[TusharK]

Kawasaki has launched the 2024 iteration of the Versys 650 in India. The adventure tourer is priced at Rs 7.77 lakh (ex-showroom).



The 2024 Kawasaki Versys 650 is available in two colour schemes: Metallic Flat Spark Black and Metallic Matte Dark Gray. The same fairing design has been carried over, featuring dual LED headlamps and a tall visor.



The 2024 Versys 650 is powered by the same 649cc parallel-twin engine, producing 65.7 BHP and 61 Nm. It is paired with a 6-speed gearbox via a slipper clutch. The bike is equipped with an adjustable upside-down front fork and a mono-shock at the rear. The brake setup consists of dual 300 mm discs at the front and a single 250 mm disc at the rear.



In terms of features, the Versys 650 comes with a digital instrument console with smartphone connectivity, a USB charging port, ABS and switchable traction control.

Link to Team-BHP News

[CrAzY dRiVeR]

Just a sticker change with no changes in sticker price.

That said - sales have picked up post last year's facelift and this sticker scheme is slightly better looking IMHO.

[ToThePoint]

Wasn't Versys due for a new model this year? How long they plan to flogg the same model with sticker jobs?

[Captain Slow]

Where is the 1000? Any launch date on that?

[Nilesh5417]

Originally Posted by CrAzY dRiVeR

Just a sticker change with no changes in sticker price.

That said - sales have picked up post last year's facelift and this sticker scheme is slightly better looking IMHO.

Atleast they didn't jack the prices citing inflation. It is still a good bike, just feels too long in the tooth when the competition has already launched more modern, new gen versions.

[MandarMax]

Originally Posted by Nilesh5417

.. just feels too long in the tooth when the competition has already launched more modern, new gen versions.

I understand your point about Kawasaki not offering any significant upgrades. However, when comparing bikes in the market, which specific models are you comparing it with? It seems that most options are priced significantly higher, and there may not be anything within 3-4 lakh price range of the Versys.

[WhiskeyTangoFox]

Hey All! The upgrade bug has bitten me and I plan to pick up a mid capacity motorcycle sometime early next year. I prefer ADVs/ Sport Touring motorcycles and therefore one of the versys 650 is a top contender. The new motorcycle would replace my current one, and therefore will have to carry out both city and highway duties. I had a few queries regarding the current generation versys, for anyone who has some experience with the bike.

1. I'm 176cms tall (or short for that matter ) and the himalayan is just about perfect in terms of height for me. I understand that the versys has a seat height of 845 mm, coupled with a fairly wide seat. I haven't taken a test rise to evaluate this yet, but on paper, this does seem daunting. I see that Kawasaki has a low gel seat listed on their website. Any inputs about the seat height/alterations made/gel seat would be appreciated.

2. What is the average maintenance cost I must be looking at excluding fuel (Tyres and Service primarily) on a YoY basis?

3. I do want to ideally get some accessories fitted at the showroom itself, such as the screen protector, USB charger, and the 12V socket. If anyone has any idea about the price of these accessories, please do tell.

4. I was also considering the mindnumbingly expensive OE panniers. Would the cost of the accessories be included in the overall cost of the motorcycle when I finance part of the cost, or are accessories billed separately?

5. What is the lowest fuel efficiency I can expect in Bengaluru traffic?

6. What would be the best time to pick up the motorcycle, in terms of dealership discounts? Do any of the dealers in Bengaluru even offer such discounts?

[ExOblivione]

Originally Posted by WhiskeyTangoFox

Hey All! The upgrade bug has bitten me and I plan to pick up a mid capacity motorcycle sometime early next year. I prefer ADVs/ Sport Touring motorcycles and therefore one of the versys 650 is a top contender. The new motorcycle would replace my current one, and therefore will have to carry out both city and highway duties. I had a few queries regarding the current generation versys, for anyone who has some experience with the bike.

I have a Versys 650, 2023 model, so I can try to answer some of your questions.

1. I think you should be fine. 176cm isn’t too short by any means. I have had my seat height increased to 855mm (reason given later), yet a couple of my friends of heights similar to yours have ridden it without problem.

I am 186cm (morning height, barefoot), and I have altered the seat further to increase the seat height by 10mm. The Versys seat, like so many motorcycle seats, has a slight forward cant, which has you slowly sliding forward until your bits are uncomfortably pushed up against the tank. So I had the seat cover removed, the foam separated from the base, and a hard foam pad of 10mm thickness put under the front/middle of the seat, lifting the forward portion up. Now the seat is perfect for me, where I sit is where I stay, even after hours of riding.

Despite this change, my friends were able to ride the bike without feeling put out, with both feet down (albeit on the balls of their feet). The only way to know if you are comfortable is to test it yourself, since everyone’s proportions and tolerance are different. If you are comfortable, or just borderline, you could go for a lower seat, and it would be even easier for you. Either have the seat foam thinned or go for the low gel seat.

2. Each service will cost about 8k (2x per year manufacturer recommended). You can go to 3rd party SVC if you know a good one, or if you are willing to follow a few YouTube videos, you can do most of the normal service yourself. Personally, I went with the K-Care package. It was Rs. 50K upfront cost, and it gave me 4 years of service (all inclusive like oil/filter) + 2 years additional manufacturer warranty, and immunity to any cost increases during that time, and it’s honored at all Kawasaki centers, so there is no hassle in case service is needed while on tour. It includes quite a lot of stuff, and I was able to use the possibility of my purchasing K-Care to get the dealership to drop the Rs. 5k handling fee they weren’t budging on. I have attached the K-Care schedule so you can see what's included.

As for tyres, no one can tell you. It depends on how many km you put down, how you ride, where you ride etc. I recently (3,500 km done already) got some TVS EuroGrip Roadhounds put on, since TVS is making them specifically for higher-end bikes, and I am really quite impressed with their handling (I had Michelin Road 5s before that). Best of all, they are reasonably priced, at 16.5k for the pair for Versys 650 sizes (160 rear, 120 front), compared to the nearly 50k for Road 5/6.

3. DO NOT go for OEM accessories. They are a total ripoff. Just a USB charger will cost 4-5k, IIRC. You can get much, much cheaper things aftermarket.

4. The OEM panniers aren’t really overpriced, given that they go on to the body itself, rather than requiring pannier stays, which add cost and weight. They also open with the ignition key itself. I considered them, but decided against since I didn’t want to increase the width of the rear, which might make getting in/out of tight situations tough.

I have no knowledge about financing these.

5. Not from Bangalore, in my personal experience (as well as that of a friend who owns the same bike in Pune) is that in heavy traffic, it’s around 19-20 kmpl.

6. Kawasaki seems to run discounts 1-2 times a year, where they drop some amount off the cost of their bikes. Versys usually gets 10k off. I think there was one recently.

I am absolutely loving the bike, and would strongly recommend it. I have done multiple long tours, with back-to-back all-day rides, and I am always amazed by the comfort and ample performance. I regularly ride in the mountains, and I am impressed with its agility and handling. It doesn’t heat much, it doesn’t have unbearable vibes.

Feel free to ask any questions you might have about the ownership, and if you do get it, I would be happy to guide you regarding accessories, so you won’t waste time and money making the mistakes I made !



K-Care attachment:

[WhiskeyTangoFox]

Thank you very much for taking the time out to pen down a super detailed reply!

I'm glad to know height may not be a problem. Of course, a test ride will put things into perspective. The only reason I'm concerned is because this will be my only motorcycle for both city and highway duties, and in peak BLR traffic, a lower seat height always helps.

That being said, do you have an approximate idea of how much the OE low seat costs? I understand that similar offerings from triumph and suzuki are in the INR 20,000 range. Just wanted to get some clarity on that here as well.

Originally Posted by ExOblivione

Each service will cost about 8k (2x per year manufacturer recommended). You can go to 3rd party SVC if you know a good one, or if you are willing to follow a few YouTube videos, you can do most of the normal service yourself. Personally, I went with the K-Care package. It was Rs. 50K upfront cost, and it gave me 4 years of service (all inclusive like oil/filter) + 2 years additional manufacturer warranty, and immunity to any cost increases during that time, and it’s honored at all Kawasaki centers, so there is no hassle in case service is needed while on tour. It includes quite a lot of stuff, and I was able to use the possibility of my purchasing K-Care to get the dealership to drop the Rs. 5k handling fee they weren’t budging on. I have attached the K-Care schedule so you can see what's included.

K Care seems intriguing, I shall definitely think about that. Do you think that the cost is justified as opposed to just getting a regular service done without the package?

Originally Posted by ExOblivione

As for tyres, no one can tell you. It depends on how many km you put down, how you ride, where you ride etc. I recently (3,500 km done already) got some TVS EuroGrip Roadhounds put on, since TVS is making them specifically for higher-end bikes, and I am really quite impressed with their handling (I had Michelin Road 5s before that). Best of all, they are reasonably priced, at 16.5k for the pair for Versys 650 sizes (160 rear, 120 front), compared to the nearly 50k for Road 5/6.

God Bless TVS Really.

Originally Posted by ExOblivione

Feel free to ask any questions you might have about the ownership, and if you do get it, I would be happy to guide you regarding accessories, so you won’t waste time and money making the mistakes I made !

Haha of course, I do plan on getting a USB Charger (I have a clifftop charger on my bike, I suppose something similar should work here as well) and crash guards, aux lights, a rear rack and a top box to begin with. Everything else only on a need basis. Panniers too, only if my touring substantially increases, else a tailbag will do I suppose. If you do feel that there's anything else I must consider, please do let me know.

[ExOblivione]

Originally Posted by WhiskeyTangoFox

I'm glad to know height may not be a problem. Of course, a test ride will put things into perspective. The only reason I'm concerned is because this will be my only motorcycle for both city and highway duties, and in peak BLR traffic, a lower seat height always helps.

That being said, do you have an approximate idea of how much the OE low seat costs? I understand that similar offerings from triumph and suzuki are in the INR 20,000 range. Just wanted to get some clarity on that here as well.

In my opinion, unless you have a disproportionally short inseam, you should be fine. You should be able to get both feet down, albeit not flat foot, or one foot down flat (without much tilt). Keep in mind that rear preload influences the sag (the amount the bike squats when you sit on it). Keeping that lower will help too. One further advantage of riding the Versys, while it traffic, is that it runs quite cool. Both because of the understressed engine, and the heat management, but it's perceptibly less hot than 400cc class singles I have ridden.

I don’t know the seat cost. Call the showroom, and they should be able to tell you. I also know people who have had the foam thinned to reduce seat height. A friend of a friend rides a TRK 502X (840mm seat height), and he is about 5’ 4” (162cm). He had the seat foam thinned and is able to ride it without a problem. You are substantially taller.

Take a test ride, until then this is all theoretical. If you are comfortable or almost comfortable, then a lowered seat will do the trick. But if you feel, for some reason, that it’s far too much, then…

Originally Posted by WhiskeyTangoFox

K Care seems intriguing, I shall definitely think about that. Do you think that the cost is justified as opposed to just getting a regular service done without the package?

If you plan to stick to the manufacturer recommended schedule (which you should, at least during the warranty period), then yes, K-Care is a very good deal. You get 2 extra years of warranty, but more importantly, 8 services that are all inclusive, including material costs like oil and filter, one brake fluid replacement, 8 washes/lubes etc. 50k/8 is 6.25k per services. If you can get the showroom to drop some fee, like I did with the 5k handling charges, even better. I basically consider my K-Care to be 45k, making each service Rs. 5.6k. That’s not much above a 400cc class bike from the likes of KTM. You are also immunized to any cost inflation for the duration.

Don’t talk to the dealership about K-Care initially. Keep it in reserve until the last moment, as a bargaining chip, and you might be able to get some reduction on some fee. Even if not, 6.25k per service (including regular material costs) is a good deal.

Originally Posted by WhiskeyTangoFox

God Bless TVS Really.

Honestly, yeah. I had a little trepidation about going to Roadhounds, from Michelin Road 5s, but given the absurd cost of the latter, I decided to give them a try. Reading about them, it seems that TVS is serious about getting into higher-end tyres, both for local and for export. They have gotten the only tech in India capable of making a multi-compound tyre, they have had input from MotoGP champions (probably more marketing than anything substantial, but still). And so far, 3,500 km in, I am really impressed with their performance. I have been leaning further than even with the Road 5s (based on the “chicken strips”), I have ridden mountain twisties in pouring rain during the last monsoon rains. Sheer longevity is something that will only be apparent in time, but given that it’s a multi-compound tyre, with a harder compound in the center, that should be decent too.

Originally Posted by WhiskeyTangoFox

Haha of course, I do plan on getting a USB Charger (I have a clifftop charger on my bike, I suppose something similar should work here as well) and crash guards, aux lights, a rear rack and a top box to begin with. Everything else only on a need basis. Panniers too, only if my touring substantially increases, else a tailbag will do I suppose. If you do feel that there's anything else I must consider, please do let me know.

If and when you get the bike, please contact me before buying accessories. I mean that genuinely. I have made some mistakes in that department, and would be happy if I can help you avoid the same. E.g. I want to talk you out of crashguards. I had them installed before taking the bike out of the showroom, and what a mistake getting them was! Now Rs. 10k of guards have been removed and junked in my storage. I will tell you the reason why they are not just useless, but worse than useless, once you are finalized and are getting the bike (no point making a long write up until you are actually going to get the bike).

[scorpian]

Originally Posted by WhiskeyTangoFox

That being said, do you have an approximate idea of how much the OE low seat costs? I understand that similar offerings from triumph and suzuki are in the INR 20,000 range. Just wanted to get some clarity on that here as well.

If your asking about the OE low seat then the cost is 82000/- yup that's right 82000.00
The accesories relay is 2890/-. You can buy the maruti one for 165/-.
The usb charger is 18890/-.

If your keen about lowering the seat which in my opinion should be the last resort considering if you screw it up it will cost you deep, then look at the vendetta seats.
They are pricey, just a foam cut is 3500/-. The lower and custom cover costs about 15k.
Or if you can then try adventure boots,they might just give you that little extra mm to flat foot.

Regards

[ExOblivione]

Originally Posted by scorpian

If your asking about the OE low seat then the cost is 82000/- yup that's right 82000.00
The accesories relay is 2890/-. You can buy the maruti one for 165/-.
The usb charger is 18890/-.

If your keen about lowering the seat which in my opinion should be the last resort considering if you screw it up it will cost you deep, then look at the vendetta seats.
They are pricey, just a foam cut is 3500/-. The lower and custom cover costs about 15k.
Or if you can then try adventure boots,they might just give you that little extra mm to flat foot.

Regards

The OEM accessories are expensive, but not that expensive.

I have attached a PDF with the Kawasaki accessories catalog that I had gotten at the end of 2023, when I was picking up my ride. The catalog doesn't have duplicate entries for each bike for some common items, like USB or relay.

Since it's very long, I have snipped out some of the relevant entries.


The green column are the actual prices of the items. There aren't separate entries for items like USB and Relay for each bike, but I am assuming that the prices will be the same (more or less). Prices are also inclusive of GST.

I can confirm the prices from this catalog. I had bought the hand guards from Kawasaki after getting the bike, as I liked their design more than Barkbusters. They also came out to be very slightly cheaper too, but not by much.

Still, I don't think buying OEM stuff like USB/relay is a good idea. There are tons of aftermarket ones for much cheaper.

Also, the seat isn't worth it IMO. I had the foam modified, as I mentioned in a previous post. It's easy, and any car seat shop can do it without a problem. If height needs to be reduced, the foam can be lifted from the base, and then sanded down. If foam thickness needs to be restored, the foam can be lifted again and some foam sheet can be inserted (which is what I had had done).

However, IMHO, @WhiskeyTangoFox is worrying about the height unnecessarily. He is over 5' 9", and with any boots, over 5' 10". That's not short by any standard. He will be fine.

Interestingly, the panniers are surprisingly quite sanely priced. I looked at reviews, and they are very well made, spacious, open with the ignition key, attach directly to the tail, not requiring separate racks (which add cost, weight and look ugly if the cases are taken off). A good aftermarket pannier+rack kit will cost about as much, if not more.

[Captain Slow]

So K-care includes the Engine Oil also ?

[ExOblivione]

Originally Posted by Captain Slow

So K-care includes the Engine Oil also ?

Yes, all oil changes (8) and filter changes too (4, alternate services), lubing/greasing, washing etc. In addition, brake fluid replacement at the 5th service/2 year mark is included (labour and fluid). Each service is fully paid for, labour and materials. Only consumables and replacements apart from these are not included, like air filter or brake pads etc., which makes perfect sense.

You also get 2 years additional warranty, for what it's worth, and the K-Care package is honored by all Kawasaki ASCs, and is also transferrable in case you sell the bike in the applicable period (linked to bike, not owner).

You can see the service schedule linked in a previous post. I think it's a good deal, as the cost per service comes down close to 400cc class, hence my purchase of the package.

[scorpian]

Originally Posted by ExOblivione

The OEM accessories are expensive, but not that expensive.

I have attached a PDF with the Kawasaki accessories catalog that I had gotten at the end of 2023, when I was picking up my ride. The catalog doesn't have duplicate entries for each bike for some common items, like USB or relay.

Sir,
The costing for the items that I have mentioned is as received from the Kawasaki service centre for the 2024 Versys.

As far as the height is concerned, the OP need not worry. I am 5 feet, 8 inches and I can ride the bike perfectly fine. With adventure boots he will be able to flat foot very confidently.

Regards.