The Kawasaki Z650 is a popular “naked” sportbike designed for riders in the U.S. who want a blend of aggressive styling, nimble handling, and a fun, capable engine without the full fairings of a sportbike. It’s known for its “Sugomi” inspired design, which gives it a powerful and minimalist look, making it a head-turner on city streets and twisty roads. The latest model, including the 2025 version, continues to refine this formula, offering modern technology and a rider-friendly experience.
Bold “Sugomi” Design and Rider-Focused Ergonomics
The Z650 embraces Kawasaki’s unique “Sugomi” design philosophy, which emphasizes aggressive, crouching stances:
- Sharp Styling: It features a bold front face with sharp LED headlights, minimalist bodywork, and a distinctive Z-shaped LED taillight, giving it an undeniable presence.
- Exposed Trellis Frame: The lightweight trellis frame is intentionally exposed, adding to the bike’s technical and aggressive aesthetic while contributing to its light handling.
- Comfortable Riding Position: The Z650 is designed with a rider-friendly triangle. The wide handlebar, thoughtful footpeg position, and comfortable seat (with thicker urethane for both rider and passenger on recent models) place the rider “in” the bike, providing a connected and confident feeling. The low 31.1-inch seat height also makes it approachable for a wide range of riders.
Lively Parallel-Twin Engine Performance
At the heart of the Z650 is a proven and versatile engine:
- 649cc Parallel-Twin Engine: It’s powered by a liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, 2-cylinder, DOHC, 649cc engine. This engine is known for its strong low-to-mid range torque, making it responsive and enjoyable for both city riding and spirited blasts through winding roads. It produces around 67 horsepower and 48.5 lb-ft of torque.
- Smooth Power Delivery: The engine is tuned for a smooth and linear power delivery, making it predictable and manageable for riders of varying skill levels.
- Assist & Slipper Clutch: This feature provides a lighter pull at the clutch lever, reducing rider fatigue, and helps prevent rear-wheel hop during aggressive downshifts, enhancing stability.
- Dual Throttle Valves: These electronically controlled valves help ensure a natural and linear throttle response.
- 6-Speed Transmission: A smooth 6-speed transmission allows for efficient power transfer.
Advanced Technology and Rider Aids
The Z650 incorporates modern technology to enhance the riding experience:
- Kawasaki TRaction Control (KTRC): Recent models of the Z650 include KTRC with three modes (and an OFF setting). This system provides enhanced sport riding performance and offers peace of mind on slippery surfaces by helping to maintain rear-wheel grip.
- TFT Color Instrumentation: A 4.3-inch all-digital TFT (Thin-Film Transistor) color display gives the cockpit a high-tech look. It provides comprehensive information, including a digital speedometer, tachometer, gear position indicator, fuel gauge, trip meters, current and average fuel consumption, remaining range, and more. The screen brightness adjusts automatically.
- Smartphone Connectivity: Through Kawasaki’s “RIDEOLOGY THE APP,” riders can connect their smartphone to the motorcycle wirelessly. This allows access to vehicle information (fuel gauge, odometer, maintenance schedule), riding logs (GPS route information), telephone notices, and the ability to adjust some instrument display settings.
- LED Lighting: Bright LED headlights and taillights provide excellent visibility and a modern look.
- ABS (Anti-lock Brake System): Available as an option (and standard on some trims), ABS enhances braking safety by preventing wheel lock-up during hard braking. The Z650 uses dual 300mm petal-style discs with two-piston calipers upfront and a single 220mm petal-style disc at the rear.
Handling and Ride Comfort
The Z650’s chassis is designed for agile and confidence-inspiring handling:
- Lightweight Trellis Frame: The high-tensile steel trellis frame contributes significantly to the bike’s overall light weight (around 412-414 lbs wet, depending on ABS). This low curb weight, combined with a low center of gravity, makes the Z650 very nimble and easy to maneuver, especially at low speeds.
- Suspension: It features a 41mm telescopic fork at the front and a horizontal back-link rear suspension with adjustable preload, offering a good balance of sportiness and comfort.
- Dunlop Sportmax RoadSport 2 Tires: These high-performance tires provide optimum grip and contribute to the bike’s light handling.
Fuel Economy
The Kawasaki Z650 offers decent fuel economy for its class, with owner-reported mileage often in the range of 36-46 MPG (miles per gallon) in mixed riding conditions. Factors like throttle use, city vs. highway riding, and maintenance can influence actual mileage. Kawasaki also includes an “Economical Riding Indicator” on the TFT display, which lights up when current riding conditions are consuming a low amount of fuel, helping riders optimize efficiency.
Price in the U.S.A. (MSRP)
The Kawasaki Z650 is a competitively priced naked motorcycle in the U.S. market. For the 2025 Kawasaki Z650, the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starts around $7,249 for the non-ABS model.
The ABS-equipped version typically has an MSRP of around $7,749.
These prices do not include destination charges, dealer prep, taxes, title, or licensing fees. The Z650 is available in various color options for the 2025 model year, such as Metallic Matte Dark Gray/Metallic Spark Black and Candy Persimmon Red/Ebony (ABS only).
The Kawasaki Z650 offers U.S. riders a compelling package: a stylish and comfortable naked bike with a lively engine, modern features, and agile handling, all at an attractive price point.