Kawasaki Versys 650 Set for Launch in June 2022 with updates

This was long overdue. The updated 2022 Versys 650 is all set to launch in India by the end of this month. Kawasaki has been offering heavy discounts of ₹70,000 with the outgoing model, which had bought down the ADV’s price to ₹6.45 lakh. But now since there are several new updates with the 2022 ADV, we’re expecting it’ll retail for ₹50,000-₹60,000 extra.

The dual-purpose motorcycle is already sold in the European market, wherein it is available in four variants - Urban, Tourer, Tourer Plus and Grand Tourer. These variants are differentiated based on their equipment/accessories list that is distributed across the range. The accessories/ equipment list includes a top-case, two 28-litres mount panniers, hand guards, LED Foglamps, a larger windscreen, GPS brackets, and a 12-Volt power socket. The outgoing model also gets these accessories.

As for the updates, the Versys 650 will feature a new four-way adjustable windscreen, a TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity, and a new two-level traction control system. It comes with two modes - Mode 1 offers less intrusion, while Mode-2 comes in real handy on loose surfaces with the maximum intrusion. This system can also be turned off.

Aesthetically, the upcoming Versys 650 will sport a new fairing design with sharp edges, similar to the one that we have seen on the current-gen Versys 1000 and Ninja motorcycles. Accompanying this update will be new colour options. The European-spec Versys 650 comes with - Candy Lime Green, Metallic Phantom and all-Metallic Spark Black with Metallic Flat Spark Black. Black forms the base colour with the other two options as well.

Mechanically, the India-spec 2022 Versys 650 will equip the same 649-cc parallel-twin engine that produces 66 hp and 61 Nm of peak torque. The chassis and suspension of the dual-purpose motorcycle also continue unchanged. Upfront it equips the same 41-mm Showa adjustable suspension, with a long-travel mono-shock at the rear end. Braking hardware will also remain the same with 300mm dual-petal disc brakes with two pistons at the front, and a single 250-mm petaled disc brake with one piston for the rear. Other key features that will be available as standard with the upcoming ADV include a dual-pod headlamp and a 21-litre fuel tank.

When launched, the 2022 Kawasaki Versys 650 will mainly rival the newly-launched Triumph Tiger 660, Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT, Honda CB 500X and the Benelli TRK 502.