Kawasaki Z650 | MotorCycle News

Kawasaki has announced a slew of new and updated models to its 2023 lineup. New models include three additions to the KLX230 family and the new KLR650 S. Updated models include the Ninja 650, the Z650, and the KX450SR.

2023 Kawasaki KLX230

New for 2023 is the dual-purpose KLX230. Designed to be lightweight and easily maneuverable for both trail and street riding, the KLX230 features a 4-stroke 233cc air-cooled engine with electric start and compact steel perimeter frame. The short 54.3-inch wheelbase along with the high 10.4-inch ground clearance adds to the maneuverability of the bike. The KLX230 also features front and rear disc brakes, a 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheel, a front fork with 8.7 inches of travel suspension, and a rear suspension with 8.8 inches of wheel travel. Available for $4,999 in Battle Gray.

Read all of Rider‘s Kawasaki reviews

2023 Kawasaki KLX230 S

The 2023 KLX230 S is a more approachable version of the KLX230 and features a lower seat height of 32.7 inches (compared to 34.8 inches on the KLX230). The lower seat height is due to the shorter wheel travel, with 6.2 inches of travel in the front and 6.6 inches of travel in the rear.

ABS is optional, and riders have the ability to turn the ABS function on and off. The non-ABS option is available for $4,999 in Lime Green and Battle Gray while the ABS option is available for $5,299 in Battle Gray.

2023 Kawasaki KLX230SM

The KLX230 family grows with the new KLX230SM supermoto, designed for a more comfortable ride on pavement. Featuring the same 233cc air-cooled engine and electric start as the KLX230 and KLX230 S, the KLX230SM comes with 17-inch front and rear wheels that are wider than the wheels on the KLX230. The 37mm inverted forks add front-end rigidity and give the bike a sportier look.

The compact LED headlight and blacked-out engine, frame, swingarm, handlebars, and rims add to the street-ready appearance. The non-ABS option is available in Lime Green and Oriental Blue for $5,299 while the ABS option is available in Lime Green for $5,599.

2023 Kawasaki KLR650 S

Following the release of the all-new KLR650 last year, Kawasaki adds the KLR650 S to the 2023 lineup. It shares the 652cc single-cylinder engine, the digital instrumentation panel, high-tensile double-cradle frame, and the LED headlight with last year’s KLR650. New to the KLR650 S is the model configurations for added versatility.

The KLR650 S also features a lower front and rear suspension. The 41mm fork offer 6.7 inches of suspension travel while the rear suspension sits at 7.0 inches of travel. The 21-inch front wheel and 17-inch rear wheels allow riders to enjoy this bike both on and off the roads. The standard KLR650 S is available for $6,899 in Pearl Storm Gray and Candy Lime Green, and the KLR650 S with ABS is available in Pearl Storm Gray for $7,199.

2023 Kawasaki Ninja 650

The Ninja 650 has been updated for model year 2023. Like previous models, the 2023 Ninja 650 features a 649cc parallel-Twin engine, a 4.3 -inch TFT display, twin LED headlights, and smartphone connectivity.

Related Story: 2020 Kawasaki Ninja 650 | Road Test Review

What sets the 2023 model apart from past iterations is the Kawasaki TRaction Control (KTRC). The KTRC assesses several parameters to get a real-time picture of the riding conditions. It also allows riders to select between two modes. Mode 1 facilitates acceleration out of corners by maximizing forward drive from the rear wheel, making it ideal for sport riding. Mode 2 reduces engine output when excessive wheel-spin is detected to help riders navigate wet pavement. Riders also have the option to turn the system off.

The 2023 Ninja 650 is available for $7,999 in Metallic Matte Graphensteel Gray / Ebony or Pearl Robotic White / Metallic Matte Flat Raw Graystone / Ebony.

2023 Kawasaki Z650

The naked Z650 returns in 2023 with the 649cc parallel-Twin engine, a 4.3-inch TRT display, LED headlight, a thick passenger seat, and smartphone connectivity.

Related Story: 2017 Kawasaki Z650 | First Ride Review

New for 2023 is the Kawasaki TRaction Control (KTRC) system, the same system equipped in the updated 2023 Ninja 650. The KTRC assesses several parameters to get a real-time picture of the riding conditions. It also allows riders to select between two modes. Mode 1 facilitates acceleration out of corners by maximizing forward drive from the rear wheel, making it ideal for sport riding. Mode 2 reduces engine output when excessive wheel-spin is detected to help riders navigate wet pavement. Riders also have the option to turn the system off.

The 2023 Z650 is available in Metallic Spark Black / Metallic Flat Spark Black or Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray / Ebony for $7,749.

2023 Kawasaki KX450SR

The race-ready KX450SR returns in 2023 with new Showa front and rear suspension components. The KX450 debuted in 2022 with a 449cc engine with electric start, a close-ratio 5-speed transmission, and a slim aluminum perimeter frame. The new Showa front and rear suspension components on the 2023 KX450SR feature a titanium-oxide inner fork tube that improves wear resistance and reduces friction. The rear shock offers dual compression adjustability so that high speed and low speed damping can be tuned separately. The handlebar can also be adjusted in 12 different positions for rider customization.

The 2023 KX450SR will be available in late fall in Lime Green for $12,699.

Other Models in the 2023 Kawasaki Lineup

Ninja H2R

Ninja H2

Ninja H2 Carbon

Ninja ZX-14R ABS

Ninja ZX-10R

Ninja ZX-10R KRT Edition

Ninja ZX-10RR

Ninja ZX-6R KRT Edition

Z125 PRO

Z650 RS

Z900 ABS

Z900 SE

Versys 650 LT

Versys 1000 SE LT+

W800

Vulcan 1700 Vaquero ABS

The post Kawasaki Announces More New and Updated 2023 Models first appeared on Rider Magazine.
Source: RiderMagazine.com

Kawasaki 50th Anniversary Editions

Kawasaki have revealed a host of special edition models to celebrate the Z model-line’s 50th anniversary, including the Z900, Z900RS, Z650 and the Z650RS, all boasting special heritage colour schemes to mark the occasion.

Anniversary Edition versions are expected in dealerships soon but pricing is yet to be announced.

2022 Kawasaki Z900 50th Anniversary

On the Z900 we’re getting the Heritage Firecrack Red paint, with matching red wheels to make the bike stand out, alongside a gloss black frame and special textured seat.

Unique features will be the Z 50th emblem and logo, as well as a Z 50th Anniversary book, while fork tubes are finished in gold. Also run are dark blue and silver highlights to offset the red paintwork, with logos in gold and silver pinstripes on the wheels.

The Z900 runs the liquid-cooled in-line four-cylinder producing 92.2 kW and 98.6 Nm of torque, with a 948 cc displacement. 41 mm USD forks and a monoshock both offer rebound and preload adjustment.

Brakes are a set of 300 mm petal discs mates to four-piston calipers, with a 250 mm unit on the rear and single-piston caliper. Both backed by ABS.

The Z900 has a 820 mm seat height and weighs in at 212 kg at the kerb, fueled, with a 17 L fuel capacity. A slipper clutch is also standard fitment, with power modes, KTRC and Kawasaki smartphone connectivity.

2022 Kawasaki Z900RS 50th Anniversary

For those after a more retro interpretation of the Z line, the Z900RS returns to the iconic Fireball pattern of the original Z1, which runs the Heritage two-tone Diamond Brown and Orange combo, alongside gold wheels.

The frame is also gloss black, with chrome headlight and meter trim rings, as well as a chrome passenger grab rail. Special 50th anniversary emblems and logos are also run, with a textured seat with contrast stitching.

Like the Z900 the Z900RS Anniversary edition will receive a special Z book, that won’t be available for general sale.

The Z900RS shares the in-line four-cylinder seen in the Z900 but running a different tune, with power output lower at 92 kW and torque remainining similar.

Higher specification suspension is however fitted, with 41 mm USD forks but offering compression, rebound and preload adjustment, while the rear mirrors the regular Z900 with the rebound and preload adjustable shock.

The Z900RS also runs a taller 835 mm seat height and more upright ergonomics, with taller bars, alongside the numerous aesthetic changes to achieve the retro look.

2022 Kawasaki Z650 50th Anniversary

New riders won’t be left out of the anniversary celebrations with the popular Z650L also arriving in a 50th Anniversary edition, with the LAMS compliant 51 hp (37.8 kW) parallel-twin powerplant, offering 59 Nm of torque and an inviting 790 mm seat height.

The Z650 50th Anniversary edition runs the same Heritake Firecracker Red colour seen on the larger Z900, with gloss black frame and special textured seat. The bike will also be adorned with the special edition emblems and logos, and receive the Z 50th Anniversary book.

The Z650 runs a slip and assist clutch, dual 300 mm disc brakes with dual-piston calipers, 41 mm forks and a rear monoshock with preload adjustment. Smartphone connectivity is also standard, connecting to the TFT, with the bike weighing 187 kg with 15 litres of fuel.

2022 Kawasaki Z650RS 50th Anniversary

The latest addition to the Z family is the new Z650RS, offering a retro themed alternative to the Z650 and boasting the Heritage two-tone Candy Diamond Brown and Orange colour scheme, as well as gold wheels.

Like all anniversary models the frame is gloss black, with Z 50th Annniversary emblems and logos and textured seat.

Standard fitment will be the chrome grab rail, headlight and meter trim rings, alongside the Z book.

As with the Z650 the Z650RS will be LAMS compliant, sharing the same suspension and brake specifications, while offering a slightly taller seat height of 800 mm, taller ‘bars and a more relaxed ergonomic.

All 2022 Kawasaki Z 50th Anniversary editions are expected in Q1, with pricing yet to be announced. For more information see the Kawasaki Australia website (link).

Pricing on the standard models for is as follows – 2022 Z900 $13,109 RRP + ORC, 2022 Z900RS $16,759 RRP + ORC, 2022 Z650 $10,579 RRP + ORC, 2022 Z650RS $11,579 RRP + ORC. You can visit the Kawasaki website for a location specific on-road cost based on postal code.

Source: MCNews.com.au

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Kawasaki Announces More New and Updated 2023 Models