Kawasaki’s New Neo-Retro Roadster A Step Closer To Reality

Last month, Kawasaki teased a new motorcycle and we suggested that it could be the Z650RS, which recently leaked type-approval document confirms. Besides, it also reveals that there will be two versions of the bike that will go on sale in the European market.

The Kawasaki Z650RS will utilise the Japanese manufacturer’s 649cc platform, already seen on the Z650, Ninja 650, Vulcan S and the Versys 650. This neo-retro motorcycle gets the same liquid-cooled parallel-twin motor producing 68.2PS at 8000rpm and 64Nm at 6700rpm. As per the document, the new Z650RS has a claimed top speed of 191kmph.

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The performance figures of the neo-retro roadster are exactly the same as the Kawasaki Z650. However, the Z650RS’s dimensions are different from the naked bike, suggesting that the RS would be more than just a Z650 with a few retro elements.

For starters, the RS sports a shorter wheelbase of 1405mm, 5mm shorter than the Z650’s. This could be due to the different swingarm and suspension setup Kawasaki might equip the Z650RS with. Unlike the Z650’s stubby tail, the RS is likely to get a longer and wider unit, as the overall length of the bike has gone up to 2065mm-- 10mm longer than the Z650. Even the height has gone from Z650’s 1065mm to 1115mm for the Z650RS, likely due to the more upright and wider bars, a la the Kawasaki Z900RS. This also results in a slight increase in overall width from 765mm to 800mm. Interestingly, the kerb weight has gone up by just 1kg.

The images of the Kawasaki Z650RS aren’t out yet, but it will likely be similar to the Z900RS, something we have already seen with the Z900 and the Z650. That said, the distinction between the two would be the underpinnings and maybe even the paint schemes.

Will the Kawasaki Z650RS come to India? Definitely. We already have four bikes based on this platform and now, with the Triumph Trident 660 and the Honda CB650R on sale here, Kawasaki will surely want a piece of the action. In terms of price, the Z650RS will likely slot in between the Z650 (Rs 6.24 lakh) and the Ninja 650 (Rs 6.61 lakh). Ultimately, though, will it pose a serious threat to the Trident? We can’t wait to see!