RE Interceptor 650 Twin Vs Kawasaki Versys 650

A number of people from the biking community must be wondering what the RE 650 twins will have on offer compared to other 650 twins from well known Japanese brand Kawasaki.

The Kawa’s offered are Z650 (Naked), Ninja 650 (Faired, Tourer), Versys 650 (All rounder), Vulcan 650(Cruiser????). All bikes from Kawa seem to have more or less the same power characteristics barring the Versys 650 and Vulcan which are retuned for delivering power in the lower RPM range. These ladies deliver around 68ps of peak power, 67 NM of peak torque and are ultra smooth, reliable and powerful. I call them “Japani Gudiya”. These cost anywhere between 4.99 ex showroom Pune to 6.XX lacs ex showroom Pune.

Royal Enfield have launched the 650 parallel twins Interceptor and Continental GT. These ladies offer around 47 ps peak power, 52 NM peak torque. The parallel twins have a 270 deg firing order which make them sound like V-Twins. 
The Australians, Americans and Europeans who have reviewed the bike love their simplicity. With the India launch just around the corner, they may be prices somewhere between 2.75 lacs to 3 lacs ex showroom Pune.

The Japs and RE’s are both different genres of motorcycles. The twins are like REs first steps towards the mid size segment. They are filling the gap where no one else is present in India. Thought their A.S.S. remains to be seen for more modern motorcycles.

So the debate about which motorcycle to buy carries on. People want to evaluate the Interceptor 650 versus the Kawa Versys 650.

I have a very simple answer for these people. 

Verdict: The Interceptor 650 is like the “aunty” and the Versys 650 is like your “girlfriend”. You will be able to do things with the Versys which you may not be able to do with the Interceptor. So go figure who pulls the strings to your heart. The aunty or the girlfriend.

PS: To confuse you further, I can say you will not be disappointed by both. If I had the wad, I would go and buy both.

PS2: If you are moving from an RE to a big hearted JAP, you will need to unlearn and relearn motorcycle riding techniques and a bit of maintenance related to chain lubing, tyres, cleaning etc. 

Go figure!!!