Breaking - Kawasaki Versys 650 Goes Green

Kawasaki has expanded its BS6 product portfolio in India by launching the new Versys 650. The BS6 Kawasaki Versys 650 is priced at Rs 6.79 lakh for the candy lime green colour option. This means the new motorcycle is just Rs 10,000 more expensive than its BS4 variant. It’s the third motorcycle in the 650cc category to adhere to the new BS6 emission norms after the Kawasaki Ninja 650 and the Z650. The 2020 Kawasaki Versys 650 is also the most affordable adventure offering in the Japanese brand’s portfolio as the Versys-X 300 has been discontinued.

Kawasaki hasn’t shared the engine specs of the new bike yet, but we expect it to be the same as that of the BS6 Ninja 650. The 649cc, liquid-cooled parallel-twin motor is rated at 68PS and 64Nm of peak torque. Transmission duties are handled by a 6-speed gearbox. Unlike the new Ninja 650, the BS6 Versys 650 doesn’t get LED lighting or TFT display. Cosmetically, the new bike is identical to its predecessor.

It’s the same story when it comes to underpinnings. The diamond frame rests on an adjustable and long-travel 41mm dia separate function fork and a monoshock unit at the back whose preload can be adjusted via a knob. Petal disc brakes with dual-channel ABS and the massive 21-litre fuel tank have also been carried forward.

As you can see, Kawasaki has just updated the powerplant to comply with BS6 emission norms without making any radical changes. This has allowed the Japanese brand to price the new Versys 650 aggressively. It will be interesting to see whether Suzuki replicates the same with the soon to be launched BS6 V-Strom 650.