New Delhi: Kawasaki has kicked off 2026 in India with an update to a familiar face. The new Versys 650 has arrived at Rs 8.63 lakh (ex showroom, India),
sitting higher by Rs 15,000 compared to before.
The midsize adventure touring segment in India is getting crowded, but the Versys 650 still stands a bit differently. It is more road focused than many adventure bikes, yet tall, confident and built for long highway runs.
Kawasaki Versys 650 launched at Rs 8.63 lakh
The new 2026 Versys 650 remains mechanically unchanged. It continues with Kawasaki’s 649cc twin cylinder, liquid cooled engine producing 67hp and 61Nm. The bike weighs 220kg with its large 21 litre tank full. Riders still get a 4.3 inch TFT display, adjustable windscreen and suspension that offers 150mm travel at the front and 145mm at the rear, which is useful on broken Indian highways.
Kawasaki has added a new grey and black colour with green highlights, which honestly looks sharp. The bike is also E20 fuel compatible, something all new big bikes are being aligned to now. The tall 845mm seat height may worry shorter riders, but touring fans usually adjust to it. Ground clearance stands at 170mm, enough for rough patches and tall speed breakers we meet daily in India.
What riders will care about
Some key bits buyers usually look at:
- Tall touring stance
- Comfortable suspension setup
- Big 21 litre fuel tank
- Highway friendly engine character
I always liked how the Versys feels planted on long straight stretches. It is not meant for hardcore off road adventure riding, but for highway touring and bad road survival, it does the job nicely.
Price and rivals in India
At Rs 8.63 lakh, the Kawasaki Versys 650 sits in a niche space. Its closest rivals include the Honda NX500 priced at Rs 6.33 lakh and the Moto Morini X Cape 650 priced at Rs 6.40 lakh. So yes, the Versys is on the expensive side. That said, riders who love it usually buy it for its comfort, reliability and big bike feel.
