2026 Kawasaki Z650 S Announced for Europe (UPDATE: And the US as Well)
Pricing starts at $7,699 for the US
Kawasaki introduced a new S variant to its Z650 for the European market, featuring a more forward-leaning riding posture and more aggressive styling than the regular model. As of this writing, Kawasaki has only confirmed the Z650 S for Europe, where it will be sold alongside the regular Z650. We expect the Z650 S will be coming to the U.S., possibly replacing the non-S version.
Typically, when we see a model get an S variant, it usually indicates a shorter version, such as with Kawasaki’s own KLX230 S. That’s not the case, as Kawasaki says “the “S” in the new Z650 S could stand for ‘Stunning’, ‘Style’, ‘Stage’ or ‘Spotlight’.” That’s not particularly helpful, so we’re just going to say the “S” stands for “Sugomi,” as the Z650 S leans even more into the Z line-up’s aggressive themes.
Visually, the Z650 S actually looks more like the smaller Z500 than it does the non-S Z650. The S model’s tank shroud juts forward with a sharp point above the exposed radiator, whereas the Z650 has a smaller piece of bodywork that’s separate from the tank, and integrated with some side protection to the radiator. The headlight design looks similar to the Z500 and Z900 models, with two LED lights above a third central light instead of the Z650 taller and broader light array.
Kawasaki gave the Z650 S a fat-bar handlebar that is 1.2 inches wider than on the Z650. At the same time, the Z650 S has a thicker seat that is 0.8 inches higher, resulting in a more forward-leaning posture. The standard seat is wider, as is the pillion pad, but Kawasaki is also offering two alternative seat shapes as optional accessories.
Mechanically, the Z650 S is otherwise similar to the Z650. The only differences we can see are the circular brake discs replacing the Z650’s petal-style discs. The steel trellis frame, 41mm telescopic fork and preload-adjustable horizontal back-link rear shock are otherwise identical to the Z650. Kawasaki did not provide any performance figures, but we expect the 649cc Parallel-Twin engine will have the same tuning as the Z650, which Kawasaki claims to offer 67 horsepower at 8,000 rpm 48.5 lb-ft at 6,700 rpm.
The 4.3-inch TFT now offers a choice between two display options, a bar-style tachometer similar to the Z650’s design, or a new hexagonal tachometer. Like the Z650, the screen automatically changes its background color from white to black depending on the ambient lighting, though riders have the choice of manually setting it to one or the other if preferred.
At the moment, Kawasaki has not announced either the Z650 or Z650 S for the U.S. market. We can confirm that the California Air Resources Board has certified two bikes with the model codes ER650W and ER650X for 2026. The European-spec Z650 S (with ABS as standard) has the model code ER650W, which suggests the ER650X is a non-ABS version. Oddly, the Z650 (which has the model code ER650R) is not listed in the CARB data, which may mean the S model will be replacing the regular Z650 for the American market.
UDPATE
Kawasaki has now confirmed the Z650 S will be coming to the U.S. market, with a starting price of $7,699, with ABS as standard. There's no confirmation yet on the fate of the regular Z650, which was priced for 2025 at $7,749 with ABS and $7,249 without. Based on this pricing, we expect the non-S model will not be returning for 2026 unless Kawasaki tells us otherwise.
For Europe, Kawasaki will offer three color options: Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray/Metallic Flat Spark Black with a gold-colored frame, or Candy Lime Green/Metallic Carbon Gray, and Ebony/Metallic Carbon Gray, both with black frames.
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Dennis has been a part of the Motorcycle.com team since 2008, and through his tenure, has developed a firm grasp of industry trends, and a solid sense of what's to come. A bloodhound when it comes to tracking information on new motorcycles, if there's a new model on the horizon, you'll probably hear about it from him first.
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$7,699 for the US market, great price. It’s already on the Kawasaki website, but no specs yet.
I’ll say it again, Kawasaki did a great job on improving the looks, but too bad no mods to the motor to make it more competitive within the middleweight Naked class.
But overall, a very tempting offering, if just looking for a cheap (low price) bike. It’s an excellent choice for a newbie wanting to get started. If I were just starting out, this bike would be at the top of my list. It’s a solid proven reliable bulletproof motor in an attractive looking bike.