2012 Kawasaki Ninja 650 Launched

Bajaj Auto launched the 2012 edition of the Kawasaki Ninja 650 in Pune at an ex-showroom price of Rs. 500,000 (New Delhi). The 2012 edition follows the highly successful 2011 Ninja 650 edition. Sporting an aggressive styling, 72 PS power, a host of new features and an optimal mix of ride and handling the 2012 Kawasaki Ninja 650 is the ideal superbike for Indian roads. Available at more than 50 KTM/Kawasaki showrooms across the country it will be backed by the largest excusive sales and service network for high-performance motorcycles.

After the Kawasaki Ninja 250R and the KTM 200 Duke, the new 2012 Kawasaki Ninja 650 is the third premium sports motorcycle model introduced in India by Bajaj Auto Limited.

Mr Amit Nandi, Vice President, Probiking, Bajaj Auto Ltd., said “In KTM and Kawasaki we offer two of the sportiest motorcycle brands in the world through a sales and after-sales network that has been specially created to cater to the specific needs of motorcycle enthusiasts. With the Kawasaki Ninja 250R and 650 we created a category of ‘practical superbikes’ and as a result enjoy a dominant market share of more than 60% in that category.”

Mr. Rajiv Bajaj, Managing Director, Bajaj Auto Ltd., 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”.

New features on the 2012 Kawasaki Ninja 650R:

• Redesigned twin-pipe perimeter frame offers proper rigidity, stable handling, a low seat height and improved aesthetics
• Twin-pipe swingarm assembly offers improved rigidity and maximum style
• Redesigned exhaust system features a new connector pipe, a higher-volume 3-chamber muffler assembly for improved mid-range while maintaining peak top-end power, and a higher quality finish
• Redesigned bodywork features better aerodynamics, improved engine-heat dissipation and sharper looks that identify with the flagship ZX™-14R
• Easier-pull clutch cable design for reduced fatigue and enhanced control
• Revised suspension settings and increased wheel travel front and rear offer improved ride comfort while offering excellent compliance in varying situations
• Improved brake pads offer better braking performance and control
• New instrument cluster assembly features an analog tachometer and a digital readout module for at-a-glance information transfer to the rider
• 20mm wider handlebar offers improved rider comfort and control
• All-new multi-function instrumentation includes a fuel gauge, digital speedometer, clock, odometer, dual trip meters, economical riding (ECO) indicator, and an analog tachometer above the LCD info-pod
• Redesigned 2-piece seat assembly features thicker and wider foam for improved comfort for rider and passenger
• Dunlop’s grippy yet durable Roadsmart II tires are standard
• Increased fuel capacity and more compact battery