- Styling has been fully revised
- Gets new features and optional accessories
- Could be launched in NZ by early next year
Kawasaki have pulled the wraps off the new Z650 S for 2026, giving the popular middleweight naked a more muscular look, updated ergonomics, and a welcome boost in tech.
Powering the Z650 S is Kawasaki’s tried-and-tested 649cc liquid-cooled, DOHC parallel-twin, the same unit that drives the Z650 and Versys 650. It retains its 180-degree crankshaft layout, a design dating back to the ER-6 family of 2006, but despite its age, Kawasaki has tuned the engine for smoother low-to-midrange performance and a more refined urban ride. Output figures haven’t been officially confirmed, though expect around 67bhp and 63.7Nm of torque, identical to the current Z650.
The biggest updates for 2026 are ergonomic. The Z650 S gets a wider 30mm fat-bar handlebar, revised footpeg positioning, and redesigned rider and pillion seats to improve long-distance comfort. The rider now sits slightly higher, with a 20mm taller front seat that’s more padded, while the pillion perch grows 20mm wider with an extra 10mm of cushioning.
Kawasaki will also offer taller and lower seat options as accessories, making the Z650 S more adaptable to a range of riders. Despite a bulkier tank area and updated bodywork, Kawasaki says the reach to the ground remains manageable, maintaining the model’s accessibility.
Visually, the Z650 S borrows cues from Kawasaki’s larger supernakeds, adopting a sharper front fairing and a three-part LED headlight setup, flanked by LED indicators and taillight. The overall design gives the bike a more purposeful, planted stance while preserving its everyday usability. A 4.3-inch full-colour TFT display now sits at the centre of the cockpit, featuring Rideology app connectivity, smartphone integration, and customisable themes. The dash can auto-switch between light and dark modes based on ambient conditions or be set manually.
For safety and convenience, the Z650 S adds traction control as standard, a slipper clutch, and a new Continental ABS unit managing dual 300mm front discs and a 220mm rear. Riders can also add a factory quickshifter (upshifts only), along with a USB-C charging port neatly tucked inside the front cowl.
Under the skin, the familiar 15kg steel trellis frame remains, tuned for stability and feedback. Kawasaki claims improved throttle response and heat management thanks to a redesigned radiator fan shroud, making the bike easier to live with in stop-and-go city traffic. The 2026 Z650 S will be available in three paint schemes at launch: Carbon Grey / Lime Green, Carbon Grey / Metallic Graphene Steel, Matte Graphene Steel Grey / Black. Buyers can also opt for colour-coded seat cowls and factory luggage options, both hard and soft.
