Here's all you need to know about Kawasaki’s new Versys 650

Kawasaki launched its Versys 650 in India today.The 650 shares a lot in common with the elder Versys 1000 sibling, while only having lesser power and weight. Don’t be disappointed by that, because the 650 variant still retains the Versys DNA, and is an awesome, if not ‘affordable’ (ahem ahem) sport tourer at Rs. 6.6 lakhs.

Features?
Don’t be turned off by its ‘affordable’ tag, the Versys 650 is known for its meaty performance, versatility and awesome handling. The Versys 650 also comes with all the bells and whistles you’d expect in a bike of this class - standard ABS, height adjustable front windscreen and a gigantic 21 litres fuel tank. Riding long distances on the Versys 650 is going to be a breeze.

It’s a Sports Tourer, right?
True, that. The Kawasaki Versys 650 is a middleweight sports touring motorcycle. This is not the one to go with if you want a full-on adventure tourer. However, the extremely seating position and high 170mm ground clearance and single monoshock means it can tackle rough roads. Maybe not the worst of roads, but bad. That’s it.

But it’s a lesser engine *Sigh*
The Kawasaki Versys 650 may be powered by a 649cc engine, but it’s great! The four-stroke, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected 649cc engine is tuned to offer oodles of power and torque. Take this, it offers 68BHP power and 64Nm of torque.
The engine is basically the same as in the trusted Ninja 650.

What other options do I have?
In the upto Rs. 7 lakhs price tag, there are the Honda CBR650F and Benelli 600GT if you like them.

Image credit: Motorcycle Daily