Kawasaki India Unleashes 2017 Lineup: New Z900, Z650, and Ninja 650 Arrive

India Kawasaki Motors (IKM) has officially overhauled its Indian portfolio, introducing a wave of next-generation machinery for 2017. The update sees the arrival of the highly anticipated Z900 and Z650, alongside a significantly upgraded Ninja 650 and refreshed versions of the Versys 650 and Ninja 300.

This strategic rollout marks a major shift for the Japanese manufacturer as it replaces aging icons with lighter, faster, and more technologically advanced models.

The Powerhouse: 2017 Kawasaki Z900

Replacing the legendary Z800, the new Kawasaki Z900 arrives as a Completely Built Up (CBU) unit, bringing more power and significantly less weight to the street-naked segment.

• Price: INR 9.00 Lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi).
• Engine: 948cc liquid-cooled, in-line four-cylinder.
• Performance: 125 PS @ 9500 rpm and 98.6 Nm of torque @ 7700 rpm.
• Weight: At 211 kg, it is a staggering 20 kg lighter than the outgoing Z800.
• Key Features: Slipper clutch, revised gear ratios, 41 mm inverted forks, and standard ABS.

The Middleweight Maverick: 2017 Kawasaki Z650

The Z650 steps in to replace the ER-6n, adopting the aggressive “Sugomi” styling of its larger siblings. It serves as the naked counterpart to the Ninja 650, offering a nimble and punchy ride for urban environments.

• Price: INR 5.19 Lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi).
• Engine: 649cc parallel-twin, liquid-cooled.
• Performance: 68 PS and 65.7 Nm of peak torque.
• Highlights: Trellis frame, slipper clutch, and 41 mm telescopic forks.

The Refined Sportster: 2017 Kawasaki Ninja 650

One of Kawasaki’s most popular models in India, the Ninja 650, receives its most substantial update yet. Beyond the sharper, ZX-10R-inspired styling, the bike undergoes a massive mechanical diet.

• Price: INR 5.69 Lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi).
• Weight Reduction: A new trellis frame and aluminum swingarm have helped shed 19 kg (now 193 kg).
• Features: New adjustable windscreen, X-shaped LED tail-light, and a digital console with a gear position indicator.
• Safety: ABS is now standard equipment.

The Tourer: 2017 Kawasaki Versys 650

The adventure-touring Versys 650 receives essential updates to stay competitive, most notably a transition to BSIV compliance.

• Price: INR 6.60 Lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi).
• Updates: A new Green and Black color scheme, gear position indicator, and an easily adjustable windshield.
• Performance: 69 PS and 64 Nm of torque.
• Suspension: Long-travel 41 mm hydraulic forks with stepless rebound and preload adjustment.

The Entry-Level Legend: 2017 Kawasaki Ninja 300

The Ninja 300 continues to be the gateway into the Kawasaki family. The 2017 model receives mild cosmetic tweaks and a necessary engine update.

• Price: INR 3.64 Lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi).
• Compliance: Now features a BSIV-compliant 296cc twin-cylinder engine.
• Performance: 39 PS and 27 Nm of torque, paired with a 6-speed transmission and slipper clutch.
• Note: While it receives new graphics, the Ninja 300 still lacks ABS in this iteration.

Summary of the 2017 Kawasaki India Range

With this refreshed lineup, Kawasaki has addressed the growing demand for lighter frames and BSIV compliance in India, solidifying its position as a leader in the premium motorcycle segment.