2021 Kawasaki Z650RS Unveiled Overseas, India-launch Soon

The new Z650RS blends the styling of the bigger Z900RS with the underpinnings of underpinnings of Kawasaki's 650cc lineup, like the Ninja 650 and Z650

• The Kawasaki Z650RS is powered by a 649cc, parallel-twin engine putting out 68PS and 64Nm.
• Gets styling elements like a circular twin pod instrument cluster, a circular headlight, and spoke-like golden alloy wheels.
• It will arrive in India by the end of 2021.

Kawasaki’s 650cc platform features all sorts of motorcycles from a naked (Z650) to a sports-tourer (Ninja 650) to an ADV (Versys 650) and even a low-slung cruiser like the Vulcan S. But what was missing in it till now was a retro motorcycle and to fill this gap, the Japanese bikemaker has now introduced the 2021 Z650RS. 

As the name suggests, it is based on the Z650. So, the 41mm telescopic fork, the preload adjustable monoshock, twin 300mm discs up front and a 220mm disc at the rear are all shared between the Z650RS and the Z650. 

More importantly, the Z650RS also gets the same chassis, housing the same 649cc, parallel-twin motor, putting out 68PS and 64Nm. While the output is the same as the Z650, Kawasaki claims the Z650RS has better low- and mid-range grunt to suit the retro character of the bike.

So what does the ‘RS’ badge actually bring with it? Well, an entirely new design which is every bit retro. Up front, the Z650RS gets a round horizontally split LED headlight with a chrome bezel. Then there’s the round, old-school tank with pinstripes inspired by the 1975 Kawasaki Z650. Everything is brought together by a  flat ducktail seat and 16-spoke golden alloy wheels, evocative of the old-school wire spoke wheels.

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The flat seat is complemented by a taller handlebar (compared to the Z650), thus giving the Z650RS a more upright riding posture. Its seat height, though, is 820mm (30mm taller than the Z650) which might make it a stretch for shorter riders.

To keep the retro feels going, Kawasaki has thrown in a new classic-looking twin pod instrument cluster. It has two analogue meters (speedo and tacho) with an LCD screen between the dials, showing all necessary information. This LCD along with the full-LED illumination add the “modern” in this retro-modern bike. 

The Z650RS is offered in three colour options: Candy Emerald Green, Metallic Moondust Gray, and Metallic Spark Black. Our pick would be the Candy Emerald Green as it gets those delectable golden alloy wheels and dazzling green bodywork with pinstripes.

In Europe, prices of the Z650RS start from EUR 7549 (Rs 6.51 lakh). Here, though, the Z650RS will be launched at around Rs 7.5 lakh (ex-showroom) in November 2021, as revealed by our sources. Read our exclusive story for more details.