[TusharK]

Kawasaki has launched the 2024 edition of the Z650RS in India. The bike is priced at Rs 6.99 lakh (ex-showroom).



The Z650RS now features a traction control system, but apart from that, the 2024 iteration is identical to the outgoing version. It is available in a single Ebony/Metallic Matte Carbon Grey colour scheme.



The styling of the Kawasaki Z650RS is inspired by the Z900RS. The neo-retro design incorporates a teardrop-shaped fuel tank, a single-piece seat, a circular LED headlamp and a twin-pod instrument console.



Powering the Z650RS is a 649cc, parallel-twin engine, which produces 67 BHP @ 8,000 rpm and 64 Nm @ 6,700 rpm. The engine comes mated to a 6-speed gearbox. A 2-mode Kawasaki Traction Control System (KRTC) is now standard.

Link to Team-BHP News

[Senotrius]

Isn't it time Kawasaki started manufacturing atleast the old and tested 650 twins here in India? They could price it a lakh more than the RE twins and still sell it. No fancy gizmos needed.

[Balaji31582]

Kawasaki has been in India for sometime. They should be aware of ground clearance issues. At least in bikes which are not track oriented they can think of having a ground clearance of 165mm and above. 125mm/130mm is no way going to help for day to day purposes. They should have some custom ckd type of arrangement to get this configured if not completely manufactured here.

[Amrit@wheels]

Originally Posted by Senotrius

Isn't it time Kawasaki started manufacturing atleast the old and tested 650 twins here in India? They could price it a lakh more than the RE twins and still sell it. No fancy gizmos needed.

Smart advice. For a 1L difference, I can see a number of buyers going for the Japanese machine over RE. Also, expand your dealership network, Kawasaki.

[EshanS]

Wow what a superb motorcycle, only if it was priced slightly lesser. It would have been a direct competitor to the RE Interceptor, I'm so sure the majority would have considered this even if its not sounding like a British Twin (Rumble). Common Kawasaki, give us this at the right pricing and see your sales jump up!

The only worry I feel here is the size of the motorcycle, if its similar to the Z650 then this one is going to be a puny motorcycle for average customers. Lastly, that Parallel Twin is a bulletproof engine, will last for decades.

[thebikemaster]

I have always liked how Kawasaki India considers our market. Since beginning with Ninja 250 they were always giving us some great products.
Even many were not accepted by our people due to various factors.

I remember going to the showroom and checking the Z250 back in the day. That 2 cylinder engine was so sweet at that time and looks great too as a naked.

Now 2024, they are still coming up with international products right to us.

Kudos to Kawasaki India!!

[Sebring]

Agreed, I would consider Kawasaki but none of the products are available for TD in Bengaluru. How do I plonk big bucks on the product without TD?

Originally Posted by thebikemaster

I have always liked how Kawasaki India considers our market. Since beginning with Ninja 250 they were always giving us some great products. Even many were not accepted by our people due to various factors.

[venkat_partha]

I still remember fondly those days that I roamed the roads of Thanjavur District on my KB 125cc.

[bf1983]

Originally Posted by Sebring

Agreed, I would consider Kawasaki but none of the products are available for TD in Bengaluru. How do I plonk big bucks on the product without TD?

That's just sad. Here in Mumbai, test rides are usually available though you have to set up an appointment as all 3 outlets are owned by one company and so they rotate the test bikes based on demand. You can get TDs of almost any bike for a decently long run except for the higher-end bikes like the ZX10r or Zh2.

[avinash_m]

I fell in love with this motorcycle for just the way it looks - just the right mix of retro and modern!

While I've been seriously bitten by the mid-life crisis bug, to get one, it seems really odd that there're literally no ownership reviews of this bike yet, in more than 2 years after launch - wonder why's that!? Also no TD available of the bike (atleast here in Hyd), so no way to know how it feels/behaves in real world, possibly the only thing stopping me to go for it..

[roy_libran]

Originally Posted by avinash_m

I fell in love with this motorcycle for just the way it looks - just the right mix of retro and modern!

I had a Versys 650 earlier and have a Versys 1000 now. I wanted to downgrade to a lighter, more agile bike as long distance 2-up touring isn't something I do. I have been eyeing the 650RS for a while now and it is so disappointing that the GC is a deal breaker. :(

[avinash_m]

Originally Posted by roy_libran

I have been eyeing the 650RS for a while now and it is so disappointing that the GC is a deal breaker. :(

True, GC is a concern but my use case is different, more of a weekend toy with maybe those occasional early morning or late night rides; I don't think I can do longer rides. So hoping the low GC shouldn't pose a problem. Wonder if there are after market manifolds available which can possibly help improve the GC!?

[Rahulkool]

What a beautiful looking bike. This is a perfect combination. Absolutely right proportions and the right mix of retro + modern. The engine is also decently powerful. The analogue speedometer is the cherry on the cake for this bike.

The only ugly bits I could find were the exhaust pipes, but nothing much could be done about them because of the stricter emission norms now. The Headlight also looks a bit overdone with those thicker bezels. All said, I would love to own this bike someday.

[a_chelat]

Originally Posted by avinash_m

I fell in love with this motorcycle for just the way it looks - just the right mix of retro and modern!

The earlier 650 RS in the typical Kawasaki green shade and gold wheels were drop-dead gorgeous, no doubt. Unfortunately, Kawasaki India only offers this bike in Ebony/Matte grey color scheme now - a significant visual downgrade IMHO.

Kawasaki did announce new 2025 color schemes for their lineup; whether they make it to India is anyone's guess. Just look at these beauties:








And my favorite shade for the Z900 RS

[i_rock098]

If my understanding is correct this, Z650, Ninja 650, Versys 650 all share the same engine right just the body work is different for all these bikes?