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+
The 2022 Versys 1000 SE LT+ features an IMU, Showa’s Skyhook suspension, cruise control, LED headlights and cornering lights, and an adjustable windscreen.
2022 Versys-X 300 ABS
2022 W800
The 2022 Kawasaki W800 takes the retro theme even farther than the Z650RS. Featuring a classic air-cooled parallel-Twin, it also sports a bevel drive gear for the camshaft and a classic pea shooter exhaust. Modern touches include an assist and slipper clutch, LED headlight, and electronic instrumentation (in a classic display).
2022 Z900 SE
The 2022 Kawasaki Z900 SE adds to the standard Z900 by way of Brembo calipers and an Öhlins shock.
2022 Z900RS SE
Piggybacking off the Z900 SE, the 2022 Kawasaki Z900RS SE takes the classic style of the standard Z900RS and adds Brembo calipers and an Öhlins shock.
2022 Concours 14 ABS
You didn’t forget about the Concours 14, did you? It’s still holding strong in 2022 with its ZX-14 derived engine, traction control, heated grips, linked brakes, and shaft drive.
2022 Ninja H2 and H2 Carbon
2022 Ninja H2R
2022 Ninja ZX-6R
2022 Ninja ZX-10R
2022 Z H2
2022 Z H2 SE
The Z H2 SE adds to the standard Z H2 with Showa’s Skyhook suspension and Brembo Stylema calipers.
The post Kawasaki Z650RS Highlights New And Returning Models For 2022 appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.