It can be said that the mid-displacement motorcycle segment is the most hotly contested ever. The sweet spot between 600cc and 800cc has given rise to a wide selection of bikes over the years, all designed to meet the needs of a wide range of riders. Kawasaki has been active in this segment for almost two decades, since the launch of the Kawasaki Ninja 650 and, not surprisingly, the platform has spawned a large number of bikes.
Today, the Kawasaki 650 platform includes not only the Ninja, but also the Versys, Vulcan S, Z650, and Z650RS. That said, for the year 2024, Kawasaki updated the Z650 and Z650RS, mainly with new colors and a traction control system on the Z650RS. It is important to note that the Z650 already received traction control for the year 2023, and now, its retro-inspired sister is getting the safety feature for the year 2024.
Starting with the Z650RS, the neo-retro roadster maintains its basic foundations and boasts a very premium configuration and finishes, much like its premium sister, the Z900RS. For 2024, the Z650RS retains its tried and tested engine, a 649cc liquid-cooled twin-cylinder engine with fuel injection. It continues to have the same 180-degree crankshaft configuration, with no signs from Kawasaki pointing towards a switch to the ever-popular 270-degree, or crossplane, configuration anytime soon.
The Z650RS is composed of a lightweight steel trellis frame and a standard telescopic fork without any type of adjustment. The rear shock absorber, however, has preload adjustment. Inside the cockpit, the rider is treated to a retro dual-dial instrument panel with a simple multifunction LCD screen in the center. It has a round LED headlight and cast aluminum wheels designed to look like spoked wheels, just like its bigger sister Z900RS. It shares the same electronics package as the modern-styled Z650, with dual-channel ABS and KTRC for extra safety, offering two riding modes.
Speaking of the Z650, it also receives a slight update for 2024, but continues to incorporate the Sugomi style first introduced on the Z1000 a decade ago. Its base is exactly the same as that of the Z650RS, so there is no need to analyze it in detail. However, it is worth noting that the Z650 receives a color TFT instrument panel with smartphone pairing compatibility through the Kawasaki Rideology app. The wheels are also different, as the Z650 uses the lightweight cast aluminum wheels found on the Ninja 650, enhancing its athletic and sporty stance.
