Kawasaki has launched its middle weight adventure sports tourer in India, the Versys 650. Kawasaki Versys 650 will be the third motorcycle from Kawasaki in the 650cc segment, the other two are Ninja 650 and ER-6n, all three motorcycles are built for different customers and for different purposes. The Ninja 650R is a middle weight sports bike, ER-6n is the naked version of Ninja 650 with the same engine of Ninja 650, and the recently launched Versys 650 is a sports tourer machine for the touring enthusiasts. Though it has the same engine of Ninja 650 and ER-6n but it is tuned to serve the purpose for which it is built. Lets have an overview of Versys 650.
Looks and FeaturesKawasaki Versys 650 is a semi-faired motorcycle which shares some of the designing elements of its 650cc siblings. The bike sports dual headlamps which looks sporty. Design wise the motorcycle looks sharp and edgy which compliments its touring nature. The motorcycle has 170mm of ground clearance and long travel upside-down front forks which helps in better controlling. Versys 650 has rear adjustable mono-shocks and adjustable larger windscreen of 60 mm range, the wind screen can be adjusted without the help of any tools which helps rider to adjust without any hassle, it protects the rider from wind blast.
The motorcycle has upright riding position which helps the rider for a longer ride, the rear set foot-pegs along with wide adjustable handle bars help the rider to achieve a relaxed position. Kawasaki Versys 650 boasts double pipe diamond frame made from high-tensile steel. The tank has massive 21 liters for fuel capacity, which is very good considering the touring purpose of this motorcycle. Coming to the tyres and brakes, it has 17-inch alloy wheels with 120/17 section tyres at front and 160/60 at the rear, braking duties are taken care by 300mm dual petal discs at the front and 250mm petal disc at the rear. The bike has been offered with ABS as standard.
Engine and TransmissionKawasaki Versys 650 has the same engine of Ninja 650 and ER-6n, which is re-tuned. The motorcycle has 649cc, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, parallel twin engine which produces a maximum a power of 68bhp @ 8,500 rpm and a torque of 64Nm @7000 rpm. The motorcycle comes mated to a 6-speed gearbox. The power and torque will not disappoint the tourers, as it has enough grunt to take care of its touring capabilities. Although, the Ninja 650R and ER-6n has a bit more power than Versys 650 but that doesn't make a huge difference.
Price and Colours
The bike will come through CKD (Completely Knocked Down) route which has helped Kawasaki to price it competitively. The bike is priced at 6.6 lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi). It will be available in two colours Black and Green but the green colour looks awesome and gives it a Kawasaki identity.
By: Shafqat
