Kawasaki launches Versys 650 for Rs 6.60 lac
Kawasaki India is once again being the first mover with the launch of the Versys 650, almost a year after the launch of the Versys 1000. Based on their purpose-built flexible platform shared with the Ninja 650 and ER-6n, the Versys 650 is lighter and shorter than it’s big adventure tourer brother.
The Versys 650 is Kawasaki’s first CKD bike with ABS. Unfortunately, an updated Ninja with similar safety features is not expected soon. As usual, parts are imported from Thailand and assembled by India Kawasaki Motors. Like the Versys 1000, the Versys 650 also comes with a long travel suspension and 17" wheels. The Versys 650 carries the venerable 649cc, 4-stroke parallel-twin engine which delivering 68.3hp and 64 Nm, a shade less power than the Ninja. It has a 6-speed transmission like the Versys 1000 and a ground clearance of 170mm. More impressive is the adjustable Showa separate function fork, which has preload adjustability on the left leg and rebound damping on the right. This alone justifies much of the premium you’d pay over its Ninja brethren.
The Versys 650 comes only in black and is priced at Rs 6.60 lac ex showroom, Pune and will be available at KTM-Kawasaki showrooms. Our dealer sources are quoting somewhere between Rs 7.3 and 7.5 lac on-road, Mumbai, which is extremely competitive. You could have the Ducati Scrambler for a little more money, but that’d buy you the cachet but not the capability.
Kawasaki also launched the KLX110, a mini dirt bike targeted at enthusiastic kids. Shine to Nishikawa, DMD of India Kawasaki Motors, believes that this is an ideal way to get the kids of their customers into motorcycling, while previously they’d just be on the sidelines while their parents had the two-wheeled fun. Commendable foresight, we say.
The KLX110 comes with a 4-stroke engine with a 4-speed transmission with a centrifugal clutch and long travel suspension. Power output is 7.2hp and max torque is 8.0Nm. The KLX110 comes in lime green and is priced at 2.65 lac ex-showroom, Pune and will be sold by India Kawasaki Motors(IKM). Of course, it is not street-legal.
