NEW KAWASAKI Z650RS: 3 THINGS I LIKE & 3 THINGS I DON'T
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- Опубликовано: 5 окт 2021
- Kawasaki are releasing their new Z650RS. As a current owner of a Z900RS, I run my critical eye over the Z650RS with a view to asking if Kawasaki have done enough to warrant calling this an RS. Will the Z650RS compete favourably with Yamaha's XSR700, Triumph's Trident 660 or the Vitpilen 701? Will the Z650RS offer enough extra to justify the increase in price over the Z650?
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I wish these companies would realize that a lot of us don’t want a big displacement engine and would appreciate a smaller displacement bike with higher performance components.
Yes, it's a shame that we have to look at higher end bikes to get desirable parts.
One mid size bike that did spec out with some nice parts, is the Honda CB650 R. Showa big piston SFF forks, Nissin calipers. Am not pushing for that bike - just saying. It feels nice all round, bar the bony seat.
An in-line 4 would add weight and cost. I really appreciate modernizing somewhat the bike in a few key places and keeping the retro feel with the seat, headlights and gauges. It's 100% a hit for me.
You might be right, but had they made this bike with a 4cyl 750 I'd own one by now. I have no interest in a 2cyl 650 and the 900 is just a tad more than I want. A 750 4cyl would have been perfect, and I'd pay a few more dollars and accept a few more pounds for it.
I have bought one last week and it’s already in hands! Awesome toy!!
Congrats!
My biggest complaint (and I ended up buying it, dont regret it) is the size of the fuel tank. 160 mi is easily the lowest in its field.
Agreed! I wonder if fitting a larger tank is a possibility?
I totally agree with Chris B, I would have liked an inline four cylinder like the original.
I just mine a couple weeks ago and I've only been able to put about 30 miles on it because of the weather but I love it so far. The green really pops in person.
Great video! It’s beyond professional and far better than I’ve ever seen anywhere! I’m very interested in this bike, I’d have to try it first
i admit I was expecting an inline four.. even if in looks only.. am sure kawasaki could have tried harder, after all, they've already done a great job styling the 900...
I understand your points of criticism. I am a late returner and some years ago bought the dream bike of my childhood years, an iconic Japanese bike (not a Kawasaki) from the mid-70s, that I plan to restore some day. Having seen the reviews of the Z900 and Z650 RS models, I wish I had bought one or the other instead of my original. To me, the Z RS bikes capture the essence of the bikes I knew as a teenager, but with better brakes. And even the budget suspension of the 650 is probably better than what I have on my original 70s machine. I admit I even like the modern retro looks better than the originals, too. I am a heretic, I know, but there you have it.
I think the main objective was low weight and in that aspect they did great with it's 187kg which would never be an option if they went for 4 cylinder engine. I just got it and having Ducati Monster S2R1000 in the past I can say that Kawa is a perfect tool in the city. It's nimble like a scooter with quite a lot of power and what's more important torque. I'm about 95 kg and yes the front shocks could be a bit stiffer but all needs to be done is changing oil for thicker. I wouldn't bother as those standard shocks are perfect in the city filtering all road imperfections. The exhaust is not the best looking and what's worse it is so close to the front peg that on longer rides it's a bit too loud. I would very much prefer to have it way back but again that would throw a few extra kilos onto the bike which I wouldn't like as well. In general, the bike is excellent and looks fantastic. I recommend it to new and old bikers. After a 1000cc Ducati this little one is refreshing.
Great feedback, thanks.
Got sick of the cha! ching! every service & tune hay!
Great presentation and another beautiful Kawasaki !
I love the look.
Competes with RE int, Moto Guzzi V7, Triumph T100.
All great bikes.
But the Z650RS is lighter and better for me as I'm an old codger.
I love that green with the gold colored wheels
Excellent bike review. Thanks 🙂!
Glad you liked it. Cheers.
I'm fine with the engine. Would've definitely appreciated a new exhaust that fits the aesthetic. I think the other parts are fairly typical for the price and a full exhaust like the 900rs would help hold it all together. However, one can also say the exhaust is the most likely part to be changed anyway, so I can see why Kawasaki didn't bother.
by the way, the correct full exhaust already exists, it's is from Yoshimura, and that's what I would get.
I love the colour of the green/ gold wheels but totally agree about the exhaust,great video.
Thanks 👍
Thing is, those old air cooled UJMs were HEAVY. I think they realized that the weight saving was worth it to newer riders.
yes , those old 650 were VERY heavy and not that great ;;
i'm actually shopping around for my first bike, and they have about 4 of these at my local bike dealer. salesman was real chill & real smart about what i wanted and what i was looking for. he suggested i take a look at 1 of these, and when i sat on it, sweet geezus i was blown away. lol. real nice to sit on, weight is just right, rider position is great for my taste, controls were simple & no nonsense. i was highly impressed. then i test rode 1, and felt right at home, calm, confident, and relaxed. it was an instant connection for me to want this bike. dude quoted the bike at about 9k for the 1 i wanted, and honestly, i was all for it. i'm just in the process of saving up some more money before i actually buy the bike. but overall, the z650rs is excellent, in my opinion.
All that counts is how it works for you, and it sounds like you have found the perfect bike. It's great to hear. Cheers.
Honda has built the CB650 R model with a four cylinder engine. It cost 9,500 U.S. Dollars. The Kawasaki Z650 RS cost 7,000 U.S. dollars. BOTH are GREAT BIKES ! The question is : HOW MUCH DO YOU WANT TO SPEND ??? I personally would be HAPPY to find either of these FINE MACHINES in my garage !
Great point!
Yes I agree with the dislikes it should definitely be a 4 cylinder and the forks look to be budget 👍🏻🏴I like the looks especially the green
I think its sits nicely between the Royal Enfield 650 and the XSR700. Not quite as traditional as the RE but more so than the XSR. I'm old enough to have owned both the original Z650 & Z900. IIRC most of us used the z650 as a stepping stone to something bigger and I think this is where the big will fit in. While some people will buy the bike upgrade the exhaust/suspension/brakes I suspect most will just ride it standard, get some miles and experience under their belt and trade up
Agree with your analysis of who will be buying this bike and why: I think it will be a great intro to the retro market. Cheers.
I'm on this...Can't wait to get one...but I'm keeping my mod 400cc Ninja that still turns me on to having fun and letting the good times roll...
100% agree with your views.
Oh so close,, lovely clocks, tank, seat and tailpiece really captured the looks. they could have even gotten away with the 650 twin if only they had fitted a 2 in to 2 swept up exhaust. I'm sure kawasaki have done there research and just like the 650 Versys this bike will have a dedicated following, if the aftermarket get behind it, we could build some fantastic bikes from it.
Totally agree: there's still a lot that can be done with this to make it a little more authentic looking. Hopefully we'll see some creative owners and cusomizers take it to the next level. Cheers.
It’s a looker
Aftermarket pipe is a must have.
Bought one. Love it, end of.
Agree with your assessment albeit if this is a second bike, a gem to enjoy. I'm under 5'8" and when I sat on both the Z900RS and the Z650RS, the 650 just fit me better. I felt the seat on the 900 was not as comfortable. Wish local dealers had demos. My local dealer does have a used Z900RS that I may get a chance to tryout.
very nice review. I like what I see and would love to make this my big bike! I have a scooter, and have had small bikes for a while now, and I remember how the Kawasaki KLR650 with less power and less everything (than this Z650RS) took me from Mexico to Canada and back and many many (over 50K miles) in over a decade.... so I think this new bike is enough for me and my style...of course now I am a middle age man with less need for speed or performance than before! just add the grabhandle and strap them bags!
Go for it!
Installing a 4 cylinder with 4 into 2 exhaust would certainly be more appealing to me, having learned on a 650 car … oh well. Also agree on the under belly exhaust and the right side view of the rear swing arm. Feels like a lazy exercise.
Not only would an Inline Four add weight and cost, but I also believe that riders are moving away from top end speed for more low-down grunt and affordability! I certainly have gone backwards with my Bikes! I started with a GSXR750, had Blades and Ninjas too! High speed accident in 2008 taught me a lot! So, I just ride for fun on a Vespa with my wife on hers! However, I do plan on getting a bike to take my son on tour with! Possibly a Z650RS, but I do like the Triumph T120!
Agree. Also don't like the radiator cap sticking so far out. It looks a good bike. But the z900RS is a great bike.
Really true to the Z650 that I knew, except from the engine - and that’s crucial 🤔
Very informative review. Nice bike but could be better as always. Agreed!
Why didn't they use the 'finned' version of the cylinder they already have on the shelf from the Vulcan S. That and an appropriate exhaust would have made a big difference. 12 litre tank is a bit on the small side too.
I like the mix of classic styling together with modern performance - Bench seat with teardrop tank/ABS & slipper clutch. The twin cylinders keep the weight down and helps with marketing in the A2 license countries. Even Honda have dropped the inline four and gone the parallel twin route with the new Hornet.
Yes it seems the way of the future, and it has grown on me since. It would be interesting to see if Kawasaki incorporate the new 400 - 4 cylinder into a future Z400RS. Unlikely, but you never know!
Beautiful bike I would buy it. I just wish the had more classic colors.
I love this bike!❤
The exhaust is a real deal breaker. Other than that, it is a very nice and stylish bike for the price. Forgot to add, as a retro enthusiast, some fake cylinder fins would add to this model….the Yamaha 700, needs a close look to identify an engine in there somewhere !
Will hope to test ride one next year in spring, but I have similar feelings as yourself in regards to the engine
A revised bhp / torque to the 636 engine would have been preferable to myself
Considering that this bike is essentially, as you point out just a styling exercise change of the Z650, the just announced $8999 msrp is a whopping $1450 USD over the Z650. This seems rather excessive especially when compared to the Trident which is a good $800 less. Seems you get much more bike with the Trident for the money. Still, I love the look of this bike in the green with the gold wheels and frankly I don't want all the tech that comes with the Trident. Slipper assist clutch and ABS on this bike good enough for me. I like the analog double clocks too. I think I might want this Z650rs except for the price.
Nicely put. Kawasaki are banking on the looks to tip the scales on this one. Cheers.
I agree, but there are no perfect bikes out there. While the Z650 has enough power for me and the Trident has more power than I need, Triumph offers better fit and finish for less money. In the end, I'll take the Trident over the Z650RS and spend the savings on custom options.
@@jamesdarnell8568 Totally sound reasoning. I may end up going in a totally different direction than either the Z650RS or Trident. At this point I'm just dreaming. Riding season is almost over here so I'm not ready to do anything.
In the US, Triumph sells for MRSP, but Kawasaki gives big discounts. At the end, the Trident will be 25% more, and I find the Kawa better looking and more practical. Admittedly the Triumph is more quality and fun.
On the last question…
I pull up a middle finger on all!
And bough an SV650!
Insta-classic design that never gets old, superior engine, sound of a real v2, superior suspension, usability… etc etc.
And that all for a grand or two lower than any of the shown bikes.
Does I like the looks of this kawa? Yes I do! But would never-ever trade it for my SV as an only bike.
Agree, the SV is a lovely bit of kit and very tunable/customizable. Great racing bikes too.
Spot on! If only the 3 dislike were non existent, I will buy this bike in a heartbeat..
I don't think it's a patch on the original 650 inline 4.
I would definite buy it, I like the looks. I'm not young anymore, so I don't need a four cyl. And if wanted to go faster
I would buy the 900. I'd be riding it in the city, so I don't need much speed, and a two cyl. weighs less, giving it
better handling in the city.
Certainly is the best looking 650 for me; and it would be perfect for the city. Cheers.
Exhaust is let down for me and what about some engine fins on the engine barrels can not cost Kawasaki a lot of money to sort that out. for me the bike is a little bit poor, but I had the 650 Versys for 3 years and what a great little bike that is.
Good review, the ergonomics is more important than just the retro look, I think people are buying these retro mainly for the comfortable ergonomics than just the looks. This new 650 has upright seating position, the handlebar are up high and moved back, much comfortable ergonomics. The naked version of these bike are more sporty and uncomfortable ergonomics, lean forward on the handlebar which make them very uncomfortable after 45 minutes riding.
Yes you raise a good point - if ridden reasonably, this will be a comfortable bike. Thanks for your input. Cheers.
@@BlueMarbleRider the ergonomics on these retro bikes are very close to adventure touring bikes but with out the fairings, extra weight and the windshield which I would add to the retro bike. Old days they made things simple and practical!!! You had one bike and it did everything for you, now we have a a bike for different ridings( street, track, touring,….)
Agree with everything you said. It should have been 4 cylinder and the exhaust is awful. Yes kawasaki will sell bucket loads of these especially in Europe but for me all they had to do was switch the 900 engine for a 650 from the out going sportsbike and bingo Z650 of old is born.
True facts revealed 👍
In an ideal world I would loved to had seen two versions of this iconic bike, even if it ment a 2k price hike for a 80hp 4 pot motor with twin upswept exhaust pipes & quality shocks, I suppose in couple of years it will receive its update but in the meantime I'm going for the candy green & have some fun
I've no doubt you'll enjoy it immensley. It is still going to be a great ride. Cheers.
Yes, it should be a 4 cylinder, assuming its intention is to pay homage to the late 70s KZ650. The exhaust appearance should have had a similar look to the big brother 900. With that exhaust, you might benefit from having a centre stand for easier maintenance like the 900 has with availability of one.
agree. It shouldn't be labeled RS. Putting a 650, 4 cylinder would be very cool.
@@gtrs4ever I third that. I would have liked it to be four cylinder. When I first saw it, the first thing I noticed was the two cylinder engine, and felt momentarily deflated.
As others have noted, an inline 4 would have separated it from all the others in the class. Looks like a good starter bike if the price is right. Cheers!
Agree - should be a great entry or mid range bike for someone wanting the rideability of a proven engine with a little more style. Cheers back at you!
@@BlueMarbleRider Im about to get my motorcycle license. Im 37 years old. Responsible and not interested in top speeds and sport bikes. The 900RS looks like a dream to me, sexy as hell, ticks all the right boxes for me, but I suspect might be *too much bike for me as a first bike. This 650RS looks great as well, although theyre much newer and harder to find in the used market. It looks like I can find a used 900RS for the price of a new 650RS, or maybe even less(in Texas). What you guys think? 900RS too much for a new rider my age?
If you arent riding like a maniac probably not
@@LaminarSound Too late now I guess. It depends what you have been riding. If you have come from a 125cc bike, winding back the Z900 RS will leave you shaking in the seat. The Z650 RS would too. However if you are no fool whatsoever, or have come from maybe a 400cc, then the choice is completely yours. Either would be fine.
However if someone were contemplating the Z900 RS seriously, when coming form a smaller bike. Then why not rent a mid sized bike for a few weeks, before buying the Z900 RS. Get experience of the weight, feel, and power, of a bigger bike.
Looks good except it doesn’t have the same exhaust as the Z900RS which looks much nicer.
I am in full agreement with you.
The exhaust is something I would not compromise on. Much prefer the upswept exhaust. Need to get rid of my RE Interceptor and the RS 650 seems a good option.
Hi, I want to buy my first bike and just deciding between an interceptor and a kawasaki. Why do you want to change to a kawasaki ? Thx for answer.
@@UPOLTommy Quality, over all fit & finish of the bike, performance, reliability, the kawasaki RS is stunningly beautiful & arguably the best retro designed, components - suspension, tyres, seat, mirrors. lights, brakes...the list goes on and on..
It's a no contest!
Well it's a bit hard judgement on an intro model & all the retro models are released with personal mods in mind so to keep prices down that many will use the extra cash to do that is smart thinking, personally I like the exhaust low down like that, they may bring out a 4 but I would prefer a bigger twin or better yet more power from what they have, I had a Gpz 500 twin & know they could get way more power out of that right the way through the rev range than what it has.
100 percent agree with you. Kawasaki should have stuck with an inline 4 and a 'normal' exhaust pipe to capture the prospective retro owner. It looks great but I wouldn't buy it because of its parallel twin and an under slung exhaust. I'm a child of the 60's and surely that is the target market. None of this LAMS stuff in a retro bike for the Australian market PLEASE !!! Surely learners are not your target market for this style of bike Mr Kawasaki. Not on my shopping list.
The exhaust is the only, single deal breaker for me. Holy crap man hard to keep up with all your comparisons in speed talk. It is called a 650, to me an old guy, that is the twin….what is the inline four cylinder ? And in the dame class ? With four cylinders ? Maybe I am too old going back to 650s of the sixties ?? Thanks for the vid,
Great review BMR. It's 7699 for a green Z650RS in the UK, £7702 for the slightly uncomfortable-looking XSR 700. Both have budget suspension and an ugly exhaust. I think Kawasaki know their market & for me, the RS shades it in the beauty stakes.
Thanks, Hugh for the pricing and feedback: spot on. Looks like Kawasaki have done their homework in oh so slightly undercutting Yamaha. 3 quid. Hilarious! I agree, it is a nicer look, but I do like that CP2 engine. It will be a tough call until I ride them back to back. Cheers.
@@BlueMarbleRider It'll come down to whether the 180° or 270° firing order matters more than the looks. I agree with you though that the CP2 engine is a brilliant unit.
Really beautiful bike, honestly...there is something to be said about the torque that a twin can deliver, right? Perfect first road bike.
You know, this is a very attractive bike. If Kawasaki were to rearrange the exhaust headers, I believe that sales would be even better. As a ride, the bike is lovely.
Great video. Could a 5' 7" person fit on this bike and flat foot it??
Yes, absolutely
It's a bike that I plan to buy. My only real complaint is the trashcan exhaust, a carryover from the Z 50 it is derived from.
Good review - Interceptor looks sexier, but for a shorter rider like myself, it could be a winner...
If you take a look at the very humorous/cringeworthy promo vid by Kawasaki, the European CEO sits on the bike: he looks to have a shorter inside leg measurement and manages to get both feet to the floor. The seat doesn't look too wide either. Cheers.
Thanks mate - still as you're alluding to, it seams like a slightly contrived bike, especially with that exhaust :)
I believe in KAWASAKI insights and decisions over most vloggers and random people commenting. KAWASAKI is an INSTITUTION. LEGENDARY indeed.
Easy answer is I wouldn't buy ANY bike over the Trident, end of story. But I do agree, if someone gave me a Kwaka Z650RS, that exhaust would have to go, it just looks all kinda of wrong.
I own a z900 like you.... not going to be trading that anytime soon. I will be sending my eco to Ivan this winter. If I didn't owe it, I might look at this bike, if the price was right. But my candy green and yellow speaks to me.... :>
100% agreed on the engine. Its a great engine, but sounds boring and lacks character. Even the engine from the W800 would have been better.
In NZ this bike is $3k more than the Z650. That's a total rip off. $500 would have been fair. But for $3k more it needed to be an inline four.
Agree, William - that's silly money. Cheers.
I agree with your pros and cons. This bike is far away from her elder sister of 900 cc. It has an inline twin (boring engine), they did not modify the looks of the engine and exhaust is not retro. Moreover that box that covers part of the engine is disgusting... see how they do not show that side of the bike. The problem here is that we compare the 650 with the awesome and stunning 900. The 900 is, even though its price in Spain is pretty high, a winner, and Kawasaki made a great investment in it. Despite all its weak points, they will sell it a lot.
Agree, Jose: I think this bike is targeted at younger riders who will be wowed by the hint of retro. I see Kawasaki's reasoning; would have been unitque to see a mid range four cylinder retro though. Cheers.
Can the exhaust pipes be changed to a more conventional style like in the interceptor?
You could certainly change the headers and the exhaust, removing the bread box too, although you may need an ecu reflash. Likely there will be many header and slip on choices offered by the aftermarket segment within weeks of the bike being in the showrooms. Cheers.
@@BlueMarbleRider we should hope so
I appreciate that Kawasaki is in the game with this, and I most certainly agree that a small inline 4 would have been closer to the mark. I think this bike is a miss...
Ooooh, 636RS 4 cylinder would be more exciting;. Until the aftermarket tries EVERYTHING. ONLY Time will tell. [First blush, shyte]
Your not kidding man the market for this motorcycle is vicious yet I am very happy to see manufacturers enter this arena.
This is a hit.
this is a miss for you but sales are already proving it is a hit
So you want people believe in you? LOL! KAWASAKI IS AN INSTITUTION. While YOU are just a RANDOM youtube COMMENTOR.
The paint is hideous except for the green one, but even IT should have been true to the original in color and striping. A two into one megaphone pipe would help with the style as well.
i believe your torque figure for this bike is incorrect. Per Kawasaki, it makes a claimed 48.5 ft/lb of torque
lol, my 650 b1 by the phone box in the intro.
Those noodley-looking downpipes and the voluminous underslung cat/muffler are all ugly.
The first mod I'd make on this bike is to change the *entire exhaust* system. And yes,
4 cylinders, but tuned for torque, would've been nicer, too.
best review till now and I agree.
Still considering, 650 is enough
for Japanese roads. Sus could
be better !!!
Btw, is it using unleaded Gasoline
(Regular or Extra) ???
Thank you 🙏
Not sure on the grade of gasoline, but as a rule, I always try to find non E5/E10 91-94 for my bikes. A 650 twin will likely run fine on 89, but ethanol, if left in the tank, will tend to attract water and rust...
They need to put a MT07 motor in it.
Manufacturers still put profits at the top of the priority list, but we all like more for less in their defence. However; Honda's CB650 has a four cylinder and roughly 25 ponies more, which does make a big difference on bikes in this cat. The pipes look way better too
The Trident was never an option... I see the competition more on the Triumph Street Twin/T100 side... of course there is the Yamaha XSR700... While the engine is OK I wish Kawasaki would have gotten a different exhaust.., the price point won't justifies the failure... as long as the suspension justifies the price point I am OK with the inferior forks and rear shocks... but it would have been OK to upgrade and raise the price a little... I think I love the bike for its ease of riding, good looks, and cheap price and wish somebody with some brains makes a different exhaust for the aftermarket... or Kawasaki executives authorize a new exhaust to catch the still elusive buyer... This being said would I buy one... There is no doubt that the green version is the most wonderful paint they could have applied here and it draws me in... so yes... I would take that green Team Green model any day, even over the XSR, just keep that black one...
1st 2 dislikes I agree with, 3rd one I disagree, according to a Visordown test ride the suspension, while on paper a budget unit, works very well and helps to make the bike a very competent handler.
I'm sure it's a competent handler. I'm not sure that any manufacturer puts out anything less these days. Cheers.
While the lack of an inline 4 cylinder motor is a disappointment to me, Kawasaki continues IMHO, to invoke the classic UJM sport standard vibe/styling of the 70's and 80's better than anyone else. I'm a boomer so I was around then. Younger riders probably don't, in large part, really care if it's a twin or 4 cylinder. Agree on the budget suspension and exhaust observations.
Nicely put, - I think you summed it up in a nutshell. Thanks for the feedback.
@@BlueMarbleRider Thank you, and you are welcome.
Don’t mind the fact that it’s not a four, that would’ve been very nice indeed. But give it a chrome swept exhaust as they all had in those days…. When I could only stretch to RD’s n X7s. Surely someone will make a proper one to retro fit?
I had an RD350LC and a friend with a Red suzuki X7. Great bikes. I think Kawasaki are more interested in developing the twin for this model, which wouldn't be so bad, if it wasn't for the fact they didn't change the standard Z650 exhausts which look incongruous on KZ retro like bike. Cheers.
No i don't believe you were to critical with the suspension but for me especially with the engines Horse power , like unto Honda's 650. I've had Kawasaki's before the Blue H2 triple in the seventies out the crate doing 130mph and later the Kaw 1100.
I had the KZ650 4 cly in 77 in green....yes bad mistake making it a twin....and the exhaust is enought to keep me from buying it....I was 20 when it came out in 77 and I rode it all over AZ,UT,CA and N.M ....I was hit with 26k miles on it an it was a write off......I bought a 79 KZ650 to replace it....thats how much I liked it....it was the perfect bike to me.
If they just coul replace those headers with some chrome ones.....maybe....but im not that big on twins for long rides.
Love KZ650s. Often admired them. Lots of lovely older used KZ650s out there - have you checked out Johnnysvintagemotorcycles who specializes in Z1s, but he gets the odd KZ650...ruclips.net/video/pvj2wJHzBNc/видео.html
I think I'd rather have one than the Z650RS. Cheers.
Hi blue marble rider , yes you are all right I don't like it I prefer your bike and the trident it looks a lot better
Thanks for this.
The Z900rs is too much bike for my needs, but I am disappointed with the Z650 in comparison to Yamaha XSR 700.
Fair enough!
According to Kawasaki Canada's website, the Z650RS is $9,999 in Canada. More importantly, the new Z900RS SE with the Ohlins rear suspension and Brembo front brakes is coming to Canada for $15,599!
Thanks, NB. That must be a recent listing - I've been scouring for a while. That is just about where I thought the Z650 might be, 15% or $1400 above the standard Z650 sounds about right for the body work, clocks and rims. 15.5K for the Z900RS-SE is about 1.6K over the regular RS, which sounds reasonable when you factor in Ohlins rear, Brembos, master cyclinder, braided lines and new rims. Cheers.
That radiator tho'... Couldn't they have flipped it to the vertical? Triumphs Street twin managed it! Otherwise, the styling is spot on.
I think they went with the "good enough" philosophy, which, as you say, is a shame. Cheers.
The bike is fast enough,in my opinion, I ride a Benelli Imperiale 21 HP and it is fast enough for me. Compared with the Benelli the Kawasaki is a rocket. How fast will you ride in traffic? I am a big Kawasaki fan and I find this bike quite amazing, very beautifull and very nimble. In traffic of nowadays fast moto's are over the top, this bike is a big friend I think!
I quite agree with your analysis! I bought a 1977 KZ650 Custom (US spec) and drove it 10,000 miles in the 10 months that I owned it. A great machine. Although I'm sure the new model is far better in many ways, it does seem to be a cheaper retro to those who never experienced the original. It should have a four cylinder engine as the baseline to being a retro!
Yes, you have been too critical. I am going to buy one........Sal : )
Great bike, and yes, much nit picking. Cheers and have fun!
RS label is a good conception of making a basic model , with minimal manufacturing changes to all new bike, like a RS900 but i think in case of RS650 ,Kawasaki was not honest with as ,as they was with their Marketing Division, cause this time they skip the manufacturing phase completely and left only the assembly part, which not really justify the 30% of extra cost. In my view, at least one sided classic stainless pipe was enough.
Soon as I found out it was a twin, interest went to zero
Maybe the W800 would be a better/cooler choice for a retro in that range from Kawasaki
Yes, a true retro (with the silver motor:-)
indeed, the Japanese bonneville
You are absolutely right with the things you don‘t like about the Z 650. Especially the suspension is really basic. In combination with the missing „air cooled look“ of the engine I would rather go for a Z 900 right away…
Not to critical at all. Actually quite reasonable. I'd but this if it was 15% cheaper than the trident and xsr700.
I'm 55, was hoping for a loud B1 blaster like we had back in the day, no spoked wheels either, damp squid sorry.
Correction @ 1:45 that tank is 15L or 4.0 gallon.
Correction @ 2:07 the torque is 47 ft-lb, not 67.
Kawasaki has had this 649cc engine around in one form or another since 2006. To say they couldn't have redesigned this engine or retuned it with a much more charismatic sounding/feeling 270º by now, or gave us a 90° V-twin by now, is just lazy on Kawasaki's side. They are a massive corporation and can afford to do things (given the H2 series, Z900 engine, 300 dual sport dirtbike, new ZX-10R, one of the last 600 supersports still being made). They could easily upgrade the 650 engine for the Versys, Vulcan, Z, ZRS, and Ninja. They don't because they have phoned it in.
Even Suzuki who doesn't put out any new engines in a very long time have created an all-new GSX-8S with a 270° 776cc engine.
Tank is 12L, not 15L. Torque is 64N.M. www.kawasaki.co.uk/en/products/Z900RS/2023/Z650RS/specifications?Uid=0893CllZCQtRXFtbUFEOXA1eWwpfCVBYWlpcWg4LWQ4NUF4
@@BlueMarbleRider Amazing, they reduced fuel capacity from the Z650, I stand corrected in that. Makes me want one even less than not wanting one.
However, the narration clearly said "sixty-seven pounts-foot of torque" I marked the time.
Yep totally agree...the bike is a lovely looking machine but its missed the mark for me because of that engine...should of been an inline 4cyl.. hope it does well for kawasaki but I wouldn't buy one..
I like the bike, but there are 3 things I don't understand about it. 1) Why get rid of the petal rotors? That seems like an affectation. 2) Why so small of a gas tank? The could have gone to 15ltr/4gal and still kept the retro styling. 3) The cosmetic changes don't seem to justify the price bump to me.
As to dropping a re-tuned, 100hp 636 engine in the bike, that would be incredibly cool, but... The price would go way up. It would have to get Euro 5 & U.S.A. & who knows what else emissions certifications. The brakes and suspension would HAVE to be upgraded. It would then almost certainly eat into Z900RS sales.
Hopefully it will sell well enough for them to bring out a Z400RS next model year.
Perhaps with the new ZX4R s 4 cylinder motor?
Afraid it will not be a winner, though I really like the looks. Even with a small premium it will probably be more expensive than XSR700 and Honda CB650R (inline 4 the video mentioned), which are more powerful and more characterful than Z650. It will even be more expensive than the Triumph, which is more exotic with only downside its practicality. On the other hand, the retro (and neo-retro) bike market is based heavily on looks and the first 2 bikes, though better, are not as good looking. In my opinion they are its immediate competitors.
It's a tough call to predict whether they have done enough to make this successful. It will be interesting to see if the looks are enough. Kawasaki are banking on it, but as far as tech and performance go, I agree: it is fairly run-of-the-mill.
I like it but it's not close enough to the original z650 for me and I won't be buying it, people love heritage and they have messed it up with the engine and exhaust, I may look at one in a few years if they change those bits or the price comes down in the 2nd hand market, I would rather get a z900 and paint it that gorgeous green