Kawasaki Z family at 50
By BeMoto
Kawasaki celebrates half a century of the Z family
Fifty years after the very first Z model broke cover, Kawasaki has announced no less than four Z50 celebration models.
Available from March, the Z50 celebration colours and prices are as follows:
- Kawasaki Z900 – FIRECRACKER RED – £9,799
- Kawasaki Z650 – FIRECRACKER RED – £7,349
- Kawasaki Z650RS – CANDY DIAMOND BROWN – £8,049
- Kawasaki Z900RS – CANDY DIAMOND BROWN – £11,449
With the iconic 1972 Super Four model Z1 as great, great grandparent, the four machines cover a wide spectrum underpinning the huge appeal of this popular Kawasaki brand family.
The dynamic Sugomi styling of the Z900 has won many fans since its introduction with an unapologetic aggressive attitude matched to dynamic and responsive riding feedback that only a Z could possess. The 50th anniversary edition of the Supernaked Z900 is clad in the Firecracker Red of the Z1100GP, the dominant air-cooled Z model of the 1980s. This hue of red – also found on the legendary GPZ900R – was Kawasaki’s signature colour of the time. As another high-class touch, the fork outer tubes are finished in gold and the frame in gloss black. Incorporating TFT colour instrumentation with Smartphone connectivity, the Z900 includes integrated power modes, KTRC traction control and power mode selection (Full/Low) as well as all-LED lighting.
The A2-friendly Z650, with its narrow chassis and responsive parallel twin-cylinder engine is a firm favourite among riders of all experience levels. Equipped with an LED headlight, a TFT display and Smartphone connectivity, the Z650 energizes the senses and inspires every ride. The vivid red paint, was specially blended for these anniversary models, making their aggressive Supernaked Z styling even more striking. The dark blue and silver highlights accentuate the red and like models of the time, the “Z” emblem and Kawasaki logo are finished in gold, further distinguishing these models from their standard counterparts. Add red wheels, with silver pinstripes, special seat leather and a commemorative “Z 50th” logo on the front fender and the package is complete.
Expanding the boundaries of the Retro Sport scene further still, Kawasaki returned to the roots of the Z brand, choosing the iconic “Fireball” pattern of the original Z1 for the 50th anniversary editions of the retro sport model Z900RS and Z650RS. A special painting process was developed especially for these models. The candy colours of the tank and bodywork are applied in layers to bring out a deep, glossy texture that enhances the inherent beauty of these machines. Complementing the rich colouring, the frames of both machines are finished in gloss black and have a special seat leather with a texture distinct from the standard model, as well as different colour stitching. Both machines feature gold-coloured wheels and “Double Overhead Camshaft” emblems reminiscent of the past and proudly show the “Z 50th” logo on the top of the tank. Additionally, the left- and right-side engine covers of the Z900RS feature a “DOHC” emblem.
It is rare indeed for a brand family to last a decade let alone five, yet the Kawasaki Z family moves from strength to strength. In 2022 that strength is made real by the presence of the four Z50 models forming part of a celebration bond between Kawasaki and its legion of loyal fans both established and new to the brand.
Z Chronicles
A special book commemorating the 50 years of the Z brand will be provided as a premium gift for customers who purchase 50th Anniversary models, at no additional cost. The book is not planned to be made available for general purchase.
MODEL NAME: Kawasaki Z900 50th Anniversary / Kawasaki Z650 50th Anniversary
SPECIFICATION / CHANGES FROM STANDARD MODELS
Return of the Firecracker
The 50th anniversary editions of the Supernaked Z900 and Z650 are clad in the Firecracker Red of the Z1100GP, the dominant air-cooled Z model of the 1980s. This hue of red – also found on the legendary GPZ900R – was Kawasaki’s signature colour of the time.
* The vivid red paint was specially blended for these anniversary models, making their aggressive Supernaked Z styling even more striking.
* Dark blue and silver highlights accentuate the vivid red colour. Like models of the time, the “Z” emblem and Kawasaki logo are finished in gold, further distinguishing these models from their standard counterparts.
* On the Z900, fork outer tubes finished in gold add another high-class touch.
* Contrasting the bright colouring, the frame is finished in gloss black.
* Red wheels, with silver pinstripes, add to the head-turning styling.
* Special seat leather has a texture distinct from the standard model.
* A commemorative “Z 50th” logo adorns the front fender.
MODEL NAME: Kawasaki Z900RS 50th Anniversary / Kawasaki Z650RS 50th Anniversary
SPECIFICATION / CHANGES FROM STANDARD MODELS
Iconic “Fireball” Styling
Kawasaki returned to the roots of the Z brand, choosing the iconic “Fireball” pattern of the original Z1 for the 50th anniversary editions of the retro sport model Z900RS and Z650RS.
* A special painting process was developed specially for these models. The candy colours of the tank and bodywork are applied in layers to bring out a deep, glossy texture that enhances the inherent beauty of these machines.
* Complementing the rich colouring, the frame is finished in gloss black.
* Gold-coloured wheels reminiscent of custom wheels available for early Z models further contribute to the old-school retro styling.
* Like the original Z1, the side covers feature “Double Overhead Camshaft” emblems – a nod to the advanced technology that the Z1 introduced in its day.
* On the Z900RS, the left- and right-side engine covers feature a “DOHC” emblem.
* A commemorative “Z 50th” logo decorates the top of the tank.
* Special seat leather has a texture distinct from the standard model, as well as different colour stitching.
* In most markets, an accessory grab bar is fitted as standard equipment.