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Still an operational mine at Kanmantoo I think not sure. The Elephants Rest is a wonderful place, small and very very friendly. They only do small finger food - toasted samosa, scones, and small pizza. Fresh juices but good coffee. The 3 wheeled style such as CanAm are good but expensive. I guess it depends on what you will feel comfy on. Comfort stops are always a thing for us olds and hence why our destination is something like a cafe. Keep watching as we have Tasmania coming up x

I love your knowledge, love it. We really enjoyed the tiny bit we saw but need a lot more time up there to discover more. Used to take our dog to Bed and Biscuit so went past the tree often. Should have stopped and done some video, will do that next time. We hardly brushed the area but there is so much to see. Yes there’s nothing like a bike for showing off an area. Test ride one and see if the bug bites you 🎉

I did my course in Aberdeen and this was the focus of the training. In my test days (1998), it was mandatory to only have the left foot on the ground when coming to a stop. Over the years like everything I’ve got bad habits but when I recently test rode the BMW GS800, o had to go back to left foot down only. X

Important for some of us with short legs.

@Sticky_BEAK I don't understand the title is one year on and how it performed. All she goes on about is the spec ? Has she grown longer legs or the bike has got smaller, 🤔 very poor feedback tbh. I'd expect stuff like how she got to grips with the handling what were the tyres like, etc 🤔 not the seat height for 10 mins.

⁠@@Berealwithawesome just move on to someone else’s review till you find what you’re looking for - it is my bike, it’s me in the video - I didn’t review it when I bought it and I don’t do the same videos as everyone else there’d be no point - I reviewed it after one year of ownership and I’ll soon be doing the second video on how it’s behaved after two years of ownership. I’ve talked at great length about the handling of the agility of this bike and I don’t expect everyone to like my riding or video style. As I said, move on till you find someone who reviews their ride how you’d like to hear it. Cheers.

@Sticky_BEAK Hi Sticky, I tend to be a bull in a China shop, I could be softly, softly with my review on your comments, but bang bang your now listening, sorry for that, but you have to take the comments either way once you go Public. Regarding your second post now you've given us the spec, will your second year include your miles and trips, how it handles, brakes, and what you've learnt from the bike. I do look forward to your findings, Regards Bereal.

@@Berealwith​​⁠I’ve learnt a lot from two years of ownership. I think most people who probably don’t stick to the same model each time but go after something different or new go through the honeymoon period where they are either certain their choice is the right one, or don’t want to admit the “issues”. This is an awesome motorcycle but it has issues and limitations and I’ve learnt a lot and will share everything. Will be released Sunday 27th. All the best.

It certainly has a lovely induction note you’re very very right about that ❤

Loved the location brilliant. Don’t know much at all about the area but will be back to find out more ❤

When we retraced our route on Google later realised just how bad the GPS was. The Forcite app has been updated since but I don’t know if the maps were updated as well. Can just keep hoping for the best. ❤

I use Epidemic Sound any suggestions? I don’t know much about “country” but will give anything a go 😀

Thank you ❤ got a two year review coming out in a couple of weeks 🎉

Hi Ron and San, the Z650RS is a perfect height for me. I don’t have to reach for the ground at all and it has standard suspension and standard seat. The BMW has a wider touring seat with I “think” maybe some electronics in it so it’s heated (could be wrong on that). As a result it’s way too high hence why they got in a moulded (BMW) sculptured seat which means it’s still high but I can get the balls of both feet on the ground. It would mean however I could not have a heated seat using this version. I know the seat height issue is more in my mind than a real issue although (touch wood) it’s a long time since I dropped a bike and I don’t know how I’d go picking the 800 up as it’s quite a lump. It’s why I’ve always taken manufacturer seat heights with a pinch of salt. I could get both feet flat on the ground on my R1s which had an advertised height of 835mm! The seat was an awful low narrower at the tank which makes a huge difference. I’m personally not a fan of lowering a bike. I know if done properly it’s all good etc but there is so much development work which goes in to the dynamics of modern bikes it always worries me about how it would affect the geometry and handling dynamics. Anyway, thanks for your comments - really really appreciate it ❤

You’re not a fan of the front fork? It performs well.

Awwwww thankyou ❤

Hi, there is vibration through the pegs at 80kph in 5th on my bike. It’s noticeable after a long ride but doesn’t seem to be present at startup only once the engine gets really warmed up, say after an hour of riding. I’m not a fan of cruiser style motorcycles but liked the look of this retro styled cafe racer. My motorcycles so far have been tourers and all out sports bikes so sitting quite low with higher bars is not too comfortable for me. I can’t say I notice my legs in relation to the foot pegs. The only bike I really noticed the foot pegs were poorly positioned was the Royal Enfield Classic 500 and then the 410 Himalayan. They seemed to be totally “awkward” when putting feet down! I recently test rode a BMW F800 GS and can get the balls of my feet on the ground with a low seat but standard suspension. It’s not the first BMW I’ve ridden but certainly one of the best. I guess we keep gravitating to the styles we like best even when they’re slightly taller than we prefer. Safer riding and thank you for your thought provoking comment / question. All the best.

@@Sticky_BEAK Thanks for your speedy reply, my last bike was a Yamaha xs650 and the pegs were pretty much straight bellow and was comfortable, so I would instinctually align myself with the z650rs. After yours and many other 650 rs videos, I am gravitating toward that bike for my next purchase. I look forward to more of you adventurous videos!

Thank you so much ❤

It’s an amazing track but needs more events. They had Supercars but need something spectacular, even WSB would be a good start. Not right category for F1 yet, would need huge investment but given time it might get some traction (pun intended) 😂 thanks for your comment, appreciate it.

We checked the replacement cost for the front tyre and it’s half the price of the Pirelli. In the end for our kind of roads we need longevity and durability. More than disappointing though the front degraded so incredibly fast. Anyway, safe riding and thank you for your comment, something everyone should think about.

Thanks for that. Still haven’t found the best way to record the exhaust without huge wind noise. Still working on it 😊

Oh wow what a comment thank you. This was our second trip with the same tour company. The first one was 2018 when everything was just as hectic but amazing. We love the Indian people but of course are used to riding on westernised roads where people are regularly punished for breaking road rules. Having ridden a lot of South America we were used to chaotic roads and lawless people in all manner of vehicles and we managed to survive our first Indian adventure with near misses but no real incidents. This second trip however just took us by surprise. While it looks as though I could have avoided the Mahindra in real time I couldn’t. Plus I didn’t expect the driver to just keep on coming. What saddens me most is after days talking to the police and high commission who attended the hospital nothing came out of it, even though I gave them the video and they themselves identified the vehicles plate number. I think without any kind of retribution drivers will continue to treat other road users as fair game which is so sad given the sheer number of people on the road, a lot of which don’t wear helmets never mind protective clothing. It’s almost as though life is cheap when in fact it most certainly isn’t. Anyway, two years on I’ve still got my foot and I’m doing great thanks to the amazing work of the surgeons in the Jaipur private hospital. It was a relief to get back to Australia where they were convinced I would lose my foot but with intensive care and physio I’m still riding. Anyway I hope the studies are going well and you’ve passed everything. Take care and hope you do eventually take to the road on a motorbike. Ride safely though ❤️

@@Sticky_BEAK Thank you, but I am still 17 and will turn 18 next Feb (can't get license till 18). Really glad you are back on the road as I can understand what it would feel like to hear that you can't ride cause of some accident. As you said the truth hear, we Indians have "chalega kuch nahi hota" (it's ok, nothing will happen) attitude. The police doesn't really care about your case as, first, they are under paid, and second, there are numerous people in line waiting for their turn on filing complaint. Also if you think Delhi was chaotic then I would like to invite you to Mumbai (yeah it's more chaotic here). Now talking about motorcyling in India, motorcyle is still used to move from place A to place B, not just people but cargo as well because it is still cheaper than buying a car. Here people's mindset puts convenience above safety. They don't use helmet as they believe that they are invincible and have riding skills of marc marquez (they don't know who he is), forget about riding gear. Yesterday I told my parents that I am going to buy a helmet with atleast ECE rating costing 5,000 rupees (around 80 AUD here) and they started laughing, they asked why do I need helmet If I don't even have a motorcyle 😂 (my dad has a scooter so that would be it). On a serious note, I would really invite you to India once again but this time you should do Leh-Ladakh. Believe me you will never forget that experience ever. Thank you, take care, ride safe.

@@SoapyOHenrybest time to start riding is when you’re young. My son was on the back with me from aged 13 and is now a top motorcycle mechanic. It’s all about observance and avoidance. Every ride is a lesson learned for all of us. Good luck in your career and ride safe when you start.

@@Sticky_BEAK Thank you for your wise words!

We have a friend who. Is 6’ tall and carries his son on the back who is also tall. They’ve fitted a tail rack and pack to make it more comfortable which helps them. Yes the shaved rear seat is good for luggage. My husband is 5’10” and has no difficulties with the bike height. It is a small bike for those not used to them but not as small as my Ducati 748R which was tiny compared to an R1. But everyone likes different sized bikes and it’s what makes you comfortable that matters. All the best and thanks for your comment.

5’11” is very tall. I imagine you can ride most bikes. How about the Husqvarna and KTMs they’re also very high.

6 pack would have to go in a rucksack (not recommended) or a tail bag /box. Oh but a tail box would fit more than a few 6 packs eh 😂

We’re fanatical about tyre wear. We have a full size compressor at home and double check them all of the time. Checking pressures isn’t easy so when the bikes are in for their new boots we’re having angle valves added.

OMG thank goodness it’s not just my biking or my riding! I wonder how many people have serious problems with the Dunlop’s or is it just the combo of this bike with these tyres! Would love to hear how others have faired with these exact tyres.

@@Sticky_BEAK yeah there's others complaining about these as well and specifically in combination with this bike.

​@@Sticky_BEAK It's my first bike and I have it since this past May. After +3000kms I had a few rear tyre slips without doing nothing wrong, only having a cool tyre and it's scary. I think they need a lot of warm up to start working well.

@@XarlioG60that’s not good especially when it’s your first bike. Yes you’re right a lot to warm up and if you’re in a cold country that makes it even harder. Safe riding.

Can get a top box for it from Shad and someone else has put soft panniers on theirs.

This bike is 820mm and I only have a 30” inside leg and 5’6” tall.

I did notice the big can on the side of the 900. The 650 doesn’t have the prettiest exhaust system but having it so low away from the rider means no heat coming up on the riders legs. That’s a massive bonus.

Hi thanks for your comment. Yes 12 litres is a challenge isn’t it and it’s definitely “not” a long distance tourer, or is it! We comfortably get 250 out of the tank before the fuel light starts flashing. This means there are 2 litres left in the tank so that’s a theoretical 300 kilometres in the tank although we have never run the tank dry to find out. So it’s a comfortable 280 kilometres with just over a litre left for a safety margin. That’s not bad is it? Our speed limit in Australia is 110kph so that’s about 2.5 hours of riding between fuel stops. We’re about to do a two week tour of Tasmania where we’ll really find out about touring on this bike. Hope you follow along x

Still a brilliant engine though (my opinion) ❤

Hi, thankyou for your comment. There is vibration through the pegs but it’s only noticeable after the engine has been working for hours and is considerably hotter than startup. I can ride the bike for an hour without feeling any kind of vibration at all. My husband on the same bike but the anniversary edition thinks there is a little more vibration in his pegs. I had an MT09 before this bike and there was considerably more vibration at the pegs all of the time which almost send my right foot numb on every ride. The seat on the Z650RS is not as comfortable as the MT and it’s very noticeable at the two hour mark with bum ache. There is no noticeable vibration at the handle bars. There is no issue with engine heat at all, and with the exhaust right at the bottom of the bike any heat from there clearly vents to the bottom and back of the bike not upwards. I ride in fairly think legging style armoured pants, so would definitely notice engine heat if there was any. I’m also shortish at 165cm 5’5”-5’6” so any buffeting does not affect me (if there is any) even with the completely naked front. My husband is 5’10” and doesn’t get buffeting either which is surprising for a naked bike. Being a lightweight bike though there is an effect for high side winds but that’s no different to any other bike, but unlike a lot of heavier bikes, it’s easier to roll with it. Hope that helps. If you need more info happy to answer or even test something when we’re out next.

@@Sticky_BEAK wow. Thank you soooo much!!!! This helps A LOT. I'm truly convinced now: as soon as i sell my Yamaha, I'll buy the Z650rs. ❤️ Cheers from Italy 🇮🇹 😙😙😙

I’m not a fan of tank bags either to be honest!

@@Sticky_BEAK I agree they aren't such a beauty! Cheers!

I'm goin' to buy a 650rs. Do you have some suggest for long trip luggages?

I think the Kawasaki brand has a great history and heritage. Great bikes to ride and so far very reliable.

Great question but we’re restricted to 110kph here in Australia. I’m sure vibration exists the longer the rider sits on the bike. I’ve found after 2 hours the seat is a challenge but then my bum is bigger than most so maybe lighter riders don’t feel it. One thing for sure though it is not a tourer. It has a 12 litre tank which does 280kms without terrifying the rider its going to run dry. Plus two hours max is a good time to stop. It is an easy ride having no weight on the wrists or the feet. We’ll be doing a tour of Tasmania in October which means travelling from near Adelaide in South Australia to near Melbourne which is a 9-10 hours drive in a car! I’ll be doing multiple videos on that journey and experience. As for the hands, no definitely don’t go to sleep. ❤

@@Sticky_BEAK Thanks!

140 is the best cruising speed👍

Hello, welcome, and thank you for subscribing REALLY appreciate it. We ride 2022 Kawasaki Z650RS. They’re both the same except Farmer Chris has the 50th anniversary edition. I’m only 5’6” so the wind doesn’t affect me at all. The geometry of the bike is such at legal speed limits there isn’t an issue, although side winds are definitely noticed but not a problem. It’s a lightweight bike so a heavy side wind moves it around but not dangerously. There is a screen available for it from MRA which we’ve looked at but no decision as yet. I think it’s called a roadshield classic and comes in a few colours. It attaches to the indicator stalks on the Z650RS. In Australia the legal limit is 110kph (65mph) and the police are hot on speed traps. If you want to know anything just ask and you’ll get an honest answer - from my point of view which won’t necessarily be everyone’s view of course. X

@@Sticky_BEAK Thank you! I'm 5'9" and a long torso. Every bike I've had, I've dealt with buffeting. Love this bike!

@@WheelsNotHeelsFarmer Chris is 5’10” and the airflow goes over his head. We haven’t really experienced a full on headwind of immense proportions but regular conditions are AOK. But, the only bike I’ve had with a high screen is a mid 2000s Fazer (which only lasted a year then I traded it for a 748R), oh and a VFR800i which definitely had a big screen, everything since have been fairly naked, even the R1s. Anyway…. all the best x

@@Sticky_BEAK Good to know!

Wow I didn’t even know there were other seats to be had!

@@Sticky_BEAK there is a factory seat that is 1 inch higher. But, it's almost $600 .

@@krisgreenwood5173I had no idea just assumed the seat which came with it was “it”!

@Sticky_BEAK Corbin makes a seat as well. Just over $600.

😂 via Norfolk Virginia, Aberdeen Scotland, Lincoln England, Sheffield England and pretty much the rest of the world. Been Australian since 2007 surprised there’s anything left of the Durham twang. Thanks for watching the video.

I don’t mind the radiator but I’m not a fan of the lump of exhaust 🤷‍♀️

Thankyou really appreciate your comments x

Thank you ❤

Enjoy 🎉❤

Hi, hope it’s a good fit for you, brilliant bike and real good fun. Enjoy xx

Yes you’re right. Cash is difficult where we are as the nearest bank is 25 minute ride away and the ATMs charge a fee to get cash out (another scam). Got cash now and will try and keep it on hand in future.

@@Sticky_BEAK it’s a double scam because they are all charging 1.5ish % on eftpos now as well….. thanks for the videos.

Thank you. Having done a lot of kms on it now I can say for certain it will comfortably get 280kms with 20kms left to get to fuel station. Ran it really low the other week and the refill took 11.2 litres at 279kms on the trip. We’re doing a longer trip in October to Tasmania so route planning and fuel stations will be a definite factor.x

Sadly this is my first Kawasaki so recommend you get a hold of one to test ride and let me know how it compares ❤

@@Sticky_BEAK I'm sure it's fabulous for sure. I started riding as a kid in the 80's as a tail end of the "Wooden brakes, iron men" era. Damn I'm old. Lol. Keep that rubber side down brother and help if you can anyone that's on two wheels at the side of the road. Subscribed. I'm getting into ebiking now as a change of pace. Excellent reviews. First rate.

Oh wow would LOVE to know how you go with ebikes. Here in Australia very slow to get a grip on ebikes unless riding in cities as the rest of the country is fairly large so distance and charging is a problem. Cars started to pick up in sales but now dropped right back as the infrastructure is slow to be installed with Teslas sitting at the dock for over a year with no takers. Think we’re a bit backward down under but all watching with interest. Not many brands here but a bit of innovation. Chinese EVs selling at half price of Teslas is becoming a factor. Interesting times.