THE Retrovolution has landed! The retro middleweight naked class has a new pupil, in the form of the super classy Kawasaki Z650RS.
Taking the RS formula that was introduced with the Z900RS back in 2018, the new Z650RS takes all the retro cues it can from the Kawasaki back catalogue, blending them perfectly into this accessible and exciting naked.
While the styling will remind some of the original Z650-B1 of the late seventies, the internals of the bike are bang up to date. The engine is heavily revised for this year and is the same reliable yet entertaining unit as found in the Z650 and Ninja 650.
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 be available from Kawasaki dealers with a 35kw kit enabling riders on an A2 licence to enjoy the Retrovolution for themselves.
Like its Z650 and Ninja 650 cousins, the suspension is provided by 41mm forks with Kawasaki’s own horizontal link rear shock – pre-load adjustment is available. The Kawasaki Z650RS features dual twin-piston front calipers biting down on 300mm round disc rotors. The front and rear brakes are governed by a two-channel Bosch advanced ABS unit.
Kawasaki Z650RS availability and colours:
The Kawasaki Z650RS will be available in UK dealers from early November, and will be available in three colours options:
- Metallic Spark Black (£7,549)
- Candy Emerald Green (£7,699)
- Metallic Moondust Grey / Ebony (£7,699)
For more information, head to: www.kawasaki.co.uk
