Ego numbers sell bikes to most men, German marketing teams know this. You show with the skill, you don’t need an ego machine. Thanks Chris for the reminder.
Positive 650 review by a skilled rider, thanks! I have the '21 Ninja 650 and it's a lot of fun for the roads. There will always be a faster bike, but what this one brings is a smooth, responsive engine, 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds average, fully capable on freeways, on a track top speed of 127 mph+, comfortable position for hours, reliable brand, easy to maintain at home, flickable and fun. Thanks!
Great video that puts things in perspective. Bikes like this have plenty of performance for use on the street or track. Riding is about so much more than just whacking open the throttle and hanging on 🙂
I definitely agree with you Chris. Having a small use able bike without stupid power is great fun. I am about to start racing a cb500 because I want to improve my braking and corner speed on a bike that can't rely on straight line speed. On the road, having a bike you can thrash about is mega too
It’s funny when you guys consider this bikes as small displacement, whereas in my country (indonesia) it’s a quite big bikes, and the cheapest big bikes on the 2nd hand market. But gotta love your positivity about these bikes Chris. You can choose to heavily critize these bikes (just like most journalists did), but yet you chose to praise these lovely bikes which i like. And i have their predecessor (2011 ER6n) which is fun and has very good torque (i once raced the latest CVO Road Glide on a straight line road. I thought i was gonna lose, but turns out i won with a gap about one bike length lol). I very rarely use 5th and 6th gear because she loves to be revved (and our traffic is like shi*). She is a weekend warrior while my ZX25R used as daily ride. That’s my story about this mediocre and yet fun bike i have.
could not agree more, ER6 has more horsepower than the Z650 cause they used different piston, ER6 sits at 11,0 : 1, while the Z650 only 10,8 : 1 (ER6 limit at 11k RPM, Z650 only 10k RPM) due to emission regulation but Kawasaki compensate it with lighter chassis (which 20 kg lighter, quite a lot for weight shedding), thus Kawasaki tuned its torque figure from 64 nm to 66 nm and I did a test ride with Z650 like 7-8 years ago at GIIAS the bike is very nimble and turning radius is mind boggling during tight turn, I have ER6 and consider to swap it to Z650 or Versys 650. Sad they don't continue selling this bike in Indonesia because potential customer only want big bike with sound like MT-07 which sadly it is not sold well due to its ridiculous price tag, same motorcycle category but 50% more expensive than Z650.
As an owner of an ER6N, i couldnt agree more.. theres a unique neutral feel with these kawasaki 650s that make it feel easy to use.. and 70Hp is more than enough bike for commuting...
Actually, I think this concept goes back further than the ER6. The was the GPZ500, ER5 , and the KLE500 in the early 90s. Kawasaki were so ahead of the curve.
You two (@davidbesant and @6arethevan5) are pretty fast on the draw about the GPz500 for old fellas (I assume!). 😉 Good shout @davidbesant mentioning the KLE500. I guess you could think of it as a humble conceptual predecessor to things like Multistradas, S1000XR, Versys, V-Stroms, etc. On the topic of late 80s, early 90s bikes - hands up if you'd like to see Chris ragging a TDR250!✋
@@flamintastyKid I know bought an absolutely mint 400 Superdream cheap not so long back as his first bike after passing his test. Totally unmolested and original. He proceeded to turn it into a hardtail chopper, full ape hangers, the works. These kids today...
I enjoyed the practical analysis herein. I noted that someone on another channel knew someone with an R3 that ran circles around people with much larger bikes. Why spend the money, never be able to use it all and put yourself at higher risk? Great video! Outstanding!
I had the same feeling tossing around a used Honda Cbr300r at a BMW dealer. I told the sales person that the Honda was one of the most fun bikes I had demoed that day.
for me, the most memorable thing bout the dented and countlessly crashed er6n at the driving school was the still ever sweet gearbox. shifting into any gears & especially into neutral was absolutely effortless. totally night and day in contrast to the bike i was using at that moment in time.
I love this bike I own the 2023 Z650 easy to maneuver during traffic hours installed a full system exhaust. Enough torque and power for my needs. If budget permits next upgrade will be the Z900 for the inline 4 sound.
Around my area , Dorset/Hampshire, the Suzuki gs500 was the most common learner bike.....until about 2008 anyway. The gs500 wasn't very fast, but they were tough as hell.
I had a basic modified Vulcan 650 and loved it, then I bought a z650 and modified by way of a extra 8hp exhaust which sorted fueling, and its awesome, great quick little 0-200kph, fun bike. Thats all you need! Fun
Learnt on a Z650 and loved it. After passing my DAS I tried a new SV650 and kind of loved that too but the clutch was heavier and it was more vibey through pegs/seat (a lot more). Having said that the SV sounds and looks better to me. Having a tough time settling on one. I don't need anything more, don't want a true sports bike and dislike 'adventure' bikes.
Similar thing from me, I've got a 2011 Gladius, I think the v twin engine is tremendous and more characterful than the twin in the Z but I can feel the approx 18kg difference in weight, the z is like a little toy to ride...which has it's good and bad points...
If buying the ninja 650 or Z650 is a bit costly, definitely check out the ER6n and ER6f. Basically the same engine but produces around 70hp and are great fun. I'm enjoying my ER6n for the last 3 years, a very solid bike and I've done commuting, touring and B road blasts on it. Very solid and worth a look.
I've never complained about parallel twins. I guess as someone coming from a mechanical engineering perspective, I don't get caught up in the emotional controversy about the direction cylinders are pointing. I understand how they work and why they are being used. My choice would be the GSX-8S or 8R. More physical room for my larger body, a much better sound track, and good enough power to qualify for MotoAmerica Twins cup. Yet, it's not crazy powerful or expensive.
The Big thing in 2017 was the New Frame Something Like a Reduction in weight of 18 Kilos Compared to The ER -6 The Z650 is. Almost in a Class of its Own Now.. as Honda Hornet , Suzuki GSX8S have Moved up the Engine Capacity Ladder But as you say Its Still Fun, Light , Has good Midrange Power & Economic to Run
I really love th3se z650s rode one around hawaii when i was visiting home, my first bike was a NC700x which i really love i want to get a cruisr for these longer road trips thru the american southwest as much as i love these things i did a 4 hour ride all over oahu and man was i sore after but still id do it again.
Probably the best video around to describe these bikes ,after riding bikes up to 250 in the 80’s but only just going back to riding from November last year I’ve got my mod 2 next week so will be looking for some two wheeled transport for having a bit of fun .if I’m lucky enough to pass it .ninja 650 is high on the radar ,looks great but not super bike performance which will be more than enough for me as a returning almost beginner again .like the new Suzuki gsx r but not sure on the back end looks with tail light system .great riding in that video by the way .
So this question is for everyone! But Chris especially. I'm 41 years old, 5'10, 160 lb in shape CrossFit 6 days a week. I'm not some little jit adrenaline junkie although I am a former Marine so I have a little bit of that in me. I have decided that I really want to learn to Ride and even on the track! Take all the courses I can! Maybe even one day enter a race! The only writing experience I have was on a rebel 265 ripping it on dirt roads a long long time ago. Being older and more responsible, and with today's technology on bikes. Could I start on the z650 using the different traction control modes to come up through, again take classes and courses and ride and practice, could I start on this bike?
New riders who own one of these should take a track class! It was the best thing I’ve ever done to get the road riding skills needed. I can’t tell you have many videos there are of new riders going out there that don’t understand how to counterbalance and crash going round a corner.
I'm 6ft 2 and 17/18 stone, so the Z650 looks and feels a small bike for me. But when I tried one...I was absolutely whooping with laughter inside my helmet within 1 minute. It is an unsuitable bike for me in many ways...but doesn't the above stand for a lot? There is one I could acquire for a good price...and I'm still thinking about it....
@lifted_above yes, I already have a gen 2 sv, so I know which one I'd have 🙂. I was just asking Chris, as he recently had a long-term term sv650. I've had bigger bikes and sports bikes down through the years and am surprised how much fun the sv is on small country roads.
@@damien9975 I've had a few SV myself years ago. I consider it still a relevant bike and engine. We'll see how long Suzuki keeps it around. I do not consider the 8S a replacement for it, being 131cc bigger.
Thanks for throwing light on these bikes. Spec sheet warriors dismiss them, but Kawasaki has continued to develop; they aren't the "same old ER6" (Versys still uses old/heavy chassis). I find them light, agile, efficient, and versatile, but most importantly, FUN! After a Kaw Demo day here in the States, I purchased a 2024 Ninja 650 non-ABS model and love it. I'm 5'11" and purchased the 30mm higher Ergo-Fit seat for a more sporting triangle, and I found the stock Dunlop tires to be a bit harsh so replaced with Power 5. It's a great setup. I have other bikes, but the Ninja does everything so I grab it most often.
Respectfully, the engine needs to be updated. It has not changed since 2008. It even has lost power starting in 2017. It is the weakest of all the bikes in its class. And it weighs a ton it either needs 10 to 15 more hp, or lose 50 lbs(ninja version)and or at least a 270 crank. It’s fun but it’s very dated. I would rather it lose 50lbs that would feel like a big power improvement.
@@spartanx169x 2006 actually. The changes have been tuning and a few bits of hardware here and there (cams, compression ratio, throttle bodies), but that's it. There's a lot of potential in it, as it's been modified to around 90 wheel horsepower for Isle of Man TT, but many engines in this category would do roughly the same with quite a bit of engine work (porting, compression, cams, springs, 3-angle valve seat grind, boring out the TB's, etc).
Z650, MT-07, SV650, Trident 660. You could find a used Monster 797 or Street Triple 675 (non-R), or Duke 690/Svartpillen 701. ---More power in the class? Better "bones" for suspension and brakes? CB650R, Tuono 660. European Hornet 750. GSX-8S. ---Crazy supermotos? New Ducati Hypermotard 698 Mono. Husqvarna 701 Supermoto. ---Scrambler? Cafe Racer? Classic? Ducati Scrambler. Yamaha XSR700. Z650RS. SV650X. --Racer? More power? Aprilia RS660. Yamaha R7. Suzuki GSX-8R.
at the dealer right now waiting on my Ninja 400 service, just sat on both bikes, the R7 has a WAY more leaned forward seating position than the Ninja 650, they don't even feel in the same class from that perspective.
@@chrisgarret3285 Correct. It's a straight-up racing crouch and does really well in MotoAmerica Twins Cup for that purpose, along side the RS660. Ninja 650 _ergonomics_ are similar to the new GSX-8R.
@@exothermal.sprocket funny you mention the GSX-8R sat on that too lol, and yes it's a whole lot like the Ninja 400/650 ergonomically and boy is it one sexy bike! Plus it's somewhere between 600 cc bikes and liter bikes speed wise and the guys who set the price were obviously drunk! Might be my next bike...
I passed my test on the z650 and I honestly hated the thing suspension dived like Tom Daley engine buzzed like a footy fan leaving weathersoon bogs seat was like a plank of wood and being 6-3 it felt like a grom after a hour I was crippled Kawasaki normally price with the competition whilst being miles behind as well
I learned on one and my first bike was a 2013. Thought it was good until i rode better stuff and realised how dull they are. Mt-07 same class but miles better
@@R_0b123 since joined by the gs8s the hornet and the ktm 790 I’d always put anything with this 650 engine below the comp I don’t know how they sell other than to riding schools
@@DucatiDale 790 price quite a lot more though? Tried 8s thats good too i agree. I guess the dullness is what you need for a riding school. I did a day of my training on a xj6 and that was far less lumpy 😆
If it’s enough for Chris it’s enough for 99% for riders…so get your ego on check and get these value for money bikes instead of a litre class which you’re truly scared to ride
Having had An MT07, the Z650 is a better bike. The Z has a lower center of gravity. So , it handles better. And it has a better suspension. The MT07 moves around in the curves. The Z does not. The MT07 gets all the attention from TH-camrs but the Z is a better bike.
The engine note and character is different, because the crank configuration is different. They aren't exactly apples to apples, even though similar displacement. Neither have up-spec suspension or brakes, they can both be vastly improved. I'd say the MT has more of a roomy fit for bigger guys over the Z650. R7, RS660, and the coming GSX-8R are designed to be more wind-efficient, more racing oriented in ergonomics (mild to wild). They are for the aspiring track rider who doesn't want to spend a heap of money and get into 600 supersports, but is more advanced than the 300-400cc class. The R7 is pretty serious ergonomically and is much more stable than the MT-07 brother, with better suspension and brakes.
depends on the litre bike you are talking about. If it is a cruiser v2 air cooled litre bike it is a lot slower than ninja 650. Displacement is not equal to power or topspeed.
MT-07 or SV650. They are about neck and neck for drag racing with equivalent modifications. It's down to whichever floats your boat more. They both have budget suspension and brakes. They both have engines that would survive a nuclear holocaust.
@@exothermal.sprocket Too be honest I like them all but the engine in the Kawasaki doesn’t appeal as much but the sv replacement 8s has gone that way now too parallel twin
@@chrisb4504 Really don't get this theory so many people throw around that the 8S is a replacement for the SV650. Suzuki still sells both powertrains, both in 2024.
If they want to keep attracting a new gen of riders they need to keep the price below $10k. Just sayin.. watching the price of this bike go up substantially despite the lack of changes is disheartening. This bike is not expensive to make.. the used market is full of them so why would anyone want to buy new for over $10k?
the MT07 is highly overrated. I had one. It was crap in curves. Everybody that keeps one upgrades the suspension. The Z feels 40 lbs lighter because of the lower center of gravity. And it sticks in curves. It doesn’t oscillate like the MT does.
@@spartanx169x not worried about it ‘feeling’ lighter, mt is just superior for someone who has passed the ‘learner’ stage, and im generally a kawasaki fan.
We have to work with what we've got, if everyone was still buying inline 4 screamers and Greta left us alone we wouldn't be having this conversation. As Chris said, "these are bikes we can still actually buy" for now!
@@BikeWorldTVshowyeah I know, depressing though eh? At least Triumph are still making interesting bikes so we don’t all have to ride the most boring engine configuration of all time
Yawn, more parallel twins 🙄 Before the butthurt brigade starts whining, I’m rolling my eyes at the Japanese manufacturers, not Bike World. Modern parallel twins are basically a two wheeled version of Julian Clary. Thank God for Ducati, Aprilia, Triumph, and KTM. Lately, the Japanese seem to be turning out bland bike after bland bike. Good video as usual, even though I think the bikes are turds. But what a great advertisement for keeping hold of your 1000cc sportsbikes 😊
Aprilia 660 models ? Pretty much all of triumph retro models ? Don’t forget yam make a cp3 and cp4 motor as well 😂 And pretty much all of ktm’s models are parallels bar the 1290/1390s seems a bit odd this comment
Some Riders Need an Affordable Bike to Use Every Day .. & Parallel Twins Are Cheap to Build If People want An Expensive Sunday Toy There is Plenty to Choose From
Ego numbers sell bikes to most men, German marketing teams know this. You show with the skill, you don’t need an ego machine. Thanks Chris for the reminder.
Positive 650 review by a skilled rider, thanks! I have the '21 Ninja 650 and it's a lot of fun for the roads. There will always be a faster bike, but what this one brings is a smooth, responsive engine, 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds average, fully capable on freeways, on a track top speed of 127 mph+, comfortable position for hours, reliable brand, easy to maintain at home, flickable and fun. Thanks!
Great video that puts things in perspective. Bikes like this have plenty of performance for use on the street or track. Riding is about so much more than just whacking open the throttle and hanging on 🙂
🥳🥳🥳
I definitely agree with you Chris. Having a small use able bike without stupid power is great fun. I am about to start racing a cb500 because I want to improve my braking and corner speed on a bike that can't rely on straight line speed. On the road, having a bike you can thrash about is mega too
i still ride a 2004 sv650 so i know the real joy of a simple yet fun and effective do it all bike.
It’s funny when you guys consider this bikes as small displacement, whereas in my country (indonesia) it’s a quite big bikes, and the cheapest big bikes on the 2nd hand market.
But gotta love your positivity about these bikes Chris. You can choose to heavily critize these bikes (just like most journalists did), but yet you chose to praise these lovely bikes which i like.
And i have their predecessor (2011 ER6n) which is fun and has very good torque (i once raced the latest CVO Road Glide on a straight line road. I thought i was gonna lose, but turns out i won with a gap about one bike length lol). I very rarely use 5th and 6th gear because she loves to be revved (and our traffic is like shi*). She is a weekend warrior while my ZX25R used as daily ride. That’s my story about this mediocre and yet fun bike i have.
could not agree more,
ER6 has more horsepower than the Z650 cause they used different piston, ER6 sits at 11,0 : 1, while the Z650 only 10,8 : 1 (ER6 limit at 11k RPM, Z650 only 10k RPM) due to emission regulation but Kawasaki compensate it with lighter chassis (which 20 kg lighter, quite a lot for weight shedding), thus Kawasaki tuned its torque figure from 64 nm to 66 nm and I did a test ride with Z650 like 7-8 years ago at GIIAS the bike is very nimble and turning radius is mind boggling during tight turn, I have ER6 and consider to swap it to Z650 or Versys 650. Sad they don't continue selling this bike in Indonesia because potential customer only want big bike with sound like MT-07 which sadly it is not sold well due to its ridiculous price tag, same motorcycle category but 50% more expensive than Z650.
As an owner of an ER6N, i couldnt agree more.. theres a unique neutral feel with these kawasaki 650s that make it feel easy to use.. and 70Hp is more than enough bike for commuting...
I love my z650. Beautiful bike for commuting. 🏍️
9:40. Now that's just showing off Chris!
Actually, I think this concept goes back further than the ER6. The was the GPZ500, ER5 , and the KLE500 in the early 90s. Kawasaki were so ahead of the curve.
Beat me to it. But it actually stsrted in the late 70's. 👍
You two (@davidbesant and @6arethevan5) are pretty fast on the draw about the GPz500 for old fellas (I assume!). 😉
Good shout @davidbesant mentioning the KLE500. I guess you could think of it as a humble conceptual predecessor to things like Multistradas, S1000XR, Versys, V-Stroms, etc.
On the topic of late 80s, early 90s bikes - hands up if you'd like to see Chris ragging a TDR250!✋
What about the 1989 Suzuki GS500?
What about the Honda Superdream?
Yeah right, what about it!! 😂
@@flamintastyKid I know bought an absolutely mint 400 Superdream cheap not so long back as his first bike after passing his test. Totally unmolested and original. He proceeded to turn it into a hardtail chopper, full ape hangers, the works. These kids today...
I love my Ninja 650 with 180⁰ crank, and I've been through a ton of bikes.
Finally a good review on these, too many haters
I enjoyed the practical analysis herein. I noted that someone on another channel knew someone with an R3 that ran circles around people with much larger bikes.
Why spend the money, never be able to use it all and put yourself at higher risk?
Great video! Outstanding!
First! 🤣
😂😂
What do you want, a medal? Just say something about the content of the video
@@Northernbiker64 we’ll have a medal thanks!
@@BikeWorldTVshow 🎖️
I had the same feeling tossing around a used Honda Cbr300r at a BMW dealer. I told the sales person that the Honda was one of the most fun bikes I had demoed that day.
for me, the most memorable thing bout the dented and countlessly crashed er6n at the driving school was the still ever sweet gearbox. shifting into any gears & especially into neutral was absolutely effortless. totally night and day in contrast to the bike i was using at that moment in time.
Goes even further back than the ER6, my first road bike was a GPZ500s the ER5's older brother!! Cracking bike (at the time!) to learn on 🏍️😁👍🏻
I love this bike I own the 2023 Z650 easy to maneuver during traffic hours installed a full system exhaust. Enough torque and power for my needs. If budget permits next upgrade will be the Z900 for the inline 4 sound.
Around my area , Dorset/Hampshire, the Suzuki gs500 was the most common learner bike.....until about 2008 anyway. The gs500 wasn't very fast, but they were tough as hell.
I had a basic modified Vulcan 650 and loved it, then I bought a z650 and modified by way of a extra 8hp exhaust which sorted fueling, and its awesome, great quick little 0-200kph, fun bike. Thats all you need! Fun
Learnt on a Z650 and loved it. After passing my DAS I tried a new SV650 and kind of loved that too but the clutch was heavier and it was more vibey through pegs/seat (a lot more). Having said that the SV sounds and looks better to me. Having a tough time settling on one. I don't need anything more, don't want a true sports bike and dislike 'adventure' bikes.
Similar thing from me, I've got a 2011 Gladius, I think the v twin engine is tremendous and more characterful than the twin in the Z but I can feel the approx 18kg difference in weight, the z is like a little toy to ride...which has it's good and bad points...
If buying the ninja 650 or Z650 is a bit costly, definitely check out the ER6n and ER6f. Basically the same engine but produces around 70hp and are great fun. I'm enjoying my ER6n for the last 3 years, a very solid bike and I've done commuting, touring and B road blasts on it. Very solid and worth a look.
Chris, you still make the best motorcycle review videos bar none ! Keep up the great work on bikes that the average guy can buy 👍👍👍👍
I've never complained about parallel twins. I guess as someone coming from a mechanical engineering perspective, I don't get caught up in the emotional controversy about the direction cylinders are pointing. I understand how they work and why they are being used.
My choice would be the GSX-8S or 8R. More physical room for my larger body, a much better sound track, and good enough power to qualify for MotoAmerica Twins cup. Yet, it's not crazy powerful or expensive.
The Big thing in 2017 was the New Frame
Something Like a Reduction in weight of 18 Kilos
Compared to The ER -6
The Z650 is. Almost in a Class of its Own Now..
as Honda Hornet , Suzuki GSX8S have Moved up the Engine Capacity Ladder
But as you say Its Still Fun, Light , Has good Midrange Power & Economic to Run
Let the good times roll!
fml i wish i was half as good a rider as Chris is!
I really love th3se z650s rode one around hawaii when i was visiting home, my first bike was a NC700x which i really love i want to get a cruisr for these longer road trips thru the american southwest as much as i love these things i did a 4 hour ride all over oahu and man was i sore after but still id do it again.
Probably the best video around to describe these bikes ,after riding bikes up to 250 in the 80’s but only just going back to riding from November last year I’ve got my mod 2 next week so will be looking for some two wheeled transport for having a bit of fun .if I’m lucky enough to pass it .ninja 650 is high on the radar ,looks great but not super bike performance which will be more than enough for me as a returning almost beginner again .like the new Suzuki gsx r but not sure on the back end looks with tail light system .great riding in that video by the way .
How did you got the ABS off? What's the easier way? Removing fuse or the sensor?
Leave it to Chris to bring out the best of any bike.
So this question is for everyone! But Chris especially. I'm 41 years old, 5'10, 160 lb in shape CrossFit 6 days a week. I'm not some little jit adrenaline junkie although I am a former Marine so I have a little bit of that in me. I have decided that I really want to learn to Ride and even on the track! Take all the courses I can! Maybe even one day enter a race! The only writing experience I have was on a rebel 265 ripping it on dirt roads a long long time ago. Being older and more responsible, and with today's technology on bikes. Could I start on the z650 using the different traction control modes to come up through, again take classes and courses and ride and practice, could I start on this bike?
This bike is like eye candy for curious riders
New riders who own one of these should take a track class! It was the best thing I’ve ever done to get the road riding skills needed. I can’t tell you have many videos there are of new riders going out there that don’t understand how to counterbalance and crash going round a corner.
How did you get Llandow Track to yourself 😅
I'm 6ft 2 and 17/18 stone, so the Z650 looks and feels a small bike for me. But when I tried one...I was absolutely whooping with laughter inside my helmet within 1 minute. It is an unsuitable bike for me in many ways...but doesn't the above stand for a lot? There is one I could acquire for a good price...and I'm still thinking about it....
How is the fueling and the transmission shifting?
Would you pick the z650 or sv 650 , if it was a choice between the two.
Sv
Wouldn't matter. What matters is what YOU would pick for YOU.
@lifted_above yes, I already have a gen 2 sv, so I know which one I'd have 🙂. I was just asking Chris, as he recently had a long-term term sv650. I've had bigger bikes and sports bikes down through the years and am surprised how much fun the sv is on small country roads.
@@damien9975 I've had a few SV myself years ago. I consider it still a relevant bike and engine. We'll see how long Suzuki keeps it around. I do not consider the 8S a replacement for it, being 131cc bigger.
i still have the ninja 300 from 2014, i wanted to sell it but when i hopped back in. Goddamn its fun as hell.
Ummm why was the engine warning light on, on the Ninja? Apart from fretting over that, marvellous overview of both bikes. Thanks!
That's because Chris took the sensor off for Skids and Wheelies.
@@BikeWorldTVshow Aaah, might have known... TA 👍
Can you review the Z900?
Learned on the er6 - those things withstood a lot of punishment (not much from me though you understand 👀)
Thanks for throwing light on these bikes. Spec sheet warriors dismiss them, but Kawasaki has continued to develop; they aren't the "same old ER6" (Versys still uses old/heavy chassis). I find them light, agile, efficient, and versatile, but most importantly, FUN!
After a Kaw Demo day here in the States, I purchased a 2024 Ninja 650 non-ABS model and love it. I'm 5'11" and purchased the 30mm higher Ergo-Fit seat for a more sporting triangle, and I found the stock Dunlop tires to be a bit harsh so replaced with Power 5. It's a great setup. I have other bikes, but the Ninja does everything so I grab it most often.
Respectfully, the engine needs to be updated. It has not changed since 2008. It even has lost power starting in 2017. It is the weakest of all the bikes in its class. And it weighs a ton it either needs 10 to 15 more hp, or lose 50 lbs(ninja version)and or at least a 270 crank. It’s fun but it’s very dated. I would rather it lose 50lbs that would feel like a big power improvement.
@@spartanx169x 2006 actually. The changes have been tuning and a few bits of hardware here and there (cams, compression ratio, throttle bodies), but that's it.
There's a lot of potential in it, as it's been modified to around 90 wheel horsepower for Isle of Man TT, but many engines in this category would do roughly the same with quite a bit of engine work (porting, compression, cams, springs, 3-angle valve seat grind, boring out the TB's, etc).
Thing that annoys me a little with kwaks Z range is from a distance from the front it looks so similar to my ZH2
Just bought one, how do I turn the ABS off? Thanks
This guy is a good rider.
Which would you pick Ninja or Z?
the best video I needed to see.
What would you compare these two MT07 and the R7
Z650, MT-07, SV650, Trident 660. You could find a used Monster 797 or Street Triple 675 (non-R), or Duke 690/Svartpillen 701.
---More power in the class? Better "bones" for suspension and brakes?
CB650R, Tuono 660. European Hornet 750. GSX-8S.
---Crazy supermotos?
New Ducati Hypermotard 698 Mono. Husqvarna 701 Supermoto.
---Scrambler? Cafe Racer? Classic?
Ducati Scrambler. Yamaha XSR700. Z650RS. SV650X.
--Racer? More power?
Aprilia RS660. Yamaha R7. Suzuki GSX-8R.
at the dealer right now waiting on my Ninja 400 service, just sat on both bikes, the R7 has a WAY more leaned forward seating position than the Ninja 650, they don't even feel in the same class from that perspective.
@@chrisgarret3285 Correct. It's a straight-up racing crouch and does really well in MotoAmerica Twins Cup for that purpose, along side the RS660.
Ninja 650 _ergonomics_ are similar to the new GSX-8R.
@@exothermal.sprocket funny you mention the GSX-8R sat on that too lol, and yes it's a whole lot like the Ninja 400/650 ergonomically and boy is it one sexy bike! Plus it's somewhere between 600 cc bikes and liter bikes speed wise and the guys who set the price were obviously drunk! Might be my next bike...
Impressive riding
I have more bikes than most an yet I have the most fun on my old Yamaha XJ 600 that I got 32 years ago...
Why is the speedometer not working on the z650
Chris took the sensor off for Skids and Wheelies!
love the video but when you're filming the display why is the speed always 0
ABS sensor, which he said he unplugged, is probably how the bike reads road speed too.
Whats your thought on the Vulcan ...and has the same Engine
We've not been on it yet. we will be soon though.
@@BikeWorldTVshow great...cant wait to here your opinion 💪
I passed my test on the z650 and I honestly hated the thing suspension dived like Tom Daley engine buzzed like a footy fan leaving weathersoon bogs seat was like a plank of wood and being 6-3 it felt like a grom after a hour I was crippled
Kawasaki normally price with the competition whilst being miles behind as well
I learned on one and my first bike was a 2013. Thought it was good until i rode better stuff and realised how dull they are. Mt-07 same class but miles better
That is a very short, but also comprehensive review! :)))
@@R_0b123 since joined by the gs8s the hornet and the ktm 790 I’d always put anything with this 650 engine below the comp I don’t know how they sell other than to riding schools
@@DucatiDale 790 price quite a lot more though? Tried 8s thats good too i agree. I guess the dullness is what you need for a riding school. I did a day of my training on a xj6 and that was far less lumpy 😆
@@R_0b123 6800 for the 790 in the uk
What is the riders name?
Chris northover
Great video, very skillful, would have been nice to see some road riding too.
They feel cheap and vibrant like crazy,
If it’s enough for Chris it’s enough for 99% for riders…so get your ego on check and get these value for money bikes instead of a litre class which you’re truly scared to ride
But I can't do dank wheelies unless I have 200hp and spend 70k
Fella can ride.
Got my 2023 Z650 grey and red. It's just the motorbike equivalent of the Golf GTI. Though my GTI does 8KM/L and this 23!
Hmmm, let’s have something in between a 650 parallel and an in line 4 1000cc, step forward the Truimph Street Triple!
You sort of missed the point of the video.
@@exothermal.sprocket I did??? Thank you for pointing that out to me! 🤣
Ok. Maybe I missed something, but... Where are the KTM 990 and 1390 test rides ? I have been waiting in pain and silence, but I have to ask, now...
Why z650 speedo not working??
more potent examples could be mt & r7
Having had An MT07, the Z650 is a better bike. The Z has a lower center of gravity. So , it handles better. And it has a better suspension. The MT07 moves around in the curves. The Z does not. The MT07 gets all the attention from TH-camrs but the Z is a better bike.
The engine note and character is different, because the crank configuration is different. They aren't exactly apples to apples, even though similar displacement. Neither have up-spec suspension or brakes, they can both be vastly improved. I'd say the MT has more of a roomy fit for bigger guys over the Z650.
R7, RS660, and the coming GSX-8R are designed to be more wind-efficient, more racing oriented in ergonomics (mild to wild). They are for the aspiring track rider who doesn't want to spend a heap of money and get into 600 supersports, but is more advanced than the 300-400cc class. The R7 is pretty serious ergonomically and is much more stable than the MT-07 brother, with better suspension and brakes.
With the price of things a cheap run around is a great idea.
not a beginner
i dont like parallel twin.
I had a 2017 ninja650. Got rid of it after 2 seasons. I liked everything about the bike except for the engine. Boring and annoying.
very buzzy from 5k rpm up to 6500. aka the cruising range :/
270° crank options abound in the class. Just pick one.
Kawasaki ninja 650rs
If you watch the video in 2x speed, it looks like he’s on a liter bike 😂
depends on the litre bike you are talking about. If it is a cruiser v2 air cooled litre bike it is a lot slower than ninja 650. Displacement is not equal to power or topspeed.
70 horses and 140 kg would be nice :)
I’d still go for an sv 650 cheaper too
i wish it was available in India. Sad stories when it comes to middle weight bikes
MT-07 or SV650. They are about neck and neck for drag racing with equivalent modifications. It's down to whichever floats your boat more. They both have budget suspension and brakes. They both have engines that would survive a nuclear holocaust.
@@exothermal.sprocket Too be honest I like them all but the engine in the Kawasaki doesn’t appeal as much but the sv replacement 8s has gone that way now too parallel twin
@@chrisb4504 Really don't get this theory so many people throw around that the 8S is a replacement for the SV650. Suzuki still sells both powertrains, both in 2024.
@@exothermal.sprocket Time will tell and I hope it’s not the replacement I really do but I’m sure a future model will of lost v motor
If they want to keep attracting a new gen of riders they need to keep the price below $10k. Just sayin.. watching the price of this bike go up substantially despite the lack of changes is disheartening. This bike is not expensive to make.. the used market is full of them so why would anyone want to buy new for over $10k?
Bigging these up is a stetch. Adequete starter bike but nothing more. Same class as mt-07 which is farrrr more exciting/interesting
the MT07 is highly overrated. I had one. It was crap in curves. Everybody that keeps one upgrades the suspension. The Z feels 40 lbs lighter because of the lower center of gravity. And it sticks in curves. It doesn’t oscillate like the MT does.
@@spartanx169xmt07 might be one of the most overrated motors oat
@@spartanx169x not worried about it ‘feeling’ lighter, mt is just superior for someone who has passed the ‘learner’ stage, and im generally a kawasaki fan.
Boring bikes that are too heavy. The 400/500 is lighter, better-handling, and not much slower. Still simple, just better.
I asked for more yesterday, and Lo! it was delivered. Happy chappy here. Ta muchly.
Sorry terrible bikes ...30kg too much, boring terrible engine, cheap parts ..z900 is the way to go ..
i reckon the z900 is also 30kg too much with a boring engine xD Check out the mt09
@@Th3EnterNal the mt09 is too ugly
30kg lighter with a much nicer engine@@WojciechKalka
@@Th3EnterNal but still too ugly to ride
I traded my z900 for a z650 .. regrets = none 🤪👍
Two of the most Soulless Bikes and Engines ever made into Motorcycles.
Stick with an Old School SV-650's, better Bike/Engine/and character.
You must be Right & Kawasaki have it All Wrong
Over 20 years Manufacturing 😂
@@jefflambert8603
No, it’s just people settle for these Garbage bikes 🤮👎
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 Kawasaki will be Bricking themselves after your Comment probably Never Sell a Z650 Again.. 😂😆
Making a lot of excuses for boring parallel twins in recent videos Chris
We have to work with what we've got, if everyone was still buying inline 4 screamers and Greta left us alone we wouldn't be having this conversation. As Chris said, "these are bikes we can still actually buy" for now!
@@BikeWorldTVshowyeah I know, depressing though eh? At least Triumph are still making interesting bikes so we don’t all have to ride the most boring engine configuration of all time
@@dalemeadows225 they’re ok in certain applications like the mid weight adventures and ktms with 285 layout rather than the 270 or 180
As Chris proves time after time though, these bikes, still offer a lot of fun for the money
@@TheScortUK he called the gs8s Dave 😂
Yawn, more parallel twins 🙄
Before the butthurt brigade starts whining, I’m rolling my eyes at the Japanese manufacturers, not Bike World.
Modern parallel twins are basically a two wheeled version of Julian Clary. Thank God for Ducati, Aprilia, Triumph, and KTM. Lately, the Japanese seem to be turning out bland bike after bland bike.
Good video as usual, even though I think the bikes are turds. But what a great advertisement for keeping hold of your 1000cc sportsbikes 😊
1000cc for? track? If you go full throttle on liters on public roads theres a 100% chance youre an idiot.
Aprilia 660 models ? Pretty much all of triumph retro models ? Don’t forget yam make a cp3 and cp4 motor as well 😂
And pretty much all of ktm’s models are parallels bar the 1290/1390s seems a bit odd this comment
Some Riders Need an Affordable Bike to Use
Every Day .. & Parallel Twins Are Cheap to Build
If People want An Expensive Sunday Toy
There is Plenty to Choose From