Edaran Modenas Sdn Bhd (EMOS), a subsidiary of Motosikal dan Enjin Nasional Sdn Bhd (MODENAS), is delighted to introduce the hihgly anticipated 2023 models of the Z650, Ninja 650, and Versys 650 in Malaysia.
These cutting-edge motorcycles, which seamlessly blend style, power, and versatility, offer riders an unmatched performance and exhilarating experiences on the road.
The 2023 Modenas 650cc re-branded models offer a host of key features that are sure to impress motorcycle enthusiasts.
Modenas Z650
The 2023 Z650, renowned for its aggressive styling and thrilling performance, sets a new standard in the middleweight category.
Equipped with a powerful 649cc parallel-twin engine, it delivers an impressive combination of torque and responsiveness. The Z650 showcases significant updates, including:
A redesigned frame and revised riding position ensure enhanced comfort and control for riders of all sizes.
The Z650 now features a full-color TFT display, providing clear visibility and offering multiple customizable riding modes, including Sport, Road, and Rain.
The updated suspension and improved chassis dynamics contribute to precise handling and nimble maneuverability.
The Modenas Z650 is available in two captivating colors: Metallic Spark Black and Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray, with recommended retail prices starting from RM34,500.
Modenas Ninja 650
The 2023 Ninja 650, a favorite among sports bike enthusiasts, combines thrilling performance with everyday versatility. Powered by a 649cc engine, it delivers exhilarating acceleration and exceptional fuel efficiency. The latest model introduces several notable enhancements, including:
The Ninja 650 features a refreshed design with aggressive lines, LED lighting, and a sharper front fairing, exuding a bold and unmistakable presence.
Riders can now enjoy the convenience of smartphone connectivity through KAWASAKI’s Rideology app, allowing access to vital riding information and data sharing.
The addition of ABS braking and traction control ensures enhanced safety and stability during various riding conditions.
The Modenas Ninja 650 is available in Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray and Lime Green/Ebony, with recommended retail prices starting from RM35,200.
Modenas Versys 650
The 2023 Kawasaki Versys 650, renowned for its versatility and adventure-ready performance, continues to redefine the mid-weight adventure segment.
Powered by a 649cc parallel-twin engine, it offers a perfect balance of power and agility. The latest model introduces the following enhancements:
Riders can easily adjust the windscreen height to minimize wind buffeting and optimize aerodynamics, enhancing long-distance comfort.
The Versys 650 features an upgraded suspension system, providing improved stability and a smoother ride over various terrains.
With redesigned bodywork and LED lighting, the Versys 650 boasts a more modern and aggressive appearance, capturing attention on and off the road.
The Modenas Versys 650 is available in Metallic Spark Black and Candy Limegreen/Metallic Flat Spark Black, with recommended retail prices starting from RM38,400.
“As promised, MODENAS will continue to bring the latest Kawasaki motorcycles to the market. We are committed to providing riders with motorcycles that inspire passion, performance, and unforgettable experiences. The introduction of the 2023 models of Z650, Ninja 650, and Versys 650 reflects our dedication to delivering cutting-edge technology, superior performance, and uncompromising quality to the Malaysian market,” said Roslan Roskan, Chief Executive Officer of MODENAS.
The 2023 models of Z650, Ninja 650, and Versys 650 will be available for purchase at authorized KAWASAKI dealerships across Malaysia from the end of July.
Seperti yang dilaporkan sebelum ini, Edaran Modenas Sdn Bhd (EMOS) dengan rasminya melancarkan Modenas Versys 650 untuk pasaran tempatan.
Hadir dengan harga RM38,400 bagi pilihan warna Metallic Spark Black dan RM39,100 bagi Candy Limegreen/Metallic Spark Black, motosikal ‘sport tourer’ ini kembali mewarnai pasaran motosikal tempatan.
Model yang diperkenalkan di Malaysia ini merupakan model keluaran 2023 sekaligus tampil dengan pelbagai naik taraf terbaru. Naik taraf kali ini memfokuskan pada teknologi dan tahap keselesaan di samping rekaan baharu yang lebih segar.
Bagaimanapun, spesifikasi utama antaranya bahagian chasis dan enjin masih lagi kekal sama.
Versys 650 2022 ini masih lagi mengekalkan enjin parallel-twin 649cc namun telah dikemas kini bagi mencapai standard Euro 5 jadi prestasi semasa enjin berada pada 65.7hp pada 8,500rpm dan 61Nm pada 7,000rpm.
Selain daripada mengekalkan kerangka jenis besi dengan jarak antara tayar pada 55.7″, Versys 650 ini juga masih lagi menawarkan rim berukuran 17″.
Namun, ciri elektronik yang telah dipertingkat termasuk Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC) dengan dua tetapan dan boleh ditutup menggunakan butang di handle.
Menariknya, sistem ABS juga didatangkan secara standard kali ini.
Tidak lupa juga, model 2023 ini juga lengkap dengan skrin TFT berwarna 4.3″ yang menempatkan speedometer, tachometer, petunjuk gear, tahap minyak, odometer dan sebagainya.
Paparan TFT tersebut juga boleh dihubungkan kepada telefon pintar menerusi aplikasi Kawasaki Rideology.
Aspek yang paling menonjol bagi Kawasaki Versys 650 kali ini adalah rekaan yang menyamai Versys 1000 sekaligus lebih moden dan menarik dengan gabungan lampu LED serta penghadang angin boleh laras.
Umum sedia maklum bahawa Edaran Modenas Sdn Bhd (EMOS) merupakan pengedar rasmi bagi jenama Kawasaki di Malaysia.
Kerjasama itu menyaksikan Modenas akan menjenamakan semula model 650cc ke bawah dan dibuktikan menerusi pelancaran beberapa model sulung antaranya Modenas Ninja 250 dan Z250.
Dalam perkembangan terbaru, kami difahamkan bahawa EMOS akan mula memasarkan jentera 650cc di bawah payung Modenas tidak lama lagi.
Berdasarkan info terbaru, kami diberitahu bahawa EMOS akan memperkenalkan Modenas Versys 650 pada bulan Julai ini. Perkembangan itu pastinya menggembirakan peminat motosikal di Malaysia yang menanti ketibaan model itu.
Ini kerana setiap model yang dijenamakan Modenas dipasang sepenuhnya di Gurun, Kedah sekaligus menjaminkan harga yang lebih rendah berbanding ketika dipasarkan dahulu sebagai model CBU di bawah pengurusan lama.
Menariknya, model yang akan diperkenalkan itu adalah generasi terkini yang dilengkapi dengan panel meter TFT dan enjin yang lebih efisien ekoran mencapai standard Euro 5. Pada masa sama, model terkini itu juga menawarkan fungsi KTRC (Kawasaki Traction Control) dan ABS.
Untuk rekod, Versys 650 dikuasakan enjin parallel-twin 649cc 4-stroke DOHC, 8-valves dengan sistem penyejukan cecair yang berupaya menghasilkan 65hp dan 64Nm pada 7,000rpm
MODENAS and Kawasaki are set to get things rolling for 2022, beginning with the Ninja 250 ABS and Z250 ABS.
rebadged MODENAS Ninja 250 ABS and Z250 ABS to reach dealership by end of July 2022.
MODENAS Vulcan S 650 will launch later this year.
The Ninja 250 ABS and Z250 ABS are among the models set to be rebadged by MODENAS as part of a new partnership with the Japanese manufacturer, Kawasaki.
The agreement will also witness MODENAS assemble between 250cc and 650cc Kawasaki motorcycles, including the Vulcan S 650, Ninja 650 and Z650.
While MODENAS will launch the Vulcan S later this year, the Malaysian motorcycle manufacturer has confirmed that the Versys 650 will follow suit in 2023.
The Versys 650 has been among the most popular sport-touring motorcycles since its introduction in 2006.
The Versys 650 is powered by a 649cc parallel-twin 4-stroke, DOHC, liquid-cooled engine that makes 65.7hp @ 8,500rpm and 60Nm @ 7,000rpm.
Recently refined to meet the Euro 5 emission standards, Kawasaki updated the new Versys 650 with Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC) and a 4.3-inch full-colour TFT display.
The display can also be paired to a compatible smartphone device and the Kawasaki Rideology app, which allows riders to access instrument functions.
Other updated features include a full LED light setup, new graphics, revised styling (in line with its larger Versys 1000 cousin) and a new four-way adjustable windshield.
Kawasaki’s 650cc middleweight marks an 11-year evolution.
The new Ninja 650 ABS, Z650 ABS and Versys 650 are enjoying a massive success.
Fun, rider friendly, affordability and low maintenance costs make them popular.
Kawasaki Z650 – pic courtesy of MCN
Kawasaki’s 650cc middleweight range, which now consists of the Ninja 650 ABS and the Z650 ABS, has been produced since 2006.
2006 Ninja 650R
The 650cc lineup went through a number of cosmetics and chassis-related changes between its debut in 2006 to 2011, with the engine untouched.
2009 ER-6f
2012 saw some major revisions, including to the frame, running gear, and cosmetics.
2012 ER-6n
When Kawasaki Motors (Malaysia) started to CKD the bikes ER-6f, ER-6n and Versys 650, it’s popularity exploded and those models were everywhere in Malaysia. They were the superbike for the masses.
But what made them such favourites then and favourites now? Here are the top 10 reasons.
10. CONTINUOUS DEVELEPMENT
Being in the market for 11 years means Kawasaki has collected much experience and data regarding the models. Consequently, the 650 range has evolved to be better and better with every new iteration. All three models now feature fuel injection with ECU-controlled Dual Throttle Valves, with the Ninja 650 and Z650 featuring ABS. The new models are also fitted with an all-new frame, suspension and 649cc, parallel-Twin engine.
9. COMFORT
No motorcycle is useful without good ergonomics. Kawasaki’s 650s are well-known for their comfortable ergonomics. Kawasaki’s designers have put in much effort in perfecting the “rider’s triangle,” the term for the relationship among the handlebar grips, seat and footpegs. The 650 range offers a relaxed riding position with a dash of sportiness thrown in. Which explains why thousands of owners have toured around Malaysia and into neighbouring Thailand on many occasions.
8. TORQUEY ENGINE
Why torque and not horsepower? To simplify, torque is the force you feel when the bike accelerates, while horsepower is the top speed at full throttle. So, unless you race at the track, an engine which spreads its torque throughout the RPM range is the practical choice. It means you only need to open the throttle to overtake, instead of having to shift gears all the time. Good torque also allows you to carry a passenger and large luggage loads.
7. RIDER FRIENDLY MOTORCYCLE
With great ergonomics and tractable engine power, learning to ride the Ninja 650 is ever so easy. And fun!
The low seat on the Ninja 650 ABS and Z650 ABS accommodate riders of any height, and all three models including the Versys 650 cosset you with an all-day comfort. The engine’s power characteristic is linear and doesn’t threaten to ride like a wild horse, which means you could cruise slow, or ride briskly or fly at high velocity whenever you wish.
The combination of ergonomics, predictable handling, smooth power contributes to a motorcycle that’s easy to learn for riders who are stepping up to bigger bikes. Besides that, being torquey doesn’t threaten the engine to stall on the clutch – a boon for riders who are new to the manual clutching.
Now you know why the ER-6n is the favourite motorcycle for B-license students at Malaysian driving schools.
6. IT’S FAST
70 bhp may not set the spec sheet on fire, but coupled that wide torque the Kawasaki 650s are famous for and you have a lively ride.
The 650 range is no slouch, consistently recording 3.5 seconds from 0 – 100 km/h and ¼-mile (400 metre) runs of 12.0 seconds flat. Even the taller Versys 650 hits 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds and charges through 400 metres at 12.5 seconds. So not only does Kawasaki’s 650 appeal to newbies but to returning riders and seasoned riders too.
5. PRACTICALITY
The Kawasaki 650 range are designed to be the jack-of-all-trades. You could commute daily, sling through corners up Genting Highlands on weekends, go touring with your buddies during the holidays, balik kampong with the wife to celebrate Raya and, haul all the lemang and rendang to please your mother-in-law. Just think it and do it.
From slapping on luggage to turn them into tourers, to those that were accessorized and modded for more racy performance, the range is supremely configurable to the fancies of each owner.
4. FUEL ECONOMY AND RANGE
Fuel is expensive these days, right?
Independent fuel economy database site www.fuelly.com publishes peer-tested results on different types of motorcycles, and currently lists 114 Kawasaki Ninja 650R owners who have logged a total of 894,400 km (559,000 miles) of fuel mileage data. The majority of owners logged between 19.6 km/l to 20.0 km/l, while there were a few who reported figures as high as 24.2 km/l. The lowest being 15.7 km/l.
That means, considering the lowest figure of 15.7 km/l, you’d only consume 1 litre of petrol when you commute to your office from Petaling Jaya to the Kuala Lumpur city centre – costing only RM 2.16 per trip (as of 6th September 2017).
On another hand, if you consider the middle figure of 19.6 km/l when touring, a full 15-litre tank on the Ninja 650 and Z650 should only run dry in 294 km. That’s in the ballpark for this writer’s personal 2011 ER-6f. On the Versys 650, however, a full tank could ferry you through 411.6 km. Rawang R&R to the Gurun R&R (360 km) in one tank, anyone?
3. GOOD LOOKS
The design of the Kawasaki 650 range has definitely come far, hand-in-hand with the technological updates.
The fully-faired Ninja 650 ABS looks uncannily similar to the Kawasaki ZX-10R that’s currently dominating the World Superbike Championship. It gives the impression of a high-performance and dynamic motorcycle, one which exhilarates the rider and turns the heads of others at the same time.
The naked Z650 ABS’s revolutionary design is the result of the Japanese sugomi principle. Sugomi is described as, “…an intense aura given off by a person or object felt by the person looking at it.” The result is an organic-looking motorcycle, something that’s living and has character, instead of being sculpted by the wind-tunnel.
As for the Versys 650, its sharp profile and purposeful design portrays lightness and nimbleness, in tune with the bike’s true prowess. It stands apart from sport/adventure-tourers that look tall, heavy and unwieldly.
2. PARTS, ACCESSORIES WIDELY AVAILABLE
Being in the market for a long time and popular has great benefits for the owner.
While we always advocate performing maintenance at the Kawasaki Exclusive Service Centre at Glenmarie, Shah Alam and/or authorized workshops, plus using only genuine Kawasaki parts and accessories, motorcycle owners may have to seek help outside the official network during emergencies.
Since the Kawasaki 650 series has been in the market for a long time and very popular, there are plenty of places that may be able to assist in emergency situations.
Let’s just hypothetically say you’re in Danok, Thailand when you snapped the clutch cable (it’s unlikely). You could visit the nearest motorcycle shop, greet the mechanic sawadeekahp, install a compatible cable and then ride your Kawasaki 650 to the first Kawasaki dealer you see and have it replaced with the genuine item. Done.
1. RELIABILITY
Contrary to what some may have you believe, Kawasaki’s 650cc range consists of reliable motorcycles. The model line will not have continued on if it were the contrary.
As mentioned above, Kawasaki has evolved the 650 family to the current level of sophistication through 11 years. In spite of that, there’s no denying that the models remain relatively simple without undue complexity. That translates to ease of maintenance and also being less maintenance intensive, and ultimately affordable to own and enjoy.
There are dirt track racing teams in the US who utilize the 650cc engines, to great success.
As you can see, there are many attributes that makes the Kawasaki 650 range the favourite middleweight motorcycle the world over. There are also many other little qualities that we couldn’t find the space here for, but bear in mind that these little qualities contribute to motorcycles that are fun for everyone.
So do check one out and grab some seat time and you’ll be amazed.
Kawasaki’s “Change your view” tag line is so perfect with the latest Versys 1000 and 650, as we all know the previous one wasnt that good of a looker.
Pictures can only do so much but until we get to see it in the flesh, here is a fresh video from Kawasaki of the Versys 1000 on what looks like every biker’s dream road, the Transfagarasan Pass, Romania.
At the same time Kawasaki also released the 2015 Versys 650 video, both are special release as the company launches both Kawasaki Versys 1000 and 650 bikes yesterday in North America.
Some of us didnt see it coming but following its bigger brother the Versys 1000, the 2015 Kawasaki Versys 650 version also gets a make-over.
Just like its bigger brother, the 650 get dual-headlight looking a bit like whats on the ER-6F. And also just like its bigger brother it now features better wind protection for the rider thanks to that wider frontal area and an adjustable windscreen.
The engine also gets tweaked to increase a bit at the upper rev range and improving consumption. Add to the newly increased tank capacity of 21litres, that three litres more than previous means this version will have a longer touring range.
The USD now features ‘separate functions’ for each tube and a stronger subframe is some of the changes made to the chassis.
Specs:
Maximum power: 56ps @ 8,500rpm
Maximum torque: 47.2ftlb
Seat height: 840mm
Kerb mass: 214kg/216kg (ABS)
The official release from Kawasaki says:
The latest incarnation of the Versys 650 has been launched by Kawasaki at the prestigious Intermot motorcycle exhibition in Cologne, Germany. The Versys 650, already popular for its multi-purpose capabilities and its fun character, has been redesigned to reflect the sporty range-wide Kawasaki DNA and has received a multitude of upgrades for 2015.
A fresh new look has been given to this all-around machine, uniting both design and a fun and sporty character to create the ultimate Versys 650. The Kawasaki family styling is prominent in the dual front headlamps and the new cowling, which not only look the part but also improve wind protection and aerodynamics.
The proven 649cm3 engine retains its familiar low and mid-range torque, essential for daily riding and two-wheeled fun, but has received a boost in the high rpm performance to enhance its sporty character. Fuel efficiency has also been improved to ensure hours of enjoyment on any street.
Upgrades have been made to the long travel 41mm suspension which now has separate functions for each tube, allowing all adjusters to be at the top of the fork for easy personal refinement. New bike-specific settings contribute to both light handling and ride comfort. The rear suspension features an easy-to-access remote preload adjuster aiding effortless fine-tuning for pillion riding or load-heavy outings.
Adding to the many upgrades the new Versys 650 boasts, the stopping force of the new motorcycle has also been enhanced. New calipers, revised master cylinder settings, new brake pad material and a larger φ250 mm rear disc all deliver increased controllability, stronger initial bite and greater overall brake force.
However, the Versys 650 is not only about daily commuting and solo riding. This bike will devour long distances, alone or in the company of a pillion rider. Keeping this in mind, the touring capabilities of the Versys 650 have been improved by increasing the payload, allowing riders to take more with them and by including many useful accessories in the Kawasaki inventory. A stronger rear frame allows accessory clean-mount panniers and a top case to be used at the same time. An all-new larger adjustable windscreen offers comfort and protection to riders using simple hand-adjust knurled wheels. The fuel tank now holds 21L of fuel (previously 19L) so highway cruising or twisty excursions needn’t be interrupted by frequent refuelling.
Already with a loyal following, for 2015 the new Versys 650 goes the extra mile and stands proudly among the Kawasaki model range embodying the true meaning of a multi-tasking motorcycle. Discover the exceptionally versatile Versys 650, for everyday or weekend fun, ride longer and farther in comfort and in unique Kawasaki style.
We are just minutes away from the opening of doors to the 2014 Intermot (International Motorcycle, Scooter and E-Bike Fair) in Cologne, Germany. The event promises a few exciting reveals as of previous years.
A few of the hottest topics by far is the new 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 and 650, not forgetting the teasing Kawasaki have been doing with the release of the H2 videos. At least that was more recent as Ducati have been teasing a lot longer for a few months now with the scrambler.
We will be closely monitoring the launches and will bring you the most interesting or relevant news as it comes. For now here are some pictures that is said to be leaked prior of its launch, the Versys 1000 and 650 along with the H2.
More information as it comes so stay tuned here or our FB page for the latest updates.
