Middleweight sportbikes and naked bikes continue to obtain cutting-edge features as cutting-edge technology from today’s superbikes and hyper nakeds makes its way down to the smaller classes.
Both the Ninja 650 and the Z650 from Kawasaki have, up until this point, lacked such rider aids; however, in 2023, both models will be equipped with traction control, which is an industry-standard.
The two twins will each come with three distinct KTRC (Kawasaki TRaction Control) settings for riders to choose from in order to accommodate a wide range of varying road and weather situations. The mechanism maintains purchase in mode 1 by sensing the wheel’s rotational speed.
Even though the function is not lean-sensitive due to the lack of an IMU, it should nevertheless improve corner-exit drive while simultaneously increasing overall safety.
Mode 2 is reserved by Kawasaki for conditions that are a little bit slipperier and include things like “poorly paved roads, damp manhole covers, and cobblestones.”
The configuration allows for earlier intervention to address low-traction scenarios, but users also have the option to completely disable the system if they want. The rider is able to easily dial in their preferred settings for the KTRC thanks to the Bluetooth capability of the TFT dash.
The Ninja 650 and the Z650 both come back with the same recipe for success, with the exception of new rider assistance. Both motorcycles are equipped with a liquid-cooled, 649cc parallel twin that generates 67 horsepower when revved to 6,700 and 47.2 lb-ft of torque (at 8,000 rpm).
This tried-and-true twin is housed in a high-tensile steel trellis frame, and it is supported by a preload-adjustable, horizontal back-link rear shock and a non-adjustable 41mm telescopic fork.
The chassis of the Z650 and Ninja 650 is able to carve curves with absolute ease because it has a wheelbase of 55.5 inches. Additionally, the dual-disc front brake system is able to shed speed with both power and accuracy. Both bicycles feature a seat height of 31.1 inches, making them suitable for riders of varying heights.
Both a Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray/Ebony and a Lime Green/Ebony version of the Ninja 650 will be made available by Kawasaki Europe in the year 2023. Metallic Spark Black/Metallic Flat Spark Black, Metallic Phantom Silver/Metallic Carbon Gray, and Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray/Ebony are some of the color combinations available for the Z650, all of which lean toward the darker side of the color spectrum.
To the dismay of neo-retro enthusiasts, it does not appear that the 2023 Z650RS will be given the same KTRC treatment; however, we are keeping our fingers crossed that this may change in the following year.