2022 Kawasaki Z650 50th Anniversary Editions First Look [Two Models]

January 14, 2022

Kawasaki is in full Z celebration mode. First, we showed you the 2022 Kawasaki Z900 and Z900RS 50th Anniversary models. Those were natural choices for recognizing 50 years of Z, as the original Z1 was a 903cc inline-4. Now, Kawasaki expands the 50th Anniversary series to the parallel-twin Z650 and Z650RS. There’s only a $250 premium for the 2022 Kawasaki Z650 and Z650RS 50th Anniversary editions, so let’s take a look at what you get on a silver platter.

The 2022 Kawasaki Z650RS is a new model this year, and we’ve run down all the differences between the RS and the standard Z650. So, we’ll focus on the different takes of the 50th Anniversary models.

The standard Z650 definitely doesn’t have a retro look—it’s a thoroughly modern design. The 50th Anniversary edition is a cosmetic makeover. Firecracker red paint and plastic lead the way, contrasting with the gloss-black frame and a special seat cover. This is joined by silver and dark blue highlights along the top of the bike, and silver pinstripes on the red wheels. Additionally, the Z650 50th Anniversary has gold touches—the Z emblem, Kawasaki logo, and Z 50th Anniversary logo on the front fender.

We have tested the Kawasaki Z650

The 2022 Kawasaki Z650RS 50th Anniversary flaunts layered Candy Diamond Brown paint in the distinctive 1972-style Fireball paint scheme, set against a gloss black frame. The side covers get a distinctive 650 logo underlined by Double Overhead Camshaft—1972 revisited. Other nice touches include a unique seat cover with matching stitching, plus a chrome grab bar for the passenger. Finally, the tank gets a Z 50th Anniversary tank logo.

2022 Kawasaki Z650 (and Z650RS) 50th Anniversary Specs

ENGINE