Kawasaki tipped its cap at Intermot last month about its upcoming Z650 and Z900 nakeds. It was an odd strategy, releasing a couple of images and what looks to be an early draft of its EICMA press release. Well, now the Milan show is finally here and Kawasaki has officially confirmed the two models.
Of the two, the final Z650 announcement offered no changes from what was announced in Cologne. Some of that is no doubt due to the long-established success of the Ninja 650 (also updated for 2017) which shares its parallel-Twin engine. Used here on the new Z650, the 649cc engine claims peak outputs of 67.3 hp at 8,000 rpm and 48.5 lb-ft at 6,500 rpm. The Z650 comes with an assist and slipper clutch to ease its way through its six-speed gearbox.
The Z650 also shares the new Ninja 650’s trellis frame. Claiming a weight of just 33 pounds, the high tensile steel trellis helps contribute to the Z650’s overall claimed curb weight of 412 pounds, or 13 pounds less than the new Ninja.
The suspension system consists of a 41mm telescopic fork and a horizontal back-link shock with adjustable preload. Dual 300mm front brake discs are paired to dual piston calipers while a single-piston caliper stops the 220mm rear disc. A Bosch 9.1M ABS is offered as standard.
There was one notable change from the Intermot announcement to the final EICMA presentation. The earlier press kit casually mentioned helmet lock would be offered for the Z650 as an accessory in the U.S. market, the only indication of whether the bike would be offered here. The new press kit makes no mention of the U.S. (or the optional helmet lock for that matter). Does this change suggest a change of heart for Kawasaki Motor Corp. U.S.A.? We’ll have to wait to find out.
| 2017 Kawasaki Z650 | |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke Parallel Twin |
| Displacement | 649cc |
| Bore and Stroke | 3 |
| Compression ratio | 83.0 x 60.0 mm |
| Valve system | DOHC 10.8:1 |
| Fuel system | Fuel injection:φ36mm x 2 with dual throttle valves |
| Ignition | Digital |
| Starting | Electric |
| Lubrication | Forced lubrication, semi-dry sump |
| Maximum power | 67.3 hp at 8,000 rpm (claimed) |
| Maximum torque | 48.5 lb-ft at 6,500 rpm (claimed) |
| Transmission | 6-speed, return |
| Final drive | Chain |
| Clutch | Wet multi-disc, manual |
| Frame | Trellis, high-tensile steel |
| Front wheel travel | 125mm |
| Rear wheel travel | 130mm |
| Front tire | 120/70ZR17M/C (58W) |
| Rear tire | 160/60ZR17M/C (69W) |
| Caster (rake) | 24.0º |
| Trail | 100 mm |
| Steering angle (left/right) | 35º / 35º |
| Front suspension | φ41 mm telescopic fork |
| Rear suspension | Horizontal Back-link with adjustable preload |
| Front brakes | Dual semi-floating φ300mm petal discs with dual-piston caliper |
| Rear brakes | Single φ220 mm petal disc with single-piston caliper |
| Overall length | 80.9 inches |
| Overall width | 30.5 inches |
| Overall height | 42.5 inches |
| Wheelbase | 55.5 inches |
| Ground clearance | 5.1 inches |
| Seat height | 31.1 inches |
| Curb mass | 412 pounds (claimed) |
| Fuel capacity | 4.0 gallon |
2017 Kawasaki Z650 Preview appeared first on Motorcycle.com.
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