re: Rumour: Kawasaki considering a 250cc Versys This news is indeed a shot in the arm for adventure touring segment, which is still in its infancy in India. Though there have been some baby steps in the right direction with Bajaj launching AS 200 and AS 150, adventure bikes as a separate segment have yet to establish themselves in this 'Dhoom Bike' crazy country of ours . Hopefully Versys 250 (and the rumoured Duke 390 adventure)will change that. I have a feeling that if KTM 390 Adventure is launched (I hope it does), it will give a fillip to the fledgling segment, as they did with the streetbike secment with their explosive Duke 200 and even better 390 at superlative price points. In keeping with the same, KTM 390 Adventure will have the added advantage of competitive pricing, sharing parts with Duke 390 and benefitting from being produced in India. What Kawasaki has to do to stay relevant in the game IMO is: - Provide competitive pricing, most important (keep it under Rs 2 lakh - a tall order, the Versys being a twin, and being imported)
- Power (Duke 390 Adventure will have the same mill as Duke 390, so the Power will be in the region of 40 BHP, way above the Versys )
- Safety (ABS will come as standard in Duke 390 Adventure).
If Kawasaki has these sorted, then maybe the Versys 250 has a chance to make a dent in this yet unexplored segment. Otherwise, despite the bike being good (it will be, with the Versys DNA), it may not take off in a cost conscious, image conscious India. Only a few dedicated adventure enthusiasts , who take to the hills and into the unexplored regularly will actually purchase this bike. Kawasaki will have to keep the costs down.
One way to do it is to start production in India (It is long due. With close competitors back home like Honda, Yamaha and Suzuki having become established players in the Indian Market, Kawasaki has yet to make a start).
Second is to partner with a local player with enough expertise in frugal engineering - Bajaj or Hero would be ideal choices.
If the costs are not managed, while at the same time if it is not an attractive package (sufficient power/ torque, safety, style) then it may go the Inazuma way.
I hope someone in Kawasaki is listening
Cheers! |