After celebrating the Z’s 50th anniversary in 2022, the latest Kawasaki Z650 is here to gain even more traction with riders. In other words, it now has traction control. The new TC, which can also be found on the 2023 Ninja 650, is controlled with a switch on the left grip which toggles the system between Mode 1, Mode 2, and off. Mode 1 is for mild conditions or twisty roads that require some wheelspin mitigation. Mode 2 causes TC to intercede earlier and is suitable for wet, gravel, or gnarled streets with widely varying surface conditions. Of course, “off” deactivates TC so controlling wheelspin is up to the rider, but TC is always on when the bike is started.
Related: 2020 Kawasaki Z650 ABS MC Commute Review
As a stripped-down naked bike with a 649cc parallel-twin mill and approachable price point, the Z650 is a solid go-to for those expanding on their riding skills or riders simply looking for a compact bike with playful power. The engine puts out 48.5 lb.-ft. of torque for grunty performance off the line, and combined with its precise throttle response the middleweight Z is ready to dance.
A 41mm telescopic fork and preload-adjustable Horizontal Back-Link shock are balanced for both sporty mountain road riding or comfortable city cruising. Two 27mm pistons push brake pads to two 300mm petal discs up front while a single caliper grips a 220mm disc out back. ABS is an option, adding $500 to the base price.
The Z650 continues on with its signature Sugomi styling, meaning angular lines and wide radiator shrouds. A pair of LED headlights provide visibility, and the Z-shaped LED taillight makes the bike recognizable from behind.
The non-ABS model is available in Metallic Spark Black/Metallic Flat Spark Black for an MSRP of $7,749 and the ABS model comes in Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray/Ebony for $8,249.
2023 Kawasaki Z650 Technical Specifications and Price
| PRICE: | $7,749 / $8,249 (ABS) |
|---|---|
| ENGINE: | 649cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled parallel twin; 4 valves/cyl. |
| BORE x STROKE: | 83.0 x 60.0mm |
| COMPRESSION RATIO: | 10.8:1 |
| FUEL DELIVERY: | Fuel injection w/ two Keihin 36mm throttle bodies |
| CLUTCH: | Wet, multiplate |
| TRANSMISSION/FINAL DRIVE: | 6-speed/chain |
| CLAIMED TORQUE: | 48.5 lb.-ft. @ 6,500 rpm |
| FRAME: | High-tensile steel trellis |
| FRONT SUSPENSION: | 41mm hydraulic telescopic fork; 4.9 in. travel |
| REAR SUSPENSION: | Horizontal back-link shock, preload adjustable; 5.1 in. travel |
| FRONT BRAKE: | 2-piston calipers, dual 300mm petal discs / 2-piston calipers, dual 300mm petal discs w/ ABS (ABS) |
| REAR BRAKE: | 220mm petal disc / 220mm petal disc w/ ABS (ABS) |
| WHEELS, FRONT/REAR: | 17 in. |
| TIRES, FRONT/REAR: | Dunlop Sportmax Roadsport 2; 120/70-17 / 160/60-17 |
| RAKE/TRAIL: | 24.0°/3.9 in. |
| WHEELBASE: | 55.5 in. |
| SEAT HEIGHT: | 31.1 in. |
| FUEL CAPACITY: | 4.0 gal. |
| CLAIMED WET WEIGHT: | 410 lb. / 412 lb. (ABS) |
| WARRANTY: | 1 year, limited |
| AVAILABLE: | Now |
| CONTACT: | kawasaki.com |
Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com