2022 Kawasaki Z650RS 26th September 2021 Retro | A2 compliant | 649cc | 67bhp | £7.5k ◄PREVIOUS STORY NEXT STORY► 
Kawasaki has introduced a new model aimed squarely at latter day retroheads, and it's not exactly overwhelming. Badged as the Z650RS, this new 649cc liquid-cooled twin looks as if it could have been introduced at pretty much any time over the past decade [or two—Ed] and doesn't appear to boast any features that set it apart from the ever-grazing herd. In other words, it doesn't possess an obvious USP; a unique selling point. That wouldn't matter so much if the bike had a surplus of power, or possessed knife-edge handling, or simply came with supercool looks or a gimmicky device or two. But it doesn't have any of these attributes. It's just a run-of-the-mill, sit-up-and-beg, easy riding, everyday, one size fits all motorcycle dressed lightly in retro clothing. 
That aside, if it's priced keenly* and doesn't have any special flaws or kinks, it will probably find an appreciative market. The 649cc parallel twin engine conjures 68PS/67bhp (50.2kW) @ 8,000rpm, and Kawasaki will supply a 35kw/49bhp power-down kit making the bike A2 compliant. Maximum torque, on the full power version, is rated by The Big K engineers and marketeers at a fairly modest 47lb-ft @ 6,700rpm. The suspension is handled by a non-adjustable 41mm front fork and a horizontally mounted rear monoshock adjustable only for preload. The brakes are, well, brakes; twin pistons up front, and a single piston at the nether end. And ABS is, of course, mandated. Beyond that are analogue clocks, a steel trellis frame, a modernesque headlamp (whatever modernesque means), and cast wheels (vaguely emulating wire hoops?). 
We don't hate the bike. And we certainly don't love it. It's just ho-hum. Decent enough, but uninspiring. Practical, but not essential. Nice. Safe. And eminently forgettable. Colours are Metallic Spark Black; Candy Emerald Green; and Metallic Moondust Gray/Ebony Update: Prices start at £7,549, and the bike should be available from November 2021.
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