Kawasaki Z650RS Review | A Fast Middleweight Modern Retro Motorcycle
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- čas přidán 26. 02. 2024
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Today I ride the Kawasaki Z650RS, and tell you exactly what this bike is like to ride. how does it compare to the XSR700? What's the performance like? How is the handling?
I wouldn't really class this bike as a modern classic, or a retro. It rides like a naked bike but with slight retro styling so hence why I'm calling it a retro naked.
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why I bought my Z650rs:
relatively flatter seat for the pillion
super light weight for city commute
sufficent power for highway riding (topspeed: 190kmph+ ) can easily cruise at 140kmph compared to the speed limit of 90 to 110kmph
a reliable japanese engine
cheap maintenance costs where I live compared to other brands (Vancouver)
I converted mine into a long distance motrocycle with a tall puig windshield/ extender and got a kappa 48L topbox, and I'm set for a longtime. 😁😁
I enjoyed your review. I bought a Z650RS after test riding both it and the Z900RS. The 900 is great, but I wanted the bike for commuting to work which involves filtering between cars and parking up on the curb. In the end, the 650 being 30kgs lighter than the 900 swayed my decision.
I grew up bike wise in the late 1960s and early 1970s which was very exciting. There was some down decades but today's bike's are bringing back excitement again. A lot of good choices with excellent performance and handling for the dollar.
Just bought one in the new 2024 red colour and it looks amazing!
The 650 (for me) is a great beginner bike and this is a pretty stylish bike for an affordable price. I think the 900RS is a real beauty and can't wait for you video on that. Great video as always. Thanks for sharing!
Honestly, even that bike is too fast for my tastes. I ride slow and take it all in nowadays. I had my fun on fast bikes and got the scars and metal plates to prove it. I still go to the odd track day. Nice controlled conditions. No worries about sand, gravel or oil slicks.
Same, here but for different reasons, I migrated from cars to bikes at 48.
No rush getting anywhere.
That's why I lowered my sights from the 650RS to the CBR500, performance-wise at least, no matter what everyone say about weight etc.
On track power is sweet, on the street it's the Devil.
So, a brand new parallel twin six-fifty, with twice the power of the original Triumph Bonnie . .
We do live in wondrous times : )
Great review, glad you got the z650rs to try out.
Another great middleweight. It has all the power that I could use! A good review 👍👍.
Fantastic vid and fantastic to see this bike on here! I have had one since launch, keep thinking I may swap it for something else but nothing can compare in terms of performance and value. I am planning on getting a custom exhaust made after easter. It's a keeper!
I love mine. Great handling, comfortable and more than enough power for my needs. Great review 👍
How does it feel on long distance rides?
@@tylerdarling_ Being perfectly honest, it's surprisingly comfortable. For a few months I rode a BSA Gold Star 650 and in comparison, the Z has you in a far more streamlined position, reducing wind blast significantly. The Z is, of course, a naked bike so I recently added a Givi A660 universal windscreen, which does add comfort when travelling distances at speed but that's a personal choice. As Darcy said, "It's blimmin quick," and I found it even more stable (on motorways) and not lacking with a pillion. If it helps, , I'm 5ft 8in, with a 29in inseam, 11.5 stone and the bike has all the power I'll ever need (and I've owned far bigger bikes).
@@MrDorsetD I appreciate it!
I've got that bike in that colour and I love it. Throw over some soft heritage bags and it can get away for a weekend or more with ease. I see it as a brilliant all-rounder and another worthy member of Kwaks smashing middleweight range. I'm a bit biased though as I had a Ninja 650 before it and that was a top bike too. Cheers Mr Darcy!
I'm an old Harley guy now advancing on into my 60s. Owned a 1977 KZ1000 when I was a young lad. It was a beast! This bike no doubt is faster and I like the look of it as well.
You will like the Z900RS even better, mate 👍
You've got to laugh, don't you. The middle weight "daily rider" bikes of today are faster than super bikes were even up until the early 80's.
@@davidbrayshaw3529 nownow, with a '84/GPZ 900R these modern middle weighters wouldn't keep up, though...
@@kwakithailand No, definitely not. Maybe the 600, but that's just a maybe. When those liquid cooled fours came along, it was a whole new ball game. GPz's, CBR's
and even the oil cooled GSX-R's upped the anti, for sure.
@@davidbrayshaw3529 we could try to be realistic here. I rode my Z900 as well as my GPZ 900R for almost 90-100 kms until I expatriated in '94.
nowadays a Z900RS, with short stints on a 650 Versys in between.
The Versys would keep easily up (if not leaving it behind) with the Z900, but never with the GPZ Z900RS (except tight bends).
Yup. That's it! That's what I was looking for! That's the freakin missing link! Neither fully retro (with all the troubles that means) nor fully modern-looking (with all the tech/tablet-screens etc)!
2022 rode the Kawasaki demo ride I was between the RS and the Z 650, the 2023 Z won out but I would be happy on either bike. The RS is a decent bike that probably gets overlooked.
Thanks for the review and what a lovely village 👍🏼
Glad you enjoyed it
Ive always wanted to see you guys do a video on a kawasaki modern retro theyre very beautiful bikes. Im hoping to get my 900rs next summer, good to see the 650rs seems to be a great ride aswell!
Thank you! 900rs review coming Saturday!
Good video, thanks.
The Kawasaki is beautiful, best looking retro around by miles in my opinion.
The bird poo on the pillion seat looks stock. 🤣🤣🤣
The 650 Versys mechanically very similar is a brilliant bike for all real world situations.
Hello from Las Vegas friend. I think I'm picking up the speed 400 this year. I heard from the dealership that the service cost and intervals are pretty good versus the rivals. It would be cool to hear your take on those details if you happen to know them. I always listen to that detail in these videos and I factor that into the cost.
It seems like a cool, fun, daily all-rounder.
My one qualm with this bike - no centre stand option! Seems to have suffered from low demand leading to price deflation which is a shame for owners but great for potential buyers. Love the styling though and the engine is pretty straightforward. It's sort of like a modern take on the 90s Honda CB500 in a way.
I ride a 2023 Honda NC 750 X with DCT cause the conditions of the roads where I live in Brazil are not so different from UK. I'm thinking about swapping my Honda for the 2024 Z650 RS, the bike's looking great in red. Cheers.
Great review buddy 👍 👏
Thanks 😊
The only reason I got the XSR 700 over this is because of price, since it's been around for far longer you can get it for a lot cheaper on the used market. I hear a lot of people rag on Kawasaki's twin because of it's 180 degree crank, but I think it sounds better than the XSR does stock. If you're buying new, I'd pick the Kawasaki, especially since it's a bit cheaper too.
I used this bike as my Direct Access bike, so it was my first taste of how fast a bike can be. Extremely friendly at lower speeds, but when you open that thing up it's like a different bike all together ! I bought the XSR900 in the end, which is in a different class, but the 650rs is a great bike
Great to hear!
I just added this very bike to my potential list on autotrader! Horninghold is incredibly beautiful.
Update: Bought it 😊
i love my z650rs!
Got the 50th anniversary version of the z650rs. 🏍️ Love the bike.
I think I would prefer the lower reving RE 650 Continertal in my old age. It's heart rate is more similar to mine than the Kawasaki's fast revving engine.
It is for shorter riders who are into retro looks but, sporty modern performance and ergo. With my 5'10" hight and 31" inseam, I felt cramped up and stretched out in the same time. It was uncomfortable but, somewhat fun. It is niche bike for quite limited usage. That same engine felt fantastic in '23 Versys 650 which is one of my favorite bikes, out of more than 60 that I tried in the last seven years.
Yeah I would agree the ergos are a little cramped at 6'2, I would rather have had the pegs a bit further forward like the ol' W800 or a Bonneville. If they just slapped this engine and front fork/brakes in the W800 chassis I'd be all over it tbh.
Same, similar to you...I had a lot of elbow pains on this bike when I rode it
It's been 40C here in Melbourne Australia on the freeway, opposite to you guys. I ride a Pan Am, commuting 25km in and then out each day, I've had to de-turn the Pan Am to 80hp (instead of the normal 150hp) and set the engine braking to minimal (1/5 setting) to get it to not over heat, lol.
Blimey that’s so hot! It’s been about 2-5 degrees here the last couple of days
I echo the comment about the front mudguard, way too short. My bike was covered in muddy spots after my first ride in the wet. Also the new 2024 models have traction control (KTRC) which may mitigate some of the heightened risks if caught by surprise in poor road conditions. Of course sensible riding appropriate to the conditions is always the best policy. The bike has some grunt and there is plenty of scope to get into trouble if you don't respect it. After 2 weeks of riding I decided to book myself onto a 'Back To Biking' course just to get my training up to date and talk to instructors experienced with bikes of this size/power.
These are my favorite type of bikes,midweight classics.
I wouldn't know what to do with with a H2 or 1000 RR even if someone gave those for free.
I've never ridden a Z650 because i've always preferred bigger cc bikes, come to think of it i've only owned one small bike which was the R6 many moons ago, but the Z900 RS that is a brilliant motorcycle. Not only is it stunning as heck it’s one of the most fun bikes out there as well… in my humble opinion
Dear Darcy, I’ve test-ridden the Z900RS and I found it… Scary, when you open the throttle and it starts pulling. But probably it’s just me that I don’t get on with the in-line four engines. For comparison, I found incredibly easy and exciting the XSR900 and the way it delivers the power, much more linear. To give you an idea of the biker I am, I own a Moto Guzzi V85 TT Travel, that it’s an awesome machine.
Every litter bike is potentially scary why you as a rider control the input.Personally I am lusting over Z900RS love power when I need it
Love to se a review on the w 800 kawasski brill looking bike
Ride that Slow bike Fast is the way to go 💯 This is precisely why I went with the XSR900 😂
Thank you Darcy for bringing the Kawasaki Z650RS to us all and what a fantastic review you've done, keep up the good work.
I took a 650rs for a test ride last year, absolutely loved it, a responsive little twin with handling greater than the sum of its parts I thought 👍, I very nearly bought it 😱 (but ended up buying a gen1 Fireblade instead, go figure! 🤔)
IMO they look awful in the paint scheme you have there , in fact dealerships are discounting that model left right and centre to shift it, but quite a pretty bike in the retro metallic green and gold wheels I thought.
I then took the 900rs out expecting to be even more impressed, but I was disappointed, the low down torque they’d been shouting about just wasn’t there and I was getting no feedback from the front wheel, didn’t like it at all (apart from its looks).
PS one thing I was disappointed with the on with the 650 was it’s exhaust note on tick over, sounds like a 125 scooter 😂, sounds nice with some revs on though.
You're lucky in Australia we only get the learner approved version with 51 hp
Lovely setting. I prefer the XSR700 and Trident 660 in this class. Characterless engine on the Kawasaki. Nick
This bike has imho, the most beautiful proportions from all bikes on the market nowadays. I love the design, yet there are some improvement points.. 1. The finish could be of a bit higher quality (e.g. the bolts on the steering bar) 2. the engine could be a bit more retro-looking. Apart from that, stunning!
Have a look at the Z900RS then 😊
I came near to buying a Z650RS, but that exhaust system was too ugly. I even searched alterative pipes. But I agree it's one heck of a nice, spirited bike. Thanks for your review, Mr. Darcy, big fan of your channel.
Many thanks 😊
Holding out for Honda GB750 also P twin but looks stunning. Maybe 2025?
Thanks!
Thank you, very much appreciated 😊
That bike kind of annoyed me when it first came out it was a retro bike of the old , in Canada, they were the KZ650, everwhere else it was the z650, anyway the KZ650 was an inline 4 so this was fare from that, however looking at it in a way kind of reminded me a bit of the Trident 660 and I love that little bike, Can I ask, what one do you like better the Trident 660 or the Z650, might be a good vid between you and the Ol Boy do a comparison of the 2 bikes side by side. get vid cheers
Always get the " It Should have been a four Cylinder" Remarks on any U Tube Channel that The RS 650 is on
That would have Priced it out of
The Middle weight Sector
It Actually sounds Good when you Ride one, as there is a Nice Growl From the
Air Box that only the Rider Hears
It was a toss up for me between this and the trident, I went with the trident as it felt better riding it in my opinion, but I much prefer the look of the rs. great review
Dear Darcy the looks of the Kawasaki Rs 650 are not Trendy.I liked your review
I LOVE MINE TOO❤
I just purchased one of these. It was next to a Z900rs. I'm 5'7. The 900 felt too tall and too wide for me to feel comfortable. The 650 is plenty enough bike for me as far as power.
Nice thorough review, but I was distracted by the white mark on the seat. Bird?
Yes bird 💩
For once I agree, this bike really does need a new exhaust, not for more noise, but it certainly is ugly! But apart from that a nice bike, and yes, a middleweight motorcycle is really all you need.
Keep doing your little kawasakis. I'll be waiting for the new bmw. Old man knows...
Great looking bike but prefer the green colour is it true not able to install a center stand on this and the 900 version would be a deal breaker for me anybody know ?
I have center stand on my 900RS.
Just listened to your Z900 review, that 4 cylinder still sounds loads better than a twin.
Yes I must admit once I got on the z900 I could see why everyone moans about the parallel twin on this one
I do enjoy the sounds of the intake on my 2024 Ninja 650. It was a pleasant surprise, and it doesn't upset folks within earshot.
My apologies, but I am disappointed it's a twin. I recall riding the original Z650 once or twice in the 80s which was a fine middleweight sports and touring bike and complemented the other bikes in the Kawasaki in line four range very nicely.
İs this a good bike for beginners? I love your channel especially videos with old guy. İf you answer my question o would be very happy. Thank you...
Thanks very much! Yes I think you’d be fine as a beginner. It’s reasonably quick though
It looks nice, numbers are good, but I couldn't listen to that engine for the length of this video...couldn't imagine owning one.
Any plans to review Kawasaki W800?
We have always wanted to. When one comes up we certainly will 👍🏼
I had a 1979 Z650c3 back in the late 70's and I liked the look of it very much but these new ones just look messy in their construction. certainly not pleasing to the eye in my opinion. If I had the money they want for one of these new I would go and buy an original Z650 instead. £7,600 for a new Z650RS I do not think so. Plus the bonus of no road tax and no m.o.t's if it is 40 years or older.
I like the bike very much but that colour isn't doing it any favours, the green or red give it much more presence. You don't like those grip puppies then, although plenty do.
When did you spot the bird _hit ?
This or the Trident 660, in your opinion? And why either one over the other (ergonomics, aestethics, performance)?
I think the trident probably rides nicer and feels better quality tbh. I don’t particularly like the looks of either, performance is similar but the trident feels a bit more punchy
I like the bird poo on the seat :)
My favourite part!
I rode the Z650 for 2 hours and I agree about the engine and the handling - well made combination.
Surprisingly I'm nearly able to flatfood - my high is 5,65. The bike looks high and the seat high is 820mm.
So I highly recommend the Z650 also for shorter riders.
For me it's not a retro bike like a Royal Enfield. It's a modern bike with retro elements. Even the exhaust is not a problem for me.
Where light is is also shadow - the left side of the engine is unbelievable ugly and it looks like a moving machine.
And why a black instead of a chrome handlebar.
The green color scheme has got chrome handle bar.
Looks nice, indeed.
@@kwakithailand sorry but no. I drove the green one with the gold wheels and it has a black handlebar as well.
lovely bike, but should have been a four cylinder ripper like the original
It's Nearly £8000 if it was a Four add Another Grand ...then you May as well
Get theZ900RS
Has the Ol'Man retired to Spain already Mr. Darcy?
All will be revealed soon 👍🏼
Nice looking bike but wrong engine and it sounds rubbish being a parallel twin. The original Kawasaki Z650 back in the early 80's was a fantastic motorcycle I know as I had one, absolute wheelie machine and really hit the sweat spot between the smaller 400 and the bigger 900. I would still go out today and buy the original Z650 rather than have the ugly looking engine on the new Z650RS. As you say the new Z900RS is a much nicer and more authentic retro being a 4 cylinder. This is not a true retro bike as it looks nothing like the original, in fact I would say you should buy the current Z650 over the Z650RS as that is not trying to be anything other than the modern 650 parallel twin that it is and is cheaper to buy.
Just made this comment.
The sound is terrible.
Sold the Hayabusa and bought a Street Triple instead and thats the funniest bully bastard bike i ever have owned. 😄👍
It's nice, looks good, I'm sure it's very reliable, but it's not a four cylinder !
I'm glad all that hair migrated to your chin mate. Looks much better on you.
I think is a nice looking bike but the 12 litre fuel tank is a deal breaker
This bike in the Candy Green looks great, nice sound to. Buying a Japanese retro bike feels a bit disloyal to me, like betting against the England team in a World Cup.
Which bike is still British built, though?
@@kwakithailand it is irrelevant where the bike is built. Triumph is a successful global business, it makes bikes in the most opportune location. Wherever makes the most business sense. The ownership, the brand, the heritage, the HQ is British. Tax on profits are paid in Britain. The tiger is made at Hinckley.
@@patrickohara9550 whether it's "irrelevant" where the bikes are built I won't comment.
Thanks for the confirmation anyways.
Will a rider who is 164 cm tall find this motorcycle comfortable to ride?
Hopefully there are some viewers who can answer that one for you 👍🏼
The lump is the widely used in their various bikes and imo are proven reliable but overall the bike is yet another tupperware offering with zero character which these days seems to be the norm for most machines.
can handle some dirt roads?
Not really
I want to switch from my ninja 636 to this once i have extra funds :(
Did i miss the pricing?
We aren’t really saying pricing anymore as we have so many different countries viewing us it doesn’t make sense. You can see the price on kawasakis website
@@MrDarcy-OlMan roger that
Wheres dad I am missing his reviews
Watch out latest podcast we explain 👍🏻
In green is way much better
I'm looking for a second bike and this was really high up on my list until I had an hour's test ride last Saturday. Of course this is just my personal view. I'm 6ft tall and the bike felt like a toy, extremely uncomfortable and diminutive. The engine was gutless and vibey, the clutch was awful and brakes weren't much better. Very disappointed. 😢
Good job you did! Have you looked at the Triumph Bonneville’s?
Prefer it to the 900, 100 pounds less weight
Looks and sounds retro 70/80s style. Exhaust and radiator spoils the look.
Harley Davidson chopper brakes are shit, I know I have a 1988 Lowrider. The brakes on my Pan Am are fantastic though.
I don't get the point of this bike. The original Z650 was a mini Z900 not even a twin. This seems to be a nod to something that never existed, at least not as a twin.
I think this is for people who desire the old Japanese retro style bike but with some new features
Too bad it isn’t the 900rs se
Too bad cat is not a dog.
Good looking, great idea, but slow AF with shit components like brakes and rubber. High price and shit sound from the Ptwin.
That is not a real Z, missing 2 cylinders and the character of the original bike which is a real classic, it might well be a decent bike but a Z it is not
You are very right, those missing 2 zylinders are a shame looks wise 😔, the exhaust note is 😭
However, It goes almost, if not better, like the Z650 of the 70s, though...
Beautiful setting. Not so beautiful motorcycle.
yeah but for that money you can just get guzzi....
And that is exactly what I would do
Go fast😂 look like a robot ,turn a lot of rpm:s , take chances ,die young. Nope.
lmao these are not fast
i dont like exhaust pipe assembly. that looks rubbish. Also the sound of the engine does not match the look of the bike. it revs too high and lacks bass.
Sorry but that bike is still hideous looking.And anything that turns 10,000 rpm's gets to your mental awareness after a shortwhile.
Never buy a bike in England, sludge city.