Looking for a middleweight adventure tourer that balances comfort, touring capability, and sporty performance? The 2026 Kawasaki Versys 650 might just fit the bill. Although it doesn’t come with any mechanical upgrades over the previous version, the new paint scheme and premium features still make it a compelling option for touring enthusiasts in India.
Here’s everything you need to know about the latest Versys 650.
Launch
Kawasaki India has officially launched the 2026 Versys 650 at a starting price of ₹8.63 lakh (ex-showroom). That’s a price bump of ₹15,000 over the previous model year. While it may not sound like a huge update, the refreshed styling brings a bit more road presence — which can be a big deal in the premium tourer segment.
Interestingly, the MY26 version will be sold alongside the MY25 variant, which still sports slightly different paint options. Mechanically though, both models remain identical.
Design
What’s new, then? The 2026 Versys 650 now wears a darker, meaner colour scheme — a combination of Metallic Graphite Gray and Metallic Spark Black. This new look gives the bike a more rugged and modern adventure vibe.
Design-wise, nothing has changed fundamentally. It still retains its twin headlamp setup, a distinctive beak-style front, and a four-way adjustable windscreen that provides solid wind protection — especially during high-speed highway cruising.
If you’ve always liked the adventure-bike stance of the Versys, this one still holds that tall, aggressive, yet approachable design.
Features
Despite being a mid-range ADV, the Versys 650 is surprisingly feature-rich. It comes equipped with:
- A 4.3-inch TFT colour display with smartphone connectivity
- Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC) for improved grip and safety
- ABS as standard
- Economical Riding Indicator for fuel-efficient riding
- Adjustable windscreen with four levels
These features make it suitable for a variety of riders — from weekend adventurers to long-haul tourers. And with smartphone integration, you won’t miss out on call alerts or navigation support.
Engine
Under the tank, it’s business as usual. The 2026 Versys 650 continues to be powered by the tried-and-tested 649cc parallel-twin, liquid-cooled engine.
Here’s what it delivers:
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 649cc, Liquid-cooled, Twin |
| Power Output | 67 hp @ 8,500 rpm |
| Torque | 61 Nm @ 7,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual gearbox |
No changes have been made to engine tuning or output. The bike still offers a smooth mid-range, ideal for highway overtakes and sustained cruising speeds.
Hardware
In terms of hardware, Kawasaki sticks with the solid setup that’s always made the Versys 650 feel planted and stable.
- Front Suspension: 41 mm inverted fork with adjustable rebound damping and preload
- Rear Suspension: Monoshock with remote spring preload adjustability
- Brakes: 300 mm dual semi-floating discs (front) and 250 mm single disc (rear)
- Calipers: Dual-piston front, single-piston rear
This setup ensures confident braking and decent road feedback, especially useful when you’re fully loaded for a road trip.
Dimensions
The dimensions and overall ergonomics of the Versys 650 haven’t changed either. It’s still a tall bike, meant for open roads, but accessible enough for riders with a bit of experience.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 1,415 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 170 mm |
| Seat Height | 845 mm |
| Curb Weight | 220 kg |
| Dry Weight (Est.) | 201 kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 21 litres |
With a 21-litre tank and efficient engine tuning, the Versys is good for long-distance rides without frequent fuel stops.
Verdict
The 2026 Kawasaki Versys 650 may not bring anything radically new to the table, but it doesn’t really need to. It continues to offer solid performance, proven reliability, and touring-focused comfort — now wrapped in a darker, more stylish skin.
If you’re looking for a versatile, all-rounder motorcycle for long rides, mild adventure trails, or everyday commutes with a premium feel, the updated Versys 650 remains a strong contender in the middleweight segment.
FAQs
What’s new in 2026 Versys 650?
Just a new paint scheme. No mechanical changes in this model.
Is the engine updated in 2026 model?
No, it uses the same 649cc parallel-twin engine as before.
What is the price of Versys 650 2026?
It starts at ₹8.63 lakh (ex-showroom) in India.
Does it have smartphone connectivity?
Yes, via the 4.3-inch TFT display with Bluetooth support.
What’s the seat height of Versys 650?
The seat height is 845 mm, suitable for taller riders.
