I'm 50 years old and have not had a bike in 8 years. I bought this one a few days ago and love it. Looks great, easy to ride, plenty of power, doesn't cost a lot, insurance is cheap, easy on gas, and reliable. Everything I could ask for. Good video.
I picked this over the Z650, SV650 and MT07 because 1) dash is way better on this 2) Fairings are sexy 3) Riding position seems more suited to me 4) did I mention fairings are sexy 5) I will be doing more highway commuting and fairings help 6) So many people have the MT so wanted something different. I think that's it. Oh, wait, one more. Fairings are sexy.
Here in the USA, Yamaha sells the FZ6R. It's a very old model with a repurposed 2004 R6 engine without much power. Really wish Yamaha would stick the CP2 engine into it with a good update. Until--and if--then, the Kawasaki will be the only 650 twin with fairing. I tested one the other day and was seriously impressed. Power is not blowing anyone's hair back, but it's very snorty out of the hole and has a good raspy tone. Overall chassis balance is something Kawasaki is getting very right these days, regardless of how the spring rates work or not with a given rider. I've compared the ergonomic numbers on cycle-ergo between the Ninja 650 and Z900 and the Ninja is actually a tick more comfortable for a 6-2" guy like me. Seems strange but it's true.
Who would buy one of these?Me! Ordered a tourer version.The same bike ,but with soft panniers ,and a taller screen.I got fed up with big heavy bikes,and these 650s are so light.So easy to push around my back yard,and fast enough for the B roads that I prefure.
How does it feel like on the motorway? Is that windscreen any good, or does it induce turbolence? I am interested in this bike, but am unable to test it...
1000%, i can't think of a better beginner bike! This is absolutely perfect for you to learn on and as your skill increases it won't become boring as a 300cc bike would.
Nice review but a few questions. What is the bike like for vibrations at low revs and at cruising speeds? Secondly how did you find the riding position? Is it reasonably upright without too much stain on the arms and shoulders? Thanks
Riding position is VERY upright, don't let the stickers fool you, this is no sports bike. It is very comfortable. There is no vibrations to speak of but a slight 'snatch' in 1st gear, a little jolt now and again, after that nothing. Smooth as silk. I recommend the bike to anyone looking for a general 'do it all' bike.
Per a ride I took yesterday, it does vibrate as a 180° parallel twin will do, but it's not bad. Certainly much less than the last-gen version which I've also ridden. I don't think the buzz will induce nerve tingles over time. I think each bike will be slightly different because vibration can be due to small manufacturing differences (at the fraction of an inch) of the engine parts, but more specifically the tuning on each identical model. I've ridden a couple examples of the 2012+ model and they didn't feel the same vibration-wise. I've also tuned an FZ1 I had with full exhaust, ecu flash, Powercommander fueling, and vibration almost went completely away.
I have an '18 Ninja 650 and the bar vibrations are horrible. Put my fingers to sleep and they tingle for an hour after I stop riding. I've never owned a bike this bad and not every owner seems to feel them. I fear I will have to sell it.
I'm 50 years old and have not had a bike in 8 years. I bought this one a few days ago and love it. Looks great, easy to ride, plenty of power, doesn't cost a lot, insurance is cheap, easy on gas, and reliable. Everything I could ask for. Good video.
I picked this over the Z650, SV650 and MT07 because 1) dash is way better on this 2) Fairings are sexy 3) Riding position seems more suited to me 4) did I mention fairings are sexy 5) I will be doing more highway commuting and fairings help 6) So many people have the MT so wanted something different. I think that's it. Oh, wait, one more. Fairings are sexy.
Good balanced review mate
Here in the USA, Yamaha sells the FZ6R. It's a very old model with a repurposed 2004 R6 engine without much power. Really wish Yamaha would stick the CP2 engine into it with a good update. Until--and if--then, the Kawasaki will be the only 650 twin with fairing. I tested one the other day and was seriously impressed. Power is not blowing anyone's hair back, but it's very snorty out of the hole and has a good raspy tone. Overall chassis balance is something Kawasaki is getting very right these days, regardless of how the spring rates work or not with a given rider. I've compared the ergonomic numbers on cycle-ergo between the Ninja 650 and Z900 and the Ninja is actually a tick more comfortable for a 6-2" guy like me. Seems strange but it's true.
Who would buy one of these?Me! Ordered a tourer version.The same bike ,but with soft panniers ,and a taller screen.I got fed up with big heavy bikes,and these 650s are so light.So easy to push around my back yard,and fast enough for the B roads that I prefure.
Nice
Jacob Abraham you won't be disappointed!
I'm picking up a z650 tomorrow 😃
Tools of freedom how is it? Thinking of getting one
Eduardo Pelaez Alvarado it's great. I love it
ha i live in Goring, nice to see a biker round the corner from me :P
How does it feel like on the motorway? Is that windscreen any good, or does it induce turbolence? I am interested in this bike, but am unable to test it...
as someone that's looking to buy a great beginner bike, would you recommend this one?
1000%, i can't think of a better beginner bike! This is absolutely perfect for you to learn on and as your skill increases it won't become boring as a 300cc bike would.
Maybe an mt-07 would be pretty good, too.
or the CBR650F or CB650F
Nice review but a few questions.
What is the bike like for vibrations at low revs and at cruising speeds?
Secondly how did you find the riding position? Is it reasonably upright without too much stain on the arms and shoulders?
Thanks
Riding position is VERY upright, don't let the stickers fool you, this is no sports bike. It is very comfortable. There is no vibrations to speak of but a slight 'snatch' in 1st gear, a little jolt now and again, after that nothing. Smooth as silk. I recommend the bike to anyone looking for a general 'do it all' bike.
Per a ride I took yesterday, it does vibrate as a 180° parallel twin will do, but it's not bad. Certainly much less than the last-gen version which I've also ridden. I don't think the buzz will induce nerve tingles over time. I think each bike will be slightly different because vibration can be due to small manufacturing differences (at the fraction of an inch) of the engine parts, but more specifically the tuning on each identical model. I've ridden a couple examples of the 2012+ model and they didn't feel the same vibration-wise. I've also tuned an FZ1 I had with full exhaust, ecu flash, Powercommander fueling, and vibration almost went completely away.
I have an '18 Ninja 650 and the bar vibrations are horrible. Put my fingers to sleep and they tingle for an hour after I stop riding. I've never owned a bike this bad and not every owner seems to feel them. I fear I will have to sell it.
ladies bike? commuter??
this bike is luxury in India lol
can u post a video on exhaust sound pls
How much would this cost to run ?
Headsup - You need to sort your crackly overdriven sound. Unfortunately I couldn't watch your review because of the bad audio.
T.L B ?
0-100kmph timings please!!!
More like ninja 300.