New 2022 Kawasaki Z50th Anniversary Bikes Announced: Z900, Z650, Z900RS & Z650RS!

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[@camerongeater5404]

I know a lot of modern styling on motorcycles is not everyone's cup of tea, but that Z650 looks amazing in my opinion!

[@luiz576]

I love my metallic black. In my opinion a very underrated bike.

[@paulvanhout9695]

Though a Yank I actually prefer Zed! Seems more sophisticated🙂. The retro scheme is stunning and reminds me of the day I first saw this bike in 1972 at my local motorbike shop!

[@robbikebob]

Well done on your pronunciation! Do you say aluminium (al -oo-mini - um) too?

[@paulvanhout9695]

@@robbikebob - Working on that too!

[@generalyellor8188]

Sophisticated? Wasn't Zed the name of the the guy who raped Ving Rhames in Pulp Fiction?

[@AdamC66]

Welcome home cousin ;-)

[@martinXY]

@@generalyellor8188 Zed's dead.

[@ianmorgan7198]

As someone who owned an original Z1000 and a GPZ 1100 back in the 80s, I love the 70s & 80s inspired retro paint schemes, I even like the GPZ inspired scheme even on the modern Z900 and would certainly consider buying one.

[@bobbralee1019]

Me too mate I had a GPz550 and that GPZ firecracker red paint job is just the ticket for me

[@user-jr1cs6ob3m]

I love my 80s GPZ 1100 water cooled. Its up there as 1 of my favorite bikes.

[@ianmorgan7198]

@@bobbralee1019 I had a GPZ1100 B2 , then an 1100R , loved them both .

[@ianmorgan7198]

@@user-jr1cs6ob3m Loved my GPZ1100 B2 , awesome bike.

[@grenphelps7455]

It can't hurt having these retro colour schemes back, because it's got to be better than the sea of black, green and silver that kawasaki keeps turning out 🤔🤷‍♂️

[@6shift147]

Amazing how motobob can maintain this level of production. My country ranked 4th in your viewers, you might want to maximize that since our country is always updated on motorcycle news and motovlogs

[@OldMotoGuy54]

I worked in a Kawi dealership in the 70s and 80s and I remember the originals. Loved them then and this new "retro" is making me thinking about the old days and maybe I'm not that old to get one and run around town on it. Thanks for great videos and the memories.

[@saddle8bag]

Any color besides "all black" is a major improvement. Kaw has made some fantastic blue hues over the years. I'm holding out for the 900 Cafe in one of those. The red on rootbeer is really nice though.

[@FreddieDobbs]

Great video! That's a really nice Kawasaki lineup!

[@davidknows3320]

Man, that Z900RS is just sooooooo beautiful.

[@tvdinner325]

The Z900RS SE, should have been available in the 50th anniversary trim.

[@markowsley4954]

My brother owned a 72 Z1 and it was a beast. Upgraded carbs, heads and a 4 into 1 kerker header. It was an incredible bike until some left turner took it out. He still misses that bike even today. I like the looks of the new z650rs, can't wait to see one in person.

[@Tommytoff]

Even though I have a nice looking green (new) Z1000, and some Z1100's from the 80's, I do like the look of the GPz colours from the 80's. They bring back some nostalgia as I went through 3 GPz's in my youth, the 750, 750 Turbo and the 1100. Firecracker red is such a nice red. It makes many other versions of red look dark orange

[@Leftover81]

I bought a Z650 50th two months ago and absolutely love it!!

[@erikhumphreys273]

Retro stylings on the new modern bikes is really cool! Love that Z900 in red

[@joeplem5329]

I love these retro colors!!!! My 2020 z900 is the standard grey/black/green. I don't mind at all that it's painted like a Monster Energy can, for me it's by far the best looking super naked in the class!!!

[@Shinysideup]

Loved both, owned an original 1976 z900 and a GPz 1100 in red, great bikes for the time .

[@jameswhite9922]

Every time I ride my new 50th edition Z900RS and look down at the root beer brown with orange paint, I’m directly connected to the 70’s, when as a teenager, owned a ‘72 Z1A900. Nostalgia is one thing but Kawasaki made the right choices by making it modern and stronger than the original to ride. My original Z1A had a cracked frame under the head stock and felt ponderous through fast corners. In contrast, my 50th edition is light, torquey, and reasonably good handling through twisty corners. Push it hard and it bounces and twists which brings back memories of how it was in the 70’s; pure fun. Just the paint, the dash, the matching root beer duck tail with grab rail remind me of Pink Floyd’s “new” album, Dark Side of the Moon. Well done Kawasaki. You helped this middle aged rider relive his teens and still experience modern sports motorcycle riding!

[@flatcapcaferacer]

I was riding Kawasakis before the original Z1 and fondly remember it's introduction and the 1969 Honda 750 as well....and they were special. To be honest as a youngster then I would have picked Kawasaki's 1972 Baby Blue 750 H2 over either of those two at that time. I've owned a 200 horsepower bike and have ridden quite a few suoerbikes since that time....hand on heart that 1972 Kawasaki Mach IV is the scariest and most fun bike of them all. The best quarter mile time with a pro rider on the H2 750 probably would be hard pressed to beat me on my 11.7 on my box stock BMW R9T today, BUT I'm telling you that 750 two stroke made my knees shake....nothing like it since.

[@paulcussen2144]

Love it…..!!! 🤙✌️🤘🤘

[@narryyyy]

Liked the red colour ❤️

[@martybartfast]

1970's stlying all the way. To own and ride a Z900Rs Z50th would be my dream at the current time. Fabulous! 🏍

[@oldmanvatne2911]

I like the Z900 in Firecracker Red and the reference to the GPz that is when I got into bikes. I recently had a mid 80s bike as a second bike for a few years and while I liked the looks when you go between a more current bike then back to an '80s bike you realize how good modern bikes are. This give the reference to the history but you get modern day performance.

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

Have a nice video about some classic bikes. You may find it interesting. It is called: "Life story..." Can check it. Drop by buddy. :)

[@robbikebob]

I'm a big retro fan, but I prefer the firecracker red (and ebony black?) of the new zeds. I think they look awesome! Maybe it's because I started biking in the early 90s when there were loads of GPz about... And my first bike after passing my test was a black and red gpz, so my heart will always have a bit of red and black kawasaki in there!

[@markjaycox8811]

thanks for the update

[@aunoates6617]

I think they all look great! I still have the Kawasaki KLE I bought in 1991 in Firecracker red.

[@itsthebandit2977]

Just ordered z900rs 50th today should get it end of march/April, carnt wait, so long bandit 12 you've been great

[@robertlindstrom540]

Those RS s are drop dead gorgeous. Might go for that 650, will go and test one as soon as it is possible.

[@craigbutler3378]

I was riding in the late 80s on Z, GPZ and GS so i will have a soft spot for the colour paint schemes.

[@Kilmory26]

I just bought my Z650 RS in this paint. I love it!

[@colinwoolsey5065]

Awesome colours

[@trevormartin5459]

Excellent video.Thanks pal.

[@kyotosal]

The Z650 retro would be the one I would pick, but all the bikes are terrific looking even the more modern styling. Good work Kawasaki!!!

[@debbieclegg2485]

Yeah Bob ... retro paint 🎨 ✨... Nice touch, good 👍 looking quality I think 🤔

[@TheDervMan]

They all look really good 👌🏻🏍

[@paulbarnes6124]

The depth and quality of paint first caught my attention on z900rs causing me to buy my first ever Kawasaki 👍❤

[@ZediMaster]

Awesome vid. Luv the z900. Ride safe, god bless u.

[@richardcasey7521]

I love the 80’s styling!

[@bigsky7058]

I very much like all these new paint schemes. Since returning to riding I found the focus on green in the Kawasaki range put me off the brand somewhat. However, the Z900/650 in firecracker red is in my view what Kawasaki should have been offering as an alternative all along. I can now look at the Z900 again!

[@s.hencke]

I just buyed a z650 50th Anniversary and im sooo hyped!!!

[@Motoboo_Marine]

I personally enjoy the black with red frame and wheels on the modern Z900 but this still looks really cool!

[@NooDLES411911]

I have a 2021 Z900 black/white with the lime green frame and rims. It definitely turns a lot of heads

[@MoroMagrew]

Ordered a Z650RS the week it was announced, taking delivery in March!! Such a looong wait compared to other global markets… They’ve already done an update.. oh well, I prefer the green and gold combination anyway!

[@tony-ce7qp]

great video!

[@chopsandarchie7015]

Nice bikes for sure

[@DroneScenicArt]

I'm getting the z650 in a few days, looking forward to.

[@pdbordelon]

I have a 2018 z900rs and love it - may trade it in for the 50th anniversary!

[@jimmyjam8795]

Ebony and Firecracker red harking right back to 84 to 86 when Kawasaki rewrote the rule book for performance motorcycles. The GPz destroyed the competition in a way which will never be repeated. Looks nice on the modern Zs, but would prefer Kawasaki to bring out a modern GPz900r, that's a bike that deserves the homage.

[@peterbennett4948]

The Z900RS looks great it takes me back to my 74 Z1A. DRF 29N where are you know. 👍

[@ew424]

I have a Green 2018 z650 looking to upgrade that Red 900 is looking 🔥.

[@dave8549]

With all these retro models coming out I'm waiting and hoping that one day soon they will bring out a Z1R. I'll be at the front of the queue cash in hand for that one.

[@ribalderr6052]

said the same thing, then scrolled thru saw this. thats the one! we want

[@TheSweetasanut]

Beautiful 900

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

Very nice styling for Kawa. Should wait for the buyers. They have the last words, always. :)

[@jasonmullin4310]

Retro styling looks so much better than the sharp angles of today, round headlights for the win.

[@edysinsimon8646]

Back in the day I bought one of the 1st Z 900 in 1974ish? Anywho...I traded in a 1966 Fairlane GT and cash to get that bike. The bike depicted above is exactly the same bike paint scheme and all it's former glory! Watching this review it becomes so vary apparent to me that I really miss owning/riding that, new for the time table this revolutionary instant brutality of being slammed in the face with instant speed and holding on for dear life @ 3500 rpm! The chromed fenders, the 4 chromed exhaust pipes, chromed rims and spokes. Everyone who I knew that I trusted to ride my new missile all came back with their fingers and knees shaking to the point of collapse! This was indeed a revolutionary shift of what a would be considered the grandfather of all modern super bikes!

[@hokiecolt8107]

GPZ 550 was one of my favorite bikes! I wish you could get the SE suspension with the z900 or z900 SE.

[@stellauniversal]

Well, I bought Triumph street scrambler 900 gold line and I can't wait for the February ddlivery.Thanks for the video though.

[@windinthewillows6248]

As a previous owner of the GPz1100B1 and a GPz900R A1 back in the 80’s, I love the Z900RS models, especially the new Yellow and black version, as well as the new 50th anniversary version. Not a fan of the modern Z900 though, not what I’d call a good looking bike at all, and a shame Kawasaki had to link it to the iconic GPz1100B1. What I’d love to see Kawasaki do, is use the Z900RS engine/frame and expand on some of the other old classic Zed bikes, such as the Z1R, Z1000ST and and the GPz1100B1. Simply design new fuel tanks/mudguards/seats and headlights to mimic those classic Zed bikes, there’s thousand of middle age old boys around the world, who clearly love what Kawasaki have done with the Z900RS. This could expand the classic Zed range for Kawasaki, with not too much cost on development, as the engine, brakes, frame etc have already been developed. Love to have a Z900 Z1R.

[@thejudgehasjudged]

Good idea. Bore out the 900 a little and make an homage to the Z1R and Z1000MkII. Always loved those coffin tanks.

[@windinthewillows6248]

@@thejudgehasjudged yes, yes, I always loved those coffin tanks too. In fact I’d prefer the Z100MkII over the Z1R to be honest.

[@paulsymonds820]

The Z 900 is awesome in the 50th livery!

[@tonycj7860]

I'd definitely take the Z650RS. Good combination of fun, as well as usefulness as a commuter.

[@oliw3664]

The retros look mint!!! Less sure about the reds on the modern versions though.

[@Callmedaddy1]

I checked out a dealership for a used triumph rocket 3 gt. They had a new z900rs 50th anniversary edition it was so beautiful I bought it I totally forgot about the rocket 3. It was like love at first sight. 😍

[@masterspin7796]

I bought a 1981 GPZ 550 brand new and beat the crap out of it and it held up well...

[@davidmcnamara8759]

love the 80s retro paint ... and yes its a Zed900 :) .. from an ausy

[@GeraldGarcia]

Kawi should've included the retro tank emblem on the 900RS 50th, which was already in their accessories catalog anyway.

[@morriswirth9764]

Sweet love the Kawasaki 👍❤️

[@larryfromwisconsin9970]

I bought a 1975 Kaw Z900 in 1986 for $200. I got it from a wealthy young adult in Carmel, California that had crashed it the first time he rode it after he had bought it. He just wanted rid of it. All it needed was a new alternator cover I got from a motorcycle junkyard in Gilroy. I rode it many times from Presidio of Monterey to Santa Cruz. It was a fun enough ride but I had previously owned a Honda V4 and the Kaw just didn't have the power of that more modern bike.

[@allwheeldrive]

Thank you sooo much for the translation! Would've been impossible to understand, otherwise. These are nice visual updates, but I really think the goldish wheels on the Z900RS are simply too much. They work MUCH better with the green on the 650. Still one of the very best do-it-alls out there. I first rode a Z in 1976. It scared the shit out of me and I almost slide off the back of the slippery seat! My own bike at the time was an RD350...not even in the same HP universe at the time.

[@weemt07biker74]

Yeah gimme that Z900. Love the anniversary colour.

[@linuxpyle]

If I were going to buy a 900RS this year, it'd be almost impossible to pick between the yellow ball and this color. The yellow ball has all the upgraded brakes and suspension which would be fantastic, but this color...... Good thing I have no money!

[@oldmanjudo6241]

Retro 80s paint job looks absolutely beautiful! Might want to trade my Versys to get me a Z900RS. 🤔

[@ADobbin1]

Love the scheme on the z900 and 650. If only I could afford one. Assuming there are actually available that is, what with supply shortages.

[@swampmarshy]

Just love the look of that RS. It would not be a difficult choice to pay the extra coin for the extra goodies, plus the outstanding colour. I have spelt colour correctly, the same as you have pronounced Zed correctly.

[@davelawrence594]

Yep the Z900 in firecracker red does it for me especially as I owned a 1984 GPZ550 & all the 80s Colour Scheme's should come back the Colour Scheme's of today are fairly shite if I'm honest unless you like black in most cases!! 🙄 Great little teaser MotoBob!! 👌🏻👍🏻

[@coboisarapatanas]

Speedo angels, I have one, and it’s really good. That’s good they did the 650 anniversary. The Z modern looks don’t fit. But the green in the 650rs is really good

[@jesus2400]

Yes I like what Kawasaki did here very cool.

[@johnshropshire3399]

Z900RS 👍👍green ❣️

[@Porsche996driver]

Those gold wheels look surprisingly great, well done. You kinda look like an American craft beer dude with the beard! 🧔🏻‍♂️💤

[@masongoss4615]

Will the Z900RS SE also be available in those colors? I have a 2020 RS which I love, but given that it’s my own 50th anniversary this year I would definitely be tempted to upgrade to an anniversary SE! Failing that, where is the GPZ!! Come on Kawasaki! GPZ, GPZ, GPZ!!!

[@markellott5620]

I've still got my 2018 Z900RS in black. Nothing here makes me feel motivated to change it. I like the black best anyway.

[@ProjectFairmont]

These only make me yearn for the original, Z1, and GPZ.

[@MrTimenator]

Would love to see a full fairing option :-)

[@soundknight]

I want to see the square headlight with squared windscreen make a comeback

[@stevensullivan5287]

Started out on a Mach III 500, when I just barely crossed 15 years old. Dad wouldn't let me buy it, but mom did, some irony there. I remember the Z900 when it first came out and thought holy cow. Ive a 22 1000SX on order, plus I had an 89 1000 Ninja I put 75k on her. Have had almost every brand, but the Kawi's remain the favs. Also have an R18 in the stable, so have Chill and Thrill to suit the mood. Darn the bad luck...

[@arongitis]

what is a tena ?

[@x-105strikefreedom]

any news if Kawasaki plans to bring back the ZRX-1200 Daeg?

[@johnDukemaster]

Well done mr Bob. I'm glad you continue in English. ;-) Proper English! The red one looks nice...instead of all those greenies. :-)

[@gerardmontgomery280]

I'm form Northern Ireland but I live in Cumbria, work in Lancashire and ride my bike in Yorkshire. My idea of 'proper English' would be incomprehensible anywhere south of Sheffield.

[@johnDukemaster]

@@gerardmontgomery280 Exactly. The proper English is your own!😁

[@sanketjoshi7733]

Can You Advise between Z650 or Z900 for daily riding as well as weekend bike? Is Z650 underpowered? PS I am more impressed with Trident though

[@oramac7237]

I'm not a fan of naked bikes in general, but I gotta say, the Z900 and Z650 (non RS) look AMAZING. Were I to buy one it'd definitely be the Z900.

[@dude94able]

Owning a Z900 2021 for the last 5 months. An absolute BEAST 💥

[@Somchai007]

Did it take you a bit to get used to the power of the z900? And if so how long? I'm considering buying the z900, I rode a cb400 for years.

[@dude94able]

@@Somchai007 This question depends a lot on where you live. Here in Indian roads which are full of potholes and traffic, it's too much POWER. But you'll be surprised at how well behaved this bike is. Haven't really ridden any < 2019 Z900 models where electronic aids weren't there. But the new crop of z900 are buttery smooth and lenier when rolling on & off throttle, even in jam packed traffic 😅 (that too with FULL power & KRTC OFF) 😅. I'd say go for it. Just be mindful with twisting the throttle too hard. On the contrary it doesn't take much time for it to show you the sky in the first 3 gears if you roll back too hard 😂

[@Somchai007]

@@dude94able Thanks for replying. I did test ride 2022 model and loved it, although I would not yet be confident to twist the throttle to hard. I am 5'8 and it is quite comfortable. I'm thinking it would be good for semi touring. I like this red version, quite unique!!

[@Somchai007]

Oh, I live in Australia...

[@garthmctavish7335]

Look good! Wish Kawasaki would put cruise control in more bikes. 😎👍🍻

[@silverstreamfoundry4104]

Not a Kawasaki man but I do like the look of the Lego looking 900 with gold bits. I have rocket gt and 1999 bmw r1100s. I think moto guzzi v100 is my next test ride. Did you do a test?

[@rhyseee7721]

No mention of the ZH2??

[@thedownwardmachine]

I like how for the 35th anniversary of the KLR, they made it be not dead.

[@coolkatz9012]

Seen in Malaysia silver and blue rather nice

[@Nils_Martin]

I'm lovin' it ♥️

[@ElectraWillem]

Those old bikes look great, and I owned some of them back then, but that modern stuff looked like it allready hit a brick wall frontal. 😁

[@cristianogouveia9295]

Im thinking about getting a bike im bettween the yamaha 09 and the z900 i just dont know what to pick xD

[@mikemcclernon5784]

Z900rs is my "forever" bike. 36k miles. Hepco Becker bags heated grips vest, and center stand. Go anywhere.

[@Dan-56]

Maybe it’s just me 🤔, but the Z650 reminds me more of the KZ400 twin from the 70’s & 80’s than the 650 four cylinder of the same era.

[@chris_rides_kawasaki]

A turbo version would be fun... Or perhaps supercharged

[@jamesdarnell8568]

I'd like to see a Firecracker Red Z400. A Z400RS would be nice too.