Let's take a deep dive on Kawasaki Motors PH's 2026 leisure bike lineup

As Zigwheels Philippines reported last week, Kawasaki Motors Philippines has unveiled its shiny new “leisure” motorcycle offerings for 2026. 

For the unaware, these are “big bikes” with displacement ratings of 400 cubic centimeters (cc) and above. As such, these are some of the best-of-the-best in terms of what Kawasaki’s local arm has to offer. 

In the brand’s local lineup, these nameplates offer powerful powertrains, and depending on the mode, the utmost in off-road capability or on-track performance. These likewise boast the latest and greatest technologies from the Japanese motorcycle-maker. 

So, what exactly are these 2026 model year Kawasaki motorcycles, and what are their specs and features? Let’s get to know them by going on a deep dive into each model. 

Kawasaki ZX-10R

In Kawasaki’s 2026 Philippine market lineup, there are plenty of peppy two-wheelers, but what was tagged as the company’s “flagship” sportbike is the ZX-10R. 

Granted, it doesn’t have the biggest displacement, but this model was honed by the brand with data and experience gathered from its participation in the FIM World Superbike Championship. In other words, this superbike goes beyond the cheap thrill of going fast on a straight line; instead, it was developed as a curved-road carver with a penchant for being highly competitive in amateur or even seriously competitive track-day events. 

Propelling the Kawasaki ZX-10R is a 998-cc, inline-four, liquid-cooled, double-overhead cam (DOHC) engine that can produce up to 210 horsepower (hp) and 115 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque if equipped with a Ram air intake kit. 

For its transmission, the superbike uses a six-speed unit. It also has Showa front and rear suspension systems, a cornering management system, Sport-Kawasaki Traction Control, engine brake control, and a quick shifter. 

As of 2026, the said sport bike also received a heavily revamped exterior design optimized for greater downforce. 

Lastly, the model also has a full digital instrument panel with smartphone connectivity, Brembo brakes, and a five-inch digital gauge. 

Here are the relevant size figures for the Kawasaki ZX-10R:

Length	2,085 millimeters (mm)
Width	750 mm
Height	1,185 mm
Wheelbase	1,440 mm
Seat height	835 mm

Price-wise, the 2026 model-year version of the Kawasaki ZX-10R retails for P1.029 million. 

Kawasaki KLE500, KLE500 SE

For its 2026 leisure bike lineup, Kawasaki Motors Philippines also introduced the KLE500 and KLE500 SE adventure bikes. These are new to the local market and are touted for their versatility and ease-of-use. 

The two, after all, are lightweight adventure bikes, which are perfect for beginners. Otherwise, both still get 451-cc engines that can produce up to 45 hp. Other mechanical bits of the KLE500 and KLE500 SE also include the following: 

• Assist and Slipper Clutch
• Selectable ABS
• KYB suspension
• Spoked wheels
• High-tensile steel trellis frame

Moreover, the KLE500 and KLE500 SE feature 16-liter fuel tanks, which are ideal for long-range outings. This is paired with optional gear such as a three-luggage setup, a fully digital gauge, Ergo-fit adjustments, hand guards, and a larger windshield. 

Specific to the SE version of the KLE500 is a larger aluminum skidplate, a taller windshield, and a full LED lighting setup. 

Here are the dimensions of the Kawasaki KLE500 and KLE500 SE

Length	2,300 mm
Width	940 mm
Height	1,355 mm
Wheelbase	1,555 mm
Seat height	870 mm

 

The Kawasaki KLE 500 and 500SE are priced P341,000 and P381,000, respectively.

Kawasaki Z1100

One of the more powerful rides in the brand’s 2026 lineup is the Z1100, which, of course, partly gets its name from its 1,099-cc liquid-cooled, inline-four, DOHC engine. At maximum, this liter bike can produce up to 134 hp and 113 Nm of torque. 

Paired with the Z1100’s engine is a six-speed transmission, a 17-liter fuel tank, a twin-spar aluminum frame, Öhlins front and rear suspension components, dual front and single rear disc brakes, Kawasaki’s intelligent anti-lock braking system, and a cornering management system. 

Other notable features of the Kawasaki Z1100 include: 

• TFT gauge cluster
• Smartphone connectivity (Kawasaki Rideology App)
• LED lighting
• Riding modes
• Cruise control

Appearance-wise, the Kawasaki Z1100 was provided with an aggressive supernaked motorcycle in the “Sugomi” or crouching predator design language. 

For reference, here are the measurements of the Kawasaki Z1100:

Length	2,055 mm
Width	825 mm
Height	1,085 mm
Wheelbase	1,440 mm
Seat height	815 mm

In the local market, the Kawasaki Z1100 retails at P735,000. 

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Ninja 650, Z650S

Kawasaki also introduced the updated Ninja 650 and Z650S for the model year 2026. 

Just like their predecessors, these two nameplates come with a 649-cc liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine paired with a six-speed return-shift transmission. At maximum, the said powertrain can generate up to 67 hp and 65.7 Nm of torque. 

The main structure of the two sportbikes is a trellis frame made out of high-tensile steel. Their frames are also equipped with a telescopic front fork, a horizontal back-link rear suspension, front and rear disc brakes with anti-lock braking - and many other components. 

Notably, the two nameplates are a TFT display with Kawasaki’s Rideology smartphone connectivity system. Specific to the Z650S is a more comfort-oriented riding position, as well as a thicker handlebar and more padding for its seats. 

Just like its larger Z siblings, the Ninja 650 and Z650S come with the Sugomi design language, making for a striking-looking ride with plenty of angular details. 

Here are the dimensions of the Kawasaki Ninja 650:  

Length	2,055 mm
Width	740 mm
Height	1,145 mm
Wheelbase	1,410 mm
Seat height	790 mm

Price-wise, the Kawasaki Ninja 650 retails at P456,500, while the Ninja Z650S starts at P439,000.

Final thoughts

These are the bikes of Kawasaki Motor Philippines’ 2026 lineup. It is a healthy mix of rides, which means the brand has good reach among a variety of potential customers nationwide. 

So, which one’s your favorite? If you have one picked out, do try to visit your nearest Kawasaki Leisure Bike store or Kawasaki dealership for a test ride. Who knows, the one that caught your eye could just be the bike of your dreams. 

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