Kawasaki Z650 RS: Top 5 highlights

Kawasaki India has introduced the Z650 RS which is a retro-modern motorcycle heavily based on the Z650. It carries a similar design language as the one on the Z900 RS which was launched in India a few years ago.

Kawasaki has launched its retro-styled motorcycle, the Z650 RS in India for Rs 6.65 lakh (ex-showroom). As the name suggests, the Z650 RS is based on the Kawasaki Z650 which is priced at Rs 6.24 lakh (ex-showroom).

In all, Kawasaki India has five middle-weight motorcycles on sale. For now, we shall focus on the newest 650cc motorcycle from the Kawasaki stable. Following are the top five highlights of the new retro-modern motorcycle from Japan.

Styling

As mentioned above, the Z650 RS is based on the Z650 street-naked motorcycle, however, the overall styling of the Z650 RS is the one thing that sets it apart. Upfront there is a circular headlamp assembly. The instrument cluster is a twin-pod unit and gets no visor or any panels for aerodynamic aids.

The handlebar is relatively upright that can be reached by average built riders easily. The seat on the Z650 RS is a single-piece unit and sports a flatter design compared to the Z650. A flat seat, raised handlebar and mid-set footpegs translate into a fairly relaxed rider's triangle on the Z650 RS.

Kawasaki has also smartly integrated a multi-spoke alloy wheel design on the Z650 RS which comes across as spoke wire wheels.

Powertrain

The Z650 RS uses the same 649cc parallel-twin engine which also powers other middle-weight Kawasakis such as the Z650, Ninja 650, Vulcan S and Versys 650.

This liquid motor produces 64.7bhp and 67Nm which is forwarded to the wheel via a six-speed slipper-clutch equipped gearbox.

Cycle parts

The Z650 RS shares its cycle parts with the Z650. The Z650 RS features a 300mm twin-disc set-up in the front and a 220mm petal disc in the rear. The suspension units include conventional telescopic forks in the front and a mono-shock on the rear. The tank can hold just above 12-litres of fuel. The kerb weight of marked at 187kg.

Features

As mentioned earlier, The Z650 RS features a twin-pod instrument cluster, interestingly the cluster features an LCD screen between the pods. The LCD reads out the gear position, trip meter, and remaining fuel. There is also a dual-channel ABS on offer.

Rivals

The Kawasaki Z650 RS essentially rivals other 650cc motorcycles on sale in India namely, the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 and the Honda CB650R. The Interceptor 650 is priced on the more affordable side that ranges from Rs 2.81-3.03 lakh (ex-showroom).

The Honda CB650R is the more expensive proposition compared to the Kawasaki Z650 RS. The CB650R is priced at Rs 8.67 lakh (ex-showroom), which is higher than the Kawasaki Z900 as well.

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