Segment: Clasic
Production years: 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983
The Kawasaki Z650, also known as the KZ650 in North America, was a standard motorcycle manufactured by Kawasaki from 1976 to 1983. It was powered by a four-cylinder DOHC air-cooled engine with two valves per cylinder mated to a five-speed gearbox.
The bike was designed as a middleweight version of the Kawasaki Z900 with a similar style. It was the epitome of the Universal Japanese Motorcycle (UJM) and competed in the market with the SOHC Honda CB650 model.
Ben Inamura, the Z650's project leader, designed the bike's engine. In addition, over its seven-year production period, the bike received several modifications and improvements.
In 1976, the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer introduced the Kawasaki Z650, a middleweight standard motorcycle fitted with standard features, like a round headlight with instruments mounted on top, a one-piece dual seat, a dual exhaust system with a silencer on each side, and lightweight wire-spoke wheels.
In the performance department, the 1976 Kawasaki Z650 benefited from a 652cc four-stroke air-cooled four-cylinder engine that delivered an output power of 66 hp at 8,500 rpm and 57 Nm (42 lb-ft) torque at 7,000 rpm.
A five-speed manual transmission took the power from the engine and sent it to the rear end via a final chain drive, pushing the machine to a top speed of 186 kph (116 mph).
engine specs | Type: | Air cooled, four cylinder, 4 stroke | Displacement: | 652 cm3 | Bore X Stroke: | 2.4x2.1 in OR 61 mm | Compression Ratio: | 9.5:1 | Horsepower: | 66/8500 KW(hp)/RPM | Torque: | 42/7000 lb-ft/RPM OR 57/7000 Nm/RPM | Fuel System: | Carburetor |
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transmission specs | Gearbox: | 5 Speed | Clutch: | - | Primary Drive: | - | Final Drive: | Chain |
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chassis specs | Frame: | - | Front Suspension: | Telehydraulic fork | Rear Suspension: | - | Front Brake: | Single disc | Rear Brake: | Drum |
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dimension specs | Overall Length: | - | Overall Width: | - | Seat Height: | - | Wheelbase: | - | Ground Clearance: | - | Weight: | 485 lbs OR 220 kg | Fuel Capacity: | 4.3 gallons OR 16.3 L |
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tyres specs | Front: | 3.25-19 | Rear: | 4.00-18 |
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