Z650 and Z650RS are pretty close in terms of hardware.
The Z650RS will soon be available on the market.
As is the case with the Z900RS against the Z900, while the Z650's sportiness is pushed to the forefront, many riders are expecting the Z650RS to have a stylish presence and retro machine-like stability, making it easy to handle around town and a tireless ride.
However, the Z900 and its RS counterpart, although both share the same base, are to a large extent exclusively designed for this purpose. Both the body dimensions and engine characteristics have been optimized. In fact, when you actually ride it, it seems as if it is a completely different machine. However, the Z650 and its RS are largely unchanged. The basic dimensions of the chassis are almost the same, and the performance characteristics of the engine are also completely the same.
With a lightweight chassis and a 649 cm³ parallel-twin engine that produces powerful torque at low and mid RPM ranges, the Z650 embodies the "Sugomi" performance and "Sugomi" design of the Super Naked Z series, offering a well-balanced performance. Priced at around 6,702 USD. The Z650RS, on the other hand, will be priced at around 7,905 USD.
That said, you can't expect a good motorcycle from a street-fighter-like, racy Z650 just because of its retro-like styling and riding position.
If you pay attention to the differences between the 2 models, you can fantasize about its individuality.
But I am sure you will be fine. If you pay attention to the details from the published materials, you can see the aim and the individuality. However, I have not checked with Kawasaki and this is just my guess........
According to the specifications table, the caster angle, trail, and secondary reduction ratio are exactly the same. Yet, the wheelbase of the RS is 5mm shorter and the minimum ground clearance is also 5mm lower. Since the basic exhaust system seems to be the same, this may mean that the motorcycle height is 5mm lower. The suspension settings are different, and the subduction is probably greater. The lower ride height and lower center of gravity may enhance the calmness of the motorcycle.
On the other hand, the seating position is raised. In addition to the high handlebar position, the seat height of the European-spec model is 30mm higher at 820mm. The Japanese version, which comes with a low seat as STD equipment, is 800mm, but it is 10mm higher than the Z650's. This is probably a compromise that had to be reached to ensure a comfortable seating position.
In other words, the low ride height is based on a sense of calm and stability, and the motorcycle is driven with a large, nimble rhythm from a high riding position with the upper body raised, giving it a retro-like, generous driving feel.
The top photo shows the Z650RS and the bottom photo shows the Z650.
Not only that. As you can see from the strip photo, the fork clamp position on the upper bracket is 20mm higher. This is probably a result of styling balance when the handlebars are raised, but it may also have an effect on handling.
Even if the moment of twisting the steering head pipe remains the same, a larger force will be applied to the upper side of the head pipe, and I think it will be easier to get a good sense of frame flexing. It may also be easier to get a sense of flexing at the upper bracket.
In addition, the seat rail has a much gentler bounce at the rear. This may be due to the retro-like horizontal base of the styling and the desire to accommodate a pillion rider on a double seat, which may also have an effect on handling.
The fact of the matter is, in my experience, that even if you increase the seat height, the handling will differ depending on whether you increase the seat thickness or the seat rail position. The seat is lower in the position where the load is transferred to the frame of the motorcycle, and I believe that this distance creates an appropriate "in-between" feeling.
Suspension may be in the direction of a sense of stroke in the front. Perhaps the engine has been reset to a milder response with fuel control.
After all, one would expect to experience not only the unique riding experience of the RS, but also the depth of the motorcycle that makes it possible.
