D.I.D. has developed a spoke wheel for the Kawasaki Z650RS, which will be released on April 28, and exhibited it for demonstration. I've been waiting for a part like this! I am sure there are many future owners who would like to know more about this. Kawasaki has a history of releasing the Zephyr 750RS/Zephyr 1100RS with spoke wheels in 1996. In other words, put these on and you have a Z650RSRS!
Developed with the same size setting as Z650RS stock, spoked and tubeless spec.
The Kawasaki Z650RS uses cast wheels of the same design as the Z900RS. This design was inspired by the Z1, which had wire-spoke wheels, and has a larger number of spokes for a cast wheel.
Still, compared to the wire spokes of the Z1, they were only imaginative. In the past, Kawasaki had introduced the RS series of wire-spoke wheels on the Zephyr 750/Zephyr 1100, and now the D.I.D developed a wire-spoke wheel for the Z650RS.
What makes it different from Zephyr RS is that it is tubeless. D.I.D. has superior technology and know-how not only in chains but also in wheels, as a manufacturer of genuine manufacturer's products, and has developed the same tubeless specifications as Africa Twin and other models.
Spoke wheels developed by D.I.D. for the Z650RS. They are tubeless type and the size is the same as STD, 17M/C x MT3.50/17M/C x MT4.50. The front-wheel was exhibited this time.
The hubs are machined from aluminum. The brake disc is not expected to be set in the production version, so it will need to be ported from the vehicle.
The rims are anodized and colored gold. Although it is possible to use a colorless or other colors, gold is especially desirable for the Z650RS 50th anniversary model. The surface is shot-blasted to give it a rough finish, which also adds to the retro look.
Z650RS 50th Anniversary [KAWASAKI] This one of the Z650RS is the 50th anniversary model in fireball color. The green first-generation Z650 color also has gold wheels. Spoke wheels would give it a more retro look.
The Zephyr 750RS debuted in 1996, with spoke wheels front and rear for Z1 style. The wheels were tube spec.
Why for Z650RS and not for Z900RS?
If they are going to release spoke wheels, shouldn't they have them for the Z900RS, which already has a large number of owners? D.I.D. is of course aware of this.
However, the Z900RS is 17M/C x MT3.50/17M/C x MT5.50, and the rear is thicker, which poses a higher hurdle in rim processing. Spoke wheel rims are made by machining straight aluminum into a circular shape and welding it together, and the thicker the rim, the more difficult this process becomes.
Nevertheless, if the response to the display at this year's motorcycle show is strong, development for the Z900RS is not out of the question. The rear spoke wheel for the Z650RS will also be on display at the Tokyo Motorcycle Show starting March 25, so Z900RS owners should stop by the D.I.D. booth and make an enthusiastic request.
The D.I.D. booth displayed a Meguro K3 with a black chain that matched the body color. 2022 catalogs were also distributed.
The limited-edition chain "520THE DOCTOR" (84,480 yen, sold out) honoring V. Rossi's achievement, limited to 30 sets in Japan, will also be on display. The second version may be on the way!
Mr. Yoshitsugu Daishi of Daido Kogyo, who agreed to be interviewed, has appeared in various media as a D.I.D. chain evangelist.
