2018 Kawasaki Z650 revealed

Kawasaki has revealed the 2018 version of its middle-weight naked motorcycle, the Z650. 

The Z650 was unveiled last year and was launched in India this year. Being a new motorcycle, the 2018 version gets changes only in the form of new colour additions. The 2018 Z650 is available in a new yellow and a black-green version. The black-green paint scheme has been inspired by its bigger sibling, the Z900. 

The ER6n replacer was launched in India at Rs 5.19 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). Being a completely-knocked-down (CKD) model, Kawasaki was able to price this bike quite well. Powering this machine is Kawasaki’s proven 650cc parallel twin engine which is Euro IV-compliant. This motor develops 68bhp power, which is slightly less than the ER6n, but a 19kg weight reduction helps it along. The Z650 has an assist and slipper clutch to ease its way through its six-speed gearbox. The ride of Z650 is taken care of by 41mm telescopic forks in the front and a monoshock with adjustable preload. Unlike before, the rear suspension isn’t offset any more. Stopping power comes from dual 300mm front brake discs which are paired to dual-piston callipers while a single-piston calliper grips the 220mm rear disc. ABS is now standard. 

It is highly unlikely that Kawasaki will introduce any of these new colours for the Indian market anytime soon. The motorcycle is fresh and the company will continue to take advantage of it. But if there’s a decline in sales, the Japanese manufacture might introduce at least one of the colours.