The Kawasaki Versys 650 is an extremely capable tourer that gets all the key attributes from the larger Versys 1000 that is already available in India.
You read it first on MotorBeam! The touring performance motorcycle range in India will soon have a new member added to the list as Kawasaki will be expanding its domestic lineup further by launching the Versys 650 in the country later this year. The Versys 650 is an extremely capable tourer and comes with all the key attributes of the larger Versys 1000 but with a smaller engine under the belly. The company imported the tourer in India this May for homologation purposes and the model is scheduled to hit showrooms around October.
Powering the Kawasaki Versys 650 is a 649cc parallel-twin, four-stroke, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected engine (also powers the Ninja 650) tuned to produce 68.1 BHP of power at 8500 RPM and 64 Nm of torque at 7000 RPM, paired to a 6-speed gearbox. The middle-weight tourer gets 41 mm hydraulic telescopic front forks and an offset laydown monoshock setup at the rear; whereas braking performance comes from 300 mm dual front discs and a 250 mm single rear disc. Unlike the international spec model though, Kawasaki India isn’t offering ABS on the Versys 650, not even as an option. Even the Ninja 650 and ER-6n sold in India do not get ABS, which is extremely disappointing and really feels absurd given the power levels on these motorcycles.
Furthermore, the Kawasaki Versys 650 comes with 120/70/17 front and 160/60/17 rear tyres and an underbelly exhaust. Making the bike more rider friendly, the tourer is equipped with a large height-adjustable windscreen, raised handlebars allowing an upright seating position and wider seat for improved rider comfort. The footpegs have also been moved lower and further forward to aid comfort during long cruises. Previously buyers looking for touring performance motorcycles in India had limited options to choose from, but the market finally seems to have opened for these niche bikes. The Versys 650 will be primarily competing with the Benelli TNT 600 GT in the same space and is expected to be priced around Rs. 6.5 lakhs (ex-showroom).
