Kawasaki Z650RS specifications
Kawasaki · Naked
The Kawasaki Z650RS wraps the 649cc, 67 hp twin in retro sport styling, with three-mode traction control, anti-lock brakes and a six-speed return-shift gearbox. Owners report a solid, reliable engine with friendly low and mid revs and some fading near the red line. It suits a rider who wants an approachable, good-looking retro middleweight without the price of the Z900RS.
Kawasaki Z650RS
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model year | 2026 |
| Final drive | Sealed chain |
| Class | Retro sport |
| Engine | 4-stroke, 2-cylinder, DOHC, liquid-cooled |
| Displacement | 649cc |
| Bore x stroke | 83.0x60.0mm |
| Compression ratio | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel system | DFI with Keihin 36mm throttle bodies |
| Transmission | 6-speed, return shift |
| Front suspension | 41mm telescopic fork |
| Front suspension travel | 4.9 in |
| Rear suspension | Horizontal back-link with adjustable preload, swingarm |
| Rear suspension travel | 5.1 in |
| Front brake | Dual 300mm petal-style discs with two-piston calipers and ABS |
| Rear brake | Single 220mm petal-style disc and ABS |
| Front tire | 120/70-17 |
| Rear tire | 160/60-17 |
| Seat height | 31.5 in |
| Wet weight (curb) | 412.3 lb |
| Wheelbase | 55.3 in |
| Rake (caster angle) | 24.0° |
| Trail | 3.9 in |
| Fuel capacity | 3.2 gal |
| Ground clearance | 4.9 in |
| Maximum horsepower | 67.0 hp |
| Maximum horsepower (at rpm) | 8,000 rpm |
| Maximum torque | 48.5 lb-ft |
| Maximum torque (at rpm) | 6,700 rpm |
| Ignition | TCBI with Electronic Advance |
| Frame | Trellis, high tensile steel |
| Electronic rider aids | Economical Riding Indicator, Kawasaki TRaction Control (KTRC - 3 Modes), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) |
| Length x width x height | 81.3x31.5x43.9 in |
| Estimated dry weight (dry) | 383.7 lb |
| Starting MSRP | $8,999 |
| Destination charge | $685 |
Fit and comfort
Visordown notes a shorter 800 mm saddle is available but most riders of any height will be happy with the comfortable standard seat, that the narrow 12-liter tank lets you get your feet down easily, and that a 6 ft 3 in tester came off the bike without aches though taller riders may find the dimensions a touch small.
It says top-end power is a tad lacking, and that riders after top speeds should look at the Z900RS, while the Z650RS suits those who want middleweight accessibility.
Z650RS against the Z650 S, XSR700 and CB650R
Kawasaki's Z650 S shares the same engine at $7,699 with modern naked styling, and Yamaha's XSR700 is the retro rival from another maker. When it launched in the UK, Visordown priced the Z650RS below Yamaha's XSR700 and Triumph's Street Twin and a touch above Honda's CB650R. In the United States it costs $8,999, against the Z650 S's $7,699.
Kawasaki Z650RS — specification referenceKawasaki · Retro sport
The 2026 Kawasaki Z650RS wraps the 649cc, 67 hp twin in retro sport styling, with three-mode traction control, anti-lock brakes and a six-speed return-shift gearbox. Owners report a solid, reliable engine with friendly low and mid revs and some fading near the red line. It suits a rider who wants an approachable, good-looking retro middleweight without the price of the Z900RS.
What owners say about the Z650RS.
Owners report an easy, dependable bike. In owner reviews at Motorcycle News , one rider has had zero problems with the engine, which pulls away well, peaks around 8,000 to 9,000 rpm and will run to 10,000 if needed. Another finds the low and mid revs nice but the top end a bit asthmatic, which matters little since the redline starts at 10,000 rpm and maximum power comes at 8,000.
Owners do complain about the paint finish on the engine and some switchgear failures on older Z650s. But the same page calls the bike very solidly built and reliable. One tall, heavy owner reports about 55 mpg at normal pace, and another high 60s mpg after breaking in, and in sixth gear at motorway speeds you hear only wind.
Fit and comfort
Visordown notes a shorter 800 mm saddle is available but most riders of any height will be happy with the comfortable standard seat, that the narrow 12-liter tank lets you get your feet down easily, and that a 6 ft 3 in tester came off the bike without aches though taller riders may find the dimensions a touch small.
It says top-end power is a tad lacking, and that riders after top speeds should look at the Z900RS, while the Z650RS suits those who want middleweight accessibility.
Z650RS against the Z650 S, XSR700 and CB650R.
Kawasaki's Z650 S shares the same engine at $7,699 with modern naked styling, and Yamaha's XSR700 is the retro rival from another maker. When it launched in the UK, Visordown priced the Z650RS below Yamaha's XSR700 and Triumph's Street Twin and a touch above Honda's CB650R. In the United States it costs $8,999, against the Z650 S's $7,699.
- Model-year range
- 2025–2026
- Compared editions
- 2
- Specification entries
- 28
- Entries that differ
- 0
2026 Kawasaki Z650RS questions
What is the difference between the Z650RS and the Z650?
The RS has retro-sport styling and costs $8,999 against $7,699 for the Z650 S. Both use the 649cc, 67 hp twin. Kawasaki lists the RS with a 412.3 lb curb weight and a 31.5 in seat.
Is the Kawasaki Z650RS reliable?
Owners on Motorcycle News describe it as very solidly built and reliable, with engine, gearbox and brakes proven across several Kawasaki models. Complaints are limited to engine paint finish and some switchgear on older Z650s.
Other models in this reference: Kawasaki Z900 ABS, Kawasaki Eliminator.