Z650 2023

Kawasaki has shown its 2023 Z650 and Ninja 650 for the first time, with visual and technical updates on both bikes. 

As with many of its other bikes for 2023, Kawasaki is introducing new colours to its Z650 and Ninja 650. 

The Z650 will be available in “Metallic Matte Grey/Ebony Black”, “Metallic Phantom Silver/Metallic Carbon Grey”, and “Black Metallic Spark/Black Metallic Flat Spark” according to the Kawasaki France website.

On the other hand, the Ninja 650 will be available in “Lime Green/Ebony Black” and “Metallic Matte Grey/Ebony Black”. 

Both bikes maintain the same steel tubular frame as before, and the performance is much the same as previous years.

However, for 2023 Kawasaki’s Ninja and Z650 will be available with KTRC, Kawasaki’s traction control system, for the first time. 

The system is able to be turned off, of course, but its inclusion in Kawasaki’s top-end A2-eligible bikes is a good step for their accessibility and safety. The step up from a Z400 to a Z650, for example, might be more approachable now with the electronic aids. At the same time, for those with more experience and confidence the system can be dialled back for a freer, more fulfilling riding experience. 

In addition to the KTRC electronics, Kawasaki has fully integrated the Z650 and Ninja 650 with LED lighting for 2023, including the indicators, which should be a step up for the bikes’ visibility in low light conditions. 

Both bikes have their prices dependent on colour choice, but the Z650 starts from €7,799 (around £6,750 at time of writing), and the Ninja 650 from €8,399 (around £7,250 at time of writing). 

Kawasaki Ninja 650 Review First Ride | Visordown Motorcycle Reviews

The 2023 Kawasaki Ninja 650 and Z650 have received minor updates for 2023 including a new two-level traction control system and more. Here’s what’s changed in the 2023 Kawasaki Ninja 650 and Z650.

The Kawasaki Ninja 650 and the Z650 have been popular motorcycles in this segment, primarily owing to their pricing and especially in India, the lack of competitors in this segment. For 2023, Kawasaki has upped the game for the two motorcycles by updating them mechanically and visually to keep them ahead in this segment. Let’s take a closer look at what’s new with the 2023 Kawasaki Ninja 650 and the Z650. 

Z650 2023

2023 Kawasaki Ninja 650 and Z650 – What’s new?

The biggest update the Kawasaki Ninja 650 and the Z650 get is in the form of a two-level traction control system (KTRC). The first level lets users have some fun as long as the tyres hold on, while level two is meant for low traction conditions such as rain or wet roads. Kawasaki also lets the rider switch off the traction control system completely, something that comes in handy on track days. 

The two Kawasaki 650 twins also get LED lighting all around — headlights, turn signals, and tail lamps, while also getting a TFT instrument console, giving the motorcycles a much-needed update that allows Bluetooth connectivity. 

The biggest visual update is the new colour schemes — the Kawasaki Ninja 650 comes in two new finishes, Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray and Lime Green, the latter similar to the new livery seen on the recently-updated Kawasaki Ninja 400. The Kawasaki Z650 gets three new colour schemes: Metallic Spark Black, Metallic Phantom Silver, and Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray. 

Z650 2023

2023 Kawasaki Ninja 650 and Z650 – What’s not changed?

Kawasaki has retained the tried and tested 649cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine that makes 67 bhp and 64 Nm of torque paired to a 6-speed gearbox. The Japanese motorcycle manufacturer has also retained the suspension and braking components from the older model that include telescopic front forks, a monoshock at the rear, dual discs up front and a single disc at the rear with dual-channel ABS. 

2023 Kawasaki Ninja 650 and Z650 – Pricing and India launch

The Kawasaki Ninja 650 and the Z650 have received a 400 Euro price hike in the UK (~Rs 31,000) for 2023, meaning when it’s launched in India towards the end of this year or early next year, the motorcycles will command a small premium over its current price in India (Rs 6.95 lakh for the Ninja 650 and Rs 6.43 lakh for the Z650, ex-showroom). 

Also Read: Upcoming Cars in India in September 2022: Grand Vitara, XUV400, Venue N Line & more

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Will there be a 2023 Ninja 650?

For 2023, the Ninja 650 is available in Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray / Ebony or Pearl Robotic White / Metallic Matte Flat Raw Graystone / Ebony, with an MSRP of $7,999.

Is the Kawasaki Z650 fast?

Kawasaki Z650 Acceleration through the gears The sprint to 100 mph from zero is very impressive too at only 10.40 seconds but it does fall behind some of its faster rivals such as the MT-07 which is a motorcycle that is both more powerful and lighter.

Is Kawasaki Z650 good?

A really good bike that makes for a brilliant machine that will take a new rider quite a few years to outgrow due to its surprisingly competent handling and spirited engine, the Z650 deserves more recognition than it generally receives and is well worth considering if you are in the market for a used naked middleweight ...

Is Kawasaki Z650 a superbike?

A: Kawasaki Z650 is a Street bike that weighs 191 kg, has a 649 cc BS-VI engine and a fuel capacity of 15 litres. You can check the full specifications and features.