Kawasaki have just released all of the info and spec's on the all-new retro inspired Z650RS. The LAMs approved bike adds more choice to Kawasaki's broad and popular 650cc twin range...
Kawasaki’s 650cc-class twins come in a wide range of shapes and styles. The newest member of the 650 twins club is the Z650RS, a retro-sport model that combines timeless good looks inherited from the Z900RS with a compact package that riders will enjoy daily.
Kawasaki have released all the specifications for their new 2022 Z650RS! Check it out below.
According to kawasaki, distinguishing the Z650RS from its big brother, a slim tank and a short, compact tail are expressions of light handling and an approachable character. The Z650RS’ fun and easy character can be attributed to an engine and chassis based on that of the highly acclaimed Z650.
Z650RS ACTION VIDEO
The responsive 649cc Parallel Twin with robust low-end torque, combined with a lightweight chassis deliver rider-friendly power delivery and light, natural handing that promise to add a dose of fun to city outings and daily commutes, say Kwaka.
Factor in the more upright riding position that you would expect from a retro sport model, plus an easy reach to the ground, and riders will be looking for any excuse to head out for a ride. Flexible and approachable, Kawasaki say the stylishly casual new Z650RS retro sport model is another exciting option for riders looking for a rich motorcycle life.
The Z650RS adopts a more relaxed style of riding compared to the standard Z650L.
The liquid-cooled, DOHC, 8-valve 649cc Parallel Twin with fuel injection delivers smooth, responsive performance, especially in the low and medium rpm ranges. The strong low-end focus translates to rider friendly power characteristics that, Kawasaki say, facilitate control and inspire confidence in new riders, while also lending itself to sporty riding. In the low-rpm range, the smooth power delivery and strong low-end torque contribute to controllability and facilitate moving off from a stop. In the mid-range, where most everyday riding occurs, Kawasaki say performance and feel are superb.
A slim airbox uses a single air intake hole and intake funnels designed for strong low-mid range performance and response. 36mm Keihin throttle-bodies contribute to strong low-mid range performance and response. Sub-throttles ensure smooth, sensitive throttle response. Fine-atomising injectors delivering 75μm droplets, ensuring the ideal fuel-air mixture needed for the low-mid range focused engine. Intake and exhaust cams with short operating angles and overlap also move the torque curve toward the lower end of the rpm range.
Z650RS Official Features Video
The open-deck aluminium die-cast cylinder contributes to light weight and the plated, liner-less cylinder bores enable a narrow cylinder pitch to enable a slim engine width. The triangular layout of the crankshaft and transmission shafts also makes the engine very short front-to-back. The 180° crankshaft drives a balancer shaft for silky smooth engine operation.
An auto-fast idle system simplifies starting and ensures the catalyser reaches optimum temperature quickly. A simplified cooling system routes coolant through the engine cases to the cylinder and head to reduce external plumbing, while hot air off the radiator is directed down under the bike.
The slipper clutch assists in the ease and ride-ability of the Z650 range for new riders.
An assist and slipper clutch has also been added and uses two types of cams (an assist cam and a slipper cam), offering two new functions not available on a standard clutch. When the engine is operating at normal rpm the assist cam functions as a self-servo mechanism, pulling the clutch hub and operating plate together to compress the clutch plates.
This allows the total clutch spring load to be reduced, resulting in a lighter clutch lever pull when operating the clutch. When excessive engine braking occurs – as a result of quick downshifts (or an accidental downshift) – the slipper cam comes into play, forcing the clutch hub and operating plate apart. This relieves pressure on the clutch plates to reduce back-torque and help prevent the rear tyre from hopping.
The rigid-mount engine is a stressed member, contributing to the frame’s idealised rigidity balance. Even the footpeg stays are used as stressed members, further contributing to the frame’s rigidity and light weight. With the swingarm, similar to the frame, the line from the pivot to rear axle was made as straight as possible.
According to Kawasaki, the lightweight design of swingarm at 4.8kg also contributes to the bike’s light, natural handling. A short wheelbase (1,405mm) and tight turning radius (2.6m) contribute to the Z650RS’ great manoeuvrability. The angle of the rear frame (less upswept than that of the Z650) helps to achieve the Z650RS’ flat, even tail design. Like the Z650, the rear frame’s twin-tube design contributes to the bike’s easy reach to the ground.
“The lightweight design of swingarm at 4.8kg also contributes to the bike’s light, natural handling.”
41mm telescopic non-adjustable forks handle suspension duties up front and a horizontal Back-link rear suspension offers a progressive character with preload adjustability. The rear suspension positions the shock unit and linkage above the swingarm for mass centralisation and to ensure operation is not affected by heat, same as the other 650 twins.
“Dual 300mm front petal disc brakes and a 220mm rear deliver plenty of braking power while contributing to the bike’s sporty image.”
Dual 300mm front petal disc brakes and a 220mm rear deliver plenty of braking power while contributing to the bike’s sporty image. Dual-piston front calipers, master-cylinder and brake pads offer controllable braking performance. A Bosch 9.1M ABS is also standard fitment on Australian models.
The RS features spoked wheels similar to what was seen on the original Z900 to give it a retro appeal.
Original cast wheels like those of the Z900RS feature flat spokes designed to look like classic wire-spoked wheels. Designed using Kawasaki’s advanced analysis technology, the wheels offer a balance of light weight and stylish looks, contributing to both handling and a design suited to the retro category.
Wide, flat handlebar contribute to the retro sport styling while offering a wide grip to facilitate control. The upper-triple clamp is positioned 20mm higher (thanks to longer fork tubes), contributing to the higher handle position and a more upright riding position than the Z650. Relative to the Z650, the handle grips are 50 mm higher and 30 mm back (closer to the rider). A wide 35° steering angle facilitates low-speed manoeuvring.
The low seat height and the bike’s slim overall design help riders keep both feet firmly on the ground when stopped, an important consideration for many riders. An 800mm seat height accommodates riders spanning a wide range of heights, enabling them to ride with confidence. Footpeg position offers a relaxed knee bend, contributing to rider comfort. (The slighter taller seat height versus the 790mm of the Z650 contributes to even more leg room.)
A blend of retro and modern designs, the 130mm LED headlight casts a bright, white light. Slightly smaller than that of the Z900RS, it features two chambers (low-beam/high- beam), both with position lamps to ensure the whole lamp appears lit, like a retro-style bulb headlight. The grooved design on the thick headlight ring adds a modern touch. A retro-style fuel tank design uses edges dividing the top and sides of the tank to emphasise its compact size. Unlike the upswept tail of the Supernaked Z650, the tail of the Z650RS traces a horizontal line, contributing to the bike’s flat stance. The tail is shorter than that of the Z900RS, which Kawasaki say reinforces the light, casual styling theme.
The oval design of the LED taillight is an homage to Kawasaki’s old-school Z models. Unlike standard LED taillights that appear as a collection of dots, the Z650RS’ LED taillight lights up as a solid surface (much like a bulb taillight), creating a design that is both retro and modern. LED turn signals contribute a modern touch. On the Australian model, an external helmet lock is an optional accessory.
Simple but effective dash set-up for the Z650RS. Eliminating the TFT set-up seen on the standard Z650L.
The analogue-style speedometer and tachometer dials are complemented by a multi-functional LCD screen, balancing retro-style looks with modern functionality. Bullet-shaped dial cases are a fitting touch for a retro sport model, while the modern typeface used on the dial faces add a contemporary touch. The LCD screen features a negative display (white letters on a black background), adding to the instrument cluster’s sporty, modern appearance.
Each of the Z650RS colour variations for Australia features distinct styling, catering to a range of tastes. Both models are Special Editions. One of two special edition models, the Candy Emerald Green model features a 70s-style graphics pattern similar to that of the 1976 Z650. Gold-coloured wheels reminiscent of custom wheels available for early Z models further contribute to the old-school retro styling. The second special edition model creates a more somber tone with blacked-out parts (headlight and meter rings, radiator side covers) and a Metallic Moondust Gray tank standing out from Ebony bodywork. Copper highlights (graphics and wheel stripes) add a high-class touch.
2022 Kawasaki Z650RS Specifications
Price: TBA
Claimed Power: 37.8kW[50.7hp]@8000rpm
Claimed Torque: 59.0Nm[43.5lbs-ft]@6,500rpm
Wet Weight: 186kg
Fuel capacity: 12L
Engine: Four-stroke, two-cylinder, DOHC, four-valve, 83.0 x 60.0mm bore x stroke, 649cc, 10.8:1 compression, Euro4, EFI with dual 36mm Keihin throttle-bodies
Gearbox: Six-speed
Clutch: Wet, multi-plate slipper with cable actuation
Chassis: Trellis frame, high-tensile steel
Rake: 24.0°
Trail: 100mm
Suspension: 41mm telescopic forks, 125mm travel, horizontal back-link with adjustable preload, 130mm travel
Brakes: ABS, 300mm semi-floating rotors, dual piston calipers (f), 220mm rotor (r), single-piston caliper
Wheels & Tyres: 17 inch wheels, 120/70ZR17 (f), 160/60ZR17 (r)
Dimensions
Wheelbase: 1405mm
Seat height: 800mm
Ground clearance: 125mm
Overall width: 765mm
Overall length: 2065mm
Overall height: 1115mm
Instruments: Analogue speedometer and tachometer. LCD panel.
2022 Kawasaki Z650RS Specifications Gallery
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