As we first reported on September 24, then again five days later, the Kawasaki Z650RS is the next new model to be announced by Team Green. We knew this, obviously, but the question mark was whether it was going to come to the US. The answer is an absolute yes, as Kawasaki today announced the 2022 Z650RS for the American market.
The 2022 Z650RS ? or Retro Sport ? shares much of its design aesthetic from its big brother, the Z900RS and Z900 RS Cafe. We also see traits of the 1977 Z650-B1, a.k.a. the ?Son of Z1? in there as well. From its rounded tank, solo-inspired seat, round headlight, and especially its gold retro-themed wheels, the Z650RS looks every bit the classically styled part. And we dig that. Specifically, Kawasaki says the 650 distinguishes itself from its bigger sibling with a ?slimmer fuel tank and a shorter, more compact tail, which express its light handling and approachable character.? Underneath the retro clothes, however, we still have the underpinnings of the Z650 that we know and love. The 650cc parallel-Twin seen in a variety of Kawasaki models is back again, with the same chassis and suspension bits. Our man Dennis Chung covered the bike extensively in the above two articles, so click those links to get the low-down on Kawasaki’s latest retro-inspired motorcycle.
In other news, Kawasaki has also unleashed a data dump that essentially amounts to a flurry of returning models for 2022. These include the:
2022 Ninja 1000SX

2022 Versys 1000 SE LT+
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