Kawasaki Versys 1000 discontinued in India

- Lack of demand leads to Versys 1000 being axed

- Was priced at Rs 12.91 lakhs (ex-showroom)

Kawasaki has pulled the Versys 1000 off the Indian market. The sports touring motorcycle was imported as a completely built unit and sported a price tag of Rs 12.91 lakhs (ex-showroom).

Although the Kawasaki Versys 1000 sports a high-riding stance and adventure bike-esque styling cues, it is meant for sports touring more than off-roading. While there has been a rapid growth in demand for adventure-touring bikes in the Indian market, the Versys 1000 failed to grab the attention of the audience. This has led to the motorcycle being axed from Kawasaki’s Indian portfolio.

For now, Kawasaki does have another sports touring motorcycle in its portfolio, the Ninja 1000. At Rs 9.9 lakhs (ex-showroom), the Ninja 1000 is almost Rs 3 lakhs more affordable than the Versys 1000. Both are powered by 1043cc inline four engines. While the Versys 1000 is rated at 116bhp, the Ninja 1000 is significantly more powerful at 140bhp. However, you will have to make do without the adventure bike styling cues, as the Ninja 1000’s styling is akin to a sportbike. On the other hand, you can opt for adventure bikes like the Honda Africa Twin, BMW F 750 GS, Ducati Multistrada 950, Suzuki V-Strom 1000 and the Triumph Tiger 800 XRx.