Kawasaki has just unveiled its latest neo-retro bike, the Z650RS, which as the Japanese manufacturer explains is the first model Retrovolution, that is motorcycles launched many years ago and now re-proposed in a modern key.
And faithful to this “message”, the Kawasaki Z650RS is a modern version of the iconic Kawasaki Z650-B1 in vogue in the 70s. And this intentional similarity can be seen immediately starting from the painting Candy Emerald Green, very similar to the original Z650.
The Z650RS has the right blend of new and retro elements. For example, while Team Green has equipped the bike with an old-school circular headlight, the new model houses a modern LED setup. The console of the double pod instruments is also configured for the present day, which, however, sports analog hands as expected from a motorcycle of this kind, but also presenting a small LCD display. The gold-colored alloy wheels are also designed to evoke the charm of spoked wheels. However, as much as we love the look of the Kawasaki Z650RS, having a side exhaust, rather than the Z650’s ventral unit itself, would have added a little more to its retro appeal.
Kawasaki Z650RS, retro in modern style
Underneath all of this charming old-school outfit is the same liquid-cooled 649cc parallel twin engine as the Kawasaki Z650 and Ninja 650. For this model it was however revised for better low and mid range response, but without compromising its high-end motorcycle capabilities. That said, it produces the same 68hp (50,2 kW) And 64 Nm of the “naked” and sport-tourer sisters. It will also be offered in a 35 kW version to the delight of A2 license holders.
Kawasaki hasn’t changed the foundations of the bike that much. The Z650RS retains the naked’s trellis frame, and even the 41mm telescopic fork and horizontal link suspension. While the brakes are the same size as those of the standard Z650 (dual 300mm front discs and a single 220mm rear disc), but aided by the anti-lock braking system (ABS) of Bosch.
The Kawasaki Z650RS also offers other differences to the Z650. Its seat height is 820mm, 30mm more than the Z650. The tank capacity of the RS, however, drops from 15 liters to 12 liters and this is perhaps one of the characteristics that could turn your nose upside down. But it is not to be underestimated that the Z650RS it is 1 kg lighter than the Z650, which also contributes to making it one of the most agile in the segment. The Kawasaki Z650RS will go on sale in November 2021 in black, emerald green and green / gray colors. Prices are being defined.