Kawasaki rolls out 2012 Ninja 650 in India

Pune, August 9, 2012: Kawasaki and Bajaj Auto have launched their 2012 model Ninja 650 in India today. Priced at Rs 4,99,834 (ex-showroom New Delhi), the 650cc twin-cylinder bike now comes with up-to-date styling, its body panels redesigned with styling cues from larger Ninja models. There are wider panel gaps now for better engine heat dissipation.

The new Ninja’s ignition key slot is located over its fuel tank, allowing a clear, unobstructed view of the instruments. The console is LED-powered and white backlit, with an analogue tachometer, indications for average fuel consumption, remaining rideable range and an economy riding mode indicator in addition to the regular readouts. The 2012 Ninja 650’s fuel tank is slightly larger, and the new model uses a more compact battery. Kerb weight is up a few kilos, now around 208kg.

The engine remains Kawasaki’s proven, powerful, 649cc, parallel-twin, liquid cooled and four-stroke unit, with low and mid-range torque delivery improved thanks to a revised exhaust. Expect scintillating performance from this approximately 71bhp, six-speed bike, the older model being capable of a genuine 200kph top speed, setting an impressive 0-160kph time of 12.06 seconds.

Kawasaki’s new Ninja 650 goes on sale backed by Bajaj’s vast, proven Probiking sales and service whose existing 53 dealerships are to be expanded to 60 by the end of August. The new Ninja will be sold in India exclusively in Kawasaki's trademark green colour.

Commenting on the launch, Rajiv Bajaj, MD, Bajaj Auto, said: “KTM and Kawasaki are our global business partners and along with them we aim to build on our already dominant position in the sports motorcycle segment in India with the Pulsar. There are a number of initiatives in the pipeline on all these three brands that would be introduced over the next 18 months”.

Amit Nandi, VP, Probiking, Bajaj Auto (pictured above with S Ravikumar, senior VP, business development and assurance), added: “With the Kawasaki Ninja 250R and 650, we have created a category of ‘practical superbikes’.”

Kawasaki, Bajaj Auto and KTM clearly want to exploit their position in the burgeoning premium bike market. Of the 18,000 units sold last year in India, this combine has an overwhelming 65 percent market share.

Monthly premium bike sales

India - 1,500

UK - 5,000

Spain - 4,000

USA - 13,000

Holland - 800

RISHAD COOPER