After being teased a few weeks ago, Kawasaki has finally taken the wraps of its new Z650RS retro bike, which takes styling cues from the original Z650 of 1976 - 1983 and the present day Z900RS.

Kawasaki's New retro Bike, the Z650RS, Revealed

Kawasaki has officially launched the new Z650RS, its latest contender for retro, or modern classic, honours. Teased a few weeks ago with a video that showed virtually nothing of the new model, it has finally broken cover in full, following the formula and promising to continue the success of the Z900RS.

Whereas the Z900RS might possibly be seen as too much motorcycle for some, the Z650RS will be much more accessible while still possessing a good dollop of excitement.

Using the parallel twin engine from the contemporary Z650 and combining styling cues from the late-1970's Z650-B1, it's a beguiling combination of old styling and bang up-to-date mechanicals that is proving such a hit with other manufacturers.

The engine in the Z650RS has been revised and tuned for low- and mid-range response. It produces 68bhp and can be restricted to 40bhp for UK A2 licence holders.

The suspension is fairly basic but, as evidenced by the Z650 and Ninja 650, it works very well and, with pre-load adjustment available on the rear single shock, is perfectly tuned and capable. Twin discs up front are gripped by twin-piston calipers and Bosch ABS is standard.

Most importantly, it looks brilliant. The Z900RS perfectly captured the spirit of the original Z1 and brought it right up to date and the Z650 has done exactly the same. While the original had a jewel of a four-cylinder engine, the parallel twin in the new model should offer much more grunt and usable performance.