New Car] Kawasaki "Z650 S" is now available! More aggressive new styling at 1,078,000 yen

Kawasaki Motors Japan has introduced the new Z650 S for the 2026 model year. The Z650 S inherits the refined "sugomi" styling of the previous Z650, but has evolved into a massive design with wide handlebars, and its 649cc parallel twin-cylinder engine complies with regulations while maintaining the existing specifications. Priced at 1,078,000 yen (44,000 yen more than the previous model), the new model will go on sale on July 11, 2026 (Saturday) as a Kawasaki Plaza exclusive model.

The design has been redesigned and evolved to the latest Z look!

The new Z650 S, announced overseas in October 2025, has finally been officially launched in Japan.While based on theconventional engine and chassis, the design has been completely redesigned. The headlight is now a compact trinocular of the same type as the Z900, and the tail lamp has also been reshaped. The radiator shroud was designed to extend over the tank, and the seat cowl was changed to a layered design. Aluminum accents were added to the sides of the radiator .

Kawasaki Z650 S (2026model)

Kawasaki Z650 (2025model)

Kawasaki Z650 S (2026model)

Kawasaki Z650 (2025model)

The seat has a larger cushioning surface, a flatter shape, and a seat height of 805 mm, 15 mm higher than the previous model, which allows the knees to bend more gently for improved comfort. The seat height has been increased to 805mm, 15mm higher than the previous model, which allows the knees to bend more gently and improves comfort. The leg room has also been secured by slimming the front of the seat (a 20mm lower ERGO-FIT low seat is also available as an option).

The handlebar has been moved 40 mm forward and 10 mm up, and widened by 30 mm, giving the rider a more sporty riding position with a slight forward lean and elbow tension. The "S" in Z650 S stands for "Stunning," "Style," "Stage," and "Spotlight.

Newly designed triple-LED headlights. The upper two lights are low beam and the lower one is high beam.

The tail lamps also have a new shape. The previous model had a "Z" of the alphabet that appeared when lit, but the new model has an arrowhead shape.

The radiator shroud is extended above the tank for an aggressive design.

The seat and seat cowl are also new. The tandem seat is 20 mm wider and the cushion is 10 mm thicker for added comfort.

The seat has been modified for comfort and compatibility with a wide range of body sizes. Although the seat height has been increased compared to the previous model, the shape of the seat has been improved to provide a better footing.

Wider handlebars and a higher seat give the rider a sportier riding position.

The engine and chassis have also been further matured

The 649cc parallel-twin engine, withits well-balanced 180-degree phase angle crankshaft, is set up with a focus on performance in the mid-range of 3000 to 6000 rpm.The engine is smooth below 3000 rpm and smoothly extends power and torque above 6000 rpm.

One of the changes announced in the model change is the addition of an O2 sensor to the exhaust system. The specifications of 68ps/8000rpm and 6.4kg-m/6700rpm remain the same as the previous model.

The chassis is built around a high-tensile steel trellis frame weighing 15 kg, with 41 mm-diameter upright front forks and a horizontal back-link rear suspension with the rear shock and links located on the swingarm.

The front ø300 mm brake discs are now circular instead of petal-shaped, and the ABS supplier has been changed from Bosch to Continental.

No announcements of changes to the 649cc Paratwin engine have been made, except for the addition of an O2 sensor. Since the previous model also complied with Euro 5 regulations, it is believed that the addition of the sensor has made it compliant with the commonly known Euro 5 Plus, which requires a catalyst degradation detection function, among other things.

The front disc, which used to have a jagged petal shape on the outer circumference of the disc, is now a standard perfect circle. The single-press two-pod calipers and OEM Dunlop Road Sport 2 tires were retained.

Full range of electronic controls and advanced equipment

4.The 3-inch TFT color LCD meter has a new internal display design, a tachometer with two selectable types (bar graph and hexagonal), and a three-step brightness adjustment function. In addition, the smartphone integration function has been enhanced, enabling the use of phone and e-mail notifications, navigation functions, etc.

As with the previous model, the Z650 S is equipped with KTRC (Kawasaki Traction Control), but a new KQS (Kawasaki Quick Shifter), which operates in the up direction, is available as an option for 44,440 yen (tax included).

Standard equipment includes an ETC2.0 on-board unit kit, and the "Kawasaki Care Model" designation, which includes free inspections and oil changes, is the same as on the previous model. One color variation, Metallic Matte Graffen Steel Gray x Metallic Flat Spark Black (GY1) , is available at .

A 4.3-inch TFT color LCD meter with an updated internal design. The rotation system is divided into a bar graph Type1 and...

Hexagonal Type2 is available for selection. The smartphone integration function has also been enhanced.

The cockpit view has also been refreshed with a new meter design, a new shroud shape, and a new handlebar.

A wide range of accessories are available, including low seats and a USB-C power socket.

The coloring is "Metallic Matte Graffen Steel Gray x Metallic Flat Spark Black" in a single color. The gold-colored frames add a hint of color!

Z650 S - Main Specifications

Overall length x width x height: 2,055 mm x 805 mm x 1,080 mm- Distance between axles: 1,410 mm -Minimum ground clearance: 130 mm- Seat height: 805 mm- Weight: 190 kg- Engine: Liquid-cooled 4-stroke, parallel twin cylinder, DOHC 4-valve, 649 cc- Maximum output: 50 kW (68 PS)/8, 000 rpm Max. torque: 63Nm (6.4kgf m)/6,700rpm・Fuel tank capacity: 15L・Transmission type: 6-speed return with constant engagement・Brake type (F/R): double disc 300mm / single disc 220mm・Tire size (F/R): 120/70R17M/C58W / 160/60R17M/C 69W- Price: 1,078,000 yenImage gallery (17)