2026 Kawasaki Z650RS Specs & Review

Kawasaki’s middleweight retro is back with authentic style backed by thoroughly modern hardware. Aimed at riders who want classic looks without giving up real-world performance and safety tech, the Z650RS blends a willing twin-cylinder engine with light, confidence-inspiring manners. Below are the complete 2026 Kawasaki Z650RS specs along with a practical Kawasaki Z650RS review for everyday riders.

Key Specs at a Glance

• Displacement: 649 cc
• Engine: 4-stroke, 2-cylinder, DOHC, liquid-cooled
• Power: 67.0 hp @ 8,000 rpm
• Torque: 48.5 lb-ft (65.8 Nm) @ 6,700 rpm
• Kawasaki Z650RS weight (curb, US spec): 412.3 lb (187 kg)
• Kawasaki Z650RS seat height: 31.5 in (800 mm)

Engine & Performance

At the heart of the 2026 Z650RS is a 4-stroke, 2-cylinder, DOHC, liquid-cooled engine displacing 649 cc. It delivers a claimed 67.0 hp at 8,000 rpm and 48.5 lb-ft (65.8 Nm) at 6,700 rpm, the kind of midrange-focused output that makes urban riding relaxed and overtakes clean and decisive. The 83.0 x 60.0 mm bore and stroke and a 10.8:1 compression ratio help it spin up eagerly while staying smooth and tractable.

Fueling comes from DFI with Keihin 36 mm throttle bodies, and ignition is TCBI with Electronic Advance, giving crisp response in traffic and predictable thrust when you roll on from mid-corner. On the highway, the six-speed, return-shift transmission and Assist & Slipper Clutch make downshifts tidy and drama-free if your enthusiasm gets ahead of the revs. Traction is overseen by KTRC traction control with three modes, and ABS stands by for compromised surfaces—useful riders’ aids that don’t get in the way of fun.

In the EU, the Z650RS is offered as a full-power 50.2 kW (68 PS) version or an A2-compliant 35.0 kW (48 PS) version, expanding its appeal to newer license holders without altering the core character of the bike.

Handling, Comfort & Kawasaki Z650RS Seat Height

Agile, predictable steering is a hallmark here. With a 55.3 in wheelbase, 24.0° rake, and 3.9 in trail, the Z650RS feels composed yet alert—easy to thread through city streets and stable on open roads. The trellis, high-tensile steel frame adds rigidity without excess heft, supporting the bike’s light responses.

Suspension consists of a 41 mm telescopic fork with 4.9 in of travel up front and a Horizontal Back-link shock with adjustable preload and 5.1 in of travel at the rear. This setup offers everyday comfort while retaining enough support for spirited weekend rides. Ground clearance measures 4.9 in, striking a practical balance for mixed-use riding.

Confidence at low speeds is boosted by mass and seat geometry that are friendly to a wide range of riders. The Kawasaki Z650RS seat height sits at 31.5 in (800 mm), a sweet spot that many shorter and average-height riders will find approachable, while taller riders still get adequate legroom. The Kawasaki Z650RS weight of 412.3 lb (187 kg) curb (US spec) further aids slow-speed maneuvering and parking-lot confidence.

Equipment & Features

Braking hardware is solid for the class: dual 300 mm petal discs with 2-piston calipers and ABS up front, and a single 220 mm petal disc with ABS at the rear. The petal rotor design aids heat dissipation and wet-weather performance. Tire sizes are a confidence-inspiring 120/70-17 front and 160/60-17 rear, providing a good blend of turn-in and stability.

Electronics include KTRC traction control (3 modes), ABS, an Economical Riding Indicator to help you sip fuel, and an Assist & Slipper Clutch to reduce lever effort and rear-wheel hop on aggressive downshifts. Other practicalities include a 3.2 gal fuel capacity and a sealed chain final drive. Fit and finish nods to the retro theme, while color options vary by region: US buyers get Ebony, while EU options include Ebony, Metallic Ocean Blue, and Candy Emerald Green.

For shoppers cross-referencing budgets, the MSRP (US) is $8,999, with a UK price (OTR) of £7,899 and an EU price example (Germany, incl. Überführung) of €8,520.

Who Is the 2026 Kawasaki Z650RS For?

This is a superb all-rounder for riders who value style without sacrificing everyday practicality. Newer riders benefit from approachable mass, the 31.5 in seat, traction control, ABS, and the available EU A2 35.0 kW version. Experienced riders will appreciate the lively 2-cylinder character, composed chassis, and the real-world punch of 48.5 lb-ft at 6,700 rpm for backroad fun and commuter duty alike.

Torquepedia Verdict

The 2026 Kawasaki Z650RS delivers a compelling mix: classic looks, approachable ergonomics, and modern safety tech at a reasonable price. Its 67.0 hp engine, friendly geometry, and well-judged suspension make it a strong contender among middleweight retros for riders who want versatility and charm.

If you’re comparing class rivals, the Z650RS stands out for its balance of weight, seat height, and rider aids. The 3.2 gal tank and conventional fork underline its practical focus rather than track pretensions, but for commuting, weekend twisties, and everyday smiles, it’s an excellent pick.

FAQ

• Is the 2026 Kawasaki Z650RS good for beginners? Yes. Its manageable 412.3 lb (187 kg) curb weight, 31.5 in (800 mm) seat height, ABS, KTRC (3 modes), and Assist & Slipper Clutch make it approachable. In the EU, an A2 35.0 kW version is available.

• What is the seat height of the 2026 Kawasaki Z650RS? The Kawasaki Z650RS seat height is 31.5 in (800 mm).

• How heavy is the 2026 Kawasaki Z650RS? The Kawasaki Z650RS weight is 412.3 lb (187 kg) curb (US spec).

• What engine does it have and how much power? It uses a 4-stroke, 2-cylinder, DOHC, liquid-cooled 649 cc engine rated at 67.0 hp @ 8,000 rpm and 48.5 lb-ft (65.8 Nm) @ 6,700 rpm.

• Does the 2026 Z650RS have ABS and traction control? Yes. It comes with ABS and KTRC traction control with 3 modes, plus an Economical Riding Indicator and an Assist & Slipper Clutch.