Kawasaki Ninja 650: Same Price, Other Options

Want a mid-capacity motorcycle but aren’t too fond of the Ninja 650? Well, in that case, here's what else you could buy around the same price

The Kawasaki Ninja 650 makes for one heck of an option in the fully-faired, mid-capacity motorcycle segment. It offers comfortable ergonomics, a powerful motor and a lightweight yet rigid chassis that aids its handling prowess. Priced at Rs 5.89 lakh (ex-showroom), the bike makes for a brilliant value-for-money proposition. But just in case you feel the bike isn't meant for you, you could have a look at a couple of other motorcycles around the same price that make a strong argument for themselves.  

Harley-Davidson Street 750: Rs 5.34 lakh

Starting off with the most affordable motorcycle from Harley-Davidson’s stable - the Street 750. The quintessential rumble of a V-twin motor is sure to steal your heart, while its comfortable ergonomics ensure you ride for longer durations without breaking your back. Plus, a seat height of just 720mm is apt for shorter rider as well. And if you love to personalise your bike, the Milwaukee-based manufacturer has a whole catalogue of parts that can be slapped onto the Street 750. The best part, you save Rs 55,000 over the price of the Kawasaki Ninja 650 which could be better spent on touring accessories or riding gear.

Harley-Davidson Street Rod: Rs 6.55 lakh

Harley-Davidson’s Street Rod is based on the same platform as the Street 750. So if you’re looking for something more radical than the Street, the Street Rod might just fit the bill. To put it briefly, it packs the same Revolution X engine, but it’s tuned to produce more power and torque (18 per cent and 8 per cent, respectively) compared to the Street. Instead of a laid back riding posture, you sit more aggressively on the Street Rod thanks to drag-style handlebars, rear-set footpegs and a split seat. It also gets fat 43mm upside-down forks and a twin piggyback shock absorber setup at the rear which have been tuned for more performance. The aforementioned changes result in a weight gain of 6kg, which is a pretty fair tradeoff considering the updated equipment and power difference. On the downside, it costs Rs 1.21 lakh more than the Street 750.

CFMoto 650GT: Rs 5.49 lakh

If the Street 750 doesn’t catch your fancy, you could check out the CFMoto 650GT, a proper grand tourer. Apart from the attractive price tag, the bike gets a ton of features to boast about. For instance, it gets LED lighting, a 5-inch full-colour TFT display with two screen layouts, a tall adjustable windscreen, a 12V USB charging port, a low seat height of 795mm and a generous 19-litre fuel-tank to aid its touring abilities. Granted it isn’t as powerful as the Ninja 650 and weighs 30kg heavier, but it also undercuts the Kwacker by a good Rs 40,000. Factor in its big bike looks and the 650GT will surely make you think twice before shelling out more money for the Kwacker.

Kawasaki Vulcan S: Rs 5.49 lakh (Black), Rs 5.59 lakh (Orange) 

Alternatively, you could opt for the Vulcan S, Kawasaki’s very own cruiser. It uses the same 649cc motor that powers the Ninja 650, albeit in a different state of tune. The bike looks more modern and in tune with today’s trends unlike Harleys which feature a neo-retro styling. What’s more?  You get the same laid-back riding style, adjustable brake/clutch levers, adjustable footpegs and a semi-digital instrument console.  

Kawasaki Z650: Rs 5.69 lakh 

Simply put, the Kawasaki Z650 is essentially the Ninja 650 without the fairing. As a result, it’s 6kg lighter and features a relatively upright riding position compared to its fairing sibling. You get the exact same engine and underpinnings as the Ninja 650, but the whole package costs Rs 20,000 lesser! Something to think about, eh?  

All prices ex-showroom*