Kawasaki has recently launched BS6 compliant Versys 650. The upgraded version will come at a premium of Rs 10,000 over its BS4 model and will cost Rs 6.79 Lakhs in India.
The bookings for the upgraded bike are now open across all the authorised dealerships in the country at a token amount of Rs 50,000. Deliveries for the same will begin by the end of August.
BS6 Kawasaki Versys 650: What’s new?
1. Colour scheme added
The bike has received a colour scheme addition, it will now be offered with Candy Lime Green paint scheme as well along with sportier graphics as the major design change.
2. Updated Engine
The updated Versys 650 gets a 649 cc, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke parallel-twin engine. This is the same engine that also powers its other Kawasaki siblings like Ninja 650 and Z650. Although the engine is tuned in a different manner for the Versys.
After the BS6 compliance compulsion engine produces marginally less power, churning out 66 PS(@ 8,500 RPM) and peak torque output of 61 Nm(@7,000 RPM). This engine will continue to come paired with the same 6-speed transmission unit.
Kawasaki Versys 650: Specs Overview
1. Features
There is no major feature addition as far as the feature list is concerned, which means the Versys 650 will continue to feature a semi-digital instrumentation panel, missing out on a digital Bluetooth compatible panel that is offered with Z650.
The console will provide all the basic information with inclusions like tachometer, digital display for speed, trip meter, odometer, ABS status, gear indicator, etc. The console feels dated and the company should have considered an upgrade. Other features include twin LED headlamp cluster, adjustable windscreen, wide handlebars and split seating.
2. Underpinnings
The bike features a giant 21L fuel tank. As far as suspension duties are concerned, they are handled by 41 mm USD front forks at the front with 150mm of travel and offset laydown monoshock at the rear with 145 mm of travel. They have been carried over from the previous generation as well.
The bike features 300mm petal disc brakes at front with dual-piston callipers and 250 mm petal disc brakes at rear with single-piston calliper, the frame sits on 17-inches alloy wheels.
Author’s Take
As Versys happens to be a Kawasaki and gets a great engine, the high price tag could not have been written off. We still certainly feel that the feature list required an upgrade, at least a digital and Bluetooth compatible information panel, could have definitely helped.
Having said that, Versys 650’s direct competitors Suzuki V-Storm 650 and Benelli TRK 502 are yet to receive the BS6 update, which certainly gives the Versys 650 a considerable edge for time being.
