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Only a few days back we told you that the launch of the highly awaited Bajaj Kawasaki er-6f / Ninja 650R is just around the corner. Now the online community is buzzing with activity about the news of Bajaj Auto having started the production of the bike at its Chakan plant. As expected, the bike maker is keeping mum over the topic, but news of the first locally assembled bike having been given to a couple of journos for a test ride has created some excitement. The Indian website of the Ninja 650 is already up, suggesting that the launch ideally shouldn’t be too far. The expected launch of the Ninja 650R is on the 8th June 2011 if some of the so called’ inside news’ is to be believed, with bookings starting simultaneously with the launch.
The Kawasaki Ninja 650 will be brought to India in CKD form from Thailand, and it shouldn’t be a big pain for the company to price it competitively with the Hyosung GT650. Unless they want to market it as a ‘premium’ product and sell it at a logic defying price, as in case if the Ninja 250R that is. We have a feeling that K-B will not price it too high above the Korean Hyosung, as this time around people have options, and exorbitant pricing would equate to cutting their own toes.
We, however expect the Ninja to be priced slightly higher than the Hyosung. After all Kawasaki is a much better known brand than Hyosung, with proven reliability and well sorted cycle parts. We won’t be surprised if the Ninja sells at Rs 30-50K premium over the GT650R. I for one won’t mind paying that much extra for the green machine. Anything more, and I would stop and think for a moment though.
Here’s the detailed specs sheet of the Ninja 650
Engine type Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke Parallel Twin
Displacement 649 cm³
Bore x stroke 83 x 60 mm
Compression ratio 11.3:1
Valve/Induction system DOHC, 8 valves
Fuel system Fuel injection: ø38 mm x 2 (Keihin)
Ignition Digital
Starting Electric
Transmission 6-speed, return
Frame type Diamond, high-tensile steel
Tyre, front 120/70ZR17M/C (58W)
Tyre, rear 160/60ZR17M/C (69W)
Suspension, front 41 mm telescopic fork
Suspension, rear Offset laydown single-shock with adjustable preload
Brakes, front Dual semi-floating 300 mm petal discs. Dual piston
Brakes, rear Single 220 mm petal disc. Single-piston
Dimensions (L x W x H) 2,100 x 760 x 1,200 mm
Wheelbase 1,410 mm
Ground Clearance 145 mm
Seat height 790 mm
Fuel capacity 15.5 litres
Curb Mass 204 kg / 208 kg (ABS)
Maximum power 72.1 PS / 8,500 rpm
Maximum torque 66 Nm  / 7,000 rpm