QUICK SPIN! Kawasaki Z650RS

Following the (deserved) success of the retro-styled Z900RS, it was only a matter of time before Kawasaki brought out a middleweight version.  Late 2021 saw it finally arrive in the form of the Z650RS. Essentially a Z650 wearing a vintage dress, the Z joins a rapidly growing range of retro-styled 650s. We rode it out on the launch in France, and now Bob Pickett’s spent some time seeing how well it goes on British soil.

Give me some spec

A 649cc parallel twin putting out 67.3bhp/50.2kW @ 8,000rpm with maximum torque of 47.2 lb-ft/42Nm @ 6,700rpm, is seated in a tubular steel trellis frame. Seat height is a tallish 820mm/32.2in. The package weighs in at 187kg/412lb. A 12-litre tank hints at a 150-mile range.  Bringing things to a halt are twin 300mm front discs with 2-piston calliper and a single 220mm single calliper rear, supported by Bosch ABS.

Any updates from last year?

New model for 2021/2.

So what is it like to ride?

Before starting up, it’s worth stopping and taking a look at the attention to detail. Kawasaki’s styling team has done a grand job, dropping in an old-school tank, conventional forks, duck-beak tail, seat with retro-style stitching and round discs. The round headlight and the cast spoke wheels are neat finishing touches.

At 820mm it’s tall but my 29-inch (736mm) legs could all but get both heels down. There is a 20mm thinner seat available. It’s a nice place to sit; feet rear of neutral, the slender bars angle you lightly forward, and the seat instantly cossets your backside.

The proven 649cc parallel twin has been lightly retuned for more midrange; this bike will live in this part of the range and it’s spot on.  Happy humming along at 5,000rpm, if you need to overtake (or want to drive into a bend) just up the revs and it punches forward with added purpose.

Talking bends, the RS has light, agile handling. I found myself swinging from outside edge to outside edge through the bends, utilising every inch of the road.

The suspension is spot on, though on bumpier surfaces it fed back every lump and ripple.  That said, the front was never ruffled, but the rear did pogo a couple of times.

The light clutch is ideal for town work. The box isn’t the slickest, but clunks reassuringly into place. The brakes? Nothing fancy, but they do their job. Solid, good feel, again never ruffled.

Mirrors give decent feedback. The clocks are a nice mix of analogue and digital.

The Z650RS is great in town, on back roads or major A roads. The engine and handling can more than take on motorway pace, but on a gusty day the Z’s lack of weight and wind protection made it hard work. But I’d venture the Z650RS isn’t meant for that grind.  Back off, enjoy that midrange and light, easy handling and this bike has a lot to offer.

How much does it cost?

Prices start from £7,649 in metallic spark black.  You will pay a little extra for the (gorgeous) candy emerald green or the metallic moondust grey model we rode (£7,799).

To try this bike contact:

East London Kawasaki/Bacons Motorcycles

737-741 Eastern Avenue

Ilford, Essex IG2 7RT

Tel: 020 8252 6020

www.baconsmotorcycles.co.uk