Kawasaki’s Feisty, Affordable New Motorcycle Is Rider Friendly in an Unexpected Way

This muscular street fighter’s most surprising superlative should serve you quite well over the long haul.

Rear section of a black motorcycle showing the rear wheel, exhaust pipe, and part of the frame with a yellow accent.

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By Steve Mazzucchi

Published October 27, 2025

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Updated October 28, 2025

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When you picture a street fighter-type motorcycle, a few elements likely jump to mind.

You probably imagine a menacing stance and athletic body position, backed up by a bit of modern tech and a punchy engine that can roar through the city like a ferocious beast in search of its next meal.

Black and gray Kawasaki motorcycle with headlights on in a dimly lit modern space with a red symbol on the wall. — The more aggro, three-lamp nose jumps right out on the new Z650 S ABS and refuses to back down.

Kawasaki’s latest entry in the category, the 2026 Z650 S ABS, absolutely matches such a description — at quite a nice price.

Even so, its most outstanding feature is an underrated, rider-friendly aspect that could prove to be a game changer for those who take the plunge: comfort.

Perfect posture?

Right off the bat, Kawi fans will notice some aesthetic changes versus last year’s Z650 (no “S), which appears headed for retirement.

These include new bodywork — tweaked fuel tank, seat and tail — plus a fierce new front cowl housing a three-way LED lighting system, complemented by LED indicators and taillight.

Black and yellow Kawasaki motorcycle with rider wearing black gear and reflective helmet on a city bridge. — The revised seat, foot pegs and bars essentially ease you into a more powerful and engaged riding position.

But what’s more meaningful day to day are a number of redesigned ergonomic elements, highlighted by a seat that is nearly an inch wider, with deeper padding, boosting comfort for both rider and pillion.

The seat is also a bit higher, 31.7 inches versus 31.1 inches, slightly upping the difficulty for newer and shorter riders without losing Kawasaki’s “new rider friendly” badging.

Close-up of black Kawasaki motorcycle handlebars with digital display and rearview mirrors against a blurred outdoor background. — The new aluminum fat-type bars may in fact be the biggest departure from this bike’s predecessors.

At the same time, the footpegs slide back, and the updated fat-type handlebars widen a whopping 1.2 inches, putting you in a more engaged position — leaning forward with your elbows out.

While on the surface this posture seems less comfortable, it is more conducive to aggressive street riding — so rather than scrunching to get into that power stance, you’re already there.

Natural predator

The new bike also gets some tech updates, highlighted by a 4.3-inch TFT dash that syncs with Kawasaki’s Rideology app, offers two tachometer options and changes from dark to light based on ambient illumination (a feature that can be disabled).

The engine is not new; it’s the same 649cc liquid-cooled, parallel-twin you’ll find in the 2025 bike.

Black Kawasaki motorcycle with yellow frame and silver exhaust parked on concrete in front of a modern building. — Even with some extra cushion and width, the seat remains a pretty minimalist affair.

However, Kawasaki says this beating heart — which makes 67 horsepower at 8,000 rpm — has been optimized for low-to-mid range torque, just what you need when ripping through the concrete jungle (not to mention two-lane twisties).

A slipper clutch adds to the rider-friendly nature, while a telescopic front fork and horizontal back-link rear suspension smooth out the bumps in the road.

Person wearing black gear and silver helmet riding a black Kawasaki motorcycle on a winding mountain road. — While it is aimed at urban environments, this bike has the juice to be plenty of fun on the open road as well.

Helping you keep a leash on this monster are updated 300mm front discs and a 220mm rear disc, supported by Kawasaki TRaction Control (KTRC) and a Continental-supplied anti-lock brake system, of course.

If you’re not already itching to swing a leg over, check back with me after checking out the price tag.

Availability and pricing

The 2026 Kawasaki Z650 S ABS will hit US dealerships sometime next year at a starting price of $7,699.

Matte black Kawasaki Z motorcycle with gold frame accents and dual disc brakes on front wheel.

2026 Kawasaki Z650 S ABS

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About the Author:

Now managing editor, Steve has served in a variety of roles with GP since 2019. Having previously written and edited for such publications as Men’s Health, Men’s Journal, Esquire and ESPN, he enjoys covering a range of topics — but mostly those pertaining to cycling, snow sports, pocket knives and motos — and dreams of a utopian world in which everyone’s bike seat is at the proper height.

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