Kawasaki has introduced the Z650RS 2025 in India as part of its retro-modern motorcycle lineup. This bike pays tribute to the legendary Kawasaki Z series from the 1970s but brings in modern performance and features. The Z650RS blends old-school charm with new-age technology, making it a perfect choice for riders who want both heritage and reliability. Positioned as a neo-retro middleweight bike, it directly competes with the Triumph Speed Twin 900 and Honda CB650R. With a stylish design and powerful parallel-twin engine, the Z650RS 2025 is winning hearts in India.
Kawasaki Z650RS
Kawasaki Z650RS 2025 Design and Styling
The highlight of the Kawasaki Z650RS is its retro-inspired styling. It takes design cues from the iconic Kawasaki Z1 of the 1970s, featuring a round LED headlamp, teardrop-shaped fuel tank, and twin-pod instrument cluster. The bike carries chrome touches and a classic twin-seat design, adding to its vintage charm. Despite its old-school looks, it integrates modern features seamlessly, giving it a neo-retro identity. The upright riding position, wide handlebars, and comfortable seating ensure that it appeals to both daily commuters and long-distance riders.
649cc, parallel-twin, liquid-cooled engine. This engine produces 68 HP at 8,000 rpm and 64 Nm of torque at 6,700 rpm, making it powerful enough for highways yet manageable in city traffic. It is paired with a 6-speed gearbox with assist and slipper clutch for smooth shifting. The engine is refined and delivers linear power, making it friendly for new riders and fun for experienced ones. With a top speed of around 190 km/h, the Z650RS balances retro charm with modern-day performance.
Despite being a middleweight parallel-twin motorcycle, the Kawasaki Z650RS offers a respectable mileage. In city conditions, it delivers around 20-22 kmpl, while on highways, it can stretch up to 25-27 kmpl with relaxed riding. With a 12-litre fuel tank, it provides a practical range of around 250-300 km on a full tank. While mileage is not its strongest point compared to smaller displacement bikes, it is decent for its class and segment. Riders looking for performance with a touch of efficiency will find this balance ideal.
Kawasaki Z650RS 2025 Features and Technology
Kawasaki has equipped the Z650RS with several modern features while retaining its retro styling. It comes with a full LED lighting system, including a round LED headlamp and LED tail-light. The bike uses a semi-digital twin-pod instrument cluster, which displays speed, tachometer, gear position, fuel gauge, and trip meter. The Z650RS also gets dual-channel ABS, assist and slipper clutch, and lightweight trellis frame for better handling. Unlike some rivals, it does not feature Bluetooth connectivity or ride modes, but Kawasaki has kept the focus on pure riding feel.
Kawasaki Z650RS 2025 Handling and Ride Quality
The Kawasaki Z650RS is built on a lightweight trellis frame, making it nimble and easy to handle. With a kerb weight of just 192 kg, it is surprisingly light for a 650cc motorcycle. The suspension setup includes 41mm telescopic forks at the front and a horizontal back-link rear monoshock. This ensures stability on highways and comfort in city traffic. The upright ergonomics and well-padded seat make it suitable for long-distance rides. Riders will appreciate its balance of agility and comfort, especially when compared to sportier bikes like the Kawasaki Ninja 650.
Kawasaki Z650RS 2025 Brakes and Safety
For braking duties, the Z650RS is equipped with dual 300mm front discs and a single 220mm rear disc. The dual-channel ABS system ensures rider safety in all conditions. The braking performance is strong and confidence-inspiring, even at high speeds. Safety is further enhanced by the wide 17-inch tyres, which provide good grip on corners and highways. While the Z650RS does not include advanced safety tech like traction control or cornering ABS, it makes up with its lightweight frame and predictable handling.
The Kawasaki Z650RS 2025 price in India starts at ₹6.92 lakh (ex-showroom). This makes it one of the most affordable neo-retro middleweight bikes in India. It is priced higher than the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 but offers a more refined parallel-twin engine and premium Japanese build quality. The Z650RS competes with the Triumph Speed Twin 900, Honda CB650R, and Yamaha XSR700 in the Indian market. While its pricing may seem premium, the bike delivers excellent value for riders looking for a retro-modern experience.
Kawasaki Z650RS 2025 Pros and Cons
Pros:
Beautiful neo-retro styling inspired by the Kawasaki Z1
Smooth and refined 649cc parallel-twin engine
Lightweight and easy to handle for a 650cc bike
Comfortable upright seating position
Affordable compared to European rivals
Cons:
No Bluetooth connectivity or ride modes
Limited fuel tank capacity (12 litres)
Lacks advanced electronic rider aids
Kawasaki Z650RS 2025 Rivals in India
The Z650RS competes with several neo-retro and modern middleweight bikes in India. Its main rivals are the Triumph Speed Twin 900, Honda CB650R, Royal Enfield Interceptor 650, and Yamaha XSR700. The Triumph Speed Twin offers more premium features but comes at a higher price point. The Honda CB650R provides inline-four performance but is more expensive. The Interceptor 650 is cheaper but lacks the modern refinement of Kawasaki. The Yamaha XSR700 matches the Z650RS in philosophy but has limited availability in India. Overall, the Kawasaki Z650RS offers the perfect middle ground.
Conclusion: Should You Buy Kawasaki Z650RS 2025?
The Kawasaki Z650RS 2025 is an excellent choice for riders who want the best of both worlds – retro styling and modern performance. With its classic round headlamp, teardrop tank, and upright ergonomics, it offers vintage charm, while the 649cc twin engine ensures smooth performance. It is lightweight, comfortable, and reliable, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced riders. While it misses out on some modern tech features, its pricing and timeless design make it one of the most attractive neo-retro bikes in India. For riders who want a stylish, reliable, and performance-packed retro motorcycle, the Z650RS 2025 is a fantastic option.
My name is Pushkar. I got a degree in Graphic Design and after that I started writing news in digital media. Writing is my hobby as well as my profession and I am currently working in radio cuttack company.
