Kawasaki’s Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 rival in the works!

- Kawasaki Z650RS patents filed

- Gets the same 649cc, parallel-twin engine

- To compete against the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650

The Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650 were a runaway success in international markets, even going on to become one of the highest-selling motorcycles in the UK. And now, Kawasaki seems to be wanting a piece of that pie with a Z650RS.

While the Japanese manufacturer teased an upcoming motorcycle last month, leaked type-approval documents have confirmed details about the same. Besides the name, the Z650RS will be strapped with the same 649cc, parallel-twin engine as the other models in the 650 range.

 However, the documents reveal that the Z650RS will churn out 0.2bhp more and have a top-speed of 191kmph. Moreover, the motorcycle will have a kerb weight of 187kg; that is 4kg more than the Z650. Even its wheelbase is 5mm shorter than the streetfighter.

We can expect the rest of the components on the Z650RS to be the same, although with a styling that reflects a retro flavour similar to the Z900RS. Kawasaki is likely to unveil the Z650RS for international markets by the end of this year and launch it in India sometime in 2022.