2022 Kawasaki Z650RS First Look Preview

Kawasaki expands its retro sport line with a new middleweight standard for 2022—the Z650RS. The new 650 promises to blend approachable performance with styling previously only available on the larger and pricier Z900RS. It’s a sparing bike in terms of electronics but carries Kawasaki’s tried-and-true 649cc parallel twin and an enticing $8,999 price tag.

If you’ve ridden the Z650, the Ninja 650, the Versys 650, or the Vulcan S, you’ll have some idea of what’s in store from the Z650RS powerplant. The DOHC liquid-cooled eight-valve mill is smooth and user-friendly, great for riders with some miles under their belts but also manageable for newer riders as well. An assist and slip clutch is another nice touch for riders lacking finesse, lighting pull at the lever, and reducing rear-wheel hop under heavy engine-braking and downshifts.

The engine sits within a high-tensile steel trellis frame that’s been stripped of all unnecessary weight. The bike utilizes a 41mm telescopic fork at the front and a preload-adjustable horizontal, back-link shock at the rear to soak up bumps. Dual 300mm discs at the front are squeezed by a pair of two-piston calipers and a 220mm disc and single-piston caliper handle braking duties at the rear. The Z650RS is equipped with Bosch 9.1M ABS also.

The cast wheels make use of flat spokes that are designed to mimic the look of wire-spoked wheels and are wrapped in Dunlop Sportmax Roadsport 2 rubber.

This streetbike’s riding position is neutral and comfortable, with a wide handlebar and 31.5-inch seat height. The frame and tank are as narrow as possible and both clutch and brake levers are five-position adjustable. Bike data is displayed on a dual-dial cluster with a centralized LCD screen, and the round LED headlight keeps the road ahead reliably illuminated.

The 2022 Z650RS will be available in Metallic Moondust Gray or Ebony and Candy Emerald Green colorways.

The specs aren’t game changers in any way; it’s all about the relaxed retro looks with the Z650RS. Plus the well-established powerplant, comfortable ride position, approachable ergonomics, and palatable price tag combined with the ‘70s-era styling is a combination that will no doubt be a hit with many riders out there.