DAVID VS GOLIATH

Kawasaki was never an expert at pricing motorcycles, and this comparison results from that lack of expertise

- GAVIN RODRIGUES

THE KAWASAKI NINJA 650 IS ONE OF THE FIRST POPULAR ACCESSIBLE PREMIUM MOTORCYCLES THAT FOLKS IN INDIA COULD GET THEIR HANDS ON.

Its only competition was the Ducati Monster, which cost considerably more than the Kawasaki and made it seem like quite the bargain. Since then, the Kawasaki Ninja 650 has evolved and become a better version of itself, be it a slightly underpowered version of itself. Over the years, the Ninja 650 has lost its power and torque but gained a lot more in equipment and electronics.

Ironically the all-new Ninja 400 costs more than what the Ninja 650 used to cost about a decade ago. At this point, they sit about 2 lakhs apart in price, and it’s only fair that they become more comparable now than ever. You’re probably already up to speed with what these motorcycles are like as individuals from the last two articles, so I shall keep it brief.

Beauty lies in the eye of the beholder, so I shall let thou behold and pick one for thyself. As for me, I like the visual balance and aggression of the Ninja 400. Sure, wider tires would have looked better, but that’s excusable considering the benefits. Regarding electronics, the Ninja 650 is better equipped with a Bluetooth-compatible TFT and a traction control system. Apart from that, it’s electronically on par with the Ninja 400. The Ninja 650 also boasts superior brakes and slightly wider rubber but also more weight.