Kawasaki has introduced the 2023 models of its popular middleweight siblings – the Ninja 650 and the Z650 in the European market. As a part of the update, both bikes get new colour options. In addition to this, Kawasaki has also added its Kawasaki Traction Control System (KTRC) to both of them.
For 2023, Kawasaki is offering the Ninja 650 in two new colour options. These are – Lime Green / Ebony and Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray / Ebony. Meanwhile, the Ninja’s street naked sibling, the Z650, gets three new colour options. These are – Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray / Ebony, Metallic Phantom Silver / Metallic Carbon Gray and Metallic Spark Black / Metallic Flat Spark Black.
In addition to this, both also get a traction control system which the Japanese bikemaker calls KTRC. The KTRC system features three levels of adjustability. Level 1 offers lesser intervention and only kicks in during hard acceleration. Meanwhile, Level 2 is for low traction surfaces like wet manhole covers or poorly surfaced roads. At the same time, riders can also switch it off completely using Level 3.
Apart from the new colour options and inclusion of a traction control system, both bikes are the same as the 2022 models. Thus, they continue to use a 649cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin motor with an 8-valve DOHC valvetrain. Power and torque outputs read as 68 PS at 8,000 rpm and 64 Nm at 6,700 rpm. Both bikes use 41mm telescopic forks at the front and a horizontal back-link with pre-load adjustment.
The Ninja 650 and Z650 are two of the most-selling Kawasaki models in India. The combination of brand value, pricing and good performance make them one of the top picks in their segment. Hence, expect Kawasaki India to bring them to India sooner than later. It is likely that both will receive a price hike. However, a traction control system is a great feature to have on Indian roads.
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