The new Z650RS, which was recently announced for release in Japan next spring, is a neo-classic naked model based on the European streetfighter Z650 with traditional styling cues from the past. The Z650RS is based on the European street-fighter Z650 and has been given a neo-classic style. For more information on the motorcycle, check out our article on the Z650RS, but for now we've decided to simulate a showdown with its hypothetical rivals.
Kawasaki Z650RS European specification
Engine: Water-cooled in-line 2-cylinder DOHC 4-valve 649cc
Maximum output: 68ps/8,000rpm
Maximum torque: 6.5kg-m/6700rpm
Vehicle weight: 187kg
Wheelbase: 1405mm
Seat height: 820mm
XSR700 or SV650X if it's a classic.
To say that the Z650 is its biggest rival would be an understatement, but it's not. The engine and bodywork are basically the same, but the shape is very different. In other words, the Z650 is aimed at people with different style. The Z650 appeals to those who like performance and modern styling, while the Z650RS is for those who want nostalgia and historical icons. It's the same formula as the Z900 and Z900RS, and the way it's selling in Japan gives us a good idea of what people like today.
Let's look around at other manufacturers. The XSR700, which Yamaha classifies as a Sport Heritage motorcycle, is a neo-classic version of the MT-07, and in Kawasaki terms, it's the Z650RS to the Z650. It has the same liquid-cooled parallel twin-cylinder engine and weighs about the same. The MT-07 is a neo-classic version of the MT-07, but it's more like the Z650RS than the Z650. Yamaha's crossplane, with its burst of low-to-mid range torque, and Kawasaki's Paratwin, with its lively acceleration up to high revs, are sure to bring out the best in each rider.
Suzuki has another great middle-class motorcycle, the SV650, with the same liquid-cooled V-twin engine that powers the V-Strom 650, but with the unique pulse of the V-twin's unequally spaced explosions. Its lively ride and nimble handling make it a fun middle-class motorcycle to ride. The higher-end SV650X has a neo-retro cafe style that adds to the atmosphere. In that sense, it's a worthy rival to the Z650RS.
[Kawasaki Z650]
Engine: Water-cooled in-line 2-cylinder DOHC 4-valve 649cc
Maximum output: 68ps/8,000rpm
Maximum torque: 6.4kgf-m/6,700rpm
Vehicle weight: 189kg
Wheelbase: 1410mm
Seat height: 790mm
[Yamaha XSR700]
Engine: Water-cooled in-line 2-cylinder DOHC 4-valve 688cc
Maximum output: 73 hp/9,000rpm
Maximum torque: 6.9kgf-m/6,500rpm
Vehicle weight: 186kg
Wheelbase: 1405mm
Seat height: 835mm
[Suzuki SV650X]
Engine: Water-cooled V-twin cylinder DOHC 4 valves 645cc
Maximum power: 76.1ps/8,500rpm
Maximum torque: 6.5kgf-m/8,100rpm
Vehicle weight: 197kg
Wheelbase: 1450mm
Seat height: 790mm
Will the CB650R really be a rival?
Honda has a more powerful rival in the CB650R. The CB650R is a four-cylinder motorcycle with a futuristic neo-retro styling. But it's not a homage to the CBs of the past. The CB650R and the current Z650 are both more powerful and heavier than the CB. The more powerful and heavier CB is more difficult to handle. The basic framework, such as the solid twin-tube frame and inverted fork, is also designed to handle higher loads, and if I may say so without fear of misunderstanding, it can be said that the model is aimed at a higher range.
On the other hand, the Z650's light footwork and straightforward handling made it very easy to handle, and it was more than a match for us on the short course that mimicked the mountain roads. We're sure the Z650RS will be just as good.
[Honda CB650R]
Engine: Water-cooled inline 4-cylinder DOHC 4-valve 648cc
Maximum output: 95ps/12,000rpm
Maximum torque: 6.5kgf-m/8,500rpm
Vehicle weight: 201kg
Wheelbase: 1450mm
Seat height: 810mm
The most famous motorcycles of the past become its greatest rivals!
And there is one more machine that I want to check out here. It's the Zephyr 750. It's an air-cooled straight-four with a different engine layout, and although it's more than 30 years old, its roots are in the original air-cooled Z650, nicknamed the Zapper.
Recently, the Zephyr 750 has been sold at a premium and the price has skyrocketed, but we wanted to feature it here because there are still many healthy machines that are still running. The Z650RS is a tribute to the 1976 air-cooled Z650, but the original zapper was evolved into the 1990 Zephyr 750 (with a larger displacement), and it's exciting to see two models with the same zapper DNA come together.
The air-cooled Z family has been dominated by the liter-class (900cc-1100cc) with the Z1 as its roots, but the zappers have been the odd man out in comparison. But with the introduction of the Z650RS, they're back in the spotlight.
Aside from Kawasaki's business prowess, I'm also happy to hear this, as I once owned a Zephyr 750. As a former Zephyr 750 owner, I can't wait for its debut next spring.
[Kawasaki Zephyr 750]
Engine: Air-cooled inline 4-cylinder DOHC 2-valve 738cc
Maximum output: 68ps/9000rpm
Maximum torque: 5.5kgf-m/7,500rpm
Vehicle weight: 201 kg (dry)
Wheelbase: 1460mm
Seat height: 780mm
