2022 Kawasaki Z650RS 50th Anniversary First Look

It’s no secret that we’re big fans of retro-styled bikes here at Cruiser, be they modern or classic. And you can include standards as well as, uh, cruisers within that mix (obviously). Up-to-date modern tech paired with stylish retro looks gets our undivided attention every time, and arguably, no one has played the sport classic formula—at least lately—better than Kawasaki, with the Z900RS roadster and Z900RS Café proving to be crowd pleasers right out of the box upon their debut several years ago. Team Green has recently expanded the RS retro-sport designation to its middleweights as well, releasing the all-new 2022 Z650RS late last year, and just last month, the similarly configured 2022 Z650RS 50th Anniversary, a model that’s all about celebrating the 50 years since the classic Z1 was introduced in 1972. There are 50th Anniversary editions for the Z900, Z900RS, and Z650 as well.

Related: 2022 Kawasaki Z650RS ABS First Look

The Z650RS shares its basic architecture—actually, nearly all the other stuff too—with the Kawasaki Z650 naked, which is based around a punchy DOHC 649cc parallel-twin engine. We’ve admired that mill for its silky-smooth throttle response and flexible power delivery in the past, and we’re stoked to see it unchanged in the carryover to the standard Z650RS and RS 50th Anniversary models, with the same state of tune (Kawi claims a peak of 67 hp at 8,000 rpm). You also get the same six-speed gearbox and a slipper/assist slipper clutch that enables lighter lever effort; the only real changes to the retro bikes appear to be in the ergonomic and styling department, which take pains to capture that timeless ‘70s look of the original Z models.

The aforementioned ergonomic tweaks on the RS bikes compared to the naked Z650 amount to triple clamps that are 3/4 of inch higher, along with a new handlebar that’s flatter. With the bar grips also placed 2 inches higher and an inch closer to the pilot, the result is a more relaxed and upright riding position compared to the base Z650. Adding to the more vertical posture is a slightly taller seat as well.

Like the other RS-styled bikes, the overall visuals set the Z650RS apart from its “sugomi”-inspired brother. Check out the minimal bodywork, flowing teardrop tank, and fully exposed headlight bucket (though with an LED light), and it’s clear the RS is a whole other animal. The addition of a specially chosen, uniquely textured paint on the 50th Anniversary bike distinguishes it even more. The Candy Diamond Brown paint seen here is applied using a painting process developed just for the 50th anniversary Z models, with the color added in layers to bring out extra depth and richer texture. We really dig the dramatic way the gloss black painted frame and cool gold wheels play off that paint.

About those can’t miss wheels—they’re cast aluminum, but with a flat spoke design made to mimic classic wire wheels. And in gold, they just pop.

Naturally the bike is also adorned with all kinds of commemorative Z 50th Anniversary identifiers, with a 50th tank logo and special “Double Overhead Camshaft” emblems on the side covers further drawing a line back to the original Z1 models. The detailing carries over into the seating area, with a textured saddle leather bracketed by a chrome passenger grab rail to complete the throwback vibes. And lest we forget: A Z 50th Anniversary coffee-table book is also included with every bike.

The 50th Anniversary Z650RS retails for $9,249—or $250 more than the standard 2022 Z650RS.