Motorcycle specifications KawasakiZ 650 50th Anniversary 2022 Zs in the eyes

The Z 650is one of Kawasaki's pivotal models. It's the second best-selling model in the Kawasaki catalog, one of the easiest bikes on the market, with dynamic styling and engaging performance. Although it can't yet match the insolence of the MT-07, it's one of the best-selling bikes in its class.

By virtue of its name and its success rather than its heritage, the mid-size Z is one of the guests at the Z1's 50th birthday celebration. It's easily recognizable by its Firecracker red color. It's almost more aggressive than ever; in any case, it's the most exciting look since the rebirth of this machine.

Tank , cladding, fork-head, mudguards and rims are all scalded by this blood-red lacquer with silver edging. Don't look in the 900 Z1 's archives; look a little further into its future. The Z 650 50th Anniversary, like its 900 sibling, picks up on the graphic theme of the Z 1100 GP and GPZ 900 R of the '80s.

Once past the Firecracker's brilliance, it's harder to pinpoint the differences between this 50th Anniversary Edition and its predecessor. The hardest will be to distinguish the specific seat covering. If you go around it, you'll notice that the Z symbol, the Kawasaki logo and the commemorative "Z 50th" sticker on the mudguard are gold-plated.

The Z 650 thus gets a special dress for the fiftieth anniversary ball. Three other models are involved, so that the Z's past can shine through on today's Z's. Here's a quick reminder of the main features of this cool roadster, equipped with a 68 hp twin-cylinder engine, suspension that's not very adjustable (just the rear preload) but well calibrated, 300 mm brake discs with double-piston calipers, a basic but effective trellis frame and a contained weight of 187 kilos. There are no fighter jet electronics, which are useless on this size of bike - just a trio of mechanical geeks, with fuel injection, ABS and a color TFT screen with a smartphone link.

You' ll have to shell out a few hundred extra euros to get it. To justify a color or its history? Sometimes, you only have to look at the evocative inscription on this Z's shoulders to sense the reason for both.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos