Big GST Update: Kawasaki Bike Prices Drop for Sub-350cc and Rise for 400cc to 650cc Models

The Indian two-wheeler market has just witnessed a major shake-up due to a new GST update. Kawasaki India has officially announced revised prices for its motorcycles, effective from September 22, 2025. The move brings both relief and disappointment for different categories of riders.

While sub-350cc Kawasaki bikes are now cheaper, motorcycles in the 400cc to 650cc range have become more expensive due to a higher tax slab. This dual impact has changed the pricing strategy across Kawasaki’s lineup, making some bikes more attractive while pushing others into a premium bracket.

In this detailed article, we break down the new Kawasaki prices in India, explain why this change happened, and analyze how it affects buyers and the motorcycle market.

GST Impact on Kawasaki Bikes: Winners and Losers

The government has reduced GST rates for motorcycles under 350cc, but increased GST for bikes in the 400cc to 650cc segment from 31% to a steep 40%.

Bikes That Got Cheaper

Kawasaki W175 series
Kawasaki KLX230 models
Kawasaki Ninja 300
Kawasaki Versys-X 300
Kawasaki KX series (KX65, KX85, KX112, KX250)

Bikes That Got More Expensive

Kawasaki Ninja 500
Kawasaki Eliminator
Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R
Kawasaki Z650
Kawasaki Ninja 650
Kawasaki Versys 650
Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R

New Prices for Kawasaki Bikes Under 350cc

The biggest winners of this tax cut are entry-level and mid-segment buyers. Popular Kawasaki models have become significantly more affordable.

Kawasaki W175 Series

MY23: Old Price ₹1,22,000 → New Price ₹1,13,000 (₹9,000 cheaper)
SPLC & G MY23: ₹1,24,000 → ₹1,15,000 (₹9,000 cheaper)
MY24: ₹1,29,000 → ₹1,19,000 (₹10,000 cheaper)
SPLC & G MY24: ₹1,31,000 → ₹1,21,000 (₹10,000 cheaper)
Street MY24: ₹1,35,000 → ₹1,25,000 (₹10,000 cheaper)

Kawasaki Ninja 300 and Versys-X 300

Ninja 300 (296cc): ₹3,43,000 → ₹3,17,000 (₹26,000 cheaper)
Versys-X 300 (296cc): ₹3,79,900 → ₹3,49,000 (₹30,900 cheaper)

Kawasaki KLX Models

KLX110R L MY24: ₹3,12,000 → ₹2,88,000 (₹24,000 cheaper)
KLX140R F MY24: ₹4,11,000 → ₹3,79,000 (₹32,000 cheaper)
KLX230RS MY26: ₹1,94,000 → ₹1,79,000 (₹15,000 cheaper)
KLX230 MY25 (233cc): ₹3,30,000 → ₹2,99,000 (₹31,000 cheaper)
KLX230 MY26: ₹1,99,000 → ₹1,84,000 (₹15,000 cheaper)

Kawasaki KX Series

KX65: ₹3,12,000 → ₹2,88,000 (₹24,000 cheaper)
KX85: ₹4,20,000 → ₹3,88,000 (₹32,000 cheaper)
KX112: ₹4,87,400 → ₹4,50,000 (₹37,400 cheaper)
KX250: ₹8,87,000 → ₹7,79,000 (₹48,000 cheaper)

New Prices for Kawasaki Bikes Above 400cc

While sub-350cc bikes bring smiles to buyers, the opposite is true for riders looking at mid-weight and premium Kawasaki motorcycles. These bikes have seen a steep hike because of the new 40% GST slab.

Kawasaki Eliminator and Ninja 500

Eliminator MY24: ₹5,62,000 → ₹6,01,000 (₹39,000 costlier)
Eliminator MY25: ₹5,76,000 → ₹6,16,000 (₹40,000 costlier)
Ninja 500 MY24: ₹5,24,000 → ₹5,61,000 (₹37,000 costlier)
Ninja 500 MY25: ₹5,29,000 → ₹5,66,000 (₹37,000 costlier)

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R

Ninja ZX-4R MY24: ₹8,49,000 → ₹9,08,000 (₹59,000 costlier)
Ninja ZX-4R MY25: ₹8,79,000 → ₹9,40,000 (₹61,000 costlier)

Kawasaki 600–650cc Lineup

Z650 MY24: ₹6,65,000 → ₹7,11,000 (₹46,000 costlier)
Z650 MY25: ₹6,79,000 → ₹7,26,000 (₹47,000 costlier)
Z650₹ MY24: ₹6,99,000 → ₹7,48,000 (₹49,000 costlier)
Z650₹ MY25: ₹7,20,000 → ₹7,69,000 (₹49,000 costlier)
Ninja 650 MY24: ₹7,16,000 → ₹7,66,000 (₹50,000 costlier)
Ninja 650 MY25: ₹7,27,000 → ₹7,77,000 (₹50,000 costlier)
Versys 650 MY25: ₹7,93,000 → ₹8,48,000 (₹55,000 costlier)
Ninja ZX-6R MY25: ₹11,53,000 → ₹12,33,000 (₹80,000 costlier)
Ninja ZX-6R MY26: ₹11,69,000 → ₹12,49,000 (₹80,000 costlier)

Why Did the Prices Change?

The government’s strategy is clear:

Encourage buyers to choose lower-capacity, locally assembled bikes.
Promote local assembly of models like the KLX230, which makes them more affordable.
Keep high-performance imported bikes (CBU units) in the premium segment by taxing them higher.

This balancing act helps the government support the local industry while ensuring premium bikes remain aspirational.

Benefits and Drawbacks for Customers

Advantages

Sub-350cc Kawasaki motorcycles are now more affordable than ever.
Festive season buyers will benefit from attractive price cuts.
Kawasaki Ninja 300 has regained its position as India’s most affordable twin-cylinder motorcycle.

Disadvantages

400cc and above motorcycles have become significantly more expensive.
Mid-weight models like Ninja 500, Ninja 650, and Versys 650 will now stretch buyers’ budgets.
Demand for mid-weight premium bikes may see a temporary slowdown.

Impact on the Indian Motorcycle Market

This GST reform will reshape the Indian two-wheeler industry in multiple ways:

Stronger competition in the sub-350cc segment as Kawasaki joins the fight against other brands.
Boost for local assembly of international bikes, potentially leading to more affordable models in the future.
Premium bike exclusivity will increase as higher taxes create a bigger price gap between mass-market and superbikes.

Spotlight: Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R

Among the most affected premium models is the legendary Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R. This motorcycle is a powerhouse in the middleweight supersport category.

Delivers 124PS of peak power and 69Nm of torque.
The only inline-four cylinder motorcycle in its segment.
Even with the higher price, it remains the dream machine for performance lovers.

Conclusion

The GST update has had a dual impact on Kawasaki India’s pricing. For riders looking at entry-level and mid-capacity motorcycles (below 350cc), this is the perfect time to buy, as prices have dropped significantly. On the other hand, buyers eyeing 400cc to 650cc motorcycles will now need to adjust to the higher costs.

This decision clearly divides customers into two categories:

Budget and mid-segment riders enjoy the benefits of lower prices.
Premium bike enthusiasts must pay more for exclusivity and performance.

In short, the GST update has made Kawasaki’s lineup more attractive for everyday riders while keeping its performance bikes firmly in the premium territory.