Kawasaki has launched its second Euro 5 (BS6)-compliant motorcycle in just two days. First came the updated Z900 and now Kawasaki has introduced the 2020 Z650 that will be priced between Rs 6.25-6.5 lakh. This makes it at least Rs 55,000 more expensive than the 2019 model which is priced at Rs 5.69 lakh (all prices, ex-showroom).
The middleweight street naked has undergone a few tweaks and some of them are significant. For starters, while the 649cc parallel-twin engine is essentially the same as on the outgoing model, it is now BS6 compliant, thanks to the revised exhaust and airbox.
While Kawasaki hasn’t revealed the specifications of the Indian-spec model, we believe the numbers will be quite close to that of the international bike. For reference, Kawasaki’s UK website lists power and torque at 68hp and 64Nm, while the 2019 model makes 68hp and 65.7Nm.
Visual changes include a sharper ‘Sugomi’ design and a redesigned LED headlight. The 2020 Z650 also features Dunlop tyres, and a 4.3-inch full-TFT instrument console that includes Bluetooth, GPS logs and smartphone connectivity.
While all that's new on the Z650 will be good additions, the Rs 55,000-Rs 80,000 increase in prices does seem like much.
Rishaad Mody
Azaman Chothia
Vishal Venugopal
