Kawasaki Z650 RS 2022 vs. Kawasaki Z900 2023

Kawasaki Z650 RS 2022

Kawasaki Z900 2023
Overview - Kawasaki Z650 RS 2022 vs Kawasaki Z900 2023
The Kawasaki Z650 RS 2022 and the Kawasaki Z900 2023 are both naked bikes from Kawasaki, but they have some notable differences in terms of specifications and strengths.
Starting with the Kawasaki Z650 RS 2022, it features a 649cc in-line engine that delivers 68.2 horsepower and 65.7 Nm of torque. The engine is cooled by liquid and has a fuel injection system. It has a 2-cylinder configuration and is equipped with a telescopic fork front suspension and a swing arm rear suspension with a monoshock absorber. The frame is made of steel and has a tubular design. The front brakes are double disk with a diameter of 300 mm and a double piston configuration. The bike is equipped with ABS for advanced rider assistance. The front tire has a width of 120 mm and a diameter of 17 inches, while the rear tire has a width of 160 mm and a diameter of 17 inches. The wheelbase is 1410 mm and the seat height is 820 mm. The bike weighs 187.1 kg with ABS and comes with LED daytime running lights, LED headlights, and a TFT display.

Kawasaki Z650 RS 2022
On the other hand, the Kawasaki Z900 2023 is equipped with a more powerful 948cc in-line engine that produces 125 horsepower and 98.6 Nm of torque. It also has a liquid cooling system and fuel injection. The engine has a 4-cylinder configuration. The front suspension features an upside-down telescopic fork, while the rear suspension remains a swing arm with a monoshock absorber. The frame is made of steel and has a double cradle design. The front brakes are double disk with a diameter of 300 mm and a four-piston configuration. In addition to ABS, the Z900 2023 also comes with riding modes, ride by wire, and traction control as advanced rider assistance systems. The front tire has a width of 120 mm and a diameter of 17 inches, while the rear tire has a width of 180 mm and a diameter of 17 inches. The wheelbase is slightly longer at 1450 mm, and the seat height is slightly lower at 795 mm. The bike weighs 212 kg with ABS and shares the same LED daytime running lights, LED headlights, and TFT display as the Z650 RS 2022.
In terms of strengths, the Kawasaki Z650 RS 2022 stands out for its perfectly realized retro design, analogue displays, lively engine, accessible handling, powerful brakes, comfortable ergonomics, adjustable levers, and being a real eye-catcher. On the other hand, the Kawasaki Z900 2023 is praised for its light and natural handling with high stability, silky engine with full pull from low revs, high chassis transparency with great feedback, seating position with a feel-good factor, and an absolutely fair price.

Kawasaki Z900 2023
However, the Z650 RS 2022 has a slight weakness in its slightly softer sound, while the Z900 2023 has some drawbacks such as a relatively cumbersome operation of the menu, the absence of slope-dependent assistance systems, and a higher weight.
In conclusion, the Kawasaki Z650 RS 2022 and the Kawasaki Z900 2023 are both impressive naked bikes from Kawasaki, but they cater to different preferences and riding styles. The Z650 RS 2022 excels in its retro design and accessible performance, while the Z900 2023 offers a more powerful engine and advanced rider assistance systems at a reasonable price. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on the rider's priorities and preferences.
Technical Specifications Kawasaki Z650 RS 2022 compared to Kawasaki Z900 2023
Pros and Cons in comparison
Pros and Cons in comparison
Kawasaki Z650 RS 2022

With the RS, Kawasaki proves that it has mastered the art of retro bikes. You immediately forget that underneath the pretty dress is the normal Z650, because thanks to the right details, the retro design has been convincingly implemented. In the saddle, you enjoy the accessibility that you know from the technical sister. A retro bike that both beginners and experienced bikers will really enjoy!
Kawasaki Z900 2023

The Kawasaki Z900 may not be up to scratch when it comes to modern, lean angle-dependent electronic features, but it's relatively cheap and you shouldn't underestimate the fan base of the good old inline four - the Z900 is one of the cheapest ways to own such a great engine with just under a litre of displacement in a sporty naked bike! The higher weight is noticeable, but not massively annoying, because the handling and stability are quite alright. In terms of "outdated" electronics, the most annoying thing is the missing shift assistant, which is not even available as an option. Overall, however, the Z900 is a great naked bike with a great price-performance ratio.
Price Comparison Avarage Market Price Kawasaki Z650 RS vs Kawasaki Z900
There are a few key differences between a Kawasaki Z650 RS 2022 and a Kawasaki Z900 2023. In terms of price, the actual average price of a Kawasaki Z900 2023 is about 26% higher. Compared to Kawasaki Z900 2023 there are less Kawasaki Z650 RS 2022 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 34 compared to 187. It takes less time to sell a Kawasaki Z900 with 122 days compared to 146 days for the Kawasaki Z650 RS. Since model year 2022 1000PS.de editors have written 12 reviews for the Kawasaki Z650 RS and 46 reviews for the Kawasaki Z900 since model year 2017. The first review for the Kawasaki Z650 RS was published on 27/09/2021 and now has more than 39,300 views. This compares to more than 93,200 views for the first review on Kawasaki Z900 published on 11/11/2016.