2022 Kawasaki Z650RS ABS First Look

Kawasaki’s retro sport lineup, including the Z900RS and Z900RS Café, has been a favorite of the industry’s classic craze, and now Team Green is expanding it further with the addition of the all-new 2022 Z650RS ABS. The new RS combines its proven and versatile 650cc parallel-twin platform with timeless styling harkening back to the old-school Z models of the ‘70s. And it looks rad.

The Z650RS ABS shares its basic architecture with the Kawasaki Z650 middleweight naked, including the punchy DOHC 649cc parallel-twin engine. The basic engine platform appears to have remained unchanged in transition to the RS, which has been known by CW testers for its butter-smooth throttle response and flexible power delivery. It is paired with a six-speed gearbox and a slipper/assist slipper clutch for light lever effort.

Kawasaki also utilized the chassis of the Z650, meaning it has the same steel trellis frame, 41mm telescopic fork, and monoshock as the sport naked. It is stopped via a pair of two-piston Nissin calipers clamping to 300mm discs up front, with ABS as standard equipment. Like the Z650, the RS also rides on Dunlop Sportmax Roadsport 2 rubber.

Clear at first glance, the Z650RS distinguishes itself with catchy, retro classic styling and obvious influences from ‘70s Z1, especially while dressed in its available Candy Emerald Green colorway. The round LED headlight and teardrop-shaped fuel tank hammer in the classic aesthetic, but the RS is dripping in details. A set of cast wheels use flat spokes to mimic old-school wire-spoke wheels, while the oval-shaped LED taillight is an influence of classic models.

A dual analog speedometer/tachometer instrument cluster is paired with an LCD to display basic riding information, just like on the Z900RS and RS Café. A seriously cool touch that gives the cockpit a classic feel.

Aside from the styling, the Z650RS does vary from the sport naked in terms of ergonomics. The handlebar has been raised by 50mm and pushed toward the rider by 30mm for a more relaxed, comfortable riding position. It is paired with a relatively low 31.5-inch seat height, which should lend itself to approachability for less experienced or smaller stature riders.

The Z650RS ABS is available in two colorways, Candy Emerald Green and Metallic Moondust Gray/Ebony, with an MSRP of $8,999.