Motorcycle specifications KawasakiZ 650 RS 2023 Young idol

We' ve been waiting a long time for a little sister for the Z 900 RS... Now it's here. The concept is now available in mid-size format, with the same recipe for success: a contemporary roadster, a retro toilet, and changes all round to make it a machine in its own right, not just a makeover. Clac, it's matched, it sparkles, it shows off its pride and joy, and it's called the Z 650 RS.

It 's going to be hard to fault it. The mimicry is very successful, allowing everyone to rediscover the great lines that are so appealing on the 900. The allure of the Z1, that slightly bourgeois look, a big round headlight, an egg-shaped tail, and a dashboard with dual needle gauges. As Axe would say, let the charm work.

Kawasaki has not (fortunately) adopted the semi-square design of the old-fashioned firecracker for its fuel tank. It, too, takes the shape of the Z 900 RS, with its indelible elegance and paunchy presence.
The wheels are also from the same lineage, with their multiple, slender spokes. A special mention for the green color, the only one with a gold coating on the rims, as on the Z 900 RS SE. A glamorous touch that goes down well!
It's a pity that the exhaust system retains its dirty look - we wouldn't have minded an "old-fashioned" silencer.

No surprises on the engine side. The parallel twin's performance remains unchanged: same displacement, same power (68 hp), same torque (6.5 mkg), same revs to reach maximum values. This will be an asset for almost all purchasers of this machine. The 649 cm3 is fun to ride, very usable on a daily basis, and strong without being frightening, making it an excellent companion on the road. For a little less time at each stage, as the fuel tank holds just 12 liters (3 less than the Z).
For the sake of a chat, let's take a step back in time and see if the Z 650 RS has recaptured some of the memories of the Z 650 of the 70s and 80s. The watts, yes; almost identical. But that's about it. The ancestor was powered by a 4-cylinder with 8 valves, carburettors, air cooling and weighed a fair amount.

another world with the Z 650 RS, 33 kilos lighter than its ancestor. The difference is less obvious with the modern roadster brother, one kilogram heavier. No big deal. Insignificant, we'd say. Will we drive the RS like the Z 650?
Not at all. The riding position is much more relaxed, as befits a vintage-scented machine. With the handlebars raised and the seat at 820 mm (instead of 790), the rider finds himself in a more natural, less aggressive posture, leading to a ride that's less on the teeth. The grips are 50 mm higher and 30 mm further back.
The rear frame also takes on a different posture. It looks as if a press has pressed down hard on the second half to flatten it out. The whole stern becomes longer and truly old-school.

Virtually the same dynamic qualities can be found on the RS as on the Z. The tubular steel trellis frame, banana swingarm, 41 mm fork and shock absorber, as well as the brakes, are all transferred from one to the other. Only the discs change, losing their petal shape without altering their 300 mm diameter. Two pistons in each caliper to bite them, with ABS as a safeguard.

Brake anti-skid and fuel injection are just about all the electronics available for road use. The rest is to be found between the tachometer and rev counter. The small LCD unit first indicates the gear ratio engaged. This is followed by the fuel level, engine temperature, clock, trips and a number of other indications. A control on the handlebars lets you scroll through them. There's no showboating, no high-tech overkill, no smartphone link... but there is a USB port under the seat (optional) - not necessarily a practical place.

A rear-view mirror is made to see out the back... Kawasaki has combined the two to present its Z 650 RS. Let's forget the marketing approach and concentrate on what the bike really wants. To offer all the appeal of the Z 900 RS in a smaller format. To appeal to a wider range of riders. Especially since it can be downsized to A2. The styling is a success, the powertrain accessible to the widest possible audience, and the expected comfort a notch above that of the Z 650. With a much more affordable price than the big RS, its future should be bright.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos