2020 Kawasaki Versys 250 Unveiled

The Versys 250 is the entry-level ADV offering in many international markets

• The new model receives cosmetic updates. 
• Apart from styling, it also shares its underpinnings with the Kawasaki Versys X-300 that was sold in India.
• It’s powered by a 250cc parallel-twin engine. 

Kawasaki has had a rather interesting journey in its entry-level range. While the Kawasaki Ninja 300 sales figures exploded after localisation, the Versys X-300 and the Ninja 400 have been a failure. The Kawasaki Versys-X 300 was the entry-level ADV offering from the Japanese brand in our market that isn’t the case in foregin markets. In Indonesia, Kawasaki sells the Versys 250 and the 2020 edition was recently unveiled. 

The 2020 Kawasaki Versys 250 receives a new set of graphics that makes the baby ADV offering look fresh. The styling of the bike is similar to the Versys-X 300 which was sold in the Indian market (now discontinued due to BS6 emission norms). Powering the bike is a 250cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin motor that produces a peak power of 34PS at 11,500rpm, and 21.7Nm torque at 10,000rpm. In comparison the Versys-X 300’s engine pumped out 40PS and 25.7Nm. Both bikes employ a 6-speed transmission. 

Underpinnings are also shared and the quarter-litre motorcycle features a long travel telescopic fork and a monoshock unit. For better range during touring, the bike has a fuel tank capacity of 17-litres and seat height is pretty low by ADV standard at 815mm. While the Versys 250 won’t be coming to India, we expect Kawasaki India to have learnt its lesson with the Versys-X 300. It retailed for Rs 4.60 lakh (ex-showroom) which was uncomfortably close to its 650cc range. The Ninja 300 has had a successful run after localisation and whether or not the Versys-X 300 receives the same treatment remains to be seen.