Kawasaki has taken its middleweight streetfighter formula and cranked the aggression up a notch with the new Z650 S — a sportier, more purposeful evolution of the standard Z650. Revealed for the European market, this S variant brings new styling, a revised riding posture, and sharper visual DNA that screams Sugomi — Kawasaki’s official design language that has enthusiasts hooked for years.
Visually, the Z650 S borrows design cues from the Z500 and Z900, giving it a compact yet muscular look. The tank shrouds now jut forward aggressively, and the new headlight setup — twin LEDs stacked above a third central beam — gives it a proper predator face. The overall design feels tighter and more dynamic, as if Kawasaki shaved off every ounce of hesitation.
The rider triangle has also been reworked. A wider handlebar, a thicker seat that’s higher, and slightly tweaked ergonomics create a more forward-leaning posture, perfect for spirited rides through twisties or quick urban blasts. It’s still comfortable, though — Kawasaki’s offering multiple seat options to fine-tune comfort and fit.
Underneath, it’s the familiar Z650 setup — 649cc parallel-twin engine, steel trellis frame, 41mm telescopic fork, and preload-adjustable rear monoshock. Expect the same 67 hp and 65 Nm of torque, with new solid brake discs replacing the older petal-style ones.
Tech-wise, the 4.3-inch TFT display now offers two tachometer styles, including a fresh hexagonal design. It also adapts its background to ambient light or can be manually switched.
The Z650 S will first roll out in Europe in three striking colourways — Graphenesteel Gray with a gold frame, Candy Lime Green, and Ebony Black. While no official word yet on UAE availability, given the bike’s global appeal, there’s every chance we’ll see this new middleweight naked prowling regional streets soon.
