Kawasaki Versys 650 First Ride Review

How does it ride?

Versatility is key to any motorcycle, especially in a market like India wherein most people end up owning just one. It has to adapt to a wide range of riding requirements and the Versys 650 checks almost all the right boxes. The Versys 650 is your Monday to Friday commute bike (if you can afford new tyres every six months) and on weekends it can take you places with ease. At first, you will surely find this bike intimidating but once you swing your legs over and are in motion, the bike feels like any quarter litre bike…just taller.

The tall and wide handlebar lends good control. The lowered and centred rider footpegs aid comfort. And the seat is well cushioned, accommodating and it isn't exactly soft either. A great combo for long distance riding. What’s more, riding the Versys 650 around in traffic is easy; this is without the panniers. With panniers on, judgement could be a problem. Take the bike out on the highway and the easy and comfortable nature of the Versys 650 still shines through. It’s a great bike to munch miles on.

And it’s tremendous fun on the twisties as well. It feels stable, light and sure-footed around corners; even the tighter ones. All you’ve to do is give the one piece handlebar a slight push, and the Versys changes direction as if that’s what it was designed to do. The chassis, the tyres and the front end is communicative, and though it doesn’t get any electronic magic (apart from ABS), you hardly feel the need for it.

The Versys 650 rides surprisingly well too. The long travel suspension soaks up the bumps and bad roads really well. And even if you manage to ride through a really bad pothole, the bike takes it without drama. The braking is impressive too. With new callipers, larger disc at the rear and ABS, the Versys 650 is a safe bet. Moreover, the Dunlops are grippy too.

As for the engine, the Versys 650 employs the same 649cc proven engine from Kawasaki that we see on the Ninja 650 and the ER6n. (Vulcan too but that’s not sold in India. Not yet! ) This mill produces 68bhp at 8500rpm and 64Nm at 7000rpm. Due to the nature of the bike, there is plenty of low and mid-range torque. Twist the throttle and the sudden surge of power is surely going to put a smile on your face. Throttle response is crisp thanks to dual 38mm throttle bodies. The six-speed gearbox is smooth and offers precise shifts.

Anything else I should know?

The predecessor of the Versys was infamous for its hideous design. Thankfully, Kawasaki has sorted that out with the new bike. The new one isn’t just palatable; it’s actually good looking. It gets a new fairing that gives the Versys, the Ninja family look. It gets twin headlights that work well in the dark; a large, manually adjustable windscreen; and top notch fit and finish. However, if you are over 6ft that windscreen isn’t going to be of much help at three digit speeds.

Kawasaki has specced up the Versys 650 as compared to the Ninja 650. At the front, it gets 41mm upside-down Showa units with Separate Function Forks (SFF). The left leg takes care of the preload adjustability, whereas the right takes care of rebound. At the rear, it comes with the same KYB monoshock as the Ninja but gets the remote preload adjuster.

The instrument cluster of the Versys 650 looks somewhat similar to the one on the Ninja 650. The top section takes care of the tachometer and a small LCD display does the job at the lower section. This screen shows the speed, fuel level, odo reading, instantaneous fuel efficiency and the average fuel economy as well. The two dummy round plastics on the extreme ends of the cluster look bad. They are used in the LT version (not in sale in India) for a power outlet and gearshift indicator.

You also need to know that the bike gets placement for the panniers via Kawasaki Quick Release (KQR). These panniers cost Rs 80,000. Also, if you’re wondering if the Versys 650 is as tall as the Versys 1000, the answer is yes, but it is easier to live with thanks to lighter weight; at 216kg, the Versys 650 still isn’t exactly light, though.

Why should I buy one?

The Versys 650 is a good looking bike that’s comfortable, good at touring and is fun around corners. It works well as a daily commute too. But, compared to the Ninja 650, which costs Rs 5.37 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), the Versys seems like an expensive proposition. What you do get for the additional Rs 1.23 lakh you’d pay for the Versys is a more serious touring bike with ABS, better suspension setup and more versatile and comfortable seating ergonomics.

Where does it fit in?

The Kawasaki Versys 650 isn’t the first one to enter the touring party. You have the Benelli TNT 600 GT at a more wallet friendly price tag of Rs 5.62 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). There’s also the Honda CBR650F, which is more of a sports tourer, and honestly at Rs 7.3 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), it’s just too expensive. But if you aren’t tied down by budget, there’s also the likeable Tiger XR at Rs 10.65 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).

Photography by Kapil Angane