Kawasaki Z650
The Kawasaki Z650 (known as KZ650 in North America) was produced as a 652 cc (39.8 cu in) standard motorcycle by Kawasaki from 1976 until 1983. It had a four-cylinder four-stroke, DOHC, air-cooled, wet sump engine positioned across the frame with two valves per cylinder and a five-speed gearbox. Designed as a middleweight version of the Kawasaki Z900, the similar-styling had "an attenuated version of the traditional Kawasaki tail fairing". It competed in the market against the smaller SOHC Honda CB650. The Z650 was the epitome of the "Universal Japanese Motorcycle" (UJM).
KZ650C | |
| Manufacturer | Kawasaki Motorcycle & Engine Company |
|---|---|
| Parent company | Kawasaki Heavy Industries |
| Production | 1977-1983 |
| Class | standard |
| Engine | 652 cc (39.8 cu in) inline four |
| Bore / stroke | 62 mm × 54 mm (2.4 in × 2.1 in) |
| Compression ratio | 9.5:1 |
| Top speed | 126 mph (203 km/h) |
| Power | 64 hp (48 kW) @ 8,500 rpm (claimed) |
| Ignition type | points, then CDI |
| Transmission | 5-speed, chain final drive |
| Frame type | double cradle frame |
| Suspension | Front:36 mm telescopic forks Rear: twin rear shocks |
| Brakes | Front: single or twin 275 mm (10.8 in) discs Rear: 180 mm (7.1 in) drum or disc |
| Wheelbase | 1,420 mm (55.9 in) |
| Weight | 465 lb (211 kg)1976-1977(dry) 493 lb (224 kg)1978-1981 (dry) 485 lb (220 kg) (wet) |
| Fuel capacity | 16.8 L (3.7 imp gal; 4.4 US gal) |
It press-debuted in late 1976 when six US-specification machines were air-shipped from the Akashi works to the UK distributor near London, prior to the London Motorcycle Show. The bikes were assembled and road-shipped to Edinburgh, Scotland, by Kawasaki UK's road race transporter, to be road-tested by 30 assembled European journalists.