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.