Kawasaki is doing it again - similar to the Z900 and Z900RS, the Greens are now bringing a retro sister to the Z650, the new Kawa Z650RS. The optics promise a lot, but can the small RS also convince in driving operation and in terms of price?
There are four ways I can feel about a bike purely from the looks of it, and I assume many of you feel the same way. You see pictures of a bike and are immediately enthusiastic, only to be disappointed when you meet it in person. Or you don't find the bike particularly exciting in the pictures, but then you're suddenly blown away in real life. The third way is the saddest, the motorcycle displeases both in pictures and in real life. And that's right, you've probably already noticed what I'm getting at - the Kawasaki Z650RS really appealed to me in the pictures and I like it almost even better in person!
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Why is the new Z650RS such a dashing retro bike?
The reasons for this are of various kinds and therefore probably an ingenious move overall. On the one hand, there are the successful forms that Kawasaki has created with the Z650RS. The narrower tank holds 12 liters, three less than in the almost futuristically modern Z650, but who cares, with such beguiling shapes I'm happy to do without a few liters of fuel. Immediately behind it continues with a suitably simple lined seat, to then end in a ducktail rear in the style of the Z ancestral gallery from the 1970s in an oval LED taillight, which is already popular on the Z900RS, so why not on the little ones
AdvertisementTo the gallery (52)All three paint finishes are successful, but the green RS is THE hammer
Not to forget the round LED headlight, which skilfully combines retro with modern . Immediately above the next reminiscence in the form of the two analogue round instruments, which house a simple LCD display between them with all relevant information including the gear indicator. Oh yes, there are also all the successful paint finishes, with the black Z650RS already looking very chic, while the silver-colored version with black style elements instead of chrome is also convincing. Not to mention the green version with those damn well done pinstripes and gorgeous matching gold rims!
Product recommendationsDrybag 80 tail bag. 8L Grey black. Waterproof.60.00 €The new Kawasaki Z650RS also does everything right when driving
As I said, there are many factors that come into play make the Z650RS a work of art. However, all of this would not be able to make up for a messed-up driving behavior if the technicians had literally grabbed the toilet during the vote. But don't worry, even when driving, the Z650RS does everything really well and in my opinion even better than the conventional Z650. First of all, this is due to the chassis, which creates a really good compromise between comfort and stability. I wouldn't call it sporty, but the comparatively soft tuning of the spring elements really goes well with the appearance of the Z650RS.
You can make friends really quickly with the Z650RS
Above all, the chassis is pleasantly neutral, although nothing can be adjusted on the 41 mm telescopic fork, at least on the rear mono spring strut spring preload, but such a retro bike doesn't have to function like a sophisticated hyper-naked bike. That's why I'm happy to forgive the small RS for not having an upside-down fork, at least that suits the style better anyway. And Kawa has the notorious wolf in sheep's clothing a class higher anyway with the Z900RS. The 650 RS, on the other hand, convinces with a performance that works well in all situations and actually on all (solid) surfaces. As many of you already know, when I go on a press trip it often happens that it rains heavily. So also in the otherwise beautiful French Marseille. Only in the morning, but just in time to quickly make friends with the Z650RS. Because it's not just the harmonious chassis that never gets stubborn, but also the pleasant power delivery of the parallel two-cylinder engine with 649 cubic capacity.
The lively fellow offers a performance that is not bad at all
In fact, unabashedly taken directly from the Z650 (but why not?), the lively fellow delivers 68 hp at 8000 rpm revolutions and pushes off 65 Newton meters at 6700 tours. That's enough on wet roads anyway and you're happy about the direct, but perfectly controllable power delivery, but you can also have fun in dry conditions on really winding mountain roads (yes, I'm actually sometimes on dry ground). Because if you wind the supposedly small engine up to the limiter at around 10,000 revs, you reap a not so bad performance.
Nevertheless, the Kawasaki Z650RS has a rather relaxed driving style
Speaking of performance, the front 300 mm double-disc brake system is actually the really big positive surprise. Not from bad parents, as the Z650RS can be decelerated with a sporty driving style and still brakes very precisely and good-naturedly on wet roads. The fact that a cool, casual driving style is nevertheless used instead of a knife-between-the-teeth mode is again due to the comfortable seating position. With the higher handlebars even more upright than on the already quite comfortable Z650, you can sit really comfortably on the RS and even tackle longer stages under the wheels.
Is a seat height of 820 millimeters really too high?
What is surprisingly unspectacular is that the seat height is quite loose despite being 30 millimeters more than the normal Z650 (820 mm compared to 790 mm). was accepted by all testers, not a single one complained about the seat being too high. The proof of the pudding is in the eating, even smaller pilots will find a good footing thanks to the very narrow seat. If it is still too high, you can order a lower saddle with a height of 800 millimeters from the range of accessories.
AdvertisementKawasaki Z650RS – cheaper than you thought and an honest offer!
The surcharge for this should definitely be included, because the Z650RS is cheaper than I would have expected anyway. If you assume that Kawasaki wants to play in the league with the Yamaha XSR700 and Triumph Trident 660, but is (rightly) proud of the successful look, just under 9000 euros in Austria (usually a little less in Germany) would be quite conceivable been. However, the Greens want to release the Z650RS at the end of November for just over 8000 euros to the certainly delighted customers! It's actually more than fair that the silver version with its black accents and the beautiful green version are a few hundred more expensive - they still remain a really good, honest offer!
VAULI
More reportsConclusion: Kawasaki Z650RS
On the one hand, the Z650RS is not too far removed from its sister Z650, which donates parts, after all it takes over the chassis, engine and running gear from it. On the other hand, it is so unique, above all due to its wonderfully successful retro look, but also due to the slightly changed seating position, that it is actually the better, at least more desirable model. Because the comfortable chassis suits almost all surfaces, the lively engine puts you in a good mood and the front brake system works surprisingly well. The fact that Kawasaki allows this added value to be paid a little more expensive is understandable and, in the case of the Z650RS, also completely legitimate.Kawasaki Z650RS - Show technical data
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Report from November 2nd, 2021| 38,569 views
