2023 Kawasaki Ninja 650 India launch: Top 5 Highlights

Kawasaki India has updated its portfolio in our market with the launch of the 2023 Ninja 650. The latest iteration of the middleweight sports tourer gets an improved rider aid package that now comprises a traction control system. With this, the prices have also gone up and the 2023 Ninja 650 costs more than its predecessor. Here we list the top five highlights from the Indian launch of the 2023 Kawasaki Ninja 650.

Improved Rider Aids

For 2023, Kawasaki has added a two-level traction control system on this middleweight sports tourer. This feature is also available on the 2023 Z650 and that motorcycle should arrive in our market very soon. Meanwhile, the Japanese brand already offers the safety net of a traction control system on the 2022 Versys 650. The two-level traction control system joins the dual-channel ABS tech in the electronic aids department. Other features such as LED headlight, LED taillight, and Bluetooth-enabled colour TFT display have been retained from the previous version.

Colours and design

The international markets get the 2023 Ninja 650 in three colours – Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray with Ebony, Pearl Robotic White with Metallic Matte Flat Raw Graystone and Ebony, and KRT edition that uses Lime Green paint with Ebony. In comparison, the Indian market only gets one colour option – Lime Green. Meanwhile, the design remains unchanged, and the 2023 Ninja 650 retains a twin-pod headlight, full-fairing, a muscular fuel tank, split-style seat, and compact exhaust canister.

Specifications

The specifications, too, remain unaltered as the Ninja 650 already complied with the latest emission standard. Thus, the 2023 model continues to use the 649cc, parallel-twin, liquid-cooled engine. This motor is linked to a six-speed gearbox and it produces a maximum output of 67bhp at 8,000rpm and a peak torque of 64Nm at 6,700rpm.

Hardware

The hardware has been untouched too, and the 2023 Ninja 650 continues to use 41mm telescopic front forks and a preload-adjustable rear mono-shock to handle the suspension tasks. The anchoring setup comprises 300mm dual disc brakes at the front, and a 220mm single rotor at the back while the safety net, as mentioned earlier, includes dual-channel ABS and a switchable traction control system. The motorcycle is built around a steel trellis frame, boasts a 15-litre fuel tank, and tips the weighing scale at 196kg (kerb).

Price

The 2023 Kawasaki Ninja 650 is available in a single variant and one colour option. It has been priced at Rs 7.12 lakh, making it Rs 17,000 more expensive than its predecessor. While this Japanese motorcycle does not have a direct threat, it competes in the same price range as the newly launched Moto Morini X-Cape and Seiemmezzo.