In-depth review of the Kawasaki Z650RS 2022 - best retro bike for the money?

Kawasaki is doing it again - just like the Z900 and Z900RS, the Greens are now bringing out a retro sister to the Z650, the new Kawa Z650RS. The looks promise a lot, but can the little RS also convince in driving and at the price?
Conclusion: Kawasaki Z650RS
On the one hand, the Z650RS isn't too far removed from its parts-donating sister, the Z650; after all, it borrows chassis, engine and suspension from it. On the other hand, however, its wonderfully accomplished retro look and slightly different seating position make it so unique that it is actually the better model, or at least the more desirable one. The comfortable suspension is suitable for almost all surfaces, the lively engine is fun to ride and the front brakes work surprisingly well. It's understandable that Kawasaki demands a bit more for this added value, and in the case of the Z650RS, it's perfectly legitimate.

[@1000psespanol]

Thank you, Martin! Looking forward to riding it, especially in green is gorgeous

[@gentlewhip1508]

vauli goes international, well done mate 😉

[@michaelhayward7572]

Good English. Innit. Unfortunately in a 'mercan accent, but that is where he obviously learnt it. Fair play. Grùstig Vauli !

[@rayjacob5999]

Great review, I agree with your summary. I recently bought one in Nov 2021 (UK) and love it. Traded in my four year old 650 Versys which you might think would be similar as it seems to use the same engine (I've also owned the ER6 which gave birth to this motor). In truth the gearing, bike weight, balance, height and latest engine tweaks makes the Z a very different experience from either the ER6 or Versys. I did own the the original Z650 in 1978 and 20 or so bikes on (12 Kawasaki) and 44 years older I just felt at my advanced age the urge to get back to no frills basics and this bike is exactly what I needed, absolute out and out fun. Pacey enough to play with the big boys, nippy and nimble enough to make light of city traffic. However if I was still into big miles all weather all terrain touring, then I'd have waited and updated to the new Versys due out in 2022 as the Z seems incompatible with anything other than soft luggage and a 12ltr tank (22ltr on the Versys) means I have to plan a little more about where the next fill up will be. It is though quite economical and can give 70mpg (UK gallons) if ridden sympathetically, but what's the fun in that? Pity that what I think should be basics, like grab rails and a helmet lock are optional extras and extortionary priced at that so bear that in mind, also no rack or anything useful is available, at least so far. Givi for example when I contacted them said they don't have any plans (as yet) to produce anything for this model.

[@michaelmaxwell568]

But it sounds terrible

[@FilipeNeves-xp1ur]

Congratulations on your choice. Excellent bike, super fun, superb cornering behavior, good low and medium torque and throughout all rev ranges and it's a beautiful bike! As an experienced journalist said, the bike of a lifetime. Best regards ✌️

[@islandmotoguy6712]

Bike looks amazing, just wish it had the cp2 engine tho

[@aeror115]

I like the design

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

It is a nice styling. Agree. Can check my content, you may find it interesting.

[@cxw5412]

Would love one, but unlikely because expect in Australia it will be overpriced.

[@da72ma]

International Motorcycle Journalist Vauli... I found my next bike... I love the green color... only minus is the exhaust... gimme that green color on the big one and I will get a 900 too... historic.. drivable.. fun... affordable... simply said "Leiwand" 👍

[@matecaljkusic480]

Is it any good for a 120 kg heavy and 188 cm tall rider?

[@WideAppeal]

I'd be amazed if it were ... most stock bikes need a suspension upgrade for 120kg riders - I know cos I'm in that bracket lol.

[@ahmedniang3233]

Salut à tous, veuillez conserver ce modèle très très joli du point de vue esthétique pendant plusieurs années dans l'avenir et ajoutez-en à l'arrière une porte-bagages. Merci de votre compréhension.❤️❤️❤️😍😍

[@kevinroberts2395]

Love the looks and the colour, BUT, wouldn't buy one because the engine is in no way a reflection of its older brother from the 1970's. To be a 'true retro', I need it to be an inline 4 and a proper exhaust pipe.

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

Agree on that. :) Nowaday they producing a lot of bikes but just some are "retros". :) Can check my channel, you may like it. :)

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

@@cowmath77 CBR500R is a twin. :)

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

@@cowmath77 I know buddy. :) Have the SV and I am happy with it. Can check. :)

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

@@cowmath77 I get it. You two are very different. :) Funny.

[@goldilocks913]

Lovely until you get to the engine- HAS to be a four cylinder. Then I’d buy it like a shot. Excellent production on the video, but as I’m a bit old, don’t like intro music too much 😊

[@m.daiki.m]

身長は何センチですか？

[@1000PSMotorcycleChannel]

マーティンの身長は約1.8メートル

[@m.daiki.m]

@@1000PSMotorcycleChannel ありがとうございます👌

[@ninja1970fin]

Stupid music, give us the natural sounds, please

[@stringfellowbalk2654]

Agree. Intro music is cliche now with KZbin videos. Cringe-worthy.

[@benjaminminty9602]

Not sure why people put all this terrible music to motorcycle videos. We want to hear the bikes not garbage digital music.

[@hensleytomzx10r]

Kz 650 are 4 cylinders. This looks okay but disappointment

[@nomadenview]

Dear Kawasaki.... Why?

[@rubo1964]

prefer the bigger brother 900RS. I think sadly this bike lacks power.Great looks but afraid will get boring quickly.Its basically a transportation bike...Nothing to stir your passion or soul.

[@ronaldvanveen7666]

SOUND OG ENGINE AND TOO MUCH.BLABLABLA.

[@michaelhayward7572]

Kawasaki Z650-1000 in line 4's, Suzuki GS 550-750-1000 in line 4's, Yamaha XS750 triples, 1100 4's - a great period of iconic motorcycles. Laverda Jotas, Guzzi LeMans, Ducati 900SS, Dharmas, even Meriden still making T140 Bonnevilles... Honda - nah. Boring Beige. This new stuff? Nah. Pass...

[@jamesdarnell8568]

Had to include that idiot with the sequin star on the back of his leather jacket, didn't you. That jerk shows up in all Z650RS videos because Kawasaki supplies stock footage and you-tubers don't have enough of their own. For $1000 more than the cost of a Z650RS, I can get a Triumph Street Twin, which is a much more attractive motorcycle.

[@motorr7394]

Work of art 🤣🤣 ! They can't even make their own turn signals they are using same turn signals many honda and suzuki motorcycles are using.. I'm disappointed with this bike i was expecting more from a bike with the RS on the name!

[@jothain]

Well it still can be defined as work of art as the bike is really cheap. Imo it looks really good comparing to competitors considering this has basically the exact ie. same exhaust than Z650 has. So it's indeed quite work of art to make such combination that transforms quite well into this "retro style". Though I agree that RS is odd choice in naming convention.