Kawasaki India has updated its portfolio with the launch of the retro-style Z650RS. The new middleweight model joins the Ninja 650, Z650, Vulcan S, and the Versys 650 in the Japanese manufacturer’s Indian portfolio. Here we explain the top five highlights of the new Z650RS.
Price
This new motorcycle from the Indian arm of the Japanese brand is available at an ex-showroom (India) price tag of Rs 6.65 lakh. While the motorcycle does not have direct competition, it may face some threat from the likes of Honda CB650R (Rs 8.68 lakh) and the Royal Enfield Interceptor INT 650 (Rs 2.82 lakh) in the Indian market.
Styling
In terms of design, the newly launched Z650RS draws styling cues from the bigger modern-classic Kawasaki model, the Z900RS. The styling on the new Z650RS comprises a single-pod round headlight with a chrome surround, retro-style twin-pod instrument cluster, a round shape for the rear-view mirrors, a curvy design for the fuel tank, a flat seat, and an underbelly exhaust. The motorcycle rides on split-style alloy wheels that are wrapped in tubeless tyres.
Colours
The new Kawasaki Z650RS is available in two colours – Candy Emerald Green and Metallic Moondust Gray. The Candy Emerald Green paint option comes with golden-coloured alloy wheels while the Metallic Moondust Gray uses black coloured units. Both colour options come with a different set of graphics.
Features
The retro styling of the new Kawasaki Z650RS is complemented by features such as full-LED lighting and a semi-digital instrument cluster. Unlike the Ninja 650 and the Z650, the Kawasaki Z650RS misses features such as a colour-TFT screen with Bluetooth-connectivity. Instead, this retro-style middleweight motorcycle uses an LCD screen that sits between two analogue dials. The Z650RS also gets a dual-channel ABS, and an assist and slipper clutch mechanism. The hardware on the motorcycle comprises a trellis frame, 41mm telescopic front forks, a horizontal back-link mono-shock, twin 300mm rotors with dual-piston callipers at the front, and a 220mm single disc with a single-piston calliper at the back.
Engine
The new Z650RS shares its 649cc, parallel-twin, liquid-cooled engine with the Ninja 650 and the Z650. Linked to a six-speed transmission, the motor is tuned to produce 67.3bhp of maximum power at 6,700rpm and 64Nm of peak torque at 8,000rpm.
