The Z650’s aggressive Z Supernaked styling, inspired by the sugomi design of the Z1000, is tempered by its slim, light-looking package, resulting in a head-turning design that conveys both excitement and approachability.
The Z650’s aggressive Z Supernaked styling, inspired by the sugomi design of the Z1000, is tempered by its slim, light-looking package, resulting in a head-turning design that conveys both excitement and approachability. From its front cowl adorned with meter cover to its compact tail cowl, the Z650’s head-turning design exudes a functional beauty. Inspired by the sugomi design of the Z1000, its condensed appearance is emphasised by slim, close-fitting bodywork designed to give the bike a light, nimble image that reflects its sporty performance. Stacked instrument cluster features a large analogue-style tachometer with a gear position indicator at its centre, sitting atop a multi-function LCD screen. Compact, upswept tail cowl contributes to the Z650’s dynamic, sporty image. The strong Supernaked design can be further emphasised with an accessory single-seat cover. Ensuring the Z650 is not mistaken for anything other than Kawasaki Supernaked when viewed from behind, its sharp LED taillight lights up in “Z” pattern, contributing to the sporty image and the strong Z identity.
Tuning of the 649 cm3 Parallel Twin engine focused on achieving a throttle response that balanced a powerful feeling and a quick-revving character. To optimise performance for everyday riding, care was taken to maximise low-mid range torque. When opening the throttle, riders will notice an extremely smooth and powerful engine character that offers both a high level of control when making minute throttle adjustments and a gratifying rush of acceleration in the lower rpm ranges. This tuning also benefits fuel economy.
Liquid-cooled, DOHC, 8-valve 649 cm3 Parallel Twin with fuel injection delivers smooth, responsive performance, especially in the low and medium rpm ranges. The strong low-end focus lends itself to sporty riding, but also translates to rider-friendly power characteristics that facilitate control and inspire confidence in new riders.
One of the key components realising Z650’s light weight (noticeable as soon as the bike is lifted off its side-stand), the all-new frame weighs only 15 kg and contributes significantly to the bike’s light, nimble handling. Kawasaki’s new in-house analysis technology was used to precisely determine the necessary pipe diameter, length and wall thickness to deliver the ideal lateral and torsional rigidity. This allowed unnecessary material to be trimmed, resulting in an extremely lightweight frame: the new frame weighs only 15 kg, a key to the new Z650’s light, nimble handling. Kawasaki’s new in-house analysis technology was also used in the swingarm. Similar to the frame, the line from the pivot to rear axle was made as straight as possible. The lightweight design of swingarm (4.8 kg) contributes to the bike’s light, natural handling.
Wide, flat handlebar and a relaxed, sporty riding position allows riders to fully capitalise on the Z650’s sporty street riding potential. Thanks to the low seat height and the bike’s slim overall design, it’s easy to keep both feet firmly on the ground when stopped, an important consideration for many riders. 790 mm seat height accommodates riders spanning a wide range of heights, enabling them to ride with confidence.
Assist & Slipper Clutch was developed based on feedback from racing activities. The clutch uses two types of cams (an assist cam and a slipper cam), offering two new functions not available on a standard clutch.
When the engine is operating at normal rpm 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 pull 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 help prevent the rear tyre from hopping and skidding.
The Z650’s aggressive Z Supernaked styling, inspired by the sugomi design of the Z1000, is tempered by its slim, light-looking package, resulting in a head-turning design that conveys both excitement and approachability. From its front cowl adorned with meter cover to its compact tail cowl, the Z650’s head-turning design exudes a functional beauty. Inspired by the sugomi design of the Z1000, its condensed appearance is emphasised by slim, close-fitting bodywork designed to give the bike a light, nimble image that reflects its sporty performance. Stacked instrument cluster features a large analogue-style tachometer with a gear position indicator at its centre, sitting atop a multi-function LCD screen. Compact, upswept tail cowl contributes to the Z650’s dynamic, sporty image. The strong Supernaked design can be further emphasised with an accessory single-seat cover. Ensuring the Z650 is not mistaken for anything other than Kawasaki Supernaked when viewed from behind, its sharp LED taillight lights up in “Z” pattern, contributing to the sporty image and the strong Z identity.
Tuning of the 649 cm3 Parallel Twin engine focused on achieving a throttle response that balanced a powerful feeling and a quick-revving character. To optimise performance for everyday riding, care was taken to maximise low-mid range torque. When opening the throttle, riders will notice an extremely smooth and powerful engine character that offers both a high level of control when making minute throttle adjustments and a gratifying rush of acceleration in the lower rpm ranges. This tuning also benefits fuel economy.
Liquid-cooled, DOHC, 8-valve 649 cm3 Parallel Twin with fuel injection delivers smooth, responsive performance, especially in the low and medium rpm ranges. The strong low-end focus lends itself to sporty riding, but also translates to rider-friendly power characteristics that facilitate control and inspire confidence in new riders.
One of the key components realising Z650’s light weight (noticeable as soon as the bike is lifted off its side-stand), the all-new frame weighs only 15 kg and contributes significantly to the bike’s light, nimble handling. Kawasaki’s new in-house analysis technology was used to precisely determine the necessary pipe diameter, length and wall thickness to deliver the ideal lateral and torsional rigidity. This allowed unnecessary material to be trimmed, resulting in an extremely lightweight frame: the new frame weighs only 15 kg, a key to the new Z650’s light, nimble handling. Kawasaki’s new in-house analysis technology was also used in the swingarm. Similar to the frame, the line from the pivot to rear axle was made as straight as possible. The lightweight design of swingarm (4.8 kg) contributes to the bike’s light, natural handling.
Wide, flat handlebar and a relaxed, sporty riding position allows riders to fully capitalise on the Z650’s sporty street riding potential. Thanks to the low seat height and the bike’s slim overall design, it’s easy to keep both feet firmly on the ground when stopped, an important consideration for many riders. 790 mm seat height accommodates riders spanning a wide range of heights, enabling them to ride with confidence.
Assist & Slipper Clutch was developed based on feedback from racing activities. The clutch uses two types of cams (an assist cam and a slipper cam), offering two new functions not available on a standard clutch.
When the engine is operating at normal rpm 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 pull 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 help prevent the rear tyre from hopping and skidding.
