2026-on Kawasaki Z650S review | New stance and Sugomi style

Kawasaki Z650 S expert review

4 out of 5 (4/5)

New for 2026, Kawasaki’s £7199 Z650 S is the latest addition to the Zed family, sitting alongside the 649cc parallel-twin Z650 as a stepping stone to the Japanese firm’s larger naked streetfighters.

In traditional biking parlance, an S at the end of a model name usually signals extra sportiness, whether through upgraded suspension, posher cycle parts, smarter electronics or extra power.

In the case of the new Z650 S, however, the S could stand for steroids, as the changes focus on bodywork and attitude rather than outright performance.

Now with more signature Kawasaki Sugomi style and a tweaked riding position, does the Z650 S act as an accessible link to Big K’s larger sporty nakeds? We’re riding it in the Costa Brava to find out.

Like this story? You can get more MCN in your life by clicking here and asking Google to make us a preferred source.

Is the Kawasaki Z650 S right for you?

Reasons to buy:
+ Striking big-bike styling
+ Comfortable yet sporty riding position
+ Smooth and accessible performance

Reasons to avoid:
– Budget OE tyres limit feel
– Basic suspension and brake components
– Lacks advanced electronics

Power dressing

The most glaring aspect of the new Z650 S is its styling. Kawasaki have dialled up their Sugomi styling (the firm’s in-house style for their streetfighter range, said to be inspired by a predator on the prowl) to put it more in line with the four-cylinder Kawasaki Z900.

Sharper and more grown-up, the LED tri-lamp front end is accompanied by a pair of large side cowlings that act as a pair of shoulder pads to give the new Z650 S a genuine big-bike air, both when looming in another vehicle’s rear-view mirror and when looking down from the rider’s eye view of the cockpit. The fit and finish of the bodywork is typical Kawasaki – excellent.

Sportier attitude

Compared to the Kawasaki Z650, the Z650 S’s bars are 40mm further forward, 10mm higher and 30mm wider. The result is a nigh-on ideal riding position for commanding control, giving the perfect amount of leverage and a hint of sportiness whilst still remaining relaxed.

To accompany the handlebar tweaks, the Z650 S’s footpegs are slightly further back, which has the effect of tipping the rider’s weight slightly more over the front end, boosting connection and feel.

The result is effortless control at all speeds, as well as a bit more room for larger riders. On our 100-mile ride across winding roads, city streets and motorways, the Z650 S’s riding position proved completely comfortable.

Easy access

Kawasaki are making no secret of the fact that they’ve designed the Z650 S to appeal to the younger end of the market, riders stepping up from perhaps the Kawasaki Z125 with the intention of keeping them locked into the brand and progressing them up to Kawasaki Z H2 ownership.

With that in mind, the Z650 S is something of a sheep in wolf’s clothing, being extremely user-friendly despite its aggressive styling. Although the seat height is 15mm higher than the Z650’s (by way of the S model’s additional padding, which also makes it extremely comfy and, combined with the more rear-set pegs, makes for a more roomy riding position too), the Z650 S is disarmingly easy to manage, even for shorter riders.

The same solid soul

Identical to the Z650, the motor is Kawasaki’s brilliant 649cc 8v parallel-twin, which first arrived in the Kawasaki ER6-n 20 years ago and has barely changed since. Kicking out a maximum of 67bhp, Kawasaki have honed the motor for low- and mid-range shove, and I’m reminded of how brilliant it is while burping out of the Costa Brava’s sun-drenched bends.

Everything about how the engine goes about its business is smooth and refined, and there’s plenty of go whatever your riding style, whether you prefer to short shift or rev it out.

Peak torque chimes in at 6700rpm but the torque curve is such that it feels seriously strong lower down and doesn’t really seem to run out of puff at the top end, either. Vibes are non-existent too.

Tweaks to the tech

The Z650 S’s 4.3in TFT screen has been boosted with a couple of new features and now automatically flips between light and dark backgrounds depending on ambient light as well as offering a choice of two different screens.

There’s a comprehensive spread of info – from gear position and fuel range to phone notifications (connectivity via Bluetooth and the Kawasaki Rideology app) – and it’s all easy to digest at a glance.

Electronic aids are deliberately simple, with two-mode traction control (which can be switched off) and upgraded Continental-powered ABS.

There’s no ride-by-wire throttle, so you miss out on rider modes and cruise control, but the upside is a direct cable connection that delivers a predictable response and a refreshingly natural feel at the twistgrip.

Kawasaki will also offer a Performance Edition Z650 S (£8599), bundling a number of genuine accessories aimed at sharpening the bike’s sporty intent. Headlining the package is a road-legal Akrapovič titanium system, alongside a Kawasaki Quick Shifter for clutchless upshifts (£240 when purchased as an accessory).

There’s also a pillion seat cover, smoked screen and other bolt-on styling parts that enhance the aggressive Z-family look. More practical bolt-ons include luggage, USB sockets, and a lower seat.

MCN Verdict

Tweaked ergonomics, a roomy riding position and a friendly parallel-twin make it an easy bike to gel with, while the light chassis delivers impressive agility. That handling promise is slightly blunted by the budget Dunlop Roadsport 2 tyres, which offer limited feel.

The Z650 S undercuts all its rivals from established brands but does give away a fair amount in terms of specs; its telescopic forks and two-piston axially mounted callipers work well but look dated next to USD forked and radial-clad rivals. For a bike that aims to attract a young crowd, I can’t help but feel higher spec parts would make the Z650 S truly worthy of its ‘S’.