Why Not Like This from the Start? Kawasaki Z650 S Review 2026

The middleweight naked bike segment has long been one of the most important in the motorcycle market. It's where many beginners, returning riders, and daily commuters choose their ride—demanding high standards: easy handling, affordability, versatility, and enough thrill to make it exciting. With the 2026 Z650 S, Kawasaki is rolling out an updated version of their perennial favorite, designed to hit all these marks.

The Z650 family has been a sales powerhouse for Kawasaki for years. In 2025, the Z650 ranked third among the best-selling motorcycles in Germany, and even took the second spot for naked bikes in Austria. This clearly demonstrates that it's not the extreme high-performance motorcycles that dominate the market, but rather simple, accessible, and well-functioning concepts. The new Z650 S fits perfectly into this niche.

It joins the standard Z650—without the S—for now in the lineup. The focus is clearly on the new Z650 S.

At the heart of the Z650 S is the well-known 649cc parallel-twin engine, delivering 68 horsepower and 64 Nm of torque—and that's a good thing. This engine continues to impress with its straightforward nature. Its power delivery is smooth, linear, and completely free of surprises. The twin feels right at home in the low to mid-range RPMs, providing exactly what you need for everyday riding and on the open road. Pushing it to higher revs won't yield much extra power, but that's hardly necessary.

The engine may not be emotional, but it simply works. Throttle response is smooth, predictable, and pleasant—there's no need for riding modes here. Despite featuring a traditional cable throttle instead of ride-by-wire, the setup feels cohesive and well-developed.

New is the option for a quickshifter (available for an additional cost of around 280 euros). In our test, it worked well from mid-range RPMs but was a bit rough at lower revs. Still, it's a welcome feature in this class.

Perhaps the most significant advancement of the Z650 S is its revamped ergonomics—and it's noticeably impactful. The handlebars, seat, and footpegs have been repositioned. The handlebars are now further forward, higher, and wider, with the seat height set at 805 mm. The result: the Z650 S feels distinctly more mature.

Riders over 1.75 meters tall now feel much better integrated than with the predecessor. The seating position is slightly forward-leaning but remains comfortably within the naked bike realm. Despite the higher seat, ground contact is still easy. The low-slung frame ensures you always have a secure stance—a definite plus for everyday use.

In urban settings, the Z650 S showcases its greatest strengths. Kawasaki intentionally positions it as a daily and commuter motorcycle—and it excels in this role. The bike is extremely nimble, and its controls are intuitive. The clutch stands out as particularly impressive: light, well-modulated, and perfect for stop-and-go traffic.

The narrow waist and accessible seat height make maneuvering and stopping even easier. The gentle throttle response prevents any harshness. The result: a motorcycle that doesn't strain in city traffic but simply works.

On country roads, it's clear why the Z650 has been so successful for years. The engine pulls cleanly even from low RPMs, allowing for a relaxed, gear-shift-free ride. Combined with its lightweight of 190 kg ready to ride and the 160 rear tire, the handling is extremely nimble.

The Z650 S can be maneuvered playfully through corners, feeling agile and approachable. The revised ergonomics enhance this sensation further. Especially on twisty roads, the bike is a lot of fun—not through extreme performance, but through its simplicity. It often leaves you thinking: you really don't need more bike than this.

The suspension and brakes are clearly tailored for their intended purpose. The components strike a fine balance between everyday usability and moderate sportiness. The braking system with 300mm dual discs at the front offers good modulation but intentionally avoids excessive sharpness. The suspension works comfortably but shows slight weaknesses during very sporty riding. Uneven surfaces in lean can make the bike feel a bit unsettled.

Given the price and positioning, the setup is perfectly acceptable.

Visually, the Z650 S aligns more than ever with the larger Z family. The Sugomi design looks more modern and aggressive, while the new three-piece LED headlight ensures a striking presence. The 4.3-inch TFT display brings the Z650 fully into the present day. Smartphone connectivity via the Rideology app and modern displays enhance everyday usability.

With features like traction control and an optional quickshifter, the equipment is now up-to-date without feeling overloaded.

With a price of 7,899 euros (Austria including NoVA and VAT) and 7,970 euros in Germany (including delivery), the Z650 S remains attractively positioned. It clearly targets beginners, returning riders, and anyone looking for a straightforward naked bike.

In line with the well-priced package of the Kawasaki Z650 S, the choice of gear consciously fell on cost-effective yet functional products from the Louis range. With the Nishua NTX-4 Evo Thunder full-face helmet and complete gear from Vanucci—including a leather jacket, jeans, boots, and gloves—it makes for a coherent setup for everyday use and touring.

The Louis Gear:

• Nishua Full-Face Helmet
• Vanucci Leather Jacket
• Vanucci Motorcycle Jeans
• Vanucci Gloves
• Vanucci Boots