2022 Kawasaki Z650RS [Specs, Features, Photos]

The 2022 Kawasaki Z650RS: Ride Light, Ride Free

Model Overview
Specifications
Features
Photos
Videos
Links

Kawasaki has always stayed on top of trends in the motorcycle world, so it should be no surprise that they decided to capitalize on the cafe racer renaissance by producing a factory-ready middleweight cafe-style naked of their own. Enter the Z650RS—a bike seemingly designed to prove that Japanese motorcycle manufacturers understand eurobikes just as well as any major British or Italian brand.

This is a brand new bike for 2022, although it draws heavily from both the Z650 and the Z900RS. It essentially takes the style and performance flourishes from the latter bike and adds them to a bike with roughly the same size and power as the former. The result? A nimble, easy-to-handle standard motorcycle that still packs enough zip to get your blood pumping.

You’ve got a 649cc parallel twin engine here, pumping out 67 hp @ 8,000 rpm and 48.5 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm. That gives you plenty of power to play with—and believe us, you’re going to want to play with this thing. Other features include horizontal back-link rear suspension for handling bumps in the road, and Kawasaki’s economical riding indicator, plus an assist & slipper clutch.

The Z650RS comes in Metallic Spark Black or Candy Emerald Green—both of which help it stand out as a classy and distinctive member of the Kawasaki motorcycle lineup for 2022. It’ll also compete handily with rivals from other brands, like the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650.

The 2022 Kawasaki Z650RS starts at $8,999 USD / $9,999 CAD.

On this page: we’ve curated specs, features, news, photos/videos, etc. so you can read up on the new 2022 Kawasaki Z650RS in one place.

Model Overview

General Info

Price: $8,999 USD / $9,999 CAD
Key Features:
- Retro styling with light, natural handling
- Horizontal back-link rear suspension
- Economical riding indicator
- Assist & slipper clutch

Main Specs

Engine: 649cc parallel-twin engine
Power: 67 hp @ 8,000 rpm
Torque: 48.5 lb-ft @ 6,500 rpm
Curb Weight: 412 lbs (187 kg)
Seat Height: 31.5 in (800mm)

Competitors

2022 Kawasaki Z650RS Specifications

From Kawasaki

ENGINE
Engine	649cc, 4-stroke, 2-cylinder, DOHC, liquid-cooled
Power	67 hp
Bore x Stroke	83.0 x 60.0mm
Compression Ratio	10.8:1
Fuel System	DFI® with Keihin 36mm throttle bodies
Starter	Electric
Lubrication
DRIVETRAIN
Clutch
Transmission	6-speed, Manual, Return Shift
Final Drive	Sealed chain
CHASSIS
Suspension Front	Telescopic fork/4.9 in
Suspension Rear	Horizontal back-link with adjustable spring preload/5.1 in
Brakes Front	Dual 300mm discs with two-piston calipers, ABS
Brakes Rear	Single 220mm disc, ABS
Tires Front	120/70 ZR17
Tires Rear	160/60 ZR17
Fuel Tank Capacity	3.2 gal
Color	Candy Emerald Green, Metallic Moondust Gray/Ebony
ELECTRICAL
Ignition	TCBI with electronic advance
Spark Plugs
Headlight	LED
Tail Light	LED
DIMENSIONS
Overall Length	81.3 in
Overall Width	31.5 in.
Overall Height	43.9 in
Wheelbase	55.3 in
Ground Clearance	4.9 in
Seat Height	31.5 in
Curb Weight	412.3 lb*
WARRANTY
Warranty	12 Months
Kawasaki Protection Plus	12, 24, or 36 months

2022 Kawasaki Z650RS Features

Based on feedback from racing activities, the Assist & Slipper Clutch uses two types of cams (an assist cam and a slipper cam) to either drive the clutch hub and operating plate together or apart.
Under normal operation, the assist cam functions as a self-servo mechanism, pulling the clutch hub and operating plate together to compress the clutch plates. This allows the total clutch spring load to be reduced, resulting in a lighter clutch lever feel when operating the clutch.
When excessive engine braking occurs – as a result of quick downshifts (or an accidental downshift) – the slipper cam comes into play, forcing the clutch hub and operating plate apart. This relieves pressure on the clutch plates to reduce back-torque and helps prevent the rear tire from hopping and skidding. This race-style function is particularly useful when sport or track riding.

Late-model sport bikes often use large-bore throttle bodies to generate high levels of power. However, with large diameter throttles, when a rider suddenly opens the throttle, the unrestricted torque response can be strong. Dual throttle valve technology was designed to tame engine response while contributing to performance.

On models with dual throttle valves, there are two throttle valves per cylinder: in addition to the main valves, which are physically linked to the throttle grip and controlled by the rider, a second set of valves, opened and closed by the ECU, precisely regulates intake airflow to ensure a natural, linear response. With the air passing through the throttle bodies becoming smoother, combustion efficiency is improved and power is increased.

Using high-precision electronic control for engine management, Kawasaki models can achieve a high level of fuel efficiency. However, fuel consumption is greatly affected by throttle use, gear selection, and other elements under the rider’s control. The Economical Riding Indicator is a function that indicates when current riding conditions are consuming a low amount of fuel. The system continuously monitors fuel consumption, regardless of vehicle speed, engine speed, throttle position and other riding conditions. When fuel consumption is low for a given speed (i.e. fuel efficiency is high), an “ECO” mark appears on the instrument panel’s LCD screen. By riding so that the “ECO” mark remains on, fuel consumption can be reduced.

While effective vehicle speed and engine speed may vary by model, paying attention to conditions that cause the “ECO” mark to appear can help riders improve their fuel efficiency – a handy way to increase cruising range. Further, keeping fuel consumption low also helps minimize negative impact on the environment.

Kawasaki ABS systems use front and rear wheel sensors to constantly monitor wheel speed. Should information from either of the sensors indicate that wheel lock has occurred, the ABS ECU directs the pump in the ABS unit to modulate brake fluid pressure (releasing and reapplying pressure so that traction can be regained) until normal operation resumes. ABS offers rider reassurance that contributes to greater riding enjoyment.

Compared to the Kawasaki traditional Uni-Trak® rear suspension, which mounts the shock unit vertically, with Horizontal Back-link Rear Suspension, the shock unit is almost horizontal. The original Kawasaki suspension arrangement locates the shock unit very close to the bike’s center of gravity, greatly contributing to mass centralization. And because there is no linkage or shock unit protruding beneath the swingarm, this frees up space for a larger exhaust pre-chamber (an exhaust expansion chamber situated just upstream of the silencer). With a larger pre-chamber, silencer volume can be reduced, and heavy exhaust components can be concentrated closer to the center of the bike, further contributing to mass centralization. The result is greatly improved handling.