Kawasaki Versys 650: A Perfect Midsized Tourer

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Avg. Ex-Showroom Prices

₹ 7.36 Lakh

Key Highlights

Displacement

649 cc
Mileage

21 km/l
Top Speed

199 Kmph
Kerb Weight

219 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity

21 litres
Seat Height

845 mm

Full Specification for Kawasaki Versys 650

Latest on Kawasaki Versys 650

The relaunched Kawasaki Versys 650 has only had little changes in its features. It also has two colour options now.
The Kawasaki Versys 650 has wide availability all over India. The bike’s extreme comfort makes it an all-rounder and a perfect option.
The new design has a slightly sporting look that the Versys follows with the Ninja series. It has an all-new LED headlight as well.

Introduction of Kawasaki Versys 650

The relaunched Kawasaki has won various awards ranging from the Motorcycle of the Year award to a comparison winner in different years. The bike is perfect for everyday use and has many features to make it more comfortable and relaxing.

The updated features and the existing structure ensures that an adventure bike is a celebrated option among riders. The new Kawasaki has an aggressive look, and the tourer is explicitly designed for touring.

The relaunched Kawasaki has been altered to give the motorcycle a clean and sharp look and increase the rider’s comfort. The Versys has different modes and systems that Kawasaki designs explicitly, and these features were added in the update to ensure the tourer gives out its best performance.

What's New in the Latest Model of the Kawasaki Versys 650?

The new Versys 650 comes with a better fairing. It also features new LED headlights as well as tail lamps. In addition to LED lights, the Versys comes with a new TFT display, and it has Bluetooth connectivity as well.
The Versys has a new design, with an aggressive cowl taken from the Ninja series. The Versys is making bike touring friendly by adding many of these features.
Kawasaki also adds Traction control, reinforcing the rider’s safety. Depending on the rider, the control can also be turned on or off. It also includes many riding modes, making it extremely friendly for touring.
While the engine and suspension stay the same as the previous motorcycle, many available features are adjustable. The rider can use them depending on their preferences.
In addition to these features, the bike has added two new colour options for the rider.

Highlights of Kawasaki Versys 650

Design of Kawasaki Versys 650

Kawasaki Versys is a sports adventure/ tourer bike, and to enhance its touring abilities, the motorcycle now features a wider and sharper fairing. It makes sure that the bike is perfect for touring and long rides.

The Kawasaki has four-point adjustability for the windscreen to ensure the rider gets complete protection. This style is inspired by the Versys 1000. The bike gets an all-new LED light set all over, giving the bike a stylish look. The wheels of the bike are 17-inch cast aluminium wheels.

For the rider’s safety, the bike has better safety measures, like a tank pad and covers. Despite all these additions, the motorcycle only has a kerb weight of 219kgs. The structure is added by an aggressive cowl borrowed from the Ninja series.

The adventure tourer also has a TFT screen, which also comes with a Bluetooth connection. The rider modes can be accessed through the instrument meter. The bike also has a USB outlet and also features a water-resistance cover.

The Versys features a slim position that is relaxed as well as upright. The positioning handlebars are wide, giving easy control to the rider. The bike’s design is perfect for touring and sporting.

Colour and Variants of Kawasaki Versys 650

The Kawasaki Versys 650 is available in a single variant with two colours

Lime Green
Metallic Phantom Silver

The Kawasaki Versys 650 is available in a single variant:

Versys 650 ABS BS6

The Engine of the Kawasaki Versys 650

The newly launched Kawasaki Versys 650 features the same engine of 649cc as its older siblings. The motorcycle has a liquid-cooled engine with a 4-stroke and a parallel twin.

Versys has an evenly spread torque of 61 Nm@7000 rpm with 2 cylinders. And a gratifying power of 65.7PS@ 8500 rpm.

The bike has a maximum power of 66 bhp, and with a quick start, the engine provides a smooth response. In addition, the traction control by Kawasaki ensures that the riding is perfect for sporting and touring. Two riding modes can be changed according to the rider’s preference. The motorcycle has a bore and stroke of 83mm and 60mm, respectively.

Features of the Kawasaki Versys 650

The new main feature of the relaunched Kawasaki Versys is its TFT instrumentation, which is in colour and has smartphone connectivity. The Bluetooth connection is also a new feature unavailable in the previous models, and Versys also has a USB outlet and an accessory.

The motorcycle also has a suspension perfect for long travel with 17-inch wheels, which are also aluminium cast. The riding position is relaxed and upright, giving the rider a comfortable position.

The bike has a new cowl and LED lighting to add to the stylish look, giving an edgy and aggressive look. The bike also does a lot to increase protection while touring, and Versys features a sharper fairing, with increased protection that is adjustable as well.

The other new feature in the Versys is the KTRC, a traction control system designed specially by Kawasaki. The motorcycle also has various riding modes that ensure the rider can choose their preference for comfort.

Suspension, Transmission and Brake of the Kawasaki Versys 650

Versys feature the same chassis and suspension as the previous version. It has fully adjustable Showa forks in the front and a Showa shock in the back. The suspension goes hand in hand with the engine and gives the ride a smooth feel.

The motorcycle features a 300mm disc at the front and a 200mm disc at the rear. The braking ensures that the rider has a smooth and comfortable ride and ensures safety.

The bike has a 6-speed manual transmission. It has a quick start, and the bike picks up space pretty quickly. The smooth performance is also perfect for touring.

Pros and Cons of Kawasaki Versys 650

Pros

Pros of Kawasaki Versys 650

Comfortable Seating
Adjustable Features
LED Headlights
Powerful Engine
Affordable
Great design
TFT cluster
Quick pick up

Cons

Cons of Kawasaki Versys 650

Expensive Service
Unavailability of spare parts
Heavyweight

Similar Bikes

Triumph Tiger Sport 660: The Better Sibling and Performer

Specifications & Features

Power & Performance

Fuel Type

Petrol
Max Power

65.7 bhp @ 8,500 rpm
Max Torque

61 Nm @ 7,000 rpm
Emission Standard

BS-VI
Displacement

649 cc
Cylinders

2
Bore

83 mm
Stroke

60 mm
Valves Per Cylinder

4
Compression Ratio

10.8:1
Ignition

Digital
Spark Plugs

1 Per Cylinder
Cooling System

Liquid Cooled
Transmission

6 Speed Manual
Transmission Type

Chain Drive
Gear Shifting Pattern

1 Down 5 Up
Clutch

Wet Multi-Disc
Fuel Delivery System

Fuel Injection
Fuel Tank Capacity

21 litres
Reserve Fuel Capacity

3.1 litres
Riding Range

170 km/hr
Mileage - ARAI

21 km/l
Mileage - Owner Reported

20 km/l
Top Speed

199 Kmph
Engine Type

Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke Parallel Twin

Brakes, Wheels & Suspension

Braking System

Dual Channel ABS
Front Brake Type

Disc
Front Brake Size

300 mm
Rear Brake Type

Disc
Rear Brake Size

250 mm
Calliper Type

Front- 2 Piston, Rear- Single Piston Calliper
Wheel Type

Alloy
Front Wheel Size

17 inch
Rear Wheel Size

17 inch
Front Tyre Size

120/70 - ZR17
Rear Tyre Size

160/60 - ZR17
Tyre Type

Tubeless
Radial Tyres

Yes
Front Tyre Pressure (Rider)

33 psi
Rear Tyre Pressure (Rider)

36 psi
Front Tyre Pressure (Rider & Pillion)

36 psi
Rear Tyre Pressure (Rider & Pillion)

42 psi
Front Suspension

ø41 mm inverted telescopic fork with adjustable rebound damping
Rear Suspension

Offset laydown single-shock with remote spring preload adjustability/145 mm

Dimensions & Chassis

Kerb Weight

219 kg
Overall Length

2,165 mm
Overall Width

840 mm
Overall Height

1,400 mm
Wheelbase

1,415 mm
Ground Clearance

170 mm
Seat Height

845 mm
Chassis Type

Diamond, high-tensile steel

Manufacturer Warranty

Standard Warranty (Year)

2 Year
Standard Warranty (Kilometers)

30000 Kilometers

Features

Odometer

Digital
DRLs (Daytime running lights)

Yes
Mobile App Connectivity

Yes
GPS & Navigation

Yes
USB charging port

Yes
Front storage box

No
Under seat storage

No
AHO (Automatic Headlight On)

Yes
Speedometer

Digital
Fuel Guage

Yes
Tachometer

Digital
Stand Alarm

Yes
Stepped Seat

Yes
No. of Tripmeters

2
Tripmeter Type

Digital
Low Fuel Indicator

Yes
Low Oil Indicator

Yes
Low Battery Indicator

Yes
Pillion Backrest

No
Pillion Grabrail

Yes
Pillion Seat

Yes
Pillion Footrest

Yes
Digital Fuel Guage

Yes
Start Type

Electric Start
Shift Light

Yes
Killswitch

Yes
Clock

Yes
Battery

12V 10 Ah (10 HR)
Headlight Type

LED Headlamp
Brake/Tail Light

LED Taillamp
Turn Signal

Yes
Pass Light

Yes
Additional features

TFT Instrument Cluster

Expert Reviews

The Versys is a good option for a tourer; with a good fuel capacity and fairing for more protection, the motorcycle is perfect for long rides and sporting.
The design of the latest Versys is taken from the Ninja series, which makes it more comfortable to ride. The design and looks are on point, from the wider fairing to the seating.
The torque is evenly spread, and the powerful engine ensures that the bike has a smooth ride. The powerful engine gives a satisfying rumble as well.
The maintenance for the motorcycle is slightly higher, especially when finding spare parts.
The bike is loaded with technology, with a TFT screen, Bluetooth connectivity, a smartphone connection, and a USB port; the bike has lots of modern technology.
The relaunched Versys has LED lights all over and tank pads for better protection, which serve well.
The Kawasaki also has many riding modes, and the traction control in the bike is also very useful for the riders. They can use it according to their preferences or according to their location.
The quick pick-up and throttle response ensure that the bike is a good choice. Even though the bike might be considered heavy, its handling ensures that the weight does not affect its performance.

Top 3 Competitors of Kawasaki Versys 650

Triumph Tiger Sport 660 vs Kawasaki Versys 650

The Triumph Tiger has priced at Rs. 9.08 Lakhs while the Kawasaki Versys is priced at only Rs. 7.36 Lakhs. There is little difference in the engine of both the motorcycles, and the Versys has a 649cc with a power of 65.7 bhp@ 8500 rpm while the Tiger owns a 660 cc engine at 80 bhp@ 10250 rpm.

Even though the Tiger has a higher torque of 64 Nm @6250 rpm with a fuel capacity of only 17.2 litres, the Versys has a fuel tank capacity of 21 litres with a torque of 61 Nm @ 7000 rpm. They both have similar transmission, while the braking of the Tiger is slightly better. The suspension is fairly similar; however, the Versys also offers different riding modes.

While the Triumph has a better engine and more colour options, the Versys is better for touring, with better looks, modern tech and better storage for fuel.

Suzuki V-Storm 650 XT vs Kawasaki Versys 650

The Versys is priced at Rs. 7.36 Lakhs, while the Storm is almost two lakhs higher at Rs. 8.92 Lakhs. There is only very little difference in the engine displacement compared to the 649cc of the Versys; the Storm has a 645cc engine.

However, the Storm has an electronic ignition with a fuel tank capacity of 20 litres, but the Versys has a digital ignition with a fuel capacity of 21 litres. The Versys has 61 Nm @ 7000 rpm while the Storm has 62 Nm @ 6300 rpm.

The power is relatively similar, with 65.7 bhp @8500 rpm power for Versys and 69.7 bhp @ 8800rpm for the Storm. The Versys has alloy wheels, while the Storm has Spoke Wheels with a two-inch difference in the front wheel size. The dimensions of the rear wheels are the same for both.

Even the kerb weight only has a 3 kgs difference, with the Versys weighing 219 kgs, while the Storm is 216kgs.

The seating is pretty similar as well. The Suzuki has a more dominating presence on the road; however, the Versys is more about protection with its fairing.

Kawasaki Versys 650 vs Honda CB500X

There is a significant difference in the cost of both these motorcycles; while the Versys has priced at Rs. 7.36 Lakhs, the Honda is priced at Rs. 5.80 Lakhs.

The Versys has a powerful engine of 649cc with a torque of 61 Nm @ 7000 rpm, while the Honda only has a displacement of 471cc with a torque of 43.2 Nm @ 6500 rpm.

Both have the same transmission of a manual 6-speed and have chain drive as well. However, Versys has more fuel capacity of 21 litres, but the Honda only has 17 litres of capacity. The Suspension of the Versys is much better than the Honda. Touring the Versys might be a better option even though the kerb weight of the Honda (199kgs ) is much lower than the overall weight of the Versys.

We can also see a major difference in the design. The cowl of the Versys gives off a more aggressive and dominating stance than the Honda.

Conclusion

Versys has an aggressive design; the bike is perfect for touring and gives off the perfect sporting look. The throttle responses and the bike’s performance are admirable, and the powerful engine ensures that the bike shows great performance throughout the ride. The positioning of the seat, the suspension, and the transmission are great and make the ride comfortable. The bike also has various ride modes and controls. In addition, the Kawasaki Traction Control is an additional feature that adds to the ride’s comfort.