The 2022 Kawasaki Versys 650 has made its way to India and has brought with it a whole raft of updates to its styling and features list. We’ve jotted down five key points that you need to know about the updated Versys 650.
1. Gets sharper styling
Kawasaki has given the Versys 650 sharper styling, bringing it in line with the larger Versys 1000. The fairing is now more angular and houses new LED headlights, and a new four-way adjustable windscreen enhances wind protection.
The Japanese brand has given the adventure tourer new graphics as well, and it’s being offered in two colours – Lime Green and Metallic Phantom Silver.
2. New TFT display and traction control
For 2022, Kawasaki has also equipped the Versys 650 with some new features. In place of the digi-analogue instrument cluster on the outgoing bike, the updated Versys 650 gets a new 4.3-inch TFT colour display that features Bluetooth connectivity.
A big talking point on the updated Versys 650 is the inclusion of the Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC) system. It comes with two modes, where mode 1 is less intrusive and mode 2 offers early intervention in low-grip scenarios. This system can also be turned off completely. Of other things, the Versys 650 also gets a new USB port.
3. Engine remains unchanged
The updated Kawasaki Versys 650 remains mechanically unchanged from the outgoing bike. It’s continued to be powered by a 649cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin cylinder engine that produces 66hp at 8,500rpm and 61Nm of torque at 7,000rpm. The gearbox, meanwhile, is a 6-speed unit.
4. Same underpinnings
Kawasaki hasn’t made any changes to the diamond frame, suspension and braking hardware of the Versys 650. As such, it continues with an adjustable, 41mm Showa upside-down fork up front and a preload-adjustable Showa monoshock at the rear. Meanwhile, the brakes are dual 300mm discs at the front and a single 220mm disc at the rear. The 2022 Versys 650 has a ground clearance of 170mm, a seat height of 845mm, a fuel capacity of 21 litres and weighs in at 219kg.
5. Costs just Rs 21,000 more than before
Priced at Rs 7.36 lakh, the updated Versys 650 costs only Rs 21,000 more than its predecessor. And for that extra outlay, you get a traction control system, a new TFT display, LED headlights and more, making it a very compelling deal. This deal only gets sweeter when you consider that the updated Versys 650 undercuts its rivals, the Triumph Tiger Sport 660 (priced from Rs 8.95 lakh) and Suzuki V-Strom 650XT (Rs 8.85 lakh), by a huge margin – around a lakh and a half.
All prices, ex-showroom, Delhi
Would the updated Kawasaki Versys 650 be the adventure tourer of your choice? Comment below!
Azaman Chothia
Vishal Venugopal
