Photoshoot of the Week: December 9th – 15th 2019 – Kawasaki Z650 & Gina

In recent years the Kawasaki Z650 has become the prototype of the light, nimble middleweight supernaked motorcycle that discerning riders dream: with each ride, smooth power and nimble riding make the Z650 incredibly fun and easy.
The 2020 Z650 model is one of several new models to be getting their world or European debut at the 2019 EICMA show: the bodywork looks and feels more compact, with a new chin spoiler, new instrument cover, and forward-slanting lines of the cowling contributing to the Sugomi styling. The latest generation of the Kawasaki Z650 just arrived with a brand new bodywork, brighter LED lights, more comfortable seat, Dunlop tires, and a new TFT instrument that now includes smartphone connectivity and data tracking through the Rideology App. If you liked the Z650 before you’ll like it even more now. Kawasaki has utilized the term “Middleweight Supernaked” to describe the Z and while that may evoke some NSFW imagery, it does convey the point that this is supposed to be a fun motorcycle to ride.
Powered by a 650cc parallel twin, revisions to the exhaust and airbox have allowed Kawasaki to bring the Z650 up to a Euro5 compliance and ensure a more refined riding experience. The changes haven’t been consigned to just the mechanicals, Kawasaki taking the opportunity to give the Z650 a cosmetic makeover to keep it in line with the rest of the broad range. This includes new Dunlop rubber, a mild facelift to bring it closer into line with newer ‘Team Green’ models and revised seating to improve comfort levels. As with the newest models in the Kawasaki range, the Kawasaki Z650 is upgraded with a full 4.3in full-colour TFT dashboard, which comes with a full suite of technological gadgets, including Bluetooth, GPS logs and phone connectivity.
Underneath the edgy bodywork is the same tubular steel trellis type frame and liquid-cooled 649cc parallel twin engine that are the foundation of this sweet machine. With a fully-adjustable 41mm inverted fork, preload adjustable Horizontal Back-Link rear shock, gull-wing type swingarm, Nissin two-piston brakes and dual petal-type 300mm rotors, the Z650 has all the necessary hardware to make it a great streetbike. Along with its assist-slipper clutch, four selectable Ride Modes and ABS, this bike is not only easy to ride for newbies but also exciting enough for experienced riders as well.
Another important new feature is the 4.3-inch color instrument and its ability to connect via Bluetooth to your smartphone. Using Kawasaki’s Rideology App you are able to monitor your bikes data including a ride log that tracks the route, distance, time, and riding conditions so you can share it with friends. A redesigned, more comfortable seat should make the ride even more enjoyable for the rider and passenger while the addition of Dunlop Sportmax Roadsport 2 tires will help the bike perform even better on the road. Kawasaki continues to add incremental refinements to this popular entry-level motorcycle.