frame to maintain agility, paired with a 6-speed transmission featuring an assist and slipper clutch. Stopping power is delivered via a 310mm front disc and a 220mm rear disc brake setup.
Timeline
The 2027 Kawasaki Ninja 500 model year begins in 2027.
The motorcycles arrive at United States dealerships in late November 2026.
Roadmap
The 2027 update to the Kawasaki Ninja 500 platform highlights a broader industry shift toward unifying safety features across the entry-level sport bike segment. This strategic move helps Kawasaki maintain its competitive positioning against other manufacturers in the lightweight performance category.
Buyers looking for the 2027 Ninja 500 will see a starting MSRP of $5,899, with the SE model priced at $6,599. Potential owners should factor in the mandatory ABS feature and the baseline one-year warranty when evaluating the total cost of ownership.
The takeaway
Prospective riders should prepare for the standardized inclusion of ABS across the 2027 lineup as safety requirements continue to influence base hardware specifications. This model year offers a refined chassis configuration intended to balance weight and handling for new and experienced riders alike.
Further reading
For more information on new releases, visit the United States Motorcycles section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Top Speed.
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