Refreshed, Not Recycled

The Kawasaki Versys 650 has an image to uphold as an easy step into the big leagues. The 2022 version needs to live up to that reputation

- Joshua Varghese 

THE KAWASAKI VERSYS 650 USED to be the go-to motorcycle for anyone who needed a middleweight package that could be perfectly at home on Indian conditions. The Japanese manufacturer further honed the formula that brought them success quite early in this motorcycle's product life. Why try and fix something that is not broken? Instead, Kawasaki have been steadily updating this trusty motorcycle with timely improvements and the 2022 model has received one of the most significant upgrades yet.

Still looking the part of a Kawasaki in the bright green paint scheme, the Versys 650's silhouette may have remained unchanged but it certainly looks more modern than ever thanks to a handful of subtle changes. The aggressive styling of the Versys 1000 has trickled down into the 650, complete with new LED headlamps, and it is certainly an improvement. Adding function to form, Kawasaki have also equipped this model with an adjustable windscreen-a rather useful addition during long rides that will also make this motorcycle accessible to a larger spectrum of riders.