A Close Look at the 2022 Kawasaki Z650RS 50th Anniversary Edition (video included)
The Kawasaki Z650 is based around a DOHC 649cc parallel-twin engine which has been unchanged in the carryover to the standard Z650RS and RS 50th Anniversary models, with the same amount of power - a peak of 67 hp at 8,000 rpm. The Z650 comes with a six-speed gearbox and a slipper/assist slipper clutch that enables lighter lever effort; the only real changes to the retro bikes appear to be ergonomically and in styling, which lends it's look to that timeless 1970's look of the original Kawasaki Z models.
The ergonomic tweaks on the RS bikes compared to the naked Z650 amount to triple clamps that are 3/4 of inch higher, along with a new handlebar that’s been made to be flatter. In addition, the bar grips have been also placed two inches higher and one inch closer to the driver, the result is a more relaxed and upright riding position compared to the base model Z650. A slightly taller seat has been added as well.
The Z650RS has minimal bodywork, a flowing teardrop tank, and a fully exposed LED headlight bucket. The addition of a specially chosen, uniquely textured paint on the 50th Anniversary bike distinguishes it even more from the base model. The Candy Diamond Brown paint is applied using a painting process developed just for the 50th anniversary Z models, with the color added in layers to bring out extra depth and richer texture.
The RS line may tout a gold wheelset, but the 50th Anniversary Z650 and Z900 take a different route with gold tank emblems, Z logos, and fork tubes, and they roll on red wheels.
About those wheels, they’re made from cast aluminum and have a flat spoke design made to mimic classic wire wheels.
The old-school theme continues with round, chrome-trimmed analog-looking gauges, however there is an LCD readout nestled between them.
The blocky modern end can is the only major component without a retro treatment (as on the Z900RS models).
The bike is also adorned with all kinds of commemorative Z 50th Anniversary identifiers, with a 50th tank logo and special “Double Overhead Camshaft” emblems on the side covers further drawing a line back to the original Z1 models. The detailing carries over into the seating area, which features a textured saddle leather bracketed by a chrome passenger grab rail. As an added perk, a Z 50th Anniversary coffee-table book is also included with every bike purchase.
The price tag for the 50th Anniversary Z650RS retails for $9,249 or just $250 more than the standard 2022 Z650RS.
(video credits: Tech Machines Officials)
2022 Kawasaki Z650RS/50th Anniversary Specifications
| MSRP: | |
| Engine: | DOHC, liquid-cooled parallel twin; 4 valves/cyl. |
| Displacement: | 649cc |
| Bore x Stroke: | 83.0 x 60.0mm |
| Compression Ratio: | |
| Transmission/Final Drive: | 6-speed/chain |
| Claimed Power: | 67 hp @ 8,000 rpm |
| Claimed Torque: | 48.5 lb.-ft. @ 6,500 rpm |
| Fuel System: | Digital fuel injection w/ 36mm throttle bodies |
| Clutch: | Wet, multiplate |
| Frame: | Steel trellis |
| Front Suspension: | 41mm inverted telescopic fork; 4.9 in. travel |
| Rear Suspension: | Horizontal back-link, spring preload adjustable; 5.1 in. travel |
| Front Brake: | 2-piston calipers, dual 300mm discs w/ ABS |
| Rear Brake: | 1-piston caliper, 220mm disc w/ ABS |
| Wheels, Front/Rear: | Cast aluminum; 17 x 3.50 in. / 17 x 3.50 in. |
| Tires, Front/Rear: | |
| Rake/Trail: | 24.0°/3.9 in. |
| Wheelbase: | 55.3 in. |
| Seat Height: | 31.5 in. |
| Fuel Capacity: | 3.2 gal. |
| Curb Weight: | |
| Availability: | Early 2022 |
| Contact: | kawasaki.com |
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