MIDDLEWEIGHT SUPERNAKED.

2018 Kawasaki Z650 ABS Review on Total Motorcycle:

Aggressive, supernaked Z styling comes to life in an ideal blend of sporty performance and everyday versatility. Featuring a lightweight chassis that contributes to its overall light weight* and a strong, torquey engine at its core, the Z650 naked sportbike is a compact middleweight unlike any other. With each ride, smooth power and nimble handling make the Z650 incredibly fun and easy.

Z650 returns to set mid-weight naked class alight. Light, nimble and eye-catching, the new Z650 enjoys stunning looks thanks to its unique Kawasaki Sugomi design influences while lusty performance and impressive torque is willingly delivered by the compact 650cc parallel twin, water-cooled engine. Kawasaki Z650, Refined Raw.

Aggressive, supernaked Z styling comes to life in an ideal blend of sporty performance and everyday versatility. Featuring a lightweight chassis and a strong torquey engine at its core, the new Z650 naked sportbike is a compact middleweight unlike any other. With each ride, smooth power and nimble riding make the z650 incredibly fun and easy.

The Z650 is a light, nimble middleweight supernaked motorcycle for discerning riders.

THE KAWASAKI NAKED MODEL RANGE RETURNS FOR MORE MILES OF EXCITEMENT
The Kawasaki family of naked motorcycles, the Z model range, returns for the 2018 model year. The lineup has received significant updates within the past two years of production, following major accolades from media and customers alike.

With premium suspension components and a powerful, smooth inline-four cylinder 948cc engine, the Z900 ABS motorcycle is the flagship of the Z family. The Z900 ABS, which received Motorcycle.com’s 2017 Best Standard Motorcycle of the Year award, is returning for 2018 in the following new colors: Pearl Mystic Gray/Metallic Flat Spark Black, Flat Ebony/Metallic Spark Black, and Candy Persimmon Red/Metallic Spark Black.

The Kawasaki Z650 ABS is a compact middleweight motorcycle, featuring aggressive, supernaked Z styling that comes to life with an ideal blend of sporty performance and everyday versatility. Since its introduction, the Z650 has received top ratings for its lightweight and easy to maneuver chassis and torquey 650cc parallel twin engine. It will be available for the 2018 model year in these new colors: Metallic Matte Covert Green/Metallic Flat Spark Black and Metallic Spark Black/Metallic Flat Spark Black. The latter paint option also features a bright green frame.

The Z125 PRO motorcycle is also returning in 2018 alongside its “big brothers” as a mid-year release with the following new paint options: Metallic Flat Spark Black/Pearl Mystic Gray/Metallic Spark Black, and Candy Persimmon Red. The compact (224.8 lbs curb weight) motorcycle features well balanced performance suspension and a 4-stroke, single-cylinder, 125cc air-cooled SOHC engine that pulls through the rev range. The Z125 PRO is a motorcycle designed for the fun of motorcycling for all riders.

2018 Kawasaki Z650 ABS Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features

• TWIN-CYLINDER ENGINE DELIVERS STONG, SMOOTH AND RESPONSIVE POWER
• ASSIST AND SLIPPER CLUTCH PROVIDES LIGHT FEEL, EASY OPERATION
• LIGHTWEIGHT TRELLIS FRAME
• HORIZONTAL BACK-LINK REAR SUSPENSION SYSTEM

ABS

ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) ensures stable braking performance by preventing wheel lock during braking.

Horizontal Back-link Rear Suspension

Horizontal Back-link Rear Suspension arranges its shock unit horizontally, greatly contributing to efficient use of space and mass centralisation.

Assist & Slipper Clutch

Based on racing technology, the Assist & Slipper Clutch acts as both a back-torque limiter and a self-servo mechanism that enables a lighter clutch lever pull.

Dual Throttle Valves

Dual Throttle Valves offer increased power and greater ease of use care of a second set of ECU-controlled throttle valves.

Economical Riding Indicator

The Economical Riding Indicator is a mark appearing on the instrument panel to indicate favourable fuel consumption, encouraging fuel efficient riding.

2018 Kawasaki Z650 ABS Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits

• Compact 649cc Twin-Cylinder, DOHC Engine
• Tuned to deliver strong, smooth and responsive power, especially in the low-to-mid-range, for rider-friendly power characteristics that facilitate control and inspire confidence over a wide range of riding conditions.
• Camshafts have short operating angle and valve overlap for optimum performance in the low-to-mid-range.
• Optimized intake port shape also helps boost low and midrange response and performance.
• Slim airbox contributes to low and mid-range power feeling and contributes to the overall slim design of the bike.
• Exhaust system has a short header and the sleek muffler’s internal construction further enhances low-to-mid-range power delivery.
• Muffler is mounted below the engine to help lower the center of gravity and aid weight centralization.
• Kawasaki Air Management System(KP) (KAMS) radiator fan cover helps direct hot engine air down to the ground and away from the rider.
• Compact parallel twin engine helps reduce the dimensions of the entire motorcycle to keep it small and nimble.
• Triangular crank and transmission shaft layout makes the engine very short from front to back, a semi-dry sump(KP) oil system reduces overall engine height, while the narrow pitch of the
chrome composite(KP) plated aluminum cylinders helps reduce engine width.
• 180-degree crankshaft plus balancer shaft for extremely smooth engine operation.
• Oil jets in the connecting rod big ends spray oil on the undersides of the pistons to aid cooling.

Digital Fuel Injection(KP)
• 36mm Keihin throttle bodies contribute to the strong low-to-mid-range power and feature dual throttle valves(KP) for optimum performance and rideability. The sub throttles, located behind the main throttle valves, are controlled by the ECU so that the DFI® system has precise throttle response.
• Precise fuel delivery through the fine atomizing injectors plus exhaust catalyzer significantly reduce emissions.
• Automatic fast idle system makes starting and warm-up easy.

Assist & Slipper Clutch
• Using the rotational forces of the clutch hub and pressure plate, the clutch is forced together during acceleration (Assist function) so that fewer and lighter clutch springs can be used
for a lighter feel at the lever. During high backtorque, such as when too low of gear is selected, the Slipper function allows some clutch slippage to help prevent engine lock-up and stalling, and rear-wheel hop.

ENGINE
6-Speed Transmission
• Linkage-type gear shift mechanism provides a direct feeling for more positive shifts.
• Cassette-style transmission puts the transmission shafts and shift drum into a compact layout.
• Positive Neutral Finder, a Kawasaki exclusive user-friendly feature that allows the rider to easily shift from first gear into neutral when the bike is at stop.

Frame
• High-tensile steel trellis frame has optimized dimensions and wall thicknesses to reduce frame weight and contribute to extremely light handling.
• Frame components follow the ideal pipe line so that the lines of the frame are as straight as possible. When bends were necessary their angles were as small as possible, resulting in a design that disperses stress extremely well.
• Three-point rigidly mounted engine and footpeg stays are used as stressed members to contribute to weight reduction.

Horizontal Back-link Rear Suspension
• The linkage is placed atop the swingarm and helps make room for the under-engine muffler for better mass centralization.
• Rear shock is further away from the exhaust so that its operation will not be affected by exhaust heat.
• Gull-wing swingarm also allows clearance for the muffler while contributing to light, natural handling.

CHASSIS

Triple Petal Design Brake Discs
• Available Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) helps assist braking under certain conditions and features a small Bosch 9.1M control unit to save space and weight.
• Nissin brake calipers have a sporty image and contain front and rear brake specific pads; the front providing strong initial bite and the rear offering optimum control and high overall brake force.
• Front brake calipers have large 27mm pistons for excellent brake feel.
• Petal design offers improved cooling and warp resistance.

Wheels and Tires
• Sporty five-spoke wheel design helps provide a light, nimble appearance.
• Equipped with Dunlop Sportmax D214 tires for excellent performance and better fuel mileage.

Streetfighter Cockpit
•Slightly-forward handlebar position provides sport riding potential.
• Low, forward footpeg placement helps keep the rider’s knees open for increased comfort and ease of operation.
• The fuel tank is positioned relatively low on the chassis and its slim design helps riders to reach the ground and inspire confidence. A resin design fuel cap eliminates the presence of mounting bolts for a more stylish design.
• The seat is slim at the front to further facilitate the rider’s reach to the ground.
• Rubber-mounted handlebar reduces vibration.
• Five-way adjustable brake and clutch levers accommodate a variety of hand sizes for increased comfort.

High-Tech Instrumentation
• Stacked instrument cluster features an easy-to-readlayout.
• Analog tachometer numbers on a brushed-aluminum panel are indicated with sweeping LCD needles to provide a modern, high-tech look.
• Equipped with a shift-up indicator that flashes the tachometer when the user-selected shift point is reached.
• Gear position indicator helps riders asses transmission gear selected at a glance.
• LCD display with white letters on a black background for speedometer, odometer/tripmeters, clock, fuel level, fuel consumption, external and coolant temperature, and Economical Riding Indicator(KP).

ERGONOMICS
Distinctive Z Styling
• The Z650 carries on the sugomi styling of the recent Kawasaki Z series. Sugomi describes the intense aura or energy given off by a person or object of greatness and felt by the viewer. Someone, or something, possessing sugomi inspires awe, leaves an indelible impression, is daunting in stature or ability, and commands respect.
• Headlight cowl and meter visor help form a slim, flowing line from the top of the fuel tank for an aggressive appearance.
• Engine shrouds have a sharp shape with minimal overhang add to the flowing design while contributing to a condensed, lightweight look.
• Sharp front fender design and compact, upswept tail cowl contribute to the dynamic, sporty image.
• LED taillight lights up in a Z shape.

2018 Kawasaki Z650 ABS – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: NON-ABS: $6,999 / ABS: $7,399 USD

Power
Engine
4-stroke, 2-cylinder, DOHC, water-cooled
Displacement
649cc
Bore x Stroke
83.0 x 60.0mm
Compression ratio
10.8:1
Fuel System
DFI® with Keihin 36mm Keihin throttle bodies
Ignition
TCBI with electronic advance
Transmission
6-speed, return shift
Final Drive
Sealed chain
Performance
Front Suspension / Wheel Travel
Telescopic fork/4.9 in
Rear Suspension / Wheel Travel
Horizontal back-link with adjustable preload, swingarm/5.1 in
Front Tire
120/70 ZR17 Dunlop Sportmax D214F Sportmax
Rear Tire
160/60 ZR17 Dunlop Sportmax D214
Front Brakes
Dual 300mm petal-type rotors with two-piston calipers, ABS
Rear Brakes
Single 220mm petal-style disc, ABS
Details
Frame Type
Trellis, high tensile steel
Rake/Trail
24.0°/3.9 in
Overall Length
81.3 in
Overall Width
30.5 in
Overall Height
42.5 in
Ground Clearance
5.1 in
Seat Height
30.9 in
Curb Weight
410.1 lb**
Fuel Capacity
4.0 gal
Wheelbase
55.5 in
Color Choices
Metallic Spark Black/Metallic Flat Spark Black, Metallic Matte Covert Green/Metallic Flat Spark Black
Warranty
12 Month Limited Warranty
Kawasaki Protection Plus™ (optional)
12, 24, 26 or 48 months

2018 Kawasaki Z650 ABS – Totalmotorcycle.com Canadian Specifications/Technical Details
Canada MSRP Price: $7,899 CDN

Engine

Displacement  649cc  Type  4-stroke, Parallel Twin  Bore and stroke  83.0 x 60.0 mm  Cooling  Liquid  Compression ratio  10.8:1  Valve system  DOHC, 8 valves  Fuel system  36 mm x 2 with dual throttle valves  Ignition  Digital  Lubrication  Forced lubrication (semi-dry sump)
Brakes

Front: type  Dual semi-floating 300 mm petal discs  Front: calipers  Dual piston  Rear: type  Single 220 mm petal disc  Rear: calipers  Single-piston
Dimensions

Overall length  2,055 mm  Overall width  775 mm  Overall height  1,080 mm  Wheelbase  1,410 mm  Ground clearance  130 mm  Seat height  790 mm  Curb mass**  186 kg  Fuel capacity  15 litres (3.5 gal.)
Drivetrain

Transmission  6-speed, return  Final drive  Chain  Primary reduction ratio  2.095 (88/42)  Gear ratio: 1st  2.438 (39/16)  Gear ratio: 2nd  1.714 (36/21)  Gear ratio: 3rd  1.333 (32/24)  Gear ratio: 4th  1.111 (30/27)  Gear ratio: 5th  0.966 (28/29)  Gear ratio: 6th  0.852 (23/27)  Final reduction ratio  3.067 (46/15)  Clutch  Wet multi-disc, manual
Frame

Type  Trellis, high-tensile steel  Wheel travel: front  125 mm (4.9 in.)  Tire: front  120/70ZR17M/C (58W)  Wheel travel: rear  130 mm (5.1 in.)  Tire: rear  160/60ZR17M/C (69W)  Caster (rake)  24.0º  Trail  110 mm (4.3 in.)  Steering angle (left/right)  35º / 35º
Performance

Maximum Power‡ 50.2 kW {68 PS} / 8,000 rpm  Maximum Torque‡ 66 N.m {6.7 kgf.m} / 6,500 rpm
Suspension

Suspension, front  41 mm telescopic fork  Suspension, rear  Horizontal Back-link with adjustable preload
Details

Warranty  12 months warranty

2018 Kawasaki Z650 ABS – Totalmotorcycle.com European Specifications/Technical Details
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £6199 GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)

Engine

Engine type

Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke Parallel Twin

Displacement

649 cm³

Bore x stroke

83 x 60 mm

Compression ratio

10.8:1

Valve system

DOHC, 8 valves

Fuel system

Fuel injection: Ø 36 mm x 2 with dual throttle valves

Starting System

Electric

Lubrication

Forced lubrication, semi‑dry sump

Performance & Transmission

Maximum power

50.2 kW {68 PS} / 8,000 rpm

Fuel consumption

4.3 l/100 km

CO2 emission

103 g/km

Maximum torque

65.7 N•m {6.7 kgf•m} / 6,500 rpm

Fuel consumption 35 kW kit

4.3 l/100 km

CO2 emission 35 kW kit

104 g/km

Transmission

6-speed

Final drive

Sealed chain

Primary Reduction Ratio

2.095 (88/42)

Gear Ratios 1st

2.438 (39/16)

Gear Ratios 2nd

1.714 (36/21)

Gear Ratios 3rd

1.333 (32/24)

Gear Ratios 4th

1.111 (30/27)

Gear Ratios 5th

0.966 (28/29)

Gear Ratios 6th

0.852 (23/27)

Clutch

Wet multi-disc, manual

Brakes & Suspension

Brakes, front

Dual semi-floating 300 mm petal discs. Caliper: Dual piston

Brakes, rear

Single 220 mm petal disc. Caliper: Single-piston

Suspension, front

41 mm telescopic fork

Suspension, rear

Horizontal Back-link with preload adjustment

Frame & Dimensions

Frame type

Trellis, high-tensile steel

Trail

100 mm

Wheel travel front

125 mm

Wheel travel rear

130 mm

Tyre, front

120/70ZR17M/C (58W)

Tyre, rear

160/60ZR17M/C (69W)

L x W x H

2,055 x 775 x 1,080 mm

Wheelbase

1,410 mm

Ground clearance

130 mm

Fuel capacity

15 litres

Seat height

790 mm

Curb mass

187 kg

Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).