Kawasaki Celebrates the Anniversary of Its Iconic Z Brand with the 50th Anniversary Edition of the Z900, Z650, Z900RS, and Z650RS Motorcycles
Kawasaki’s legacy of creating motorcycles that have unrivaled performance, excitement, and unmatched styling continues by welcoming four new special anniversary models to its 2022 motorcycle lineup with the Z 50th Anniversary Z900, Z650 Z900RS and Z650RS.
As the last letter in the alphabet, Z represents the ultimate – the reason why the legendary Kawasaki super4 900 was nicknamed the Z1 in 1972. Since then, the Z moniker has been inherited by several models in Kawasaki’s lineup that have been developed to stand out as the ultimate machines in their respective categories. Fast forward to 2014 and the next step in Z supernaked performance and design was taken with Sugomi styling incorporated into the Z1000. The Kawasaki Z family of motorcycles has grown into one of Kawasaki’s core motorcycle brands.
For 2022, the Z 50th Anniversary editions of the supernaked Z900 and Z650 can be found adorned in a “Firecracker Red” paint scheme, similar to that found on the dominant 1981 Z1100GP that pushed the limits of air-cooled high performance. The Z brand’s 50-year pursuit of the ultimate riding excitement, passed from generation to generation, now vividly adorns these Z supernaked models.
For the Z 50th Anniversary editions of the Z900RS and Z650RS, the iconic “Fireball” colorway of the 1972 Z1 was chosen. With elegant curves resplendent in the lustrous, rich red of the famous Fireball pattern, Z’s glorious past and brilliant future shines for all to see. An exquisite milestone to mark half a century of Z history.
Limited production will apply to each of these unique models and a special coffee table book commemorating the 50 years of the Z brand will be included as a premium gift for each customer who purchases a Z 50th Anniversary Edition model.
Z 50th ANNIVERSARY Z900 AND Z650
Z 50th Anniversary editions of the Z900 and Z650 supernakeds are clad in an eye-catching “Firecracker Red” that was found on dominant Kawasaki machines like the Z1100GP. This hue of red was Kawasaki’s signature color in the 1980s, and for these Z 50th Anniversary models, was specially blended, making their aggressive supernaked Z styling even more striking. Dark blue and silver highlights throughout complement the vivid red color and a gloss black frame contrasts the bright coloring. The Z emblem and Kawasaki logo are finished in gold and a commemorative Z 50th Anniversary logo has been added to the front fender, further distinguishing these models from their standard counterparts. The red wheels feature silver pinstripes, adding to the head turning styling and special seat that has a texture distinct from the standard model. Gold outer fork tubes can also be found on the Z 50th Anniversary Z900, providing a high-class touch.
The Z 50th Anniversary Z900 naked sportbike is equipped with a variety of advanced features and epitomizes Kawasaki’s belief of what the ideal supernaked should be. At 948cc with an ultra-lightweight chassis, every ride is met with exceptional power, responsiveness, and excitement. The Z900 features a 948cc liquid-cooled, in-line four-cylinder engine, fine-tuned front and rear suspension settings, Sugomi™-inspired Z styling, Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC), Power Mode and Integrated Riding Modes selection, Smartphone Connectivity via RIDEOLOGY THE APP, TFT Color Instrumentation, LED headlamp, position lamp & license plate lamp, and Dunlop Sportmax Roadsport 2 Tires. The Z900 50th Anniversary is available with an MSRP of $9,499.
The Z 50th Anniversary Z650 supernaked boasts the ideal blend of sporty performance and everyday versatility. Featuring a strong 649cc engine, the Z650 naked sportbike is a compact middleweight without equal. The Z650 parallel-twin engine is paired with a lightweight trellis frame, Sugomi™-inspired Z styling, LED Headlights, TFT color instrumentation, Smartphone Connectivity via RIDEOLOGY THE APP, Dunlop Sportmax Roadsport 2 tires, and increased passenger comfort. The Z650 50th Anniversary is available with an MSRP of $8,299.
Z 50th ANNIVERSARY Z900RS AND Z650RS
Reigniting the classic style of the original Z1 900 motorcycle, the Kawasaki Z 50th Anniversary Z900RS and Z650RS retro-sport motorcycles feature a “Fireball” colorway that honors the legendary Z1 and pursues the quality suitable for a 50-year milestone. A special painting process was developed specifically for these Z 50th anniversary models, which includes the candy colors being applied in layers using a special technique that brings out a deep, glossy texture to enhance the inherent beauty of these retro-sport models. The frame is finished in gloss black to complement the rich coloring, and gold colored wheels add to the old school retro styling. Additional special features found on these models include “Double Overhead Camshaft” side cover emblems like that found on the original Z1, a commemorative Z 50th Anniversary tank logo, revised seat material with a distinct texture and special color stitching, and a chrome grab bar.
Adding to the Z 50th Anniversary Z900RS’ design are timeless design elements with minimal bodywork and no fairing for a pure retro-style look. The 2022 Z900RS features a 948cc liquid-cooled, in-line four-cylinder engine, Assist & Slipper clutch, horizontal back-link rear suspension, authentic retro styling, iconic teardrop fuel tank, sound tuned stainless steel exhaust system, round LED headlight, and bullet-shaped analog dials. The Z900RS Z 50th Anniversary is available with an MSRP of $12,049.
Just like its bigger Z900RS counterpart, the Z650RS tempts the eye with its timeless beauty. It distinguishes itself from its bigger sibling with a slimmer fuel tank and a shorter, more compact tail, which expresses its light handling and approachable character. It’s powered by a parallel-twin 649cc engine, Assist & Slipper clutch and held up by horizontal back-link rear suspension. The authentic retro styling includes an iconic teardrop fuel tank, tuned stainless steel exhaust system, round LED headlight, and bullet-shaped analog dials that feature dual-dial instrumentation with a multi-function LCD screen. The Z650RS Z 50th Anniversary is available with an MSRP of $9,249.
ABOUT KAWASAKI
Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. (KHI) started full-scale production of motorcycles over a half century ago. The first Kawasaki motorcycle engine was designed based on technical know-how garnered from the development and production of aircraft engines, and Kawasaki’s entry into the motorcycle industry was driven by the company’s constant effort to develop new technologies. Numerous new Kawasaki models introduced over the years have helped shape the market, and in the process have created enduring legends based on their unique engineering, power, design and riding pleasure. In the future, Kawasaki’s commitment to maintaining and furthering these strengths will surely give birth to new legends.
Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) markets and distributes Kawasaki motorcycles, ATVs, side x sides, and JET SKI® watercraft through a network of approximately 1,100 independent retailers, with close to an additional 7,700 retailers specializing in general purpose engines. KMC and its affiliates employ nearly 3,100 people in the United States, with approximately 260 of them located at KMC’s Foothill Ranch, California headquarters.
Kawasaki’s tagline, “Let the good times roll.®”, is recognized worldwide. The Kawasaki brand is synonymous with powerful, stylish and category-leading vehicles. Information about Kawasaki’s complete line of powersports products and Kawasaki affiliates can be found on the Internet at www.kawasaki.com.
