I love her because she is a "don't mind me, just have fun" retro-machine, like the Z900RS is the "don't mind me, just have some more fun" thing. The RS are modern bikes in oldschool look, modern suspension, modern very usable (urban, suburban, country roads, even highway, maybe not racetrack^^) engine, they're relaxing comfortable but aint loud as hell, and you really don't have to think about anything else but driving (they now have Traction control and of course ABS, but there is no cornering ABS, no IMU, no suspension electronics, no App, no connectivity etc.).
I really liked this bike. I'm glad I ended up with my 2023 SV650 though. Something about the trellis frame gets me. Coming from riding inline 4s it's nice having something slower to commute on
It’s a decent bike, it was priced around 800 bucks more than the 23 Z 650 which I went with. Kawasaki just added led turns and traction control in 2024. I think it’s a looker and you get Kawasaki reliability.
For me personally, relative to looks between the reg.z and this rs, id honestly pay 2800$ more for the rs, the regular z is definitely a young person looking bike, at 45 id definitely stick with rs
Great video, Ray! For you, being in Texas with such hot weather as it is in Italy, what's your feedback about the heat coming from the engine? And any vibrations on the pegs or handelbar? Grazie and cheers from Rome 😉
Thanks for being so kind! I didn't notice any Excessive heat really, maybe a little vibration but nothing to worry about. Thanks for Watching and Commenting my friend 🙏🏻. Please Stay in Touch and have a great Week!!
Hi Ray, I could not get in just a paragraph on how awesome you and your videos you do here are. I called the dealership and spoke with the management the gentleman’s name was Mike and I told him how good you are and how much I appreciate your videos. I hope that I can buy this motorcycle soon and meet you in person to let you know how awesome you are. Thank you.. The dedication the sincerity and the content, especially for a new bike owner like me hopefully soon,, this is important. You’re easy to understand! You come across as a kind person just trying to help out people to make an educated decision.
When you get ready let me know I'll meet you up there and do what ever I can to help you, Thanks for the kind words my friend- that's so Nice of you!! Thanks and stay in Touch!!!
I actually live in Lakeland, Florida. If I get time I would love to meet you. Maybe I can get the dealership here to swap for a bike there, but Mike was really good to me today.I just like the way you all do Business!
I have a question, would it be possible to see you review the z900rs 2024 bike 🙏please? I absolutely love the z650rs, but will I want the bigger horse power in less then 6 months time? There’s a lot to consider when spending 10,000 vs 12,000 and the amount of utility a bike needs to satisfy all driving conditions. Highway touring and just all around best value. Would like to hear your experience on the two bikes.
awesome bike and congratulations bro. I ride my 2024 Kawasaki Eliminator and love it . question to you bro, what is the size of the tank and what is the mpg ? thank you
Very nicely done review. I have my eye on a used green one, with the matching green rims. Less than 1k miles. Priced less than 7k. My beginner bikes were a 250cc Honda Nighthawk and a Royal Enfield Hunter 350. In my opinion these are truely beginner bikes and can be had for less than $3k used. After destination, setup, admin fees the new z650rs will be over $10k even with a $500 incentive. Not a beginner price. A bike closer to 300 lbs is a better beginner bike than one over 400 lbs. After 4years of riding and almost 20k miles of experience I am only now considering a 650cc bike. A true beginner may not want an new, expensive, powerful bike, your insurance will be very expensive, compared to a 2008 Honda Nighthawk 250cc. Just thoughts to consider. Just my experience and opinion.
I like the look of this machine as a light-middleweight modern classic. It has numerous great reviews on the engine and its handling... it probably won't affect sales figures of the Kawasaki, but the Bonneville Street Twin/Speed 900 and T100 are considerably and notably smarter investment options for various reasons. Slightly higher purchase price than the Kawasaki, but the Bonnevilles average an extra 10mpg, and they will have a higher resale value in years to come.
Unless you don’t actually like big tanks between your knees. I just rode 191-miles on a single tank today going Texas-fast. I’d want to take a break anyway so it’s a non-issue for me.
@@RayBowdenRides i have had mine for about 6 months. I like the bike ,so easy to ride. I must agree though that the engine is pretty slow for a 650. I am in top at 45mph and then to get her to 70mph it feels like you are thrashing the engine. Not sure about the gearing . It will be a keeper for me [68] because it is light and very easy to handle. If I had the money It would be something slower revving. Street or speed twin.
I love her because she is a "don't mind me, just have fun" retro-machine, like the Z900RS is the "don't mind me, just have some more fun" thing. The RS are modern bikes in oldschool look, modern suspension, modern very usable (urban, suburban, country roads, even highway, maybe not racetrack^^) engine, they're relaxing comfortable but aint loud as hell, and you really don't have to think about anything else but driving (they now have Traction control and of course ABS, but there is no cornering ABS, no IMU, no suspension electronics, no App, no connectivity etc.).
They are just simple Great and Reliable Machines!!!
Great video, I bet that would make a great commuter bike. That retro styling is just so cool, I like it more than some of the modern styling.
Yep Shawn I feel ya, I think exactly that! Have a AWESOME weekend my friend! Stay out of Trouble!! Thanks for Commenting 🙏🏻
Gorgeous. I like this colorway too.
Thanks for the demo.
Your Very Welcome Zapata🙏🏻, Have a AWESOME weekend my friend!!
I really liked this bike. I'm glad I ended up with my 2023 SV650 though. Something about the trellis frame gets me. Coming from riding inline 4s it's nice having something slower to commute on
Slower is fun too huh, My thoughts exactly! That Sv you have is So much fun. Have a AWESOME weekend Zachary! Let's talk again soon.
My Pops wanted one of those Thunderbirds too! RIP Pop.
Man I miss my pop!! Thanks and have a AWESOME weekend my friend!!
It’s a decent bike, it was priced around 800 bucks more than the 23 Z 650 which I went with. Kawasaki just added led turns and traction control in 2024. I think it’s a looker and you get Kawasaki reliability.
Yes for sure, Enjoy your Motorcycle my friend, and have a great rest of your weekend!!
For me personally, relative to looks between the reg.z and this rs, id honestly pay 2800$ more for the rs, the regular z is definitely a young person looking bike, at 45 id definitely stick with rs
Congratulations to your views Ray 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🍾👍🙂☺️
@derekgaliee4351 Thanks Derek it's because of awesome people like yourself!! 🙏🏻
@@RayBowdenRides 👍🙂Thank you
Even the little one looks great! Loving these retro bikes!!
There pretty cool huh? Hey Mike thanks for Watching and Commenting my friend 🙏🏻.
@@RayBowdenRides The best looking of all the retros imho , tho I'ld go for the yamaha xsr .
@leeinwis thank for Commenting my friend 🙏🏻.
Great video cheers. I just bought a Green one. Derbyshire UK. 👍🏻
Well Congratulations William! Stay in Touch my friend.
Fantastic work mate😊
According to Kawasski Australia 🇦🇺 we only get it in the red colour (lime green would be great),
A great lookong retro 👌
LIME GREEN would be totally AWESOME 👌. Have a great day!!
I like it.Don't need the power of the Z900RS.This has more than enough juice for me.
It's a AWESOME bike- I love the 650's! Thanks for Commenting and Watching my friend 🙏🏻. Have a great weekend!!
@@RayBowdenRides
Thank you for posting!👍
My pleasure- thanks for being apart of the Channel!
Thank you Ray! This bike is always overlooked. Such a fun solid motor.
It was a Blast to Ride!! They are overlooked, Thanks for Commenting!!
As usual, great review. Nice bike
Thanks buddy!! Great talking to you again. Hope you have a good Sunday Fabiano!! Be safe buddy!!
Great video, Ray! For you, being in Texas with such hot weather as it is in Italy, what's your feedback about the heat coming from the engine?
And any vibrations on the pegs or handelbar? Grazie and cheers from Rome 😉
Thanks for being so kind! I didn't notice any Excessive heat really, maybe a little vibration but nothing to worry about. Thanks for Watching and Commenting my friend 🙏🏻. Please Stay in Touch and have a great Week!!
@@RayBowdenRides thanks a lot 😀
Great video man! I just bought one as my first bike in Manchester UK. Got my test on Thursday, can't wait! 😁
Awesome, Good luck on the test! You'll be fine. Have a AWESOME week and let me know how you do!!!
Hi Ray, I could not get in just a paragraph on how awesome you and your videos you do here are. I called the dealership and spoke with the management the gentleman’s name was Mike and I told him how good you are and how much I appreciate your videos. I hope that I can buy this motorcycle soon and meet you in person to let you know how awesome you are. Thank you.. The dedication the sincerity and the content, especially for a new bike owner like me hopefully soon,, this is important. You’re easy to understand! You come across as a kind person just trying to help out people to make an educated decision.
When you get ready let me know I'll meet you up there and do what ever I can to help you, Thanks for the kind words my friend- that's so Nice of you!! Thanks and stay in Touch!!!
I actually live in Lakeland, Florida. If I get time I would love to meet you. Maybe I can get the dealership here to swap for a bike there, but Mike was really good to me today.I just like the way you all do Business!
My Daughter just moved there, to Panama city ,so I'll be there by Christmas for sure- Let's stay in Touch!! Thanks again for the kind words 🙌. Ttys!!!
I have a question, would it be possible to see you review the z900rs 2024 bike 🙏please? I absolutely love the z650rs, but will I want the bigger horse power in less then 6 months time? There’s a lot to consider when spending 10,000 vs 12,000 and the amount of utility a bike needs to satisfy all driving conditions. Highway touring and just all around best value. Would like to hear your experience on the two bikes.
@StyleknightKoi I've just rode that one recently- go to product reviews and 1st Rides list - it's in there👍
This is one of best looking bikes on market, might be umo the best aside from the z900rs, just amazing machines
It is a Super fun predictable bike, Joseph thanks for Commenting and participating in the channel my friend 🙏🏻. Have a AWESOME week!
awesome bike and congratulations bro. I ride my 2024 Kawasaki Eliminator and love it . question to you bro, what is the size of the tank and what is the mpg ? thank you
3.3 Gallons and 65.0Mpg, Thanks for Watching and Commenting my friend 🙏🏻. Please Stay in Touch!
Friendly for beginner as in zero previous experience with motorcycles?
Yes , just check the seat height for you! Thanks for Watching and Commenting 🙏🏻, Have a Great Sunday!!
Very nicely done review. I have my eye on a used green one, with the matching green rims. Less than 1k miles. Priced less than 7k. My beginner bikes were a 250cc Honda Nighthawk and a Royal Enfield Hunter 350. In my opinion these are truely beginner bikes and can be had for less than $3k used. After destination, setup, admin fees the new z650rs will be over $10k even with a $500 incentive. Not a beginner price. A bike closer to 300 lbs is a better beginner bike than one over 400 lbs. After 4years of riding and almost 20k miles of experience I am only now considering a 650cc bike. A true beginner may not want an new, expensive, powerful bike, your insurance will be very expensive, compared to a 2008 Honda Nighthawk 250cc. Just thoughts to consider. Just my experience and opinion.
No your Very right about all that!! Thanks for the Comment and please don't be a Stranger!!🙏🏻
I still think they should have made the engine in-line 4 like the original.
Maybe so , Thanks for Watching and Commenting 🙏🏻. Have a AWESOME day!!
Inline 4 in the 900 is cool but 650 will carry you at 80mph and itll cost less to but itll have less moving components better mpg
@TheAnnoyingBoss thanks for Watching and Commenting 🙏🏻, Have a AWESOME rest of your week!!
I like the look of this machine as a light-middleweight modern classic. It has numerous great reviews on the engine and its handling... it probably won't affect sales figures of the Kawasaki, but the Bonneville Street Twin/Speed 900 and T100 are considerably and notably smarter investment options for various reasons. Slightly higher purchase price than the Kawasaki, but the Bonnevilles average an extra 10mpg, and they will have a higher resale value in years to come.
Thanks for Watching and Commenting Wolfpack! Stay in Touch my friend!!
@@RayBowdenRides, you're welcome. If I think I have something worth mentioning, I'll comment
@wolfpackpete6408 Thank you🙏🏻.
We sure it is for beginners? I really want to start riding with this bike.
Is it your very 1st Motorcycle??
@@RayBowdenRides It will be , if i buy :)
@CumhuriyeTR you really then need to start on a 500- if you have no dirt bike or 4 wheeler experience at all .
It looks like the old 650 night hawk from back in day. But that was a Honda
Kinda , Thanks for Watching and Commenting my friend 🙏🏻.
@@RayBowdenRides it doesn't 🤭.
The wife and I miss your old intros where we could hear your excitement while riding lol
I'm still excited my friend, Thanks for Commenting and have a good rest of your sunday!
Ray !!! Nice video man, but wait... WHAT KIND OF GLOVES ARE THOSE ?! Honest question.
Troy Lee designs , I don't think they make them any more. Thanks for the kind words sir, Thanks for Watching and Commenting 🙏🏻.
9000 is too much damn money for a 650 . I love the bike reminded me of my kz 650 1978 model it had 68 HP. As well
Hey thanks For Watching and Commenting 🙏🏻- Have a AWESOME weekend!!!
If a 650 is a beginner bike then what's a 400 cc bike?
Great Beginner Bike also!! Thanks for Commenting 🙏🏻.
Great looking bike, but some cafe racer handlebars would fit more on this bike
That would look 👍 good, thanks for Watching and Commenting my friend 🙏🏻. Stay in Touch!!
Gas tank is too small
Ok - Thanks for Watching and Commenting my friend 🙏🏻. Have a AWESOME weekend!!
Unless you don’t actually like big tanks between your knees.
I just rode 191-miles on a single tank today going Texas-fast. I’d want to take a break anyway so it’s a non-issue for me.
@richardpetty9159 Thanks for Watching and Commenting my friend 🙏🏻. Stay in Touch!!
It’s late get your ass to bed lol
I know Right! Thanks for Commenting and being apart of the Channel UndeadDyna🙏🏻
Those slipper clutches are garbage
Thanks for Commenting and being apart of the Channel 🙏🏻.
Best lookin of the retros imho , i'ld take the XSR over it tho unless got a used kaw. at a good price.
Thanks for Watching and being apart of the Channel!!
Dull as dishwater engine in a nice bodysuit
I totally disagree- Thanks for Commenting though 🙏🏻
@@RayBowdenRides i have had mine for about 6 months. I like the bike ,so easy to ride. I must agree though that the engine is pretty slow for a 650. I am in top at 45mph and then to get her to 70mph it feels like you are thrashing the engine. Not sure about the gearing . It will be a keeper for me [68] because it is light and very easy to handle. If I had the money It would be something slower revving. Street or speed twin.
@nickboreham6663 thanks for Watching and Commenting 🙏🏻-Have a Great weekend.
Kawasaki = Mind tingling vibration
You must be thinking of those Indian bikes .
Thanks for Commenting 🙏🏻. Have a great rest of your weekend!