[RahulNagaraj]

Kawasaki has confirmed the arrival of the retro-styled Z650RS motorcycle. The Japanese bike maker has released a couple of teasers, stating that the 'Retrovolution' is coming soon. The latest teaser also confirms that Kawasaki will unveil the motorcycle on September 27, 2021.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1VkokpPaZE

The new Kawasaki Z650RS is expected to carry forward a lot of design elements from its larger displacement sibling, the Z900RS. This includes the comfortable seating position, slightly neutral-positioned footpegs, raised handlebars and large seats; all of which will make it suitable for both daily city runs, as well as for touring. Kawasaki is also expected to offer the Z650RS with a range of colour options, in line with its retro theme.

While the specifications of the motorcycle are yet to be announced, Kawasaki is expected to borrow many of the mechanicals from its Z650 naked motorcycle. This includes the 649cc parallel-twin engine, which on the Z650 produces 68 BHP and 64 Nm.

The Kawasaki Z650RS could also borrow other components from its naked sports bike sibling. This includes the frame, suspension and brakes.

Kawasaki is also expected to bring the new Z650RS to the Indian market, at a slightly later stage.

Link to Team-BHP news

[Mafia]

From what I have read on other forums, it will borrow heavily from the Z900RS.

Also mentioned is that it is an offering against the RE twins. Highly unlikely that Kawasaki can price it within one lakh more than the RE twins.

5 to 6 lakhs on-road will still make this an attractive offering.

[bf1983]

Originally Posted by Mafia

From what I have read on other forums, it will borrow heavily from the Z900RS.

Also mentioned is that it is an offering against the RE twins. Highly unlikely that Kawasaki can price it within one lakh more than the RE twins.

5 to 6 lakhs on-road will still make this an attractive offering.

The Z650 is already priced close to 8l on road. This will be a lakh or two more for sure unfortunately. No point for kawasaki to launch this here

[CrAzY dRiVeR]

Originally Posted by bf1983

No point for kawasaki to launch this here

Agree. Waste of time and effort for Kawasaki! Royal Enfield killed the market single-handedly a few years back itself.

What they need is a CKD Z900RS. Now that is one beautiful machine and with the unique USP of an inline4 motor underneath!

[dinu2506]

Originally Posted by CrAzY dRiVeR

Agree. Waste of time and effort for Kawasaki! Royal Enfield killed the market single-handedly a few years back itself.

What they need is a CKD Z900RS. Now that is one beautiful machine and with the unique USP of an inline4 motor underneath!

Fully with you on this. A competitively priced Z900RS, maybe at a slight premium over the Z900 would have been a potent offering, especially considering the poor pricing of the Triumph Speed Twin. Would be a worthwhile alternative to the retro offerings from Triumph including the Street Twin, T100, T120 and the Speed Twin. Price it between the Street Twin and Speed Twin and Kawa can take a large chunk out of Triumph retro market

[Neo18]

Where will they slot the W800 if the 650 RS is going to a lakh or more over the existing Z650? Agreed that the Z650 RS can be an option for Folks who don't want to deal with RE's dreaded Niggles and pathetic service, but only if its priced sensibly, but knowing kawasaki, this is going to be a dream!

[iamahunter]

Nice, the retros seem to be taking over the cutting edge designs.

RE going classic, Kawasaki with the W800 now W650(probably), Triumph with the Trident.

The one shown in the video is the actual retro Z650.


All good, but Kawasaki when will you get a new design for the Versys650!

[dinu2506]

Originally Posted by Neo18

Where will they slot the W800 if the 650 RS is going to a lakh or more over the existing Z650? Agreed that the Z650 RS can be an option for Folks who don't want to deal with RE's dreaded Niggles and pathetic service, but only if its priced sensibly, but knowing kawasaki, this is going to be a dream!

With the current pricing, the W800 needs to be off their portfolio as it does not fit anywhere. Beautiful looking retro bike but positioned oddly. Needs to compete with RE650 in terms of pricing, otherwise people don't see a value

[RRR]

Originally Posted by iamahunter

All good, but Kawasaki when will you get a new design for the Versys650!

Same goes with Vulcan S too ..I keep pondering this!! seriously the most ignored bikes which otherwise have a good market, Vulcan S could have paved the way for its bigger siblings here!

[dinu2506]

Originally Posted by RRR

Same goes with Vulcan S too ..I keep pondering this!! seriously the most ignored bikes which otherwise have a good market, Vulcan S could have paved the way for its bigger siblings here!

Also, have always wondered, why does the Vulcan weigh in at a whopping 235kg? Is it made of cast iron?

[CrAzY dRiVeR]

2022 Z650RS unveiled -

27 September 2021
Retrovolution begins with 2022 Kawasaki Z650RS

Targeted at younger riders and those in the early stages of their riding career, the Z650RS is predicted to also appeal to those who fondly recall the launch of the iconic “son of Z1” Z650-B1 in 1977. The delicate balance of old and new, retro and current has been expertly achieved by the Kawasaki design team with clever Z references abounding.

At the heart of the new machine is an updated version of Kawasaki’s venerable 649 cm3 water-cooled, parallel twin engine used in both the current Z650 and Ninja 650 models. With a justifiable reputation for durability and performance, the assist and slipper clutch equipped engine unit has also formed the basis of machines raced to success at the gruelling Isle of Man TT races. Tuned in the case of the Z650RS for low and mid rev response, plus characteristic invigorating high rev performance, the engine is rated at 68 PS (50.2 kW) and will also available from Kawasaki dealers with a 35kw power down kit fitted creating an A2 compliant machine.

In terms of the chassis, the frame is a tubular trellis type construction providing both lightness and agile response to aid reassuring handling capabilities. Its narrow aspect also allows riders to easily reach the ground at a standstill and manoeuvre the bike on the move with equal ease. The seat height for European models will be 820mm with a low seat accessory option at 800mm.

Focusing on suspension, the front duties are undertaken by ø41mm conventional forks with Kawasaki’s highly rated horizontal link rear suspension acting on a shock that is adjustable for pre-load. Braking is care of dual twin piston front calipers acting on retro-style 300mm round disc rotors instead of Kawasaki’s customary petal style rotors while at the rear a single piston brake acts on a 200mm rotor all assisted by Bosch advanced ABS.

Specification is one thing but the styling of the Z650RS is whole new ball game. Evoking myriad memories of the Z650-B1, the paint and pinstripes are a faithful reproduction of the green version of the earlier machine while the iconic “duck tail” cowling behind the seat and faithfully crafted side panels also play homage to the 1977 machine. Even the seat and its stitching pattern reveal a familiar fastidious attention to detail attention by Kawasaki stylists.

A round, LED headlamp lights the way while the dual analogue style “artillery shell” shaped meters include a digital centre panel for rider information. The adoption of gold multi-spoke type wheels is truly the “icing on the cake” while further embellishment is possible via a range of Kawasaki Genuine Accessories. Without doubt the new Z650RS will ensure that 2022 is the year of “Retrovolution”.

2022 Z650RS - Three Colours & Three Distinct Styles
* Metallic Spark Black
* Candy Emerald Green
* Metallic Moondust Gray / Ebony

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fw5n5g0Llmg&t=94s

[AtheK]

Love the Color and Stance of the bike. Though how well it sells if it comes to India is anyone guess, the market is ruled by the RE twins and they offer insane VFM. This engine though is a gem, and knowing Kawasaki, electricals will be sorted, Achilles heel for the RE twins.

Maybe RE should take a cue and launch a RS version of the twins, which use better electricals, alloy wheels with tubeless tires, and LED lightning all around and add tripper to that version, price it at a premium and it will sell well and beat the competition even more. The engine and gear combo as it stands is a gem already.

[CrAzY dRiVeR]

Features and action video -

https://youtu.be/umfaef59sAk

https://youtu.be/gvSUintuFtc

[AtheK]

The speedo looks so classy!!



Interesting the top speed shows 240, the Ninja 650 engine was quite capable to reach near 200, this probably will do better.

[parrys]

Looks so cool, especially those wheels.

That exhaust though, doesn't match the overall theme. Kawasaki should have given it a proper pipe like the bigger sibling.

Wonder how this would be priced in India.