[Mr.Ogre]

I like it. I loved the Z900RS and I like the mini RS as well. There is really a dearth of good middle weight sports tourer. Triumph Tiger 660 is another bike that I am waiting for. I ride a 2014 FZ6R, and while it is holding strong and still performs like new, I want either a Z650RS or a Triumph Tiger 660 to partner her in my garage. I am not very fond of 1000 cc bikes, 650 is the sweet spot for me.

[windiesel]

Originally Posted by dinu2506

The down pipes and catcon look perilously prone to damage on speed breakers. There seems to be no option to add a sump guard as well looking at the design. Does not look suited for India considering these in mind.
Lovely looking machine, all the same.

Yes, and that translates into a mere 125mm of Ground Clearance. I hope Kawasaki will redesign the exhaust system for India.

[dinu2506]

Originally Posted by windiesel

Yes, and that translates into a mere 125mm of Ground Clearance. I hope Kawasaki will redesign the exhaust system for India.

I was looking at the currently available Z650 and that too seems to have a similar exhaust setup with no visible protection. Are there no complaints of damages on the Z650?

[manojsolanki87]

Originally Posted by dinu2506

I was looking at the currently available Z650 and that too seems to have a similar exhaust setup with no visible protection. Are there no complaints of damages on the Z650?

I too am looking for a used z650. There certainly are some news of scraping on the underbelly exhaust.

[dinu2506]

Originally Posted by manojsolanki87

I too am looking for a used z650. There certainly are some news of scraping on the underbelly exhaust.

Sorry, I meant I was googling the Z650, not planning to get one
For that matter, the Z900, too seems to have the same issue.

[sunilch]

Originally Posted by manojsolanki87

I too am looking for a used z650. There certainly are some news of scraping on the underbelly exhaust.

Originally Posted by dinu2506

Sorry, I meant I was googling the Z650, not planning to get one
For that matter, the Z900, too seems to have the same issue.

Both N650 and Z650 have this serious issue of bottom scrapping on smallest of the breakers with just the rider itself. You will have a heart attack if you have some load or a pillion rider at the back.

No idea about Z900 but what I have read is that it has a harder suspension and hence it doesn't dive that much when you break before a breaker.

[narula123]

Originally Posted by v12

A beautiful motorcycle marred by the underbody exhaust. And soon to be marred by its police by Kawasaki India. Looking at the Z900RS pricing, I am sure this will command a high premium over the Z650. Probably a DOA if it's priced even Close to the Triumph Trident.

+1 on the exhaust ruining the retro looks. How difficult was it for them to re-engineer the exhaust system and have a more apt looking exhaust system. The rest of the bike looks tasteful and I think Kawa India is quite smart on pricing generally on their CKDs and this one would aim clearly at the Trident to capture the modern Retro customers.

Honestly, despite its mixed looks for me it looks like a better naked alternative to the N650 than the Z650. Having owned this engine for almost a decade, I can vouch for its bulletproof nature and that in my books is a BIG plus for buyers in this segment which isnt apparent on the showroom floors.

[bf1983]

Originally Posted by narula123

+1 on the exhaust ruining the retro looks. How difficult was it for them to re-engineer the exhaust system and have a more apt looking exhaust system. The rest of the bike looks tasteful and I think Kawa India is quite smart on pricing generally on their CKDs and this one would aim clearly at the Trident to capture the modern Retro customers.

Honestly, despite its mixed looks for me it looks like a better naked alternative to the N650 than the Z650. Having owned this engine for almost a decade, I can vouch for its bulletproof nature and that in my books is a BIG plus for buyers in this segment which isnt apparent on the showroom floors.

Yes they have a much nicer exhaust on the Z900 RS but I suspect they kept the same old exhaust to keep the price down. The RS version is 700 pounds more expensive in the UK so maybe the price difference will be around 70k if it comes via the CKD route.

This would place this bike bang against the Trident at around 6.95l ex showroom which puts the RS at a severe handicap given its down on power and has far less features than the Trident.

The only real advantage this will have over the Trident is that its a Jap machine and is a bit bigger bike so has a lot more road presence against the Trident but honestly that isn't much. Considering the Z650 is a sales dud this might sell a few single digit units a month at most.

[CrAzY dRiVeR]

And it's already out for tests on our roads -

Source

• When launched, Kawasaki Z650 RS will set sight on other retro-classic models including the Triumph Bonneville range and Royal Enfield Interceptor 650.
• Kawasaki Z650 RS has been spotted doing testing rounds on the Indian roads.

[aargee]

No matter what is built on that bullet proof 650 cc 360 degree firing engine, it doesn't have an exciting tone on the exhaust even with an aftermarket exhaust

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixd68FHaeSE

[GreasyCarb55]

As much I want more retro big bikes to come to India, I don't the Z650RS is it.

With how the RS models are priced overseas the Z650RS will command a pretty substantial price premium over the base Z650 which is already a sales dud in India.

At that point I feel like a lot of Indian buyers would spend that little bit extra to get a Z800 or GSX-S750 or go for something like the upcoming Tiger 660 or Verseys 650.

Plus the placement of the underbelly exhaust and pitiful 125mm of ground clearance on Indian roads means that the exhaust is prone to scratching and god forbid if you go over a pothole or speed bump on that thing with a pillion or touring luggage on the back.

(125mm Kawasaki? Seriously )

[anand.shankar]

That exhaust is totally not in sync with the rest of the bike, even if its retro-"modern" it just doesn't fit in for me.

[GoBlue]

Kawasaki, please focus on getting the Z900 RS/Z900 RS SE here.

This ugly machine (Z650 RS) doesn’t even deserve the “RS” moniker!

No one gives a rat’s bottom about an “RS” bike with green paint/gold alloys with a not-premium suspension and engine to go along with it.

Putting lipstick on a pig does not make it pretty.

[bf1983]

Originally Posted by aargee

No matter what is built on that bullet proof 650 cc 360 degree firing engine, it doesn't have an exciting tone on the exhaust even with an aftermarket exhaust

https://www.Youtube.com/watch?v=ixd68FHaeSE

Exciting ? Definitely not. I hated the Z650 exhaust when I got it. Felt it just doesn't do justice to the bike. Over time I got to really like it. Its soft when riding and when you give the bike the beans the exhaust gets sufficiently loud and it used to sound a lot better IMO.

That said the ground clearance is pathetic and the RS has the same exhaust as the Z650/Ninja 650 which really looks out of place. I had to change to a Miiv Mk3 exhaust only to increase the ground clearance after I got fed up of looking for speedbreakers more than enjoying the ride.

The MK3 is a lot louder exhaust even with the baffle but the bass note is really nice and you don't get that with 3 and 4 cylinder engines. Now the exhaust won't make me give up a dream of owning a screaming in line 4 engine sound but I have fallen in love with the exhaust and I have no regrets.

Also last thing to note is the most mics just don't capture the exact sound of the exhaust as the bass is cut off and I was shocked at how the exhaust sounded once it was installed as I had a different idea in my mind after watching the Mk3 exhaust videos on Youtube.

[CrAzY dRiVeR]

Kawasaki launches the all New MY22 Z650RS starting at Launching price of INR 6,65,000/-




Press release below -

29 October 2021

India Kawasaki Motors Pvt. Ltd. (IKM) announces the launch of all new MY22 Z650RS. The Z650RS will be available in “Candy Emerald Green” and “Metallic Moondust Gray” colours and price will be starting at launching price of INR 6,65,000/-(Ex-Showroom).

Kawasaki’s 650cc-class twins come in a wide range of shapes and styles – from full-cowling Ninja sports and Z Supernaked models, to Versys adventure-style and Vulcan cruiser-style machines. The newest member of the 650 club is a colossal combination of retro styling taking modern cues, the all New Z650RS will attract all retro lovers, who are waiting for new evolution – The Retrovolution.

Time ceases everything but certain things are immortal – the retro styling is one such trait, and all new Z650RS is all set to carry the retro legacy towards new future, tempting every eye with the timeless beauty of an orthodox motorcycle. A slim tank and a short, compact tail are expressions of light handling and an approachable character which distinguish Z650RS from its big brother.

The all new Z650RS will 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

ALL-NEW 2022 KAWASAKI Z650RS HIGHLIGHTS:

1. Modern Retro Styling
2. Relaxed Riding Position
3. Parallel-twin 649cc engine
4. Lightweight trellis frame
5. Horizontal back-link rear suspension
6. Dual-Dial instrumentation with multi-function LCD
7. Round LED Headlight
8. All-LED lightings
9. Spoke-style cast wheels

Kawasaki motorcycles possess both power and grace so are often recognised as being different to other bikes. This results from certain guiding principles adopted at the design stage. Rideology is Kawasaki’s rider-centric development philosophy focused on how the riding experience offered by a Kawasaki is crafted, ensuring that our machines are fun to ride and rewarding to control. This approach has been the force behind many of our legendary machines, and in our pursuit of all possibilities it will continue to guide the future creation of Kawasaki motorcycles.

The all new Z650RS will be starting at launching price of INR 6,65,000/- (Ex-Showroom) and delivery will start from end of November or beginning of December’21.

Customers can check the estimated on-road price of motorcycle on on-road price estimator tab of website.

Kawasaki website : https://kawasaki-india.com
On-roadprice estimator :https://kawasaki-india.com/on-road-price-estimator/