Kawasaki Z650RS launched in India
Kawasaki has been quick to launch its brand new retro-styled Z650RS in India. The middleweight superbike is priced at Rs 6.65 lakh (ex-showroom), making it Rs 41,000 dearer than the standard Z650.
The retro-style bike includes full-LED lighting and dual dial instrumentation with an LCD screen in the centre, and it comes in Candy Emerald Green and Metallic Moonlight Grey colourways.
The middleweight bike, which is built on a 13.5 kg steel trellis frame, offers relaxed ergonomics, according to the Japanese company, owing to the broad and flat handlebar and an 800mm high seat.
A 649cc parallel-twin motor producing 68PS at 8000 RPM and 64Nm of torque at 6700 RPM powers this 192kg bike. It’s mated to a 6-speed transmission with a slip and assist clutch.
Coming to cycle parts, the Kawasaki Z650RS includes a 41mm telescopic front fork (125mm travel) and a pre-load adjustable rear shock. It rides on 17-inch wheels with 120/70-section front and 160/60-section rear rubber. The motorbike has a ground clearance of 125mm.
Dual semi-floating 300mm discs with dual-piston callipers in the front and a single 220mm petal disc with a single-piston calliper in the back provide braking power to the RS.
Also read: 2022 Kawasaki Versys 1000 launched in India
The Z650RS is the second retro-styled Z-series motorcycle by Kawasaki after the Z900RS. However, the latter was fully imported in India and carried an inflated price tag. However, thanks to its competitive price tag, it looks like the company is locally assembling the Z650RS, which should convert to a lot of sales.
The closest rival of the Z650RS in India is the Triumph Trident 660 which is priced at around Rs 7 lakh (ex-showroom). However, the Trident, despite being much more powerful, lacks the typical neo-retro appeal of the Kawasaki, which is purposely designed to look old-school.
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