Kawasaki continue with its ‘retro sport/modern classic’ range with the extremely attractive z650RS. I’ve always been the biggest fan of Kawasaki’s previous take on the original z900 and the z900RS which are, in fact, my favourites of all these ‘retro’ styled bikes on offer. So what about the new z650RS then?
Well, let’s get the ‘elephant in the room’ out of the way first. The z900RS has four-cylinders, as did the 1975 z900 and the original z650 from 1977. However, the new z650RS has a parallel twin based around their modern looking z650. So I was a little disappointed (like many), until I delved into past and previous specifications.
The original 1977 z650, which was fantastic to ride in its day, produced a claimed 66hp@8,500rpm and 57Nm@7,000rpm. This modern z650RS churns out a claimed 67hp@8,000rpm and 64Nm@6,700rpm. Pretty close then in horsepower terms but the ’77 z650 flattens the tarmac with its 220kg mass, while the 2023 bike is a relatively lightweight 187kg. Basically the new version will outperform the old bike in all areas and so it should, but not by as much as you’d think.
The z650 DOHC, eight-valve engine has been around for a while, but it can be made to produce over 90hp, because they use it at the I.O.M. TT races in the Lightweight Class, if you desire more. That will be an expensive exercise though and is really most unnecessary. But, to be honest, the z650RS is more about class and style than performance chasing.
Kawasaki should certainly earn some sort of styling award for their z650RS (maybe it will) as it is a very good-looking motorcycle and, with its 70s Candy Emerald Green paint, fooled many onlookers into believing I’d restored a ’77 bike. The twin conical analogue clocks and ‘duck-tail’ at the rear certainly add 1970s flavour as well, as do the gold coloured wheels and the iconic z650 badge on the side panels (same as the ones found on the ’77 bike), very classy that part.
We also had a contemporary z650, courtesy of Lea, to compare on the day seeing as they both run the same chassis and components, but they do feel so different to ride. The RS option is a delight to live with on a daily basis; funky looking and so easy to ride with its light controls. The power delivery is respectable, especially off the bottom end, where wheelies can be achieved if that’s your thing. High speeds though, over 160km/h, can be a bit of a strain because of the high ‘bars, but I doubt any new owners will care about those figures.
Without doubt though the main attribute of the z650RS is cruising around town and feeling very pleased with yourself as questions abound every time you’re at the shop. I believe it’s due to the petrol tank shape, style and colour that pulls onlookers into the immaculately restored ‘trap’. Either way Kawasaki has achieved, in the design, a modern retro classic for sure.
You’re probably wondering, by now, how much this delightful ride will relieve you of your cash? Well, it was originally R175,000, which I thought was too close to the asking price of R209,000 for the four-cylinder z900RS. But the good news is that, for whatever reason, it has now been reduced to R149,995, which makes the z650RS a much more viable option and worth a look at if you’re after something different and special. You won’t see many on the roads either, especially because of the modern styling of this white z650.
Talking of Lea’s z650, it feels nothing like the RS option to ride, as you tend to sit ‘in’ it compared to sitting ‘on top’ of the RS. Still, the white z650 option still rides remarkably well after many kilometres and it’s still a great second hand buy, seeing as they’re not brought into SA anymore. It doesn’t seem to have the quality and refinements of the posh, new parts found on the z650RS though, which you’d expect anyway considering the market the RS is aimed at.
After Lea and myself had a few runs up and down the road on each other’s bikes, Lea still preferred the modern approach and riding position of her beloved z650, while I would opt for the retro classic z650RS for sure. Either way, whether you’re a younger or an older rider, like myself (ancient if you ask me - Nat the proofreader) the z650RS is a worthy addition to Kawasaki’s modern classic range and it’ll appeal to anyone who’s after something a little distinctive.
Images: Devyn Heuer
Visit: www.kawasaki.co.za for more information.