Kawasaki have carved a name out for themselves with their Versys line of adventure tourers. Their distinctive styling, comfortable ride, ample levels of kit and solid build endeared them to riders. Meanwhile the Ninja borrowed in-line four, litre-class motor meant that the Versys 1000 was a hoot to ride when testing it earlier this year. The touring hearted among us swooned endlessly over it, before admitting that a 1000cc motor while immensely desirable and infinitely fun, it simply wasn’t a practical option in Indian conditions. Since then we’d had our eyes set on the smaller smaller sibling – the Versys 650. Turns out, Kawasaki won’t be making us wait forever after all. 

Word is trickling in that the Japanese manufacturer may have listened in to the growing clamour for a mid-sized tourer that offered brisk performance in a more manageable package. Early indicators suggest that Kawasaki is indeed gearing up towards launching this oh-so desirable tourer in the coming months, most likely sometime at the start of the new year. Powered by a liquid cooled, 649cc parallel-twin, the six geared mid-size tourer churns out about 68 Bhp & 57 Nm torque.

Underpinned by a long-travel suspension, touring friendly seventeen inch alloys and an engine that’s tuned for the low & mid-range revs rather than top end make for a versatile touring platform. The upright riding position coupled with a well-cushioned seat, make for a relaxed mile-muncher, with enough performance to take one through most situations one is likely to come across while on the road.

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