Kawasaki India to launch the Versys 650 tomorrow

Kawasaki will be launching the Versys 650 in India tomorrow. Based on the Ninja 650’s platform, the Versys 650 will be one of the most versatile middleweight motorcycles in the Indian market.

The radical styling of the Versys 650 draws inspiration from the litre-class Versys 1000. The tall stance, long suspension travel and raised handlebar give the Versys 650 a rugged character. The front gets an aggressively styled semi-fairing with a twin-headlamp setup and a tall windshield. The rear gets an exposed double pipe subframe, which can accommodate panniers.

Though the chassis has been borrowed from the Ninja 650, it has been comprehensively updated to suit the bike’s rugged character. Powering the Versys 650 is a 649cc liquid-cooled parallel twin engine, which delivers 68bhp and 64Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a six-speed transmission. The front wheel rides on adjustable 41mm Showa forks while the rear section gets an offset KYB monoshock with preload adjustability. While the Ninja 650 and ER-6n don’t get an ABS system, this safety feature is offered as standard in the Versys 650.

We expect Kawasaki to offer a host of optional accessories like the utilitarian Kawasaki Quick Release (KQR) saddlebags, spot lights and hand guards for the Versys 650. It will rival other middleweight touring motorcycles like the Benelli TNT 600GT and the Honda CBR650F.