Contents: Review – Key Features – Features & Benefits – Specifications
Contents: Review – Key Features – Features & Benefits – Specifications
2023 Kawasaki Z650RS: THE FUTURE IS RETRO.
Introducing the 2023 Kawasaki Z650RS…
The Kawasaki Z650RS was an all-new model for 2022 and became the latest member to join Kawasaki’s 650cc lineup. It’s a true middleweight retro sport that combines timeless looks inherited from the Z900RS with a compact, responsive package that riders will love to enjoy daily. The Z650RS has a fun and easy character and features a parallel-twin 649cc engine, lightweight trellis frame, telescopic front fork and horizontal back-link rear suspension, dual-dial instrumentation with multi-function LCD screen, round LED headlight, spoke-style cast wheels, disc brakes with standard ABS, assist and slipper clutch, and a relaxed retro-style riding position. Distinguishing itself from its bigger Z900RS sibling is a slimmer fuel tank and a shorter, more compact tail.
The new Kawasaki Z650RS is a retro sport model that combines timeless good looks inherited from the Z900RS with a compact, easy-handling package that provides great everyday rideability
A true middleweight naked sportbike for a broad range of riders, the Z650RS tempts the eye with the timeless beauty of a retro sport. Distinguishing the Z650RS from the larger displacement Z900RS is a slimmer tank and a shorter, more compact tail—all contributing to light handling and an approachable nature. Experience modern responsive power and retro styling that’s perfect for everyday riding on the Z650RS.
The new Kawasaki Z650RS combines Retro style with modern Sports technology. Distinctive styling notes like a classic round LED headlight, needle instrumentation, 70’s influenced bodywork and colours, plus a twin-cylinder engine, create a stunning neo-retro segment reference point. The Kawasaki Z650RS is destined to impress all riders with its lovingly distilled spirit of RETROVOLUTION.
2023 Kawasaki Z650RS KRT 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
- LED HEADLIGHT
- RELAXED RETRO-STYLE RIDING POSITION
- Compact, horizontal tail
- Dual-dial instrumentation with multi-function LCD screen
- Round LED headlight
- Spoke-style cast wheels
- Disc brakes
- Assist and slipper clutch
2023 KAWASAKI Z FAMILY MOTORCYCLE LINEUP
A TRUE SUPERNAKED EXPERIENCE
For 2023, Kawasaki welcomes the return of its iconic Z Family line of naked motorcycles, which includes several supernaked, retro sport, and mini naked models. Z models set to hit dealerships this fall include an updated Z650 and Z650 ABS with Kawasaki TRaction Control (KTRC) as well as the Z650RS, Z900 ABS, Z900 SE, and Z125 PRO
2023 Kawasaki Z650RS KRT Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits
ENGINE
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 to boost top-end power while the sleek muffler’s internal construction 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.
6-Speed Transmission
• Cassette-style transmission puts the transmission shafts and shift drum into a compact layout which helps reduce overall engine size.
• Positive Neutral Finder is a Kawasaki exclusive user-friendly feature that allows the rider to easily shift from first gear and only into neutral when the bike is at stop.
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.
Frame
• High-tensile steel trellis frame has optimized dimensions and wall thicknesses to reduce frame weight and contribute to extremely light handling.
• Frame components are arranged 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 further contribute to weight reduction.
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.
CHASSIS
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 back-torque, such as when too low of gear is selected, the Slipper function allows some clutch slippage to help prevent engine lockup and stalling, and rear-wheel hop.
Spoke-Style Cast Wheels
• Original cast wheels 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.
• Low unsprung weight contributes to the light, natural handling.
• Dunlop Sportmax Roadsport 2 tires further contribute to the light handling
Relaxed Riding Position
• Wide, flat handlebar and a relaxed riding position puts the rider in a natural, comfortable position that helps inspire confidence for a wide range of riders.
• Wide, flat handlebar contributes to the retro sport styling while offering a wide grip to facilitate control.
• The upper-triple clamp is positioned 20 mm higher than the Z650, contributing to the higher handlebar position and a more upright riding position. Relative to the Z650, the handle grips are 50 mm higher and 30 mm back (closer to the rider).
• A wide 35° steering angle assists with low-speed maneuvering.
• The low seat height and slim overall design helps riders to put both feet on the ground when stopped, further instilling confidence.
• Footpeg position offers a relaxed knee bend, contributing to rider comfort.
• Slim fuel tank provides a comfortable fit for gripping with the knees.
• Stepped seat offers a wide seating area for good ride comfort. The seat is slimmer at the front to help rider’s reach to the ground.
• Rubber-mounted handlebar helps reduce vibration transmitted through the handle grips and to the mirrors.
• Both clutch and brake levers are 5-way adjustable to help accommodate a variety of hand sizes for increased comfort.
• Rider and passenger footpegs feature rubber pads. A hard compound combined with hollow center helps reduce vibration felt through the footpegs.
STYLING
Modern Retro Styling
• A blend of retro and modern designs, the round LED headlight casts a bright, white light. It features two chambers for low and 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.
• Retro-style fuel tank design uses edges dividing the top and sides of the tank to emphasise its compact size.
• Simple design of the side covers contributes to the modern retro styling.
• Unlike the upswept tail of the Z650, the tail of the Z650RS traces a horizontal line, contributing to the bike’s flat stance.
• The original-design stepped seat is unique to the Z650RS.
• 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.
Dual-Dial Instrumentation with Multi-Function LCD
• 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 add to the retro appearance, while the modern typeface used on the dial faces add a contemporary touch.
• LCD screen features white letters on a black background, adding to the instrument cluster’s sporty, modern appearance.
• Gear position indicator increases shifting precision and confidence.
• In addition to the gear position indicator, display functions include: odometer, dual trip meters, fuel gauge, remaining range, current and average fuel consumption, coolant temperature, clock and the
Economical Riding Indicator.
• The Economical Riding Indicator appears on the LCD screen when fuel consumption is favourable. Paying attention to conditions that result in the
mark appearing can assist riders to maximize fuel efficiency.
2023 Kawasaki Z650RS KRT – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $9,099 USD
Canada MSRP Price: $10,299 – $10,499 CDN
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £7949 – 8099 GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)
Engine Type 4-Stroke, Liquid-Cooled, DOHC, 4 Valve Cylinder Head, Parallel Twin
Displacement 649 cc
Bore & Stroke 83.0 x 60.0 mm
Maximum Torque 48.5 lb-ft @ 6,500 rpm
Compression Ratio 10.8:1
Fuel Injection DFI® with Keihin 36mm Throttle Bodies (2)
Transmission 6-Speed with Positive Neutral Finder
Final Drive Sealed Chain
Rake/Trail 24.0°/3.9 in.
Front Wheel Travel 4.9 in.
Rear Wheel Travel 5.1 in.
Front Tire Size 120/70-17
Rear Tire Size 160/60-17
Wheelbase 55.3 in.
Front Suspension 41mm Hydraulic Telescopic Fork
Rear Suspension Horizontal Back-Link with Adjustable Preload
Front Brake Type Dual 300mm Petal Disc with 2-Piston Caliper
Rear Brake Type Single 220mm Petal Disc
Fuel Tank Capacity 4.0 gal.
Seat Height 31.5 in.
Curb Weight= 412.3 lb.
Warranty 12 months
Kawasaki Protection Plus™ 12, 24, 36 or 48 months
(Specifications subject to change without notice.)
= = Includes all necessary materials and fluids to operate correctly, full tank of fuel (more than 90% of capacity) and tool kit (if supplied).
When equipped, 50-state models with evaporative emissions equipment adds approximately 2.2 pounds.
Ask about the Riders of Kawasaki (ROK) Club and the Good Times™ Credit Plan.
(KP) = See Kaw-Pedia section for more details.
* = Changes from previous model year.
** = Also available as a 50-state model with the last character ending in “L”
2023 Kawasaki Z650RS KRT – Totalmotorcycle.com Canadian Specifications/Technical Details
POWER
Engine 649cc, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC 8-valve parallel twin
Bore x Stroke 83.0 x 60.0 mm
Compression Ratio 10.8:1
Fuel System Fuel injection: ø36 mm x 2 with dual throttle valves
Ignition Digital
Starting Electric
Lubrication Forced lubrication, semi-dry sump
Transmission 6-speed, return
Clutch Wet multi-disc, manual
Final Drive Chain
PERFORMANCE
Frame Trellis, high-tensile steel
Front Suspension / Wheel Travel ø41 mm telescopic fork / 125 mm (4.9 in)
Rear Suspension / Wheel Travel Horizontal Back-link, single-shock with adjustable spring preload / 130 mm (5.1 in)
Rake / Trail 24.0° / 100 mm
Steering Angle (L/R) 35° / 35°
Front Tire 120/70ZR17M/C (58W)
Rear Tire 160/60ZR17M/C (69W)
Front Brakes Dual semi-floating ø300 mm discs with dual-piston calipers
Front Brake ø220 mm disc with single-piston caliper
DETAILS
Dimensions (L x W x H) 2,065 x 800 x 1,115 mm (81.3 x 31.5 x 43.9 in)
Wheelbase 1,405 mm (55.3 in)
Road Clearance 125 mm (4.9 in)
Seat Height 800 mm (31.5 in)
Curb Mass** 187 kg (412 lb)
Fuel Capacity 12 litres
Instrumentation Analogue-style speedometer and tachometer + multi-function LCD screen with gear position indicator, odometer, dual trip meters, fuel gauge, remaining range, current and average fuel consumption, coolant temperature, clock and Economical Riding Indicator
Warranty 12 months
Kawasaki Protection Plus 12 / 24 / 36 / 48 months
2023 Kawasaki Z650RS KRT – Totalmotorcycle.com European Specifications/Technical Details
Engine
Engine typeLiquid-cooled, 4-stroke Parallel Twin
Displacement649 cm³
Bore x stroke83 x 60 mm
Compression ratio10.8:1
Valve systemDOHC, 8 valves
Fuel systemFuel injection: Ø 36 mm x 2 with dual throttle valves
Starting SystemElectric
LubricationForced lubrication, semi‑dry sump
Gear Performance & Transmission
Maximum power50.2 kW {68 PS} / 8,000 rpm
Fuel consumption4.3 l/100 km
CO2 emission107 g/km
Maximum torque64 N•m {6.5 kgf•m} / 6,700 rpm
Fuel consumption 35 kW kit4.5 l/100 km
CO2 emission 35 kW kit107 g/km
Transmission6-speed
Final driveSealed chain
Primary Reduction Ratio2.095 (88/42)
Gear Ratios 1st2.438 (39/16)
Gear Ratios 2nd1.714 (36/21)
Gear Ratios 3rd1.333 (32/24)
Gear Ratios 4th1.111 (30/27)
Gear Ratios 5th0.966 (28/29)
Gear Ratios 6th0.852 (23/27)
ClutchWet multi-disc, manual
Suspensions Brakes & Suspension
Brakes, frontDual semi-floating Ø 300 mm discs. Caliper: Dual piston
Brakes, rearSingle Ø 220 mm disc. Caliper: Single-piston
Suspension, front41 mm telescopic fork
Suspension, rearHorizontal Back-link with preload adjustment
Dimensions Frame & Dimensions
Frame typeTrellis, high-tensile steel
Trail100 mm
Wheel travel front125 mm
Wheel travel rear130 mm
Tyre, front120/70ZR17M/C (58W)
Tyre, rear160/60ZR17M/C (69W)
L x W x H2,065 x 800 x 1,115 mm
Wheelbase1,405 mm
Ground clearance125 mm
Fuel capacity12 litres
Seat height820 mm
Curb mass187 kg
Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).
