【New Bike】Black Ball for the Reiwa Zapper! Kawasaki Z650RS 2027 Model Appears

The 2027 model of the Kawasaki Z650RS, a neo-classic model with a compact body and a 649cc parallel-twin engine, has arrived. It will be released on October 1st. The highlight is the addition of the all-black "Black Ball Edition," following its bigger sibling, the Z900RS.

STD Continues with Same Price, Now Available in 2 Grades

Kawasaki Z650RS Black Ball Edition (2027)

Kawasaki Z650RS (2027)

The Kawasaki Z650RS is a neo-classic model featuring a steel trellis frame that provides supple handling, powered by a powerful yet easy-to-handle 649cc parallel-twin engine with a 180-degree crankshaft.

It shares the same chassis and engine as the current Z650 streetfighter, but incorporates classic styling elements such as a round headlight, bullet-shaped meters, and a teardrop-shaped fuel tank, making it a revival of the legendary fast machine Z650 (nicknamed Zapper), released in 1976.

The highlight of the 2027 Z650RS model, released on October 1st, is the addition of the "Black Ball Edition," which unifies the entire body in black.

This edition features blacked-out components such as the headlight rim, meters, wheels, and silencer cover. The fuel tank and tail cowl are finished in a black and gray two-tone color scheme, inspired by the iconic "Fireball" graphic of the Z1, the originator of the Kawasaki Z series.

The side cover emblem also adopts a classic design reminiscent of the Z1, extending the popular Black Ball concept from the Z900RS to its younger sibling.

Changes in the Black Ball Edition. The parts shown are changed from the STD model.

With the Black Ball as the premium grade, the STD grade continues with Metallic Ocean Blue featuring gold stripes. The vibrant gold wheels are also carried over from the 2026 model. However, the Ebony color from the 2026 model, which featured a black tank with red lines and red wheels, has been discontinued. The 2027 Z650RS will be available in one color for each grade: Black Ball and STD. There are no changes in functionality or specifications from the 2026 model.

The price for the STD model remains unchanged from 2026 at 1,089,000 yen (tax included), while the Black Ball Edition is priced at 1,111,000 yen, an increase of 22,000 yen. Both models are Kawasaki Care models, which include 3 years of periodic inspections and oil/filter changes. ETC 2.0 is also standard equipment.

Black Ball Edition (Ebony x Metallic Spark Black)

STD (Metallic Ocean Blue)

Kawasaki Z650RS Main Specifications (2027 Model)

• Overall Length x Overall Width x Overall Height: 2065 x 800 x 1115mm
• Wheelbase: 1405mm
• Minimum Ground Clearance: 125mm
• Seat Height: 800mm
• Weight in Running Order: 188kg
• Engine: Liquid-cooled 4-stroke Parallel-twin DOHC 4-valve 649cc
• Maximum Power: 50kW (68PS) / 8000rpm
• Maximum Torque: 63N・m (6.4kgf・m) / 6700rpm
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 12L
• Transmission: 6-speed constant mesh return
• Brake Type (F/R): Double Disc / Single Disc
• Tire Size (F/R): 120/70ZR17 / 160/60ZR17
• Price (tax included): STD 1,089,000 yen / Black Ball Edition 1,111,000 yen