Kawasaki’s small range of adventure bikes called “ Versys-X” were unveiled last year at EICMA. The Versys-X model is available in both 250cc and 300cc engine. Indonesia received the smaller Versys X250 few months back. For the more thrilling and adventurous journey, tourer version is the bike for you considering its advanced accessories like a 6-speed gearbox and 41mm telescopic front forks with a 17 litre fuel tank.
According to a recent report by AutoCar India Pro, Kawasaki is rather keen on launching a bigger Versys-X 300 in India sometime during the fourth quarter of financial year. The 650cc Kawasaki Versys is already available in India and if the reports are true, Versys-X 300 will come to India by the end of this year.
The same report also suggests that Kawasaki will also launch the much-awaited Vulcan S in India along with 300cc Versys. X-300 is built on a new chassis but uses the same parallel twin motor from the Ninja 300. This engine generates the same amount of power as its sport bike sibling but has been tuned differently to suit its touring needs. The gearbox is a six-speed one with a slipper clutch.
Kawasaki Versys-X 300
The wide handlebar, large windshield and big fuel tank makes this bike friendly for long rides. The instrument console gets an analogue tachometer and two LCD screens which display instantaneous range and fuel efficiency apart from other standard functions. The Versys-X 300 is estimated to be sold at a market price around INR 4 Lakh (ex-showroom).
Kawasaki has always been very popular with outstanding sports bikes across India. But this time, it is expected to a launch a classic cruiser Vulcan sometime around October 2017 in India. It is expected to be price around INR 6 lakh (ex-showroom). If you are looking for a powerful metric cruiser, Vulcan S is the bike for you.
Vulcan S is powered by a 649cc, twin cylinder cruiser that uses the same engine as India spec ER-6n and Ninja 650. The motor is good for 61 BHP at 7500 rpm and 63 Nm at 6600 rpm. It comes mated to a 6-speed gearbox.With a curb weight of 228 kg and a fuel capacity of 14 litres the Vulcan S was built for the highways and is ready to roll.
The twin cylinder motor is very refined while the low 705 mm of seat height offers best in class ride quality to the rider. It is supposed to have adjustable riding positions for the bikers which are highly adaptable. That certainly makes it an attractive consideration for the average Indian and even riders of short stature, to customize the ergonomics according to individual preference. There are 3 configurations for the riding seats:
- Ergo fit extended reach- 6’1” and over
- Ergo fit mid reach- 5’7” to 6’00”
- Ergo fit reduced reach- 5’6” and under
Kawasaki Vulcan S
With a capable torque, high rpm and generous seats angles with a stunning design details, Vulcan S will ultimately ride. So, with heart of a sports bike and the comfort of a classic cruiser, the Vulcan S will be pitted squarely against the ‘made-in-India’ Harley-Davidson Street 750, one of the largest selling Harley-Davidson motorcycles in India, selling over 3,000 units in the last year and with the price of Rs. 6 Lakh, Vulcan S is sure to grab the attention of cruiser lovers in India.
Besides the launch of these 2 bikes in India, there is an another issue faced by Kawasaki’s customers to get their bike serviced. Due to the annulment of collaboration between Bajaj and Kawasaki, there are only 12 Kawasaki dealerships left in India rendering the customers with no place to get their bike serviced. The customers are expected to wait for several months time for getting even a basic part replaced or fixed.
The good news is, considering the customer dissatisfaction, Kawasaki is planning to open 4-6 more dealerships in India this year, which are not something very big but it is sure to relieve some customers from the wait in getting their bikes serviced mostly in 2-tier and 3-tier cities.
For the remaining customers to get their bikes serviced, Kawasaki is planning to organize service camps in the cities where there are no formal dealerships. Social media is supposed to contain all the details of the service camps, so the customers can chose their appropriate locations and get their biker serviced.
