Kawasaki Z 650 RS [2022] | First Ride Review | Video

Retro throwbacks are all the rage these days and Kawasaki should know based on the success and sales of its Z900 RS, the heritage themed variant of its popular large naked.

As such, there is little surprise it is attempting to repeat a winning formula with its more compact Z650. In fact, we are surprised Kawasaki didn’t do it sooner…

Either way, the Kawasaki Z650 RS is here promising to be a snappy portmanteau of a ‘Retrovolution’, a yesteryear rendition in an accessible A2-friendly package.

Naturally, we have been very keen to throw a leg over since it was revealed last month and ‘voila’ we have been able to do just that via a little jaunt down to the south of France in the coastal city of Marseille.

After a couple of days traversing the mountains, skipping between the Clios of the urban jungle and cruising down the promenade, we are ready to give you our verdict of a motorcycle Kawasaki hopes will be stealing plenty of sales from the Yamaha XSR700, Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 and even the neo-retro flavoured Honda CB650R.

Check out the video below to get our first ride impressions before anyone else.

ENGINE TYPE - Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke Parallel Twin

DISPLACEMENT - 649 cm³

BORE X STROKE - 83 x 60 mm

COMPRESSION RATIO - 10.8:1

RATED OUTPUT - 50.2 kW {68 PS} / 8,000 rpm

MAX. TORQUE - 64 N•m {6.5 kgf•m} / 6,700 rpm

LUBRICATION - Forced lubrication, semi‑dry sump

FUEL SUPPLY - Fuel injection: Ø 36 mm x 2 with dual throttle valves

CERTIFICATION - Euro 5

CLUTCH - Wet multi-disc, manual

GEARBOX - 6 Speed

LENGTH - 2065mm 

WIDTH - 800mm 

HEIGHT - 1115mm

GROUND CLEARANCE - 125 mm

UNLADEN WEIGHT - 187 kg

USABABLE TANK VOLUME - 12 litres

WHEELBASE - 1,405 mm

SEAT HEIGHT - 820 mm