Kawasaki India recently launched the 2026 Kawasaki Z650RS in India, blending classic retro styling with modern performance tweaks like E20 fuel compliance. Priced at ₹7.83 lakh (ex-showroom), this middleweight scrambler-style bike appeals to riders craving nostalgia without skimping on tech and it continues to be a love letter to the “Golden Era” of motorcycling.
Often described by Kawasaki as the “RETROVOLUTION,” this bike isn’t just about moving from point A to B; it’s about how you feel while doing it. For 2026, Kawasaki has polished this modern classic with a few key updates, ensuring it remains as charming to ride as it is to look at.
Highlights
At first glance, the Kawasaki Z650RS stays true to its design DNA: classic lines, rounded shapes, and that timeless silhouette reminiscent of Kawasaki’s iconic Z650-B1 from the 1970s. Yet every curve and detail is brought into the 21st Century with precision engineering instead of old-school plumbing. It’s the kind of bike that makes you smile before you even twist the throttle.
It wears a beautifully sculpted teardrop fuel tank, a clean rear fender, and a round headlamp — but look closer and you’ll see a full LED lighting setup framed in vintage style, a thoughtful blend of past and present. The dual analogue-style instrument dials are paired with a small but functional LCD screen to give you exactly what you need without overwhelming tech.
For 2026, Kawasaki has introduced updated color schemes, moving away from the older black-and-gold look to fresh combos like metallic blue with gold highlights that elevate the classic aesthetic while adding modern appeal.
Engine and Performance
The core of the Kawasaki Z650RS remains the trusted 649 cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine beloved by Kawasaki fans in the Ninja 650 and Versys 650 families. This engine is not about fireworks — it’s about usable, friendly power that makes everyday riding a joy.
For 2026, Kawasaki has updated the engine to be E20-fuel compliant (meaning it can safely run on fuel with up to 20 % ethanol blends), which is becoming a global standard for cleaner emissions and better fuel accessibility. Because of this compliance, peak torque in the new model is slightly reduced — roughly 62.1 Nm compared to the outgoing figure — but it still delivers a healthy 68 hp at 8,000 rpm that feels linear, smooth, and confidence-inspiring at all speeds.
That power is routed through a 6-speed transmission with an assist and slipper clutch, a lovely feature that smooths out both upshifts and downshifts, especially when you’re riding in varying traffic conditions or on twisty roads.
Ride & Comfort
One of the charms of the Kawasaki Z650RS is how composed it feels under you. Kawasaki nests the engine in a trellis steel frame that’s both lightweight and strong, lending the bike a balanced feel even at low speeds. The bar position is relaxed, the seat height is approachable (around 820 mm), and the whole package feels like it was built for human beings, not robots.
Suspension is uncomplicated but effective: a 41 mm telescopic fork up front and a horizontal back- link rear shock — preload-adjustable — at the rear serve up a ride that’s comfort-oriented without feeling sloppy. Whether you’re carving bends or cruising through city traffic, the bike stays composed and predictable.
Braking duties are handled by dual **300 mm petal-style discs with dual-piston calipers up front and a single 220 mm disc rear, both equipped with ABS. What this means in real terms is reassurance: solid bite, progressive feel, and confidence that the bike will stop how you want it to.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
| Engine | 649cc, Parallel-Twin, Liquid-Cooled |
| Max Power | 68 PS @ 8,000 rpm |
| Max Torque | 64 Nm @ 6,700 rpm |
| Weight | 188 kg (Kerb) |
| Fuel Tank | 12 Litres |
| Seat Height | 820 mm |
| Brakes | Dual 300mm Front Discs (Dual-Channel ABS) |
Positioning and Price
In India, Kawasaki has launched the 2026 Kawasaki Z650RS at around ₹7.83 lakh (ex-showroom) — a modest increase over the outgoing model. A part of this bump comes from the new fuel compliance measures and the updated paint scheme, but Kawasaki has kept the essence and value of the bike intact.
Conclusion
The 2026 Kawasaki Z650RS isn’t chasing the highest horsepower or the most complex electronics. It’s chasing a feeling. In a world of aggressive, transformer-like streetfighters, the RS stands out by being approachable, beautiful, and “human.” Whether you’re a seasoned rider looking to downsize or a new rider who loves the vintage aesthetic, this bike offers a timeless experience.
In India, the 2026 model has been launched at an ex-showroom price of approximately ₹7.83 Lakh, with deliveries expected to begin in mid-January 2026.
