2018 Kawasaki Versys 650 was recently launched in India at INR 6.5 lakh. It carries a powerful 649cc, twin cylinder engine that is good for 69 PS at 8500 rpm and 64 Nm at 7000 rpm. The engine comes mated to a 6-speed gearbox.

It benefits from extra long suspension travel and cushioned seats while most features stay the same as Ninja 650. Kawasaki offers the same with 41mm USD forks for better control while both the other variants from the 650 series are equipped with conventional forks. A 21 liter fuel tank further aids the rider for long rides with lesser refill requirements.

As 2018 Kawasaki Versys 650 weighs just 216 kg, it offers an excellent power to weight ratio for all types of terrain. Twin front 300 mm disc brakes, that too with ABS, helps the rider while tackling tough situations. As the 650 series fall under the local assembly bracket, the pricing is on the positive side.

Kawasaki’s very own Z650 starts at just INR 5 lakh while Ninja 650 can be bought for INR 5.50 lakh. Both these are good for everyday riding as well as highway touring but lacks the adventure punch that is on offer through the Versys series. All these are manufactured at Kawasaki’s chakan plant.

The Japanese brand will soon enter local production for entry level bikes, making them more affordable by a considerable margin. This will allow more riders to get connected with one of the most sophisticated performance brand around the world.

One can expect a sharp fall in pricing of bikes under 650cc while bigger machines would even leave CBU route for the lower taxed CKD route. Imagine if they can offer Ninja 1000 at INR 9.98 lakh, lower tax bracket for Z1000 will even shred its price close to INR 9.5 lakh. Not just that, the popular Z900 can clearly get a price cut.