Kawasaki Z650RS’ global unveil is done and it should make its way to India too
The unveil of the Kawasaki Z650RS, if anything, tells us that the modern retro motorcycle segment is thriving in the current volatile era.
Based on the Z650, the Z900RS’ sibling has a minimalist and pleasing design that will appeal to those who like the styling of machines of the past.
Boasting a circular headlight, a shapely fuel tank, neat side panels and a sculpted tail, the Kawasaki Z650RS has full-LED lighting and a few contrasting bits like the knee grip and radiator panels.
It also comes with 17-inch spoke-style cast wheels, wide and flat handlebar, a single-piece seat and the instrumentation comprises twin analogue dials between which sits an LCD screen.
During the unveil, Kawasaki Z650RS’ colour schemes were also revealed. The modern retro bike is offered with Candy Emerald Green, Metallic Moondust Gray/Ebony and Metallic Spark Black.
Each paint option comes with its own graphics and pinstripes, while the Green shade is complemented by gold-coloured wheels too. Others make do with black rims.
Power comes from a 649cc, liquid-cooled, parallel twin motor that makes 68 PS at 8000 RPM and 64 Nm of torque at 6700 RPM. The engine is teamed to a 6-speed transmission with assist and slipper clutch.
Weighing 187 kg, the Z650RS is 4 kg lighter than the Z650. Moreover, it measures 2065 mm long, 800 mm wide and 1115 mm tall, which is, respectively, shorter (length-wise), wider and taller than the naked.
In addition, Kawasaki has given its middleweight modern retro a taller seat (at 820 mm) and a smaller fuel tank (12 litres) than the bike on which it is based.
There are no differences between the 2 motorcycles when it comes to the tyre sizes, suspension and brakes. Even the suspension travel is identical.
The Japanese firm sells both the Z650 (Rs. 6.24 lakhs) and the Ninja 650 (Rs. 6.61 lakhs) in India and is thus expected to introduce the retro-style derivative here as well.
