Kawasaki Introduces The New Z650


The Kawasaki Z650
motorcycle is designed to engage your senses: your sights with its
raw and refined look; your touch with the chassis' feedback to the
rider; and your hearing with the specially engineered tune of the
exhaust and intake. The open cockpit design allows you to
experience your surroundings, hear the sounds of the city or
country road and feel the wind.
The 2017 Kawasaki Z650 overall Highlights:
Trellis frame
Linkage-rear suspension
Minimal, slim bodywork
Entry-level pricing
The stripped down body work, slim lines and exposed engine and
suspension components resonate the bike's raw theme, where only the
necessary parts remain. It's a purpose-built motorcycle with tight
body work and a light curb weight. There's beauty in its
simplicity. The 2017
Kawasaki Z650 is the performance bike made for everyday riding.
While influences from the generations of KZ and Z models have made
this Z650 what it is today, it's still very much its own model, a
new-school performance motorcycle for the all-around rider. This
motorcycle suits a range of motorcyclists, whether they're looking
for a real performance motorcycle that's comfortable and capable of
lightweight handling, or a smooth, lightweight streetfighter,
that's fun and easy to ride.
Engine Highlights

Proven performance
of the 650cc platform
Slim exhaust design
A punch of low-to-mid range power that matches the Z fun factor
A progressive torque curve
Kawasaki's 650cc parallel-twin engine design has been a proven
performer on the track. The new 650cc found in the Z650 however, is
purposely tuned for street motorcycles to give the motorcycle a
more even and steady torque curve. The engine features a slim
intake and throttle body ports, which allow for finer atomization
of fuel and improved engine airflow. Camshafts have reduced overlap
and less duration, allowing for better midrange power. The engine
ultimately has a smooth offthrottle power delivery, with a steady
climb to max output.
Chassis Highlights
Trellis Frame
Twin-spar rear subframe
Engine is structural member of frame
Horizontal back-linked rear suspension
The high-tensile steel trellis frame uses the engine as a stress
member, bringing engineering development from performance bikes to
a lightweight, entry-level platform. Minimized bends in the frame
cut down on stress-points and result in a lighter chassis. The rear
section of the frame is a twin-tube, carried from the backbone of
the frame, for added rigidity and improved carrying capacity.
Kawasaki
engineers developed a new gull-arm swingarm with a pivot width
similar to the wheel axle, creating a straight line from pivot
point to axle, increasing leverage and strength of the rear
suspension. Utilizing a horizontal back-linked rear shock with
linkage makes for easy tuning, improved comfort and a progressive
character.
Ergonomics
Streetfighter ergonomics
Low-seat height and seat shape that narrows in the front for
comfort and ease of reach to the ground
Handlebars placed forward for an aggressive riding position
The naked bike ergonomics feature the best of both worlds, in terms
of a comfortable and an aggressive stance. The seating position and
foot placement is low and forward, but with upright handlebars
which allow for comfortable riding. The handlebars also increase
leverage for adept, precise handling. Much thought was placed into
the positioning and angle of the handlebars and grips. The Z650
grips are placed for a natural position for the rider's wrist,
aiding in comfort and control. The narrow handlebars increase
confidence and ease of use when making slow-speed corners. The Z650
motorcycle features a comfortable passenger seat and comes standard
with passenger pegs, for easy two-up riding.
Insturmentation

LCD display
Adjustable shift light
Digital tachometer
The instrumentation features an LCD display, a major plus for
performance-conscious riders is the tachometer/shift light that
flashes when reaching a user-selected rpm. The instrumentation also
includes a digital sweeping LCD tachometer, and gear position
indicator. Riders can pick their favorite rpm display from a
selection. A carbon-fiber appearance panel wraps the complete look
of the instrumentation, for a clean and tight package.
Wheels, Tires, and Brakes

The 5-spoke wheel design adds to
the lightweight handling characteristics. The wheels are wrapped in
Dunlop Sportmax D214
tires that are constructed with improved wet weather performance.
ABS-equipped Z650 units are available, which utilize the Bosch 9.1M
unit that has been calibrated to work on the lightweight chassis to
assist braking.
Specs
Engine: 4-stroke, 2-cylinder, DOHC, liquid-cooled
Displacement: 649cc
Bore:83.0 mm
Stroke: 60.0 mm
Compression Ratio:10.8:1
Fuel System: DFI® with Keihin 36mm Keihin throttle bodies
Ignition: TCBI with electronic advance
Transmission: 6-speed, return shift
Final Drive: Sealed chain
Front Suspension: Telescopic forkFront
Travel (in./cm.): 4.9 in
Rear Suspension: Horizontal back-link with adjustable preload,
swingarm
Rear Travel (in./cm.): 5.1 in
Front Tire: 120/70 ZR17 Dunlop
Rear Tire: 160/60 AR17 Dunlop Sportmax D214
Front braking system: Dual 300mm petal-type rotors with four-piston
calipers, ABS
Rear braking system: Single 220mm petal-style disc w/ABS
Frame Type: Tubular, diamond
Rake/trail: 24.0°/3.9 in
Overall Length: 81.3 in
Overall Width: 30.5 in
Overall Height: 42.5 in
Ground Clearance:5.1 in
Seat Height: 30.9 in
Wheelbase: 55.5 in
Curb Weight: 412.3 lb**
Fuel Capacity: 4.0 gal
Colors
Z650 ABS - Pearl Flat Stardust White / Metallic Spark Black
Z650 ABS - Metallic Flat Spark Black / Metallic Spark Black
MSRP
2017 Kawasaki Z650 ABS $7,399