Bajaj Auto launches the 2012 Kawasaki Ninja 650R in India for a price of INR 4.99 lakhs, ex-showroom Delhi

Ending months of wait for the 2012 version of Kawasaki Ninja 650R, Bajaj Auto has finally launched the sports tourer motorcycle in the Indian market at a price of INR 4.99 lakhs, ex-showroom Delhi. The Ninja 650R replaces the current model, which incidentally was pulled off the market by Bajaj Auto, even as the new model arrived into the international markets, late last year. The new model of the 2012 Kawasaki Ninja 650R comes with sharper styling and better handling dynamics. Also, the motorcycle gets better low end and mid range power delivery although the power and torque figures remain the same as the previous model.

2012 Kawasaki Ninja 650R Sports Tourer Motorcycle

The Ninja 650R retains the 649cc parallel twin four stroke engine that comes with a DOHC layout, four valves per cylinder and liquid cooling. The engine delivers a peak power of 71 Bhp while peak torque is rated at 66 Nm. Apart from better low end and mid range response from its tech packed motor, the 2012 Ninja 650R also comes with relaxed ergonomics that have earned it the sports tourer sobriquet in markets across the world. The 2012 Ninja 650R will be assembled from completely knocked down(CKD) kits imported from Thailand and this is a major reason for its competitive price tag.

2012 Kawasaki Ninja 650R Sports Tourer Motorcycle Side Profile

Talking of pricing, Bajaj Auto has once again hit the nail on the head when it comes to the all important pricing level of the Ninja 650R by pegging the motorcycle at INR 4.99 lakhs, which is about INR 40,000 above the outgoing model. For the list of new features like an adjustable windscreen visor, a brand new instrument cluster, a new exhaust, taller tank, split seats and revised suspension setup, the increase in price is quite justified. While Kawasaki does offer the anti-lock braking system as an option for the 2013 model of the Ninja 650R, ABS will not be available on the Indian model just as yet. Bookings of the 2012 Ninja 650R will open on the 14th of August, with deliveries slated to begin a month later, in mid September.

2012 Kawasaki Ninja 650R Sports Tourer Motorcycle Rear

The 2012 Kawasaki Ninja will be available across 62 KTM-Kawasaki dealers spread throughout India. The KTM-Kawasaki dealerships in India are the erstwhile ProBiking series of dealerships, through which Bajaj Auto sold and serviced both Kawasaki as well as high end motorcycles in the Bajaj line up. Now, these dealerships will exclusively sell KTM and Kawasaki motorcycles, including the KTM Duke 200, the Ninja 250R and the Ninja 650R. In the coming years, more motorcycles like the Duke 350/375 are expected to join the line up.