Akashi has officially lifted the cover off the first wave of updates for its 2027 Model Year lineup. Rather than launching radical mechanical overhauls on existing platforms, Kawasaki's strategy focuses on bolstering its catalog through massive color refreshes, striking new liveries, and strategic range expansions (including key A2-licence compliance additions).
Here is the complete breakdown of all the models unveiled so far.
1. Supernaked Family: Z1100 and Z500 MY27
Kawasaki Z1100 & Z1100 SE
Akashi’s flagship supernaked retains its refined mechanical foundation, anchored by the punchy 1,099cc inline-four engine pushing out 136 bhp.
Hardware and Chassis: It keeps its aluminum frame, 41mm Showa Big Piston forks, and a complete 6-axis IMU electronics package (including up/down quickshifter, cruise control, and a 5-inch TFT display with Rideology connectivity). The premium SE version remains the benchmark, featuring Brembo front brakes (M4.32 calipers), a fully adjustable Öhlins S46 rear shock, and a handy handlebar-mounted USB-C socket.
New Colors: The standard version adopts an Ebony / Metallic Carbon Gray livery, while the SE sports Metallic Matte GrapheneSteel Gray / Metallic Matte Carbon Gray / Candy Flat Blazed Green.
Kawasaki Z500 & Z500 SE
The gateway to the naked world for A2 licence holders retains its brilliant 451cc parallel-twin engine (45 hp) housed in a steel trellis frame.
New Colors: The standard Z500 is refreshed with an Ebony / Metallic Carbon Gray mix, while the SE version raises the style stakes with Candy Persimmon Red / Metallic Carbon Gray and a vibrant tri-color Pearl Blizzard White / Candy Lime Green Type 3 / Ebony.
2. Ninja Sportbike Family: A2 Homologation Arrives for the Inline-Fours
Kawasaki’s faired lineup receives targeted updates, fusing its track-bred pedigree with enhanced aesthetic and accessibility options.
Ninja ZX-4R and ZX-4RR (A2 Licence Update!)
The big news for fans of small-displacement, high-revving inline-fours is that starting with the 2027 Model Year, the Ninja ZX-4R and ZX-4RR will also be available in a 35 kW restricted version for A2 licence holders.
The track-focused ZX-4RR continues to stand out with its race-derived hardware, featuring adjustable preload forks, a Showa BFRC Lite rear shock, and the KQS bi-directional quickshifter.
Colors: The classic Lime Green leads the RR range alongside new dedicated options like Metallic Matte Carbon Gray / Metallic Spark Black.
Ninja ZX-6R (636) and Ninja 500
Ninja ZX-6R (636): The middleweight supersport retains its extreme performance and top-tier electronics package, dressed in new liveries: Metallic Spark Black / Metallic Flat Spark Black, Lime Green, and a stealthy Metallic Matte Carbon Gray matte finish.
Ninja 500 & 500 SE: The lightweight A2 sportbike (45.4 bhp) updates with modern graphics, including a total-black Metallic Flat Spark Black and the mandatory Lime Green / Ebony race-replica livery (complete with a standard TFT display on the higher-spec SE version).
3. Touring and Custom: Versys 650 and Vulcan S
The middleweight touring and custom segments also get a cosmetic refresh ahead of 2027:
Kawasaki Versys 650 MY27: The middleweight crossover—ideal for all-around touring and also offered in an A2-compliant version—gets graphic updates featuring Candy Lime Green Type 3 / Metallic Spark Black and Metallic Carbon Gray / Metallic Spark Black. Dedicated Tourer and Tourer Plus accessory packages remain available.
Kawasaki Vulcan S MY27: Akashi’s non-conformist cruiser, powered by the 649cc parallel-twin engine, maintains its laid-back character while gaining fresh color combinations designed to highlight its urban-custom style.
4. Specialist Off-Road: Cross-Country Range (KX327X)
On the off-road and specialist front, Kawasaki continues pushing innovation with targeted models like the KX327X, a cross-country motorcycle engineered for maximum efficiency in technical terrain. Equipped with the Japanese manufacturer's first electronic fuel-injected 2-stroke single-cylinder engine, it features an electric start, hydraulic clutch, race-derived suspension, and an 8.6-liter semi-transparent fuel tank, cementing Akashi’s total commitment to the dirt world.