Kawasaki has launched the Z650 S in India, a year after its international launch. It and the standard Z650 share the same 649cc, parallel-twin, liquid-cooled engine that’s capable of making 68hp at 8,000rpm and 64Nm at 6,700rpm. The trellis frame is shared as well, as is the frame, suspension units, 15-litre fuel tank capacity and 130mm ground clearance. While it may look like the newer design is the only difference, that’s hardly the case. Kawasaki has made a few ergonomic changes on the S to make it sportier, and has kept some features exclusive to it as well. Let’s delve deeper.
Kawasaki Z650 S vs Z650: Ergonomics
S gets a sportier riding position and a wider handlebar
The first number to attract your attention will be the increased seat height on the Z650 S and that’s applicable to both the rider and pillion seat pads. Compared to the 2025 Z650’s 790mm seat height, the Z650 S has a 805mm seat height – an increase of 15mm. The pillion pad is also 10mm taller as well as 20mm wider than the Z650’s and Kawasaki attributes the height increase on both to a thicker foam.
The next number you’ll notice is the kerb weight figure which has increased by 5kg to 193kg on the S. We believe this is explained by the updated fairing at the front and equipment such as the new handlebar and radiator guard. Speaking of the handlebar, it’s become 30mm wider on the S and slightly tilted upwards. While the former should make it easier to turn, the latter should make it feel sportier. The rider footpegs have also been moved further back, contributing further to make the Z650 S feel like a sportier ride than the Z650.
Kawasaki Z650 S vs Z650: Design
S gets the updated Sugomi design from the Z900
This will be the easiest way to tell the two motorcycles apart. The Z650 S borrows its design cues from the bigger Z900. The entire motorcycle is leaner and sharper and this is most obvious in the headlight unit, which shares the same triple-unit design. The taillight on the S has also been updated to look more like the newer Kawasakis, like the Ninja 500. It’s worth noting that the Z650 hasn’t received an update since 2025 in India and internationally since 2026. Kawasaki likely will update the standard model to share the same updated design as the S, although currently there’s no timeline for when that could happen.
What community is saying on the Z650 S?
Kawasaki Z650 S vs Z650: Equipment and features
Not as big a difference as you may think
Changes in equipment come largely down to the availability of an upshift-only Kawasaki Quickshifter (KQS) on the Z650 S, but as an accessory. However, the standard model doesn’t get one at all, so it further distinguishes the S as the sporty one of the two. While the brake rotors remain the same size as the standard model, on the S, Kawasaki has gone back to more traditional-looking circular discs, sticking to the petal discs just on the Z650.
The 4.3-inch TFT display is shared between the two as well, however, on the S, you get an updated layout that makes it look similar to the Z900. Other than that, the features it enables remain largely similar, such as smartphone connectivity via Kawasaki’s Rideology app. Although the S does give you more information (riding logs, for example) compared to the Z650. However, neither motorcycle supports turn-by-turn navigation and can only show phone and SMS alerts via Bluetooth. Rider aids are identical between the two some of which are, three levels of Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC), dual-channel ABS and a slip-and-assist clutch.
Kawasaki Z650 S vs Z650: Price
S is marginally more expensive
For its updated design and added equipment, the Z650 S charges a Rs 33,000 premium over the Z650. Since the changes between the two largely come down to design and ergonomics, we’d advise test riding both back-to-back to figure out which motorcycle is more suitable for you.
All prices are ex-showroom, Delhi.
Vishal Venugopal
