The Kawasaki Versys 650 is the automaker’s first middle-weight offering to get ABS and is being brought into the country via the CKD route.
Kawasaki India has officially launched its 12th product in the country, the 2015 Versys 650 priced at Rs. 6.6 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi). A younger sibling to the Versys 1000 that is already on sale, the Versys 650 borrows its styling cues from the litre-class model including the twin-headlamps and half-fairing that make the adventure tourer a striking visual on roads. A host of features on the motorcycle are functional which includes the height adjustable windscreen and new integrated luggage mounting system on the subframe.
The Versys name is derived from the words ‘versatile’ and ‘system’ and was first launched internationally in 2007. With the Versys 650, Kawasaki has kept things affordable without compromising too much on power compared to its litre-class derivative. The bike comes with a large 21-litre fuel tank for a longer travel range, reach-adjustable handlebars and a wide seat for long hours on the saddle.
Power on the 2015 Kawasaki Versys 650 comes from a 649cc parallel-twin cylinder, liquid-cooled motor tuned to produce 69 PS of power and 63.7 Nm of torque, paired to a 6-speed transmission. The middle-weight tourer gets a fully adjustable Upside Down Showa SFF front forks and a KYB monoshock with remote preload adjustability at the rear. The braking system includes twin 300 mm petal-style front discs with Nissin calipers at the front while a single 250 mm disc serves purpose at the rear. The bike rides on 17-inch alloy wheels.
The new Kawasaki Versys 650 will be rivalling it out with the Benelli TNT 600 GT and Triumph Tiger 800 series in this space and is being offered only in grey colour. Interestingly, this is the only middle-weight Kawasaki to get ABS as standard, which will eventually be introduced on other models as well. 2016 will certainly be an exciting year for the Japanese auto giant.
