2025 Kawasaki Z650RS ABS Review

Like the Z900RS retro-sport motorcycle, the Z650RS retro sport features timeless good looks. This middleweight model features a light and approachable appearance that reflects the bike’s rider-friendly character.

Review – Key Features – Features & Benefits – Specifications

2025 Kawasaki Z650RS ABS: RELAXED RETRO-STYLE RIDING.

Introducing the 2025 Kawasaki Z650RS ABS…

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 Kawasaki Z650RS ABS is 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 ABS 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, Kawasaki TRaction Control (KTRC), 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.

2025 Kawasaki Z650RS ABS Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features

• PARALLEL-TWIN 649cc ENGINE
• LIGHTWEIGHT TRELLIS FRAME
• TELESCOPIC FRONT FORK AND HORIZONTAL BACK-LINK REAR SUSPENSION SYSTEM
• Kawasaki TRaction Control (KTRC) with 3 modes
• Compact, horizontal tail
• Dual-dial instrumentation with multi-function LCD screen
• Round LED headlight
• Spoke-style cast wheels
• Disc brakes
• Assist & Slipper Clutch
• Relaxed retro-style riding position

RETRO STYLING
TIMELESS GOOD LOOKS
Like the Z900RS retro-sport motorcycle, the Z650RS retro sport features timeless good looks. This middleweight model features a light and approachable appearance that reflects the bike’s rider-friendly character.

FOR THE ROAD AHEAD
The LED headlight blends retro and modern designs, featuring 2 chambers, both with position lamps to ensure the whole lamp appears lit like a retro-style bulb headlight. The grooved design on the thick headlight bezel adds a modern touch.

TAIL SECTION
The compact tail of the Z650RS retro sport traces a horizontal line, contributing to the bike’s flat stance and reinforcing the light, casual styling theme. An original-design seat adds to the retro-sport image while the LED taillight adds a modern flare.

PAST & PRESENT
Analog-style speedometer and tachometer dials are complemented by a multi-function LCD screen, bringing both retro and modern styles together. The Economical Riding Indicator appears on the LCD screen when fuel consumption is favorable.

SLIM FUEL TANK
The retro-style fuel tank design uses edges dividing the top and sides of the tank to emphasize the compact size. The slim, ergonomic package fits narrowly between the riders knees, all while holding up to 3.17 gal (12 liters) of fuel.

CLASSIC-INSPIRED WHEELS
Kawasaki-original cast wheels feature a flat spoke design meant to resemble classic wire-spoked wheels. The wheels are both stylish and lightweight, contributing to both handling and design.

POWER & PERFORMANCE
MODERN PERFORMANCE
Optimized for everyday riding and favorable fuel economy, the exciting 649cc parallel-twin engine delivers smooth, responsive performance, especially in the lower rpm range. In the mid-range, where most everyday riding occurs, acceleration and feel are excellent.

NOT YOUR AVERAGE CLUTCH
An Assist & Slipper Clutch helps to put the power to the ground while providing an extremely light pull at the lever and reducing rear-wheel chatter during downshifts.

MORE THAN A MUFFLER
The under-engine muffler improves mass centralization and lowers the bike’s center of gravity, contributing to the bike’s agile handling performance and head-turning style.

RIDING EXPERIENCE
LIGHTWEIGHT CHASSIS
An innovative trellis frame is key to the Z650RS motorcycle’s lightweight nature. The high-tensile steel trellis frame was designed to optimize rigidity and offer light, natural handling. Additionally, the short wheelbase, steep caster angle, and tight turning radius work together to produce easy maneuvering.

POSITIONED FOR COMFORT
The wide handlebar, stepped seat with low seat height, and relaxed footpeg position allow for a natural, comfortable position that inspires confidence and can accommodate a wide range of riders.

STOP WITH CONFIDENCE
Dual 300mm front disc brakes with dual-piston calipers and a 220mm rear disc brake deliver plenty of stopping power, while round discs contribute to the bike’s retro-sport look. ABS comes standard on the Z650RS to provide even more braking confidence.

Take Control
Kawasaki TRaction Control (KTRC) features 3 modes that allow the rider to adjust settings to suit the riding situation and rider preference. Mode 1 provides the least amount of assistance with sport riding in mind. Mode 2 offers the most assistance, allowing riders to navigate challenging road conditions with confidence. Riders may also elect to turn the system OFF.

COMFORT FOR THE LONG HAUL
A telescopic front fork and horizontal back-link rear suspension work together to deliver a progressive ride character. The result is a balance of firm sport performance and smooth ride comfort.

KAWASAKI ANNOUNCES FALL RELEASE OF 2025 STREET MOTORCYCLES

No matter what type of motorcycle you’re looking for, Kawasaki’s 2025 lineup has the model for you as it welcomes the return of several hypersport, supersport, sport, retro classic, hypernaked, supernaked, mini naked, retro sport, cruiser, adventure touring, and dual-sport models to its street motorcycle lineup. These 2025 model-year motorcycles are set to arrive in Kawasaki dealerships during the fall months so that riders can continue to “Let the Good Times Roll.”

2025 Kawasaki Z650RS ABS 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.

Kawasaki TRaction Control (KTRC) (KP)
• Kawasaki’s advanced traction control system provides both enhanced sport riding performance and reassurance under certain conditions to allow riders to negotiate low-traction surfaces with confidence. Three modes allow riders to adjust settings to suit the riding situation and rider preference.
– Mode 1, the least intrusive, helps to manage traction during cornering. Designed with sport riding in mind, it facilitates acceleration out of corners by maximizing forward drive from the rear wheel. (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 lock-up and stalling, and rear-wheel hop.

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.

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.

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.
– In Mode 2, intervention occurs earlier. When excessive wheel spin is detected, engine output is reduced to allow grip to be regained, effectively enabling riders to negotiate both short, challenging patches (train tracks or manhole covers) and extended stretches of bad roads (wet pavement, cobblestone, gravel) with confidence.
– A switch on the left switch housing gives the rider the option to turn the system off. KTRC is always on when the engine is started.

Assist & Slipper Clutch
• Using the rotational forces of the clutch hub and pressure plate, the clutch is forced together during acceleration

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.

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.

STYLING
• 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.

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 retrostyle 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 emphasize 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 favorable. Paying attention to conditions that result in the mark appearing can assist riders to maximize fuel efficiency.

2025 Kawasaki Z650RS ABS – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $8,899 USD
Canada MSRP Price: $ 10,599 CDN
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £ See Dealer for Pricing in GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)

Engine Type 4-Stroke, Liquid-Cooled, DOHC, 4 Valve Cylinder Head, Parallel Twin
Displacement 649cc
Bore & Stroke 83.0 x 60.0mm
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 3.2 gal.
Seat Height 31.5 in.
Dry Weight ❖ 383.7 lb.
Curb Weight= 412.3 lb.
Warranty 12 months
Kawasaki Protection Plus™ 12, 24, 36 or 48 months
(Specifications subject to change without notice.)
Does not include all necessary materials and fluids to operate correctly, fuel and tool kit (if supplied).
❖ = Does not include all necessary materials and fluids to operate correctly, fuel and tool kit (if supplied).
== 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.
(KP) = See Kaw-Pedia section for more details.
* = Changes from previous model year.

2025 Kawasaki Z650RS ABS – Totalmotorcycle.com  Canadian Specifications/Technical Details

POWER

PERFORMANCE

DETAILS

2025 Kawasaki Z650RS ABS – Totalmotorcycle.com European Specifications/Technical Details

TBA

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