2023 Kawasaki Z650 [Specs, Features, Photos]

Last updated:July 11, 2023

The Z650 Is A High Performance Lightweight Standard

Model Overview
Specifications
Features
Photos
Videos
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The 2023 Kawasaki Z650 is one of several naked motorcycles that Kawasaki has available. It delivers a great balance of power, handling, and comfort. With its sleek design and advanced technology, this bike is designed for riders who are looking for a high-performance motorcycle that is both fun to ride and easy to handle. At the heart of the Kawasaki Z650 is a liquid-cooled engine that delivers impressive performance. This 649cc engine is capable of producing up to 67 horsepower and 48 lb-ft of torque, making it a powerful choice for riders who want a thrilling ride.

One impressive feature of the Z650 is its lightweight chassis. Weighing in at just 410 pounds, this bike is incredibly nimble and easy to handle, making it ideal for riders of all skill levels. Additionally, the chassis features a steel trellis frame that provides excellent rigidity and stability, which helps to ensure that riders can stay in control even at high speeds.

Kawasaki’s 2023 lineup of motorcycles includes the latest technology and the Z650 is no different. This bike comes equipped with a full digital instrumentation that includes a tachometer, speedometer, odometer, trip meter, fuel gauge, and more. The Z650, while naked, still also packs advanced safety technology such as Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) as standard. Finally, the Z650 features a comfortable seating position that makes it easy to ride for extended periods of time. The 2023 Z650 shows why Kawasaki is one of the top Japanese motorcycle manufacturers and delivers an impressive motorcycle that delivers great performance, handling, and comfort.

The 2023 Kawasaki Z650 starts at $7,749 USD/$9,499 CAD

On this page: we’ve curated specs, features, news, photos/videos, etc. so you can read up on the new 2023 Kawasaki Z650 in one place.

Model Overview

General Info

Price: $7,749 USD/$9,499 CAD
Key Features:
- LED headlights
- Smartphone Connectivity
- TFT color screen
- Horizontal Back-link Rear Suspension

Main Specs

Engine: 649 cc 4-stroke, 2-cylinder, DOHC, liquid-cooled
Power: 67.3 horsepower
Torque: 48.5 lb-ft
Weight: 410 lbs (185 kgs)
Seat Height: 31.1 inches (789 mm)

Competitors

2023 Kawasaki Z650 Specifications

From Kawasaki

ENGINE
Engine	649cc, 4-stroke, 2-cylinder, DOHC, liquid-cooled
Power	67.3 Hp
Bore x Stroke	83.0 x 60.0mm
Compression Ratio	10.8:1
Fuel System	DFI® with Keihin 36mm throttle bodies
Starter	Electric
Lubrication
DRIVETRAIN
Clutch
Transmission	6-speed, return shift
Final Drive	Sealed chain
CHASSIS
Suspension Front	Telescopic fork/4.9 in
Suspension Rear	Horizontal back-link with adjustable preload, swingarm/5.1 in
Brakes Front	Dual 300mm petal-style discs with two-piston calipers, (and ABS)
Brakes Rear	Single 220mm petal-style disc, (and ABS)
Tires Front	120/70 ZR17
Tires Rear	160/60 ZR17
Fuel Tank Capacity	4.0 gal
Color	Metallic Spark Black/Metallic Flat Spark Black, Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray/Ebony
ELECTRICAL
Ignition	TCBI with electronic advance
Spark Plugs
Headlight	LED
Tail Light	LED
DIMENSIONS
Overall Length	80.9 in
Overall Width	30.1 in.
Overall Height	41.9 in
Wheelbase	55.5 in
Ground Clearance	5.1 in
Seat Height	31.1 in
Curb Weight	NON ABS: 410.1 lb / ABS: 412.3 lb
WARRANTY
Warranty	12 Month Limited Warranty
Kawasaki Protection Plus	12, 24, 26 or 48 months

2023 Kawasaki Z650 Features

Based on feedback from racing activities, the Assist & Slipper Clutch uses two types of cams (an assist cam and a slipper cam) to either drive the clutch hub and operating plate together or apart.
Under normal operation, the assist cam functions as a self-servo mechanism, pulling the clutch hub and operating plate together to compress the clutch plates. This allows the total clutch spring load to be reduced, resulting in a lighter clutch lever feel when operating the clutch.
When excessive engine braking occurs – as a result of quick downshifts (or an accidental downshift) – the slipper cam comes into play, forcing the clutch hub and operating plate apart. This relieves pressure on the clutch plates to reduce back-torque and helps prevent the rear tire from hopping and skidding. This race-style function is particularly useful when sport or track riding.

Late-model sport bikes often use large-bore throttle bodies to generate high levels of power. However, with large diameter throttles, when a rider suddenly opens the throttle, the unrestricted torque response can be strong. Dual throttle valve technology was designed to tame engine response while contributing to performance.

On models with dual throttle valves, there are two throttle valves per cylinder: in addition to the main valves, which are physically linked to the throttle grip and controlled by the rider, a second set of valves, opened and closed by the ECU, precisely regulates intake airflow to ensure a natural, linear response. With the air passing through the throttle bodies becoming smoother, combustion efficiency is improved and power is increased.

Using high-precision electronic control for engine management, Kawasaki models can achieve a high level of fuel efficiency. However, fuel consumption is greatly affected by throttle use, gear selection, and other elements under the rider’s control. The Economical Riding Indicator is a function that indicates when current riding conditions are consuming a low amount of fuel. The system continuously monitors fuel consumption, regardless of vehicle speed, engine speed, throttle position and other riding conditions. When fuel consumption is low for a given speed (i.e. fuel efficiency is high), an “ECO” mark appears on the instrument panel’s LCD screen. By riding so that the “ECO” mark remains on, fuel consumption can be reduced.

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While effective vehicle speed and engine speed may vary by model, paying attention to conditions that cause the “ECO” mark to appear can help riders improve their fuel efficiency – a handy way to increase cruising range. Further, keeping fuel consumption low also helps minimize negative impact on the environment.

Clever technology enables riders to connect to their motorcycle wirelessly. Using the smartphone application “RIDEOLOGY THE APP,” a number of instrument functions can be accessed, contributing to an enhanced motorcycling experience. Vehicle information (such as the odometer, fuel gauge, maintenance schedule, etc) can be viewed on the smartphone. Riding logs (varies by model, but may include GPS route, gear position, rpm, and other information) can be viewed on the smartphone. When connected, telephone (call, mail) notices are displayed on the instrument panel. Riders can also make changes to their motorcycle’s instrument display settings (preferred units, clock and date setting, etc) via the smartphone. And on certain models, it is even possible to check and adjust vehicle settings (such as Rider Mode, electronic rider support features, and payload settings) using the smartphone.

KTRC, Kawasaki’s advanced traction control system provides both enhanced sport riding performance and the peace of mind to negotiate slippery surfaces with confidence. Multiple rider-selectable modes (the number of modes varies by model) offer progressively greater levels of intrusion to suit the riding situation and rider preference.
Less intrusive modes maintain optimum traction during cornering. Designed with sport riding in mind, they facilitate acceleration out of corners by maximizing forward drive from the rear wheel. And because Kawasaki’s sophisticated software bases its dynamic analysis on the chassis’ orientation relative to the track surface (rather than relative to a horizontal plane), it is able to take into account corner camber, gradient, etc., and adapt accordingly.

In the more intrusive modes (and for some models, in any mode), when excessive wheel spin is detected, engine output is reduced to allow grip to be regained, effectively enabling riders to negotiate both short, slippery patches (train tracks or manhole covers) and extended stretches of bad roads (wet pavement, cobblestone, gravel) with confidence.

Kawasaki ABS systems use front and rear wheel sensors to constantly monitor wheel speed. Should information from either of the sensors indicate that wheel lock has occurred, the ABS ECU directs the pump in the ABS unit to modulate brake fluid pressure (releasing and reapplying pressure so that traction can be regained) until normal operation resumes. ABS offers rider reassurance that contributes to greater riding enjoyment.

Compared to the Kawasaki traditional Uni-Trak® rear suspension, which mounts the shock unit vertically, with Horizontal Back-link Rear Suspension, the shock unit is almost horizontal. The original Kawasaki suspension arrangement locates the shock unit very close to the bike’s center of gravity, greatly contributing to mass centralization. And because there is no linkage or shock unit protruding beneath the swingarm, this frees up space for a larger exhaust pre-chamber (an exhaust expansion chamber situated just upstream of the silencer). With a larger pre-chamber, silencer volume can be reduced, and heavy exhaust components can be concentrated closer to the center of the bike, further contributing to mass centralization. The result is greatly improved handling.