2022 Kawasaki Z900RS 50th Anniversary

To challenge the dominance of Honda?s CB750, Kawasaki unleashed the Z1 in 1972. At the time, Team Green didn?t just produce the most powerful Japanese inline-Four, it also beat its rivals to the punch with a double overhead cam valvetrain. That innovative engine configuration may have impressed gearheads, but the Z1?s ultra-attractive Fireball paint scheme turned heads as well. Fifty years later, the Z1?s DNA is still found in its Z Series descendants. Celebrating the milestone are 2022 Kawasaki Z 50th Anniversary editions of the retro-style Z650RS and Z900RS as well as the more modern Z650 and Z900.

2022 Kawasaki Z650RS 50th Anniversary

The retro-styled RS line borrows most from the Z1, donning the legendary Fireball livery. As many Kawi fans know, the original 2018 Z900RS paid tribute to the Z1 in a similar colorway. However, Kawasaki reproduces the Candy Diamond Brown and Orange of the 1972 model with a special multi-layer painting process on the 2022 Z900RS and Z650RS.
2022 Kawasaki Z650RS 50th Anniversary

A gold wheelset alludes to the Z Series? golden anniversary, while Z 50th branding on the front fender and engine case covers take a more literal approach. The nostalgia only ramps up from there. Both variants bear Double Overhead Camshaft badges on the side panels, and the classically styled seats come wrapped in new textured material. Despite the absence of a center stand, a grab rail offers peak vintage styling.
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