Kawasaki’s 650cc : A Popular Choice
The Kawasaki 650cc family has long been a favourite among Indian riders who are moving up to more powerful motorcycles. For many years, these bikes have held a strong position in India’s middleweight bike segment.
The Kawasaki 650cc range includes many different types of bikes, such as:
- A street-naked bike
- A sport tourer
- A cruiser
- A fully-faired supersport
Currently, the lineup consists of the Z650, Z650RS, Vulcan S, Ninja 650, and Versys 650. All these bikes use the same 649cc parallel-twin engine, but it is tuned differently to match the style and purpose of each bike.
Kawasaki Z650
The Kawasaki Z650 is priced at Rs 6.79 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
The Kawasaki Z650 is the first bike in Kawasaki’s 650cc family. It is powered by a well-known 649cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine, which produces 68hp and 64Nm of torque.
The Z650 is the lightest bike in this range, weighing just 188kg. This low weight gives it the best power-to-weight ratio, making it feel very fast and easy to ride.
Key Features:
- A TFT digital display with Bluetooth, which connects to your phone using the Kawasaki Rideology app.
- Dual-channel ABS for better braking safety.
- Switchable traction control, which helps you keep control on slippery roads.
The bike has a comfortable and upright riding position, so you can use it every day without any problems. At the same time, its powerful engine makes the ride lively and fun whenever you want to go fast.
Kawasaki Z650RS
The Kawasaki Z650RS is priced at Rs 7.20 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
The Kawasaki Z650RS is mechanically the same as the Z650, but it stands out with its retro look. Its design is inspired by the bigger Kawasaki Z900RS that is sold in other countries.
It uses the same 649cc parallel-twin engine with the same power, but Kawasaki says it has been tuned for stronger performance at low and medium speeds.
Key Features:
- A round LED headlight.
- Spoked alloy wheels.
- A twin-pod instrument cluster that has a classic look but is fully modern.
- The same traction control system as the Z650.
The Z650RS is for riders who want the powerful and smooth performance of the 650cc engine but in a more stylish, classic-looking package.
Kawasaki Vulcan S
The Kawasaki Vulcan S is priced at Rs 7.10 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
The Vulcan S is the most unique bike in the Kawasaki 650cc family. Unlike its siblings, it’s a cruiser with a low design and a very relaxed riding position.
The 649cc parallel-twin engine in this bike is tuned for a smoother, more relaxed ride. Because of this, it produces the least amount of power in the lineup, with 61hp and 62.4Nm of torque.
When it comes to features, the Vulcan S is more basic. It doesn’t have traction control and uses a simple digital-analog meter.
Kawasaki Ninja 650
The Kawasaki Ninja 650 is priced at Rs 7.27 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
The Ninja 650 remains one of the most popular bikes for riders moving into the middleweight sportbike class. It shares its 649cc parallel-twin engine with the Z650, making the same power.
Because of its full body fairing, the Ninja 650 weighs slightly more at 196kg. Even with the extra weight, it still offers fast performance that is exciting but not scary. It comes with the same features as the Z650, including a TFT display, traction control, and dual-channel ABS.
Kawasaki Versys 650
The Kawasaki Versys 650 is priced at Rs 7.93 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
The Versys 650 is Kawasaki’s middleweight adventure tourer and the most versatile bike in its 650cc family. It’s built for long-distance riding and can handle different kinds of roads.
Its 649cc parallel-twin engine produces a little less power than its siblings, making 67hp and 61Nm of torque. This engine is tuned to be smooth and easy to ride for long tours.
Features that make it a great touring bike:
- Long-travel suspension to easily handle bumps and bad roads.
- An upright riding position for comfort on long journeys.
- A tall, adjustable windscreen to protect you from wind.
- A large fuel tank for a longer riding range.
It also comes with a TFT display, traction control, and dual-channel ABS for safety and convenience.