Motorcycle specifications KawasakiZ 650 RS 50th Anniversary 2022 Running on empty

The Kawasaki Z1 turns 50 this year, the Z 650 RS just a few months later. One enjoys such an aura in the manufacturer's history that the other is celebrating its half-century with a special series. Supported by a simple ambition: to instantly recall the origins of all Z models. To achieve this, there's nothing better than a replica color scheme, drawn from as far back as possible.

The young neo-retro went digging into the family album to find the 1972 Candy Brown / Orange (also known as Fireball) paint scheme and reproduce it almost identically. The duo of colors on the fuel tank appears both symbolic and appreciable. But the mimicry isn't complete. The front mudguard is painted brown, whereas the original was chrome. And there are no spoked wheels, which Kawa only installs on the W800.

However, the Z 650 RS 50th Anniversary does feature a few well-chosen details. The seat cover and stitching are different. The passenger grab handle is standard. Under the seat, "650 Double Overhead Camshaft" emblems faithfully reproduce the calligraphy of the original model. At the top of the tank, a "Z 50th" inscription completes the authenticity of this model's memory.

The beautiful gold rims add a precious yet classy touch. The twin-cylinder engine common to the Z 650 RS, Z 650, Versys and other bikes powers the celebrations with its 68 hp. The machine is A2-compatible, doesn't play the big or medium electronics game (so much the better), presents a nicely vintage look with its round headlight (LED) and mixed analog/digital dashboard, relies skilfully on style and charms even more in this tribute edition.

It 's not the only one to think of the Super Four's 50 broomsticks. The Z 900 RS is also available in this 50th anniversary edition. Two other models, the Z 650 and Z 900, are also part of the festivities, in a Firecracker color scheme reminiscent of the Z1100GP.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos