We have all been speculating a bigger Kawasaki for India for quite some time. Most likely, Bajaj is planning to bring the Er-6f street bike to India with a cubic capacity of close to 650cc and a power output of around 72PS.
In an interview with CNBC TV18, Bajaj Auto Limited MD Rajeev Bajaj has confirmed that bigger Kawasakis will most likely be here by March 2011. Mr. Bajaj also confirmed that the company will be launching the smaller capacity KTMs in country. Bajaj will export the KTMs (the newly developed 125s) to the European countries first, as the European continent is the strongest market for the Austrian brand. The company will look at expanding sales of the bike internationally before finally bringing it to India.
Having said all that, the MD added that the company would still have to keep its focus on the Discover and Pulsar brands for the domestic market and not get distracted by the KTMs. At the same time we must acknowledge that we have just about 30% market share and this is the time when we have to continue to focus on Discover and Pulsar in the domestic market and not distract ourselves with the KTM here.
Mr Bajaj said that the bigger Ninja for India would most likely be a 650, which gives us enough reason to believe that it would be the Kawasaki er-6f which suits the Indian conditions just right. If the bike could be brought to India with an OTR price tag below 5-lakh with local assembly, we could expect to see some volumes in that segment. Here’s a specification sheet of the er-6f for your reference
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
Lubrication
Forced lubrication, semi-dry sump
Transmission
Transmission
6-speed, return
Final Drive
Sealed Chain
Primary reduction ratio
2.095 (88/42)
Gear ratios: 1st
2.438 (39/16)
Gear ratios: 2nd
1.714 (36/21)
Gear ratios: 3rd
1.333 (32/24)
Gear ratios: 4th
1.111 (30/27)
Gear ratios: 5th
0.966 (28/29)
Gear ratios: 6th
0.852 (23/27)
Final reduction ratio
3.067 (46/15)
Clutch
Wet multi-disc, manual
Frame
Frame type
Diamond, high-tensile steel
Rake/Trail
25° / 106 mm
Wheel travel, front
120 mm
Wheel travel, rear
125 mm
Tyre, front
120/70ZR17M/C (58W)
Tyre, rear
160/60ZR17M/C (69W)
Steering angle, left / right
35° / 35°
Suspension
Suspension, front
41 mm telescopic fork
Suspension, rear
Offset laydown single-shock with adjustable preload
Brakes
Brakes, front
Dual semi-floating 300 mm petal discs. Dual piston
Brakes, rear
Single 220 mm petal disc. Single-piston
Dimensions
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
53 kW {72.1 PS} / 8,500 rpm
Maximum torque
66 N·m {6.7 kgf·m} / 7,000 rpm
Source : Moneycontrol.com