Kawasaki is the only Japanese marque that has an Indian lineup mostly of imported big bikes and the company is going to bolster that in the coming months.
- KLE500 ADV likely to be priced at a premium upon launch
- ZX-10R gets new styling and big winglets for 2026
- Updated Z naked bikes to launch this year too
2026 Kawasaki KLE500
KLE uses same 451cc, twin-cyl engine as Ninja 500
The KLE500 – Kawasaki’s first new ADV in a long time – is confirmed for an India launch. Powered by the same 451cc, twin-cylinder engine as the Ninja 500 with proper dirt-capable hardware, the KLE500 will join the growing list of sub-500cc adventure bikes in our market. However, since it is likely to come to India as a CBU (Completely Built Up) unit, expect it to be priced at a premium, like the Ninja 500 (Rs 5.66 lakh).
2026 Kawasaki ZX-10R
Gets new bodywork with big exposed winglets
India’s best bang for the buck superbike – the Kawasaki ZX-10R – has been updated with fresh styling as well as some electronic and chassis revisions overseas. Expect it to be launched in the second quarter of the year, around the same time as the KLE500.
With recent price hikes and GST 2.0, the ZX-10R has become quite pricey - costing Rs 20.79 lakh - and Kawasaki will hopefully give it a more competitive price when this updated version launches.
2026 Kawasaki Z900RS and Z650 S
Both bikes are updated versions of bikes that were on sale previously
Other Kawasakis likely to arrive next year are the updated Z900RS neo-retro and Z650 S sporty naked. The Z900RS has similiar updates as the current Z900 - namely, an electronic throttle that brings in ride-by-wire and cruise control - while retaining its pleasing neo-retro aesthetics. Unfortunately, in the past the Z900RS came to India as a CBU and this trend is likely to continue for 2026 as well, resulting in a high asking price.
What is, however, likely to be much more affordable is the Z650 S. While it is mechanically very similar to the Z650 on sale in India, it has new Z900-inspired styling, a new TFT display and revised ergonomics. Expect it to be positioned above the Rs 7.26 lakh that the Z650 commands when it launches in the coming months.
