The Rs 4.57 lakh Ninja 650R motorcycle now in India

Keen on filling the huge gap between expensive litre-class motorcycles and the 250cc motorcycle segment, Bajaj and India Kawasaki Motors have launched the new Ninja 650R in the Indian market.

First off, the really good news - the pricing. The Ninja 650R is yours for Rs. 4.57 lakh, ex-showroom, New Delhi.

To put things in perspective, a brand new 1,000cc super sports motorcycle will cost you roughly Rs. 13.5 lakh, ex-showroom, while a sporty 250cc motorcycle will have a price tag in the range of Rs. 1.5-3.0 lakh, depending on which model you choose.

Now, you have the Ninja 650R as an option sitting between the two ends of the spectrum, at the price of a family hatchback.

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The Ninja 650R really isn't about all-out performance that pulls your arms right out of their respective sockets; it's meant to be a friendly, practical and comfortable motorcycle that will handle various motorcycling duties with ease.

For the price you pay, you get quite a handsome and well-specced bike. The aggression in the design, the sporty detailing and the all-important big bike feel - they're all there.

The liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine displaces 649cc, makes 71 horsepower and is tuned to provide good torque throughout, with special emphasis on low-end and mid-range performance.

Chassis-wise, the steel trellis frame, the exposed offset rear monoshock and the twin 300 mm front/single 220 mm disc brakes lend it a nice, sporty character.

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Particularly worth noting is the fact that the 650R trades racy riding ergonomics for an upright, easy-to-reach riding posture that's comfortable everywhere - be it on your touring trips or your commute.

This six-speed motorcycle is also equipped with a comprehensive multi-function display as well as vibration-reducing rubber mounts, improving refinement.

The Ninja 650R will be available through all Bajaj ProBiking dealerships and will only be offered in the proper Kawasaki green colour option.

When it looks this good, we're hardly complaining. Will this be your next big bike?