Thanks to a new generation, the super sport seems completely back, but remarkably enough a model that has not been specifically put on the market as a super sport that the sales list is supplying here. Reason for Kawasaki to also provide the Ninja 650 of the imaginative colors for 2026.
It has already been discussed and documented. How the Supersport segment has grown since the 1990s to the most important segment, where manufacturers were to trump each other in the hunt for the very best super sport. After two years a solid update and after four years a completely new model was then the most normal thing in the world.
At the end of the first decade of the 21st century, however, came to the O-so-popular Supersport segment. Extensive electronics had made the 600-class superfluous, while the one-liter segment had become overkill for the street.
The extensive electronics and rapidly increased capacities of 200 hp had had another downside: the price tags had gone up considerably. The credit crisis was the turning point, the segment made a free fall and seemed to be put to death. They still appealed to the imagination, they were just no longer sold.
However, that has been changing for a number of years. Although the figures from the past are not yet matched, but the super sport is clearly in the elevator for a few years, thanks to models such as the Aprilia RS 660, Yamaha YZF-R7, Triumph Daytona 660 and Suzuki GSX-8R.
However, the best -selling in this segment has been an engine that has not been put on the market as a super sport for years. The Ninja 650 has the looks of a super sport, especially in the cool KRT colors in which the engine is available from the start, and has been the machine to be beaten for years in the Isle of Man Lightweight TT, but according to Kawasaki it should certainly not be seen as a super sport.
Nevertheless, the Ninja 650 is the best -selling middle class super sport from the start. Or as they say it themselves: a crocheted middle class engine. In recent years, the sale has even gone in the elevator. And not just a bit too. Last year the best year in the history of the bicycle was and this season more Ninja 650s were sold than 2024.
According to Kawasaki, it is in particular young motorcyclists who find their way to what is called the ‘unique combination of sporty driving pleasure with daily usability and a very competitive consumer price’. And we understand that. The Ninja 650 has absolutely sporty looks, but is certainly not too extreme (side bags on it and you have a wonderful travel companion) and – not unimportantly – competitively priced.
To continue the success, Kawasaki reveals three new colors for model year 2026. The 2026 Ninja 650 is available in mid-September at the official Kawasaki dealers in the following new colors: Lime Green (KRT-Edition), Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray/Metallic Flat Spark Black.
Prices will be announced later. For riders with an A2 (code80) driver’s license there is a 35kW kit available.
– Thanks for information from Motorfreaks.