2017 Kawasaki Z650 | Favorites & Fails
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- čas přidán 11. 02. 2018
- Kawasaki hasn't swum in the naked-650 pool for quite some time, at least here in the US. The last bike was the ER-6n in 2010! Well Kawi is back and building out it's Z family with the new Z650. Based on the totally redesigned Ninja 650, it's lighter, more stylish, and one of the bikes we've been putting a lot of time on lately.
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When you ride as many different motorcycles as we do, you have a good perspective on a given bike's strengths and weaknesses. And whether you're shopping for your next bike or just want to be in the know, it's helpful to get an experienced rider's opinion. So as a quick way to convey the highs and lows of the bikes we've been riding, we came up with this new video series. Favorites & Fails is exactly what the name suggests, a concise list of the good and bad for the bikes we're riding.
This isn't meant to be a comprehensive evaluation or road test, but rather a candid snapshot, delivered with the same sincerity and honesty we'd show to a friend that wanted our opinion on a given bike. Hopefully you find it helpful or at least informative. Don't agree with us, or have a motorcycle you want us to put through the F&F wringer? Feel free to chime in below in the comments section.
Full story here: www.cycleworld.com/2017-kawas...
This bike by the numbers:
Base Price: $7,399
Displacement: 649cc
Claimed Wet Weight: 410 lbs. (186 kg)
Fuel Capacity: 4.0 gal. (15 liters)
Seat Height: 30.9 in. (785 mm)
2017 Kawasaki Z650 Measured Horsepower: 57.6 @ 7900 rpm
2017 Kawasaki Z650 Measured Torque: 42.4 lb.-ft. @ 6650 rpm
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As a tall rider i can't appreciate enough that you describe the knee angle, thank you!
With a 30” inseam and a fair amount of nerve damage in my back the ergonomics of this bike make me very happy, love the color and everything but the exhaust note. I can get over that
I love this new series! Pros and Cons straight to the point. Keep it up!
Honesty is what people that watch reviews want. Thank you for being honest 👍
This series is fantastic, thanks Ari.
this short video really delivers precise and clear info, good work !
many other reviews are just a 10min+ riding with clumsy description from those too lazy for simple video editing.
Z650 with full two brothers exhaust sounds killer, seat heights perfect for me at 5'10 I do agree the engine does vibrate at about 80, but if your highways aren't 70+ you wont hit that often enough to matter, it's honestly not awful and does get less noticeable the faster you go haha! Z650 easily hits 120+ 0-60 in 3.5-4.0ish seconds it's a really nice bike that you wouldn't really have to upgrade again really happy with mine.
That low seat height is an absolute favorite for me. 600cc sportsbike for me is tippy toes. This thing I can nearly flat foot.
I agree, as a shorter rider myself I tried to sit on the Mt07 that was lowered 2.5cm and it felt a little too tall and bulky still. I will try this bike tomorrow at the dealer and see:)
Chicago Skater same for me. I’m not short but I’ve short legs and I sat one the Z650 the other day. I could flatfoot it and it felt very comfortable and manageable. It may have some minus points compared to the fz/mt but I felt completely at home on the z
Aaron this is gonna sound weird, but I’m looking into to getting one, and I was wondering how long are your legs? 😂 like what length do you wear in jeans?
@@skatelately Oh stop it you kinky boy...
thanks Ari for featuring this Bike, planning to have one 🙂
i freaking love these series
do they have an episode about this bike's rivals?
The only rival from the top of my head I think would be Suzuki SV 650. Don't believe they've covered that. It's still fairly new this series.
yamaha fz-07's a rival too right?
Yeah that too, pretty much every 650 700 naked street categories I think
the suzuki, this kawasaki at the yamaha are the only ones i know of.
oh. btw, do you know some rivals of the duke 390?
would love to hear about kawasaki z900rs. they nailed the retro look with modern features. beautiful bike
I love my 2017 Z650 with Yoshimura Alpha pipe, and rear fender light eliminator.
Looking forward to a Z900 F&F!! Great vid
I'm thinking about getting the new Ninja 400. I really appreciated you're track review on it, but a favorite and fail would be cool too!!
Just got the 2016 z800, dyno tuned with a two bros exhaust and it's awesome!
Great video bro keep it up
Love this channel
Burgman 650! Great job guys 👌
you should favourties and fails for both the sv650 and the mt07, so we can have an objective opinion on pros and cons, in order for us to take a decision.
they did a whole on two wheels ep on that.
We have an On Two Wheels episode that compares those two bikes. Check the library. I think that vid will have all the info you're looking for.
my bad! I already checked it out! Thank you guys
AND the CB650F
I demoed the Z650 back to back yesterday with the Ninja 650 and was blown away. Both bikes are supposed to have the very same motor, however....I definitely felt the buzziness everywhere on the Z650 but virtually none on the Ninja. In fact the Ninja felt like a totally different (and better) bike in every way. Specs everywhere are the same except for the fairing on the Ninja, but it sure didn't feel that way. I was getting ready to pull the trigger on the Z but now I'm really having second thoughts.
awesome video 👍👍👍
is funny how you call a 650 a little bike, here in chile and southAmerica in general that's a big bike, since we have bikes with 125cc engines (and are not grom's) i personally own a 150cc, and look at 600-650cc like a huge powerfull bike jaja
such a different culture jeje
The motorbike market is kinda biaised in Europa and America regarding the engine size. People consider 600cc as beginner bike and many rider can't imagine going for a
Guillermo Fuentes sure things that also happens in southeast asia
I think the road infrastructure is the key difference between South America and North America, as we have large and straight motorways and boulevards here because of the distance between cities. Since other road vehicles are quite quick, riding a 125cc becomes very tiresome to keep up with the fast and dense traffic, and also very difficult to ride for several hours at 100km/h+ (which we do very often on the motorways). Thats why most people quickly upgrade to a more capable bike aka more horsepower.
Guillermo Fuentes Actually, in Europe, Germany or Usa, people can afford bigger bikes, there is not so much price difference, compare to their earnings between 125 and >600...I owned a 125 in Austria, I was actually fast, but I can't keep with the traffic, because everybody has here BMW, Mercedes or such cars, you need definitely stronger motorcycle to avoid cars. Roads and traffic are good, not that dangerous for bigger bikes. Here 125 cc is 16 year old boy learners bike.
Same here in India. I own a 150cc too and my dream as of now is to buy duke390. With this 150 i think I ride it like a rocket. And people here are always talking about 600 900 all over the internet..making me feel so jealous :(
KTM 1290 SDR or TUONO V4 1100 RR, can't choose between these two yet.... Really appreciate this new playlist.
Enjoying the new series ! Maybe a Triumph Tiger 800 next ? :D
Favorites:
1. Style 0:34
2. Suspension/Brakes 0:56
3: Weight: 2:13
4: Class 2:27
Fails:
1. Engine 1:19
2: Seat Height 1:50
I request the BMW F800R. It's an oddball for sure, but I find it appealing!
Great series, keep it up.
I know you guys tested the 2017 Ninja 1000 last year but I'd love to see it in this favorites and fails.
Thanks
What about Yamaha R3/R25 in Indonesia?
I like these kinda videos
Nice info. Im subs to you guys.
Good work Ari, thank you as always. I was looking at the Versys version recently, the extra height being useful for the roads here but it only comes in that flat olive drab colour. Think I would get bored with that pretty quickly. Waiting for Yamaha to bring a bigger XT.
Yo I just bought this bike the beginning of February.. it’s nice it looks awesome and has great low yo to end pick up! I encourage anyone looking for a bike that’s new or just wants something with good mpg and fun when needed to check this bike out
It's actually pretty mean sounding with a bassy exhaust. It's definitely more dirt bike than race bike, tone wise. That Euro 4 exhaust alone is 16 pounds off the bike. I would have thought he would mention the amazing clutch. That clutch, the more stout looks, and the fit like a glove leg weld with the tank sold me with this over the FZ-07 last year. as a newer rider, I can say the slipper clutch has saved me pooping my pants far more than ABS would. The engine braking is intense on this bike. Stock tires are crap, but I ain't exactly dragging knees.
Love the format. SC48 next! =D
Aka CB900F Hornet, aka CB919.
Oh, the what now? Noo, not too old... it's timeless.
I’d love to see Triumph Speed Triple ‘favourite & fails’ I seriously considering buying one.
At 5'7 its excellent and the weight is great for being my starter bike.
I did my test on a z650 and I have to say its a really nice bike. I'm 5.11 it was a little short on the legs but still very nice overall.
Should do more about this series
Amazing motorcycle¡¡¡!!
I am seriously considering buying the revised 2018 Honda CB650F and curious for your opinion about it.
Guys stellar job...im from india ..nevr miss a video ...guyz give ur review of z900
Hey Ari, loving your videos' Can you do a full review of the new 2018 MT-10SP, can't seem to find a current review, Cheers
I'm still riding my 06 Kawasaki Z750s man..... gotta give her some love but yup..... inline 4 give a great note.... and yeah you can still get numb bum after a while
Damn.. hating on my bike hahaha it’s cool.. I love it man.. yes I do wish it had a better sound, but after riding it over 1300 miles, I just know it and it’s awesome to me! Unfortunately if I do want more power I would think to go power commander and full exhaust and maybe a sprocket or two. I would really like to see more videos on this bike if you get a chance.
Keep it up
- max
eminemfactor91 it’s a little chip you plug into your computer(ECU) and you can download tunes or have it tuned to make it have just a lil more hp. I want a power commander and a full exhaust. I could MAYBE make about 16 more horse power. Maybe
Hi Ari..2017 Duke 390 would be really nice to see..as its the most favourite A2 licence bike available
Great series, hope to see Yamaha mt07, honda nc 750x and honda cb 500x opinions. As in the coming years I plan to replace my Yamaha fzx 750 that is in its prime with 29 years in it :)
Love the reviews! How about the R1200GS Rallye?
Nice series!
Pls do the new mt07 or Z900rs video
Great review mate! Please do Honda rebel CMX500 ...
Great content.
SV 650 please, serious thinking in one to replace my small learner motorcycle.
You should do a FavVFail for the Aprilia Tuono :) I just like seeing that bike get more screen time
I know most of your motorcycles are for professional class like 600cc above. But like me there are many beginner riders who'd like to see reviews of small engine bikes like the BMW 310R/GS, CBR 250R, Kawasaki 250-400, Yamaha, basically any motorcycle below 400cc.
A 650 can be a fantastic 'beginner' bike. Look at the Versys, the Z, the Vulcan.... there are a ton of 650 cc bikes that I think are better to learn on than a 300. It is not just about engine 'size", there are equally important factors as power band and use/distribution of that power. These Kawasaki 650 (excluding the ninja) are almost so well tamed that mistakes with the throttle are impossible.
I’d love to see you Fav & Fail of the new Multistrada 950
Really want to see a shoot out between a z650, sv650, mt07 and cb650!!
Please do a segment on the duke 390!!! Would love your guys insight on the bike.
Ari it’s the MT-07 now you know that! Anyway the Z650 I have ridden and its suspension is better than the Yamaha. Engine is a preference thing to me and I do love the Yamaha CP2 engine, but the Kawi twin is still very good and the vibes aren’t that bad especially compared to older versions of this engine. The induction howl is far better than the MT-07 which you hear far more than the exhaust on either bike, and I also prefer the 160 rear tire. The power differences hardly noticeable for me. The SV650 is slimmer, has a great engine, but is noticeably heavier.
I saw the bike in person over the weekend; I agree, for the 650 range it's definitely one of the better looking nakeds.
In a completly unrelated thought to this good looking machine....video suggestion for track days and spinning the rear and how to control it? Would love to see your techniques for this racing tactic
Hey Ari great video as always. Long time no update on ur RC390 and R3 race bike
Nice color
Love that colour. Sweet looking bike overall. I just wish they’d put usd forks on all bikes.
Ari Henning.... Nice quick review but i have a quick question for you. I own a vulcan S 650 with the same exact engine. I do agree that there is alot of vibration starting at 3500 rpm all the way to 6000 rpm. The question is if it is bad for the engine in the long run? Am i to expect some failure while running the bike 25000 miles from now?
For an aftermarket stock it needs to change the full exhaust? Or can only the slip be installes?
Great video! Been looking at the Mt07 but its just a little too tall and bulky for me, even when lowered 2.5cm! ( short rider ) I think the Z650 will be a good bike for me, I will restrict it to A2 ( max 48bhp ) so the lower power output out of the factory does not bother me.
Thanks for the video...request for ninja 400.thanks.more power.
How about a review of the VanVan? It looks like a lot of fun!
What 300cc class bike/racing class would you recommend for trying to get into competitive racing?
Did you already have done the Yamaha MT09 Tracer?
If no, please make a video. Greetings from the Netherlands.
CB/CBR650F. Same category (650cc) but 4 cylinders!
Make a video on the differences, pros and cons of hydraulic clutch vs wire clutch. Suggest is it worth upgrading my conventional wire clutch with an aftermarket hydraulic clutch.
'18 GSX-S750. I love this series and I would like to hear you opinion on that one
Hi, I have been following your videos of late and quite like your work. I ride an ER6N back home in India and was wondering if you can do a comparitive video between the ER6N and the Z650 ????
All fair points. Why is it that suspension calibration tends to be such a problem with most bikes? Bikes like this prove it can be done
@ARI HENNING could you please explain about counter-rotating crankshaft seen in the latest ducati v4 & honda nsr
Hello!
Love you channel! Can you do a review on the 2010 KTM 690 SMC please?
0:25 - 58 HP is wrong! The right value is 68 HP
It was 58hp at the rear wheel when Cycle World (affiliate of Motorcyclist) dyno'd it: www.cycleworld.com/2018-kawasaki-z650-dyno-video-review/
MT-09 thanks !!
There is a buzz in a relatively small RPM range. I have not noted the exact range RPM-wise but mine is buzzy from 68-74 mph in sixth gear. Any other speed in sixth is very smooth.
There doesn’t seem to be much coverage on the Z900 bought one on launch and seems a great bike so far:)!
Good Video but the exhaust is crap yes. I bought an Ixil hyperlow XL and now it sounds great;)
Please do Honda 2018 cb650f
what do you mean regarding the engine nice tip how i determine the good design of the engine plan to buy beginers bike like 400cc
I'd like to hear your opinion on the 2018 BMW G310R or G310GS.
We'll have one in a couple of weeks. Once we put some time in on it, we'll get it filmed for F&F.
Awesome! I bought a G310R as a little commuter bike. I've had it for about 3 months now and put about 3200 miles on it so far so I've pretty much found all my "favorites and fails" but I'll be interested to see what you guys think of it.
Ari Henning Looking forward to seeing your upload for the BMW 310!
kawasaki z750, i know its an old model but im thinking about getting one due to its balance between power and comfort
Over the years in Europe they are getting less and less affordable. For example, euro 4 bikes of this class used to cost 6500-7000eur after taxes and now they are close to 8000eur. This happened to sv650, mt07 and z650 which is a shame because we are paying more and not getting more at all!
I don't really want an opinion on it but I've noticed a distinct lack of Triumph mentions when talking about the naked class.
What's up with that?
Would love to hear from you about Yamaha R3, we know you are working on one as project bike
I would like to hear your opinion on the husqvarna svartpilen 401
So you say the Z650 engine is buzzy. Isn't that pretty much the same engine that is used in the Versys 650, which everyone seems to love. I'm thinking about getting the Versys. Does that have the same vibration issue at higher RPMs ?
Beautiful bike, but would prefer the MT/FZ-07 over this just for the sound if I was looking for a bike like this.
Im planning to buy a motorcycle and i am chooipsihg between z650 and mt 07, i will use it almost everyday for city rides and highways. And also has consumption is also a bog thing to me
What will be better for be?
Great job, I really enjoy these videos. Honda CB500X would be nice!
A Yamaha R3 favorite & fails would be appreciated. Thanks
sv650a favorites and fails!
Whats the best exhaust for this and would you need a power commander
Which one in the same category and pricerange do you recommend?
How about the new MV Agusta Rivale 2018. I have been looking for a review but yet to find one.
I do like everything on my z650
I would love to know you opinion on 3 bikes actually.
1. Kawasaki Ninja 650
2. Kawasaki Z900
3. Honda CBR650f
Thanks.
Ok my wife is due to move up from her ninja 250 ( first bike ) to a 600....probobaly also a ninja...problem is she's on the vertically challenged side...shes a little short so I'm thinking I may have to lower the bike a little bit for her to control that much more wait (that she's not use to) especially during emergency stops ect. My question is what are the negative side effects of lowering a sport bike....thanks...ps love mc garage very informative keep up the good work!
Thanks for the video, please give me your opinion on Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX