The new Kawasaki Z650RS combines Retro style with modern Sports technology. Distinctive styling notes like a classic round LED headlight, needle instrumentation, 70’s influenced bodywork and colours, plus a twin-cylinder engine, create a stunning neo-retro segment reference point. The Kawasaki Z650RS is destined to impress all riders with its lovingly distilled spirit of RETROVOLUTION
Featuring the same exciting 649cc parallel twin engine and slim, lightweight trellis frame as its quick and nimble Supernaked counterpart, the new Z650RS has all the right ingredients to make everyday riding a fun, enjoyable experience. Befitting a retro sport model, the overall stance is less forward-leaning, with a more upright riding position and light, natural handling.
Optimised for everyday riding, the exciting parallel twin engine offers quick response, strong low-mid range performance and favourable fuel economy. When opening the throttle, riders will notice a smooth and powerful engine character offering both a high level of control when making minute throttle adjustments and a gratifying rush of acceleration in the lower rpm ranges.
The combination of low weight, thanks in large part to a trellis frame that weighs a mere 13.5 kg, and suspension settings tuned for light, natural response gives the Z650RS the balanced handling you would expect from a retro sport model.
With a higher handlebar creating a more upright seating position than the Supernaked Z650, and a slightly taller seat height offering more leg room, the Z650RS puts the rider in a natural, comfortable position that both inspires confidence and facilitates control for a wide range of riders.
A slim chassis and a low seat height of 800 mm that facilitate reaching the ground enable a wide range of riders to enjoy the Z650RS with confidence.
The Z650RS’ slim design, low weight and low seat height all contribute to manoeuvrability, whether walking beside the bike, or foot paddling in a parking lot. The manageable power delivery and strong low-end torque further facilitate low-speed manoeuvring.
Like Kawasaki’s retro sport Z900RS, the Z650RS features timeless good looks. As a middleweight model, a light and casual appearance reflects its rider-friendly character. The appeal of a traditional motorcycle is complemented by simple and modern design touches that allow the Z650RS to blend seamlessly into your everyday life.
A blend of retro and modern designs, the LED headlight features two chambers, both with position lamps to ensure the whole lamp appears lit, like a retro-style bulb headlight. The grooved design on the thick headlight ring adds a modern touch.
Analogue-style speedometer and tachometer dials are complemented by a multi-functional LCD screen, balancing retro-style looks with modern functionality.
Retro-style fuel tank design uses edges dividing the top and sides of the tank to emphasise its compact size. With a volume of 12 litres, it is narrow between the knees, contributing to a slim ergonomic package.
Compared to the upswept tail of the Z650, the tail of the Z650RS traces a horizontal line, contributing to the bike’s flat stance. The tail – shorter than that of the Z900RS, which reinforces the light, casual styling theme – is adorned with an LED taillight. An original-design seat adds to the retro sport image.
Kawasaki-original cast wheels similar to those on the Z900RS feature flat spokes designed to look like classic wire-spoked wheels. The wheels offer a balance of light weight and stylish looks, contributing to both handling and a design suited to the retro category. Display functions include: digital speedometer, digital bar-style tachometer, gear position indicator, shift lamp, fuel gauge, odometer, dual trip meters, current and average fuel consumption, remaining range, average speed, total time, coolant temperature, clock, battery voltage, Kawasaki service reminder, oil change reminder and the Kawasaki Economical Riding Indicator.
Each of the Z650RS’ colour variations features distinct styling, catering to a wide range of tastes.
Dual 300mm front disc brakes with dual-piston calipers and a 220mm rear disc brake deliver plenty of stopping power, while round discs contribute to the bike’s retro-sport look. ABS comes standard on the Z650RS to provide even more braking confidence.
A telescopic front fork and horizontal back-link rear suspension work together to deliver a progressive ride character. The result is a balance of firm sport performance and smooth ride comfort.
The under-engine muffler improves mass centralization and lowers the bike’s center of gravity, contributing to the bike’s agile handling performance and head-turning style.
Ergonomics have a big influence on agile handling. The rider triangle places the rider “in” rather than “on top of” the bike for a feeling of confident connected handling.
Low seat height and tapered seat shape create easy foot placement at stops while the upright seating provides a commanding ride position, giving the rider heads-up visibility for a confident riding experience. Superior riding comfort extends to the passenger with thicker urethane and wide sides for increased padding and support.
A thoughtful footpeg position offers a relaxed knee bend for rider comfort.
A wide handlebar contributes to easy low-speed maneuvering and better leverage for higher-speed cornering.2020 model shown.
37.8 kW {51 PS} / 8,000 rpm
59.0 N.m {6.0 kgf.m} / 6,500 rpm
4-stroke 2 cylinder
649 cm3
83.0 × 60.0 mm
10.8:1
DOHC, 8 valves
Fuel injection (o36 × 2)
Digital
Electric
Liquid-cooled
Forced Lubrication, Semi-Dry Sump
6-speed, return
2.095 (88/42)
2.438 (39/16)
1.714 (36/21)
1.333 (32/24)
1.111 (30/27)
0.966 (28/29)
0.852 (23/27)
3.067 (46/15)
Wet multi-disc, manual
Chain
Trellis, high-tensile steel
41mm dia Telescopic fork
Horizontal Back-link with adjustable preload
125mm
130mm
24.0?
100mm
35? / 35?
120/70ZR17M/C (58W)
160/60ZR17M/C (69W)
Dual semi-floating o300 mm petal discs
dual-piston calipers
o220 mm petal disc
single-piston caliper
2065 × 800 × 1115mm
2065
800
1115
1405
125
800
186
12L
