New Kawasaki Z650RS Details Leaked

[Admin]

A new Kawasaki Z650RS model looks imminent for 2022, with retro styling likely in the same vein as the Z900RS (pictured). (Kawasaki/)

Given the success of the Kawasaki Z900′s transformation into the retro-style Z900RS, it’s surprising Kawasaki hasn’t performed the same trick on the smaller Z650 already. But we’ve just come across new information showing that exactly such a bike is coming for 2022.

While rumors of the Z650RS’ existence have been rife for months, and Kawasaki recently dropped a teaser video on YouTube promising a “Retrovolution” in the near future, until now there’s been no cast-iron evidence of the Z650RS. However, we’ve got our hands on new type-approval documents from Europe that officially list the Z650RS as a 2022 addition to Kawasaki’s range, eliminating any doubts that it’s on the way.

As well as confirming the bike’s name, the Euro type-approval paperwork includes some key facts about the machine including its power, weight, and dimensions. Unsurprisingly, those numbers are all very close to the existing Z650′s. Just like the existing model, the Z650RS makes 67 hp (50.2kW) at 8,000 rpm and 47 pound-feet of torque at 6,700 rpm (these are European specs, so differ slightly to US ones, where the Z650 has a claimed 48.5 pound-feet at 6,500 rpm). The top speed is also identical to the Z650, rated at 119 mph on the European documents. Over there, a lower-powered, 47 hp version will also be sold to suit inexperienced riders with restricted licenses.

The new model will be closely related to the existing Z650 however, with the same frame and similar power and weight. (Kawasaki/)

The close relationship between the Z650 and the Z650RS continues with the chassis, with both machines sharing the same tubular steel frame, though the documents show a minute difference in wheelbase, with the new RS version 5mm (0.2 inch) shorter between the axles, suggesting it might have a different fork or a revised suspension setup. The Z650RS is also around half an inch longer overall, no doubt due to a Z900RS-style tail unit, and significantly taller and wider than the Z650 thanks to higher, broader bars. In total, they’re 1.4 inches wider than the Z650′s and 2 inches higher, contributing to a more upright riding position.

Related: 2020 Kawasaki Z650 & Z650 ABS First Look

With Kawasaki already showing a teaser video for the new retro model, an official launch is likely to come shortly. (Kawasaki/)

While the physical dimensions are a little larger than the Z650, the Z650RS is around 2 pounds lighter than its sister model, probably due to having fewer body panels. We haven’t seen the styling yet, but it’s sure to follow the same theme as the Z900RS, with 1970s-inspired looks.

However, there are clues that Kawasaki hasn’t gone to the same lengths with the new bike when it comes to replicating the appearance of older bikes. For instance, the documents show that the Z650RS has the same part number for its exhaust muffler as the normal Z650, where the Z900RS has its own unique exhaust system that isn’t shared with the Z900. Kawasaki also styles the Z900RS’ engine to include faux cooling fins that aren’t present on the normal Z900, as well as giving it different wheels and brakes. If the Z650RS doesn’t merit its own exhaust, it might well not get those upgrades either. The only clue that the type-approval document gives is the wheel and tire sizes, which are identical to the stock Z650 with 120/70ZR-17 front and 150/60ZR-17 rear tires on 17 x 3.50 front and 17 x 4.50 rear rims.

We won’t have to wait long to get the answers to any lingering questions over the Z650RS’s details, though—since Kawasaki is already teasing the fact it’s got a new retro model in the works, the finished machine is likely to be unveiled very soon.

View the full article