It’s time to make the street a playground with the new Kawasaki Z650 S, a machine that oozes unique Kawasaki Sugomi attitude mixing contemporary style with a new blend of rider focused chassis, engine and electronic aids.
Boasting muscular new looks, the new for 2026 Z650 S takes a fresh approach to ergonomic fit with repositioned footpegs, a stunning new fat-type handlebar configuration plus updates for both rider and passenger seating. The new forward-leaning riding position marries well with an updated, more cushioned front seat (approx. 15 mm higher than the previous Z650). The overall seating area is wider while the rear seat is 20 mm wider, with 10 mm of added cushioning. Both a Style seat and 20mm lower ERGO-Fit seat are part of the comprehensive accessory range.
For rider and pedestrian alike, the impression is of a substantial machine – a bike with real presence but still with good reach to the ground. Thanks, in part, to the greater overall bodywork volume, the strength of purpose is underlined by a new, aggressive front cowl housing LED front lights — two upper for low beam lighting and single lower for the high beam — matched by an LED rear light and LED indicators.
There is much to admire such as the aluminium radiator covers upfront while the compact, upswept and sharply defined tail features a layered design accentuating the underlying menace of the machine. Metallic accents abound add to the high-quality look.
You Won’t Believe the New 2026 Kawasaki ZZ650 S!
Level Up with the new 2026 Kawasaki Z650 S
Not just a new riding position and 30mm wider handlebars, but also a new 4.3inch TFT meter panel relays all the essential information plus reacts to ambient light offering the best resolution. The display can also be switched between two options. Type one reveals a bar-style tachometer while type two boasts a hexagonal tachometer. The screen’s background colour automatically changes from white to black when ambient light is low, or it can be manually set to black or white as per the rider’s preference. In addition, the meter acts as an interface when the rider uses Kawasaki’s Rideology the App Motorcycle on their Smartphone expanding the range of cool features available.
In terms of the engine, the addictive 649 cm3 compact parallel twin delivers a powerful-feeling throttle response and a quick-revving character with KTRC traction control as standard. To optimise performance for everyday riding, care has been taken to maximise low-mid range torque. Equipped with Assist and Slipper Clutch, a patented radiator fan cover directs hot air down and away from the rider, significantly increasing congested city comfort. Additionally an O2 sensor is added to the exhaust system to assist with reducing emissions while a quick shifter is available as an accessory aiding upshifts.
The characteristic lightweight trellis type chassis tips the scales at just 15kg contributing to nimble handling while braking is courtesy of dual ø300 mm front discs and ø220 mm at the rear. The ABS unit for 2026 is a new item from Continental.
A carefully focused range of accessories also accompany the new Z650 S including colour matched pillion seat covers, luggage options and a convenient USB-C outlet neatly located inside the front cowl.
The “S” in the new Z650 S could stand for “Stunning” “Style” “Stage” or “Spotlight” representing a new eye-catching new approach and attitude. It’s time to level up and greet the new Z650 S.
Priced at £7,199, the 2026 Z650 S will be in dealers from January and available in three colours:
- Ebony/Metallic Carbon Gray
- Candy Lime Green/Metallic Carbon Gray
- Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray/Metallic Flat Spark Black
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Original post on modernclassicbikes.co.uk and published by Frank Duggan. Frank is the Founder and Editor of Modern Classic Motorcycle News, an independent motorcycle publication covering modern classic motorcycles, roadsters, scramblers, cruisers, electric motorcycles and the wider motorcycle industry.
