The Kawasaki 650cc family has long been a favourite for riders in India taking their first step into the world of higher-capacity motorcycles. And for years, it has held a commanding presence in India’s middleweight segment.
For now, the lineup consists of the Z650, Z650RS, Vulcan S, Ninja 650, and Versys 650 – all powered by the same 649cc parallel-twin engine, but tuned differently to match each bike’s character and purpose.
Kawasaki Z650
The Kawasaki Z650 is priced at Rs 6.79 lakh (ex-showroom,Delhi)
The Z650 serves as the entry point into Kawasaki’s 650cc family. At its heart is the familiar 649cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine, producing 68hp at 8,000rpm and 64Nm at 6,700rpm. With a kerb weight of just 188kg, it’s also the lightest of the bunch, giving it the best power-to-weight ratio in the lineup.
On the features front, you get a TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity via Kawasaki’s Rideology app, dual-channel ABS, and switchable traction control. Ergonomically, the Z650 leans towards a neutral, upright riding position, making it an easy everyday companion. Yet, thanks to its smooth and tractable motor, it’s more than capable of delivering a lively, engaging ride when the mood strikes.
Kawasaki Z650RS
The Kawasaki Z650RS is priced at Rs 7.20 lakh (ex-showroom,Delhi)
Mechanically identical to the Z650, the Z650RS sets itself apart with retro-inspired styling that takes cues from the larger Kawasaki Z900RS sold internationally. It uses the same 649cc parallel-twin engine with identical peak outputs, though Kawasaki says it has been tuned here for stronger low- and mid-range performance.
The bike gets a round LED headlight, spoked alloy wheels, a twin-pod instrument cluster, and the same traction control system as the Z650. While the hardware is largely unchanged, the Z650RS appeals to riders who want the 650cc parallel-twin engine’s performance and refinement in a more stylish, neo-retro package.
Kawasaki Vulcan S
The Kawasaki Vulcan S is priced at Rs 7.10 lakh (ex-showroom,Delhi)
The Vulcan S is arguably the most distinct member of Kawasaki’s 650cc family. Unlike its siblings, it has a low-slung stance and offers the most relaxed ergonomics in the range. In line with its cruiser-focused setup, the 649cc parallel-twin engine is tuned for a mellower delivery, producing 61hp at 7,500rpm and 62.4Nm at 6,600rpm – the least powerful state of tune for this motor across the lineup. On the features front, the Vulcan S misses out on traction control and makes do with a simple digi-analogue instrument cluster.
Kawasaki Ninja 650
The Kawasaki Ninja 650 is priced at Rs 7.27 lakh (ex-showroom,Delhi)
The Ninja 650 remains one of the most popular options for riders stepping into the middleweight sportbike segment. It shares its 649cc parallel-twin engine with the Z650, producing identical peak outputs. The added bodywork takes kerb weight up to 196kg, but the Ninja still delivers brisk performance without feeling intimidating. Its equipment list is also shared with its streetnaked counterpart, including the TFT display, traction control, and dual-channel ABS.
Kawasaki Versys 650
The Kawasaki Versys 650 is priced at Rs 7.93 lakh (ex-showroom,Delhi)
The Versys 650 is Kawasaki’s middleweight sport tourer and the most versatile member of its 650cc family. Its 649cc parallel-twin produces slightly lower peak figures than its siblings, with 67hp at 8,500rpm and 61Nm at 7,000rpm.
It gets long-travel suspension, upright ergonomics, a tall windscreen, and a larger fuel tank, making it better suited for long-distance riding. Features include the same TFT display, traction control, dual-channel ABS, and LED lighting.
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