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Kawasaki Z650 Review: Cool As Cucumber
- Mar 6, 2022
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Kawasaki added another model to its middleweight bike portfolio in the form of the Z650RS. It’s based on the brand’s 650cc streetfighter offering, the Z650, but packaged as a neo-retro bike, and will likely make its Indian debut soon. Once here, it’ll go up against the Benelli Leoncino 500. Yes, the latter is profiled as a scrambler, but it’s pretty close to the Japanese rival in terms of looks. So, we pit the two middleweights on paper and here’s the result.
Engine
Specifications |
Kawasaki Z650RS |
Benelli Leoncino 500 |
Engine |
649cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin |
500cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin |
Power |
68PS @ 8,000rpm |
47.5PS @ 8,000rpm |
Torque |
64Nm @ 6,700rpm |
46Nm @ 6,000rpm |
Gearbox |
6-speed |
6-speed |
There’s a substantial difference between the displacement of the two bikes and the power figures as well. The Kawasaki Z650RS makes almost 20PS more than the Leoncino 500 and should technically be faster as well. The Z650-derived motor is also rich in torque and should make the ’RS a hoot to ride.
With a kerb weight of 187kg, the Z650RS has a better power-to-weight ratio too. The Leoncino 500 is on the heavier side with a kerb weight of 207kg (in its BS4 trim), something that’s bound to eat into the bike’s performance
Underpinnings
Specifications |
Kawasaki Z650RS |
Benelli Leoncino 500 |
Frame |
Trellis frame |
Trellis frame |
Front suspension |
41mm telescopic fork |
50mm USD fork |
Rear suspension |
Linked monoshock with preload adjustability |
Monoshock with preload and rebound adjustability |
Front brake |
300mm dual discs |
320mm dual discs |
Rear brake |
220mm disc |
260mm disc |
Front tyre |
120/70-17 |
120/70-17 |
Rear tyre |
160/60-17 |
160/60-17 |
Both bikes use a similar type of chassis, but Benelli has equipped the Leoncino 500 with a beefier fork. It also gets a preload and rebound adjustable rear shock while the Z650RS uses a linked monoshock. The latter should flatten the bumps a bit better.
The Leoncino’s weight does call for large disc brakes to help drop anchor. So in theory, the Benelli should have a better braking setup. And as a matter of fact, when we tested the BS4 bike’s braking, the results were impressive.
Both bikes run on 17-inch wheels and similar tyre sizes
Dimensions
Specifications |
Kawasaki Z650RS |
Benelli Leoncino 500 |
Wheelbase |
1,405mm |
1,490mm |
Ground clearance |
125mm |
160mm |
Fuel tank capacity |
12-litres |
12.7-litres |
Seat height |
820mm |
825mm |
Kerb weight |
187kg |
NA |
The Kawasaki Z650RS’ low weight paired with its noticeably shorter wheelbase should offer better side-to-side transition capabilities. It also gets a lower seat height, making it convenient for shorter riders.
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The Leoncino 500, meanwhile, gets more ground clearance for an easier riding experience on our pothole-ridden roads.
Price and Verdicts
Once the Kawasaki Z650RS hits Indian roads, expect it to cost around Rs 7.50 lakh (on road). It’s still quite expensive and you only get 20 more ponies than the Benelli Leoncino 500, which costs almost Rs 2.80 lakh less.
So, if you can live with a little less power, the Leoncino 500 should make for a sensible choice.
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