Kawasaki has officially introduced the updated 2026 model year of its popular Versys 650 touring motorcycle to the Indian market. The new iteration arrives with a subtle but distinct visual refresh and a significant technical upgrade, making it future-ready for India's evolving fuel norms.
Pricing, Availability, and Key Updates
The 2026 Kawasaki Versys 650 carries an ex-showroom price tag starting from Rs 8.63 lakh. This marks an increase of Rs 15,000 over the outgoing model. Kawasaki India has commenced bookings for the motorcycle both online and through its authorized dealership network across the country. The company has announced that customer deliveries are scheduled to begin from January 2026.
For the new model year, the Versys 650 receives a restrained new colour scheme. The primary aesthetic change is a fresh grey-and-black livery, accented with subtle green highlights, giving the adventure-tourer a more sophisticated and modern road presence. Beyond this cosmetic update, the motorcycle's design and hardware remain unchanged from the previous version.
Technical Specifications and Touring Features
At the heart of the Versys 650 continues to be Kawasaki's proven 649cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine. This powerplant is known for its reliability and delivers a healthy output of 67 horsepower and 61Nm of torque. The most meaningful update for 2026 is under the hood: Kawasaki has now made the engine compatible with E20 fuel (a blend of 20% ethanol and 80% petrol), aligning it with the Indian government's push for greener fuel alternatives.
The motorcycle retains its road-focused touring character, highlighted by a tall stance and long-travel suspension offering 150mm of travel at the front and 145mm at the rear. This setup, combined with a generous 170mm of ground clearance, ensures it can handle varied and uneven road conditions with ease. The commanding 845mm seat height offers an upright riding posture ideal for long distances.
Feature Pack and Braking Hardware
The feature list on the Versys 650 is headlined by a 4.3-inch full-colour TFT instrument cluster that provides all essential ride information in a clear layout. Another key touring feature is the adjustable windscreen, which offers four height settings to reduce rider fatigue. When its 21-litre fuel tank is full, the motorcycle has a kerb weight of 220kg.
Stopping power is provided by a capable braking system comprising twin 300mm discs at the front and a single 250mm disc at the rear, ensuring confident braking performance whether navigating city traffic or cruising on the highway.
In summary, the 2026 Kawasaki Versys 650 strengthens its position as a capable touring motorcycle for India with its timely E20 fuel compatibility and refreshed aesthetics, ready to cater to enthusiasts seeking a dependable machine for long-haul journeys.
