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Kawasaki Z650RS – Two Recipes Combined for Success

05/04/2022 11:16 am

With the Z650RS, Kawasaki is expanding its range of retro bikes and is hoping for the same success as the Z900RS. In any case, the signs are good, as the Japanese very cleverly combine the two recipes for success and create a motorcycle guaranteed chic and driving fun.

The Kawasaki Z900RS, which was released in 2018, is a real popular figure that has helped the Japanese brand find many new customers. And so the four-cylinder motorcycle from the group of “modern classics” again made its way into the top 50 best-selling motorcycles in Germany every year. And because it works so well with the larger RS, Kawasaki is now expanding its range by adding the 650, prepared according to the same recipe, with the 900 in this segment. The RS version, derived from the Kawasaki Z650, which has been a huge success in Germany over the years, has only minor technical differences, but is in the 1970s style.

The classically designed Z650RS closes a gap in Kawasaki. From a technical point of view, the old-fashioned bike, with good outfits, offers everything that the Z650 also offers. First and foremost, the powerful 649 cc two-cylinder in-line engine. It is liquid-cooled and matches the current state of the art in every detail. The 68 hp engine has long proven its durability. The power development – 6700 crankshaft revolutions of 64 Newton meters of maximum torque is available – is impressive.

playful driving pleasure

Throttle response is sensitive, so driving mode is not required. There are no disturbing vibrations in normal life, as the Z650RS, which comes without any sort of wind protection, isn’t built for continuous full throttle – 191 km/h is possible anyway. The standard consumption of 4.3 liters per 100 kilometers specified by the manufacturer is also up to date. Theoretically, 200 kilometers is possible with the 12-liter tank before the reserve light reminds you to stop for fuel. Appropriately, Kawasaki also offers the model in a lower-powered version for A2 license holders. The 48 hp variant is still faster at 176 km/h, but requires 0.2 liters more petrol per 100 km as per the data sheet. Otherwise there are no technical differences.

The Z650RS is fun to drive. Thanks to the very comfortable seating position, all driving maneuvers are extremely easy. The slightest pressure on the wide tubular handlebar is enough for precise steering, and cornering stability leaves nothing to be desired in this vehicle category. The only thing that can be adjusted on the chassis is the preload of the hidden, recessed spring strut, but thanks to a well-chosen basic design, the handlebars are always comfortable. Only rough rough roads push the waterfalls and dampers to their limits.

Perfect for Style in Almost Every Way

While the exhaust system placed under the engine is good for driving characteristics, on the other hand it is not true to styling. Because such silencers were not manufactured in the 1970s and 1980s. At the time, relatively flat exhaust systems with one or two tailpipes were common. For the Z650RS, Kawasaki didn’t make the necessary effort to make changes. According to the manufacturer, it may have exceeded the calculation. Eventually, it was decided to use the much nicer looking cast aluminum wheels that also turn into the sister model Z900RS. The rims reveal their full beauty only with the gold tint reserved exclusively for the variant painted in emerald green. In the other two color versions (black or grey/black), the wheels are also painted black.

A significant difference between the basic version and the RS is not only in the seating position and silhouette, but also in the front of the vehicle. Instead of an aggressive front mask, the RS gets a classic round headlight. It is equipped with light emitting diodes and is therefore technically up to date. This also applies to turn signals and rear lights. There is also a difference between the instruments. In keeping with the rest of the bike’s styling, the RS features two round clocks with dull dials that are easy to read. The small LC display in the middle shows everything that is important apart from speed and engine speed. Round rear-view mirrors are also fitted to match the cockpit design.

Apart from the exhaust system, Kawasaki has tweaked everything needed to make the hugely popular Z650 a consistent old school version with the coveted RS acronym. If you have about 8500 euros at your disposal and you are looking for an easy-to-handle classic bike for every day and for all purposes, now you will also find an offer in Kawasaki.