2022 Kawasaki Versys 650 facelift gets subtle changes, sports smartphone connectivity for the first time
Kawasaki India is gearing up to launch the 2022 Versys 650 facelift this month in the backdrop of the adventure bike’s stellar sales performance in April. This will be Kawasaki’s second launch this financial year after the launch of the 2022 Ninja 300 in April end.
Kawasaki Versys 650 was the third highest selling performance bike in India in April after the Royal Enfield 650 twins and the Ninja 300, selling 47 units with a YoY growth of 262 percent. In fact, it was the highest-seller among the bikes that cost more than Rs. 3.5 lakhs (ex-showroom).
The 2022 Kawasaki Versys 650 made its global debut in November, 2021, and its Indian launch has been long overdue. For 2022, the adventure bike gets subtle revisions throughout. It features a new front half fairing that’s more sharper with a small beak.
The overall design looks similar to that of the bigger brother, Versys 1000. Upfront, the bike gets dual LED headlamps with 4-way adjustable windshield. The side fairing has been integrated with truss-like chassis elements that now cover the engine head.
The 2022 model also features new block design graphics similar to the 2022 Ninja 300. For the first time, the Versys 650 will get the company’s famed Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC). There will be 2 modes – less intrusive and more intrusive. Riders can switch off the system too.
The new bike will feature a TFT digital dash, again, for the first time with smartphone connectivity through Bluetooth. As far as mechanicals go, there will be no changes. Power will be from the same 649 cc engine that exerts 66 HP and 61 Nm.
The adjustable Showa suspension upfront will be the highlight of the upcoming adventure bike as many of its competitors don’t get 1. When launched, the 2022 Kawasaki Versys 650 will command premium of Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 50,000 over the outgoing model.
