Kawasaki Bikes Above 5 Lakh in India (16)

autocar.india

•1w

Given your priorities of pillion comfort, relaxed ergonomics, reliability and 4-cylinder smoothness, the Kawasaki Versys 1100 seems like a shoo-in for your requirements. It is a superb long-distance touring machine with supremely comfortable ergonomics and a smooth inline-four engine that is well suited to effortless highway cruising. Kawasaki’s service network is quite widespread (in the context of big bikes in India), and the Versys is generally known for reasonable maintenance costs compared to its European rivals.Honestly, even the Ninja 1100SX deserves to be considered because it is a supremely refined and comfortable machine too, while being a good deal lighter than the Versys. Since it is a conventional sport tourer, the wind buffeting issue which plagues most adventure bikes / tall rounders is also not present here, aiding its mile-munching capabilities. The only small - but manageable - worry is the 135mm ground clearance number, but if you're cautious you can tackle most Indian roads without too much trouble.The Triumph Tiger 900 is a very capable adventure tourer with a strong triple-cylinder engine, but it does not offer the same level of refinement or comfort as the Versys, although in isolation its really quite impressive. The Tiger will be a good deal lighter than the Versys (and other options you've shortlisted) and will therefore be easier to manage.Both the BMW R 1200 GS Adventure and Honda Africa Twin are discontinued models, and you'll have to scour the used market for a clean example. Beware that the big bike used market is quite hit-or-miss, and it's easy to get misled, so be extra cautious when looking at used examples of both.

autocar.india

•15w

If you want a sub-500cc sportbike with accommodating ergonomics, then your only option currently is the rather expensive Kawasaki Ninja 500. The Ninja 500 will give you the smoothness of a twin-cylinder Japanese engine with the thrilling performance of your erstwhile 390 Duke, and its riding position is not extreme, which means long days in the saddle won't be followed by aching joints. If you can afford the Ninja (and its maintenance, Kawasakis are also pricey to own), then we'd recommend you go for it.

autocar.india

•16w

Given your requirements, the Triumph Scrambler 400 X/XC is likely to be the best fit. Its upright and commanding riding position, smooth and tractable engine, and capable handling make it a true all-rounder, and it comfortably fits within your budget.If you want the look of an adventure bike or wish for more suspension travel, then options like the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 and KTM 390 Adventure should be on your shortlist. These bikes are better at highway duties than the Scrambler (not by much, but it is a tangible difference), although they are also heavier than it.It also depends on what your usage pattern is like. If highway touring isn't playing a big role in your riding right now, and you are serious about getting into off-roading, then something lighter and friendlier like the Hero Xpulse 210 and Kawasaki KLX230/KLX230 S is the way to go.First, decide what you're going to be using your bike for and depending on that, take a test ride of the options specified above before you make your decision.

autocar.india

•16w

The only real peer to the Norton Atlas available currently is the Kawasaki Versys 650, which comfortably blows past your Rs 7 lakh budget, limiting your choice to waiting for the Atlas. The new Norton ADV looks very impressive on paper, but we'd recommend you take the sensible and patient route and wait for some time after the bike is launched before purchasing it, so any teething issues that do arise can be ironed out by the time you are an owner.

autocar.india

•19w

The ex-showroom price of the Kawasaki Ninja 300 is Rs 3.17 lakh, pan-India, and we guess that you and the dealer are getting your wires crossed with regards to ex-showroom and on-road pricing. Many people say off-road when they mean on-road. Ask the dealer for a clean breakup with ex-showroom, road tax/RTO, insurance, and every add-on listed separately. Remove anything you don’t want, and you’ll see the number drop a bit, but it most likely won’t get anywhere near the figure you're being quoted for a new Ninja 300 in India today.