BHPian VW2010 recently shared this with other enthusiasts:Build -The bike does not feel any different from the CKD at first sight. On close inspection, there are clear areas of cost savings.Triple clamp and suspension -The dual bolted triple clamp makes way for a single bolt one, and the thickness and quality difference are straight up evident. The frame, engine, and transmission are untouched in terms of build. But every other part of the bike is not just replaced with locally made parts, but redesigned for further cost savings to maximize margin The brakes have bigger discs, and there is no compromise on the disc size or thickness, yet the calipers, while they say Nissin at least appear to be smaller. The pads are also no longer the sintered ones offered in the CKD. But, I believe the braking performance may actually be better with a bigger disc. The cost-cutting is visible if you put both the bikes side by side on things like handlebars, cables, and certain support in the front fork for cable routing. Even the fairing is a single unit vs a 2-piece in CKD. The seats are localized as well. On the functional difference1. SuspensionSuspension in the Indian version is stiffer. This is something I would prefer. The rear seems the same, but the front is tuned stiffly. The rebound felt similar, and the compression was where I found the difference more. Again, these are stationary tests. The front end diving on braking is less, which I believe will aid in better stopping of the bike The impact of this stiffer setup is evident on ride height. I am 183 cms and carry 85kg of fat. On the CKD, I flat foot in a stationary bike. On the Indian version, I was not flat in my feet. Yes, the reduction in seat height was probably required to keep you at a similar ride height setup when compared to CKD.2. HandlebarsThe Indian version is set up better. The bars are set a bit higher and will make it easier to keep the head above the handlebars naturally compared to the CKD version. There is clear evidence of cost-cutting as the material used for the handlebars on side-to-side comparison by looks felt different. It is indeed stupid for Kawasaki to ignore the crossbar. It’s a penny-wise pound-foolish moment from Kawasaki.3. SeatsSeats were similar. The fit and finish may be different, but functionally, it will not be different. 4. Potential to remove weightSaree guard, the speedo meter, probably the ABS module, tail, and tail light area are easy to remove and shed that extra weight. Between this and RS, it is actually possible to make a simpler setup and get the weight closer while running it legally on the road.Overall:- My take is that this is just not an attempt to make the bike local but to increase the margin even higher by design changes here and there, while changing components and component quality. If the intention was to simply make it localized, the same components could have been easily made, as the difference in design is nothing. Shoawa will be around 45k, and the triple clamp around 15k. For 60k, one can upgrade the bike to CKD spec. Still a good saving over the CKD. Am I convinced that the Indian version is more than enough? Yes, I am convinced. I will test ride back to back with CKD over a weekend and make the booking. Hope this helps. Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.
