I appreciate that you weigh the cost of the bike when evaluating components and how they perform for the rider. That's how it should be. Thanks for the review!
So stoked you reviewed my new bike! I'm a experienced rider whom switched to this from 600cc and 750cc sport bikes, as I am getting older and desire more comfort. I have owned this bike for 13 days as of today and I have almost 600 miles on her. I love it! It is a blast around town and ringing out the gears. It is a quick bike and has plenty of power. My size is 5'4" tall and weigh about 120 pounds, it is perfect for my size. The dip when breaking you get used to and I have learned to prevent it. I found the abs to not be intrusive at all, only comes on under really hard breaking. It definitely needs a windscreen for speeds above 60mph. I do find the tires to be adequate and I will upgrade them to something stickier. However,the stock tires should be fine for less experienced riders. Dash is the best in its class for sure. A great machine for it's price! Love your reviews and your review style, keep it up!
richmondvaper man can you help me here? I’m a new rider except scooters, wanna buy this as my first one. Can we put a windshield or something? Also is it actually good for commuting and split lane? Not illegal in my country. I got a ton more questions but if you could help out with these would be perfect. Thanks a lot
@@maikoui hi! I have the 2019 version pretty much the same but to answer your question yes you could put a bigger windshield and use it for commenting and lane splitting, I use it every day to go to work, run errands and have even done 8 hour rides without any issues!
At 64 years old, I didn't want to buy another big bike. I wanted a bike that I could touch the ground ( short ). I've owned everything from 125s to 1100s. Last year I bought a Z650, 2017 leftover. Got a great deal with a trade in. Love this bike. Plenty enough power for this old man, handles great, & I already know about Kawasaki reliability. I think you will love this bike too.
I love my 2021 Z650 - perfect mix of comfort and performance... I could have gotten the Z900, but it would have been a waste having all that power to putt around with my friends on their Harleys :)
I got the Z650 only two months ago (in black) and I honestly need to say that it fully meets my needs. Cool design, good speed-up, nice TFT display and overall good build quality. The only drawback are annoying vibrations in speed ranges above 85 km/h. Foam grips help only partly. Other than that, nice bike. Keep up your good work and your laid-back style. Thumbs up!
What RPM does the engine vibrate? or is it the suspension that makes it vibrate? Listing the speed which causes vibration makes me think the suspension is the problem.
These motors have been in production for over 30+ years, bullet proof. My friend has one with a 60 shot of NOS. For over 12,000 kilometers he's been pressing the horn button to instantly getting 60 horsepower, still runs as good the day he purchased it. The reason why doesn't really care about the engine, purchased one that was a right off. Can't go wrong buying this bike as learner.
The 650 drops dramatically in price 1 year after it comes out. Always buy last year's model or that color that you just have to have might cost you $1500.
@@aznpetyaw I love my z650. It's amazing. I had to tighten the suspension because I do weigh on the heavier side. It is sporty yes. I can get into the heavy leans if I wanted to but also chill back if I'm doing a long ride. One thing I don't like is the jerkiness at low gears. I mean that's normal for Kawasaki's, usually can be fixed with a throttle controller. Other than that I love it. I'm even wanting a bigger CC bike to get more speed and launch but this is more than capable on the street. Swapped the exhaust for a black widow so it's loud. Preference kind of thing tho
Really nice Review. Seems like a cool bike for beginners and like a quite funn bike to take through some twisties in tirol. Might even try one, even though i, myself ride a z800 your reviewing style is very enjoyable. Huge thumbs up. Definitely earned yourself a new subscriber. Greetings from Austria
I took my license with an kawasaki z 650 2017 last year, but i bought an honda cb500f 2019 because of my budget, nice little bike too ride short tours on and a blast in the city.
It's a good bike, but at the end of the day I would always pick the Suzuki SV650 over her. Because the V-Twin is maybe the best on the market, even though it is maybe one of the oldest V2 out there.
Yea, that is fairly common on the smaller country road in Europe cause you have to remember these roads were made thousands of years ago and have only been paved the last 50 years.
You can get road legal slip-on exhausts as well as full systems. To be legal the exhaust must have the relevant markings for the country you're in. An example: www.spengineering.co.uk/kawasaki-z650-2017-2020-round-gp-ra-300-plain-titanium-full-exhaust-system.html
Thank you for this review. I have been researching this bike for awhile now and it is on my short list. I would prefer a retro 650 but they haven't made one yet. I have a 2012 Bonneville and was wanting something lighter and newer.
Thank you! LOL! Well the Ducati dealer is giving me a hard time, I've asked 3 times now for an appointment to ride it and he keeps saying "in a few weeks". So I don't think it will happen any time soon, I've about had enough, sorry to say. In the last conversation with him he said that he will call me and that was 4 weeks ago. 😒🤔 I don't beg, or bow down for any man, prince or pauper. "I am my own man, ain't nothing richer than that" quote by Robert LeRoy Parker, better known as Butch Cassidy. 😁 So in other words, I probably won't ride it, at least not this year.
Hey Scott. Boy, It is gonna be harder to pick a winner than I thought, as this is a pretty nice bike too! Of the 4, I think I like the look and the engine the least of the 4. But the dash/display is amazing on this one, 4 gallons is a decent fuel load for this bike, and from the tank back I really like the line. The front does ruin it for me, however. But that is just me. Of the 4, this one would not be my choice.
God morning and thank you for the well balanced reviews! I am a normal guy & surgeon wanting to enter the world of motorcycling. I had a Kawasaki Vulcan in my thoughts. Are you planning a review on that as well? Best regards from Sweden!
Thank you Mirko! Yea, of the Japanese 4, the SV650 stole my heart. I was surprised AND it's the cheapest of the 4. Oh, BTW, I'm 5'10" / 178cm. Ride safe, Scott
Where I'm from, the CB650R is 400-500 Euros more expensive. But is a 4-cyl, has about 20-25 more horsepower, USD front, radially mounted brakes, preload adjustable rear (but a horrible dash if you ask me, the Z650's is waaaay better). If you don't just look for the 2-cyl style, then I think the Honda is a better choice (you'll spent 8k for the Z, you might as well spend 6% more and get the CB)
@@marksimpson5218 I think the 4-cyl can be driven much more relaxed than a 2-cyl, if you stay in lower RPMs. In any case, the Z650 has to compete against the SV650 and the MT-07. Prices in Greece (in Euros): Z650 - 7.990, SV650 - 6.895, MT-07 - 6800 and CB650R - 8.250
Awesome review!! Been religiously following you vids... Keep up the awesome and honest reviews! Any chance if you can test ride a Z900? I'm keen to know your views on that
Can you tell me what type of jeans you wear and where you would get the from as I think they look really cool and I’m looking for a good pair and can you tell me if you’ve done a review on the gear that you have?
Na, they were fine for this bike and it's performance level. Sure you can always put "better" tires on any new bike and it will improve it's performance a little and this bike is no different.
It's an excellent review, have owned this bike 2 years now and I contemplating upgrading to Z900. I will really appreciate if you can review 900 and how different it is from 650
@@NothingToProve oh so I spelled it right? Interesting I was just sounding out what I heard and spelling accordingly. Never heard that phrase I’ll have to look it up. Danke.
@@NothingToProve TBH, I think the Monster's looks are it's weakest point and I prefer the look of the Z900RS looks to the Speed Twin. I will definately try one of these.
All 3 are good bikes but the Versys will give you more room, the Z might be a little cramped for you. But it really depends on the length of your legs. Sit on them and see which fits you best :) Ride safe, Scott
There are so many bikes out there, it just really depends on what floats your boat. And a bike to where you feel comfortable on and not cramped. If you like ADV bikes then the Versys650/Tiger900/850GS, Nakeds: F900R/Z900&RS/SpeedTwin/MT09&07/790Duke/StreetTriple. The point is with first bikes for bigger guys is to go to a bigger bike with out going big on power and weight because both can get you into trouble quickly. Also, because the more power and more weight prevents new riders from learning the basics at a normal pace. Sit on as many as you can see what you like and fits you at the same time. We are all different shapes and sizes and so are bikes. Good luck, Scott
I appreciate your take on the bike, solid as always. I'm caught between this, the XSR700 and the Honda Cb650r. Do you have the Honda on your reviewing radar? Thanks for your effort as always man 👍
The SV is a little more refined but with the Z being a parallel twin, is inherently more "viby" than the 90° v-twin in the SV. But the fit and finish is about the same on both bikes. Ride safe, Scott
Acabei de adquirir a minha por R$ 38 mil. Ia trocar a minha MT03 na Yamaha. A concessionaria fez de tudo, até baixar 3 mil da 09, mas ainda assim ficava bem mais caro. Na minha opinião a montadora aumentou demais o preco: a MT 07 tava 45 mil. Veja que no exterior a Z é mais cara que a 07.... Vão ferrar com vendedores e concessionárias.
I missed the part where he rang the engine out.
There are plenty of other channels that do that, my channel is for the mature rider that has nothing to prove. 👍
@@NothingToProve best reply, ever.
@@NothingToProve Exactly. Lots of kids' channels elsewhere.
@@NothingToProve I didn't think about subbing but this reply reminded me that!
DID YOU MISS THE MEMO AND YHE CHANNEL TITLE???
The bob Ross of motorcycle reviews. Every rider needs a little friend.
I appreciate that you weigh the cost of the bike when evaluating components and how they perform for the rider. That's how it should be. Thanks for the review!
So stoked you reviewed my new bike! I'm a experienced rider whom switched to this from 600cc and 750cc sport bikes, as I am getting older and desire more comfort. I have owned this bike for 13 days as of today and I have almost 600 miles on her. I love it! It is a blast around town and ringing out the gears. It is a quick bike and has plenty of power. My size is 5'4" tall and weigh about 120 pounds, it is perfect for my size. The dip when breaking you get used to and I have learned to prevent it. I found the abs to not be intrusive at all, only comes on under really hard breaking. It definitely needs a windscreen for speeds above 60mph. I do find the tires to be adequate and I will upgrade them to something stickier. However,the stock tires should be fine for less experienced riders. Dash is the best in its class for sure. A great machine for it's price! Love your reviews and your review style, keep it up!
Enjoy your new bike , sounds like a good allrounder
richmondvaper man can you help me here? I’m a new rider except scooters, wanna buy this as my first one. Can we put a windshield or something? Also is it actually good for commuting and split lane? Not illegal in my country. I got a ton more questions but if you could help out with these would be perfect. Thanks a lot
@@maikoui hi! I have the 2019 version pretty much the same but to answer your question yes you could put a bigger windshield and use it for commenting and lane splitting, I use it every day to go to work, run errands and have even done 8 hour rides without any issues!
What was it called before the Z series
At 64 years old, I didn't want to buy another big bike. I wanted a bike that I could touch the ground ( short ). I've owned everything from 125s to 1100s. Last year I bought a Z650, 2017 leftover. Got a great deal with a trade in. Love this bike. Plenty enough power for this old man, handles great, & I already know about Kawasaki reliability. I think you will love this bike too.
Returning rider. I'm going to buy this bike and I'm gonna ride like there's nothing to prooooove :) :)
I love my 2021 Z650 - perfect mix of comfort and performance... I could have gotten the Z900, but it would have been a waste having all that power to putt around with my friends on their Harleys :)
Nothing to prove my man. A quote, a mindset. Loved the review from you being an expert. Thanks for both!
"Nothing too prove." I love this mind set. Thanks for a helpful Z650 review. I'm thinking of getting one.
I got the Z650 only two months ago (in black) and I honestly need to say that it fully meets my needs. Cool design, good speed-up, nice TFT display and overall good build quality. The only drawback are annoying vibrations in speed ranges above 85 km/h. Foam grips help only partly. Other than that, nice bike. Keep up your good work and your laid-back style. Thumbs up!
What RPM does the engine vibrate? or is it the suspension that makes it vibrate? Listing the speed which causes vibration makes me think the suspension is the problem.
What a nice review! I really enjoyed the way you speak and explain every spec of the bike.
Very cool. I really like the styling on that bike.
I'm not sure where u live, but the roads you are on are beautiful.
These motors have been in production for over 30+ years, bullet proof. My friend has one with a 60 shot of NOS. For over 12,000 kilometers he's been pressing the horn button to instantly getting 60 horsepower, still runs as good the day he purchased it. The reason why doesn't really care about the engine, purchased one that was a right off. Can't go wrong buying this bike as learner.
Great video! We here at VikingBags love your content! Keep up the good work!
The 650 drops dramatically in price 1 year after it comes out. Always buy last year's model or that color that you just have to have might cost you $1500.
Why is it a bigger relative drop than other bikes?
Just bought this exact model. Thanks for the review. Can't wait to take it out next year in the spring.
how do you like it so far? Is this bike sporty enough?
@@aznpetyaw I love my z650. It's amazing. I had to tighten the suspension because I do weigh on the heavier side. It is sporty yes. I can get into the heavy leans if I wanted to but also chill back if I'm doing a long ride. One thing I don't like is the jerkiness at low gears. I mean that's normal for Kawasaki's, usually can be fixed with a throttle controller. Other than that I love it. I'm even wanting a bigger CC bike to get more speed and launch but this is more than capable on the street. Swapped the exhaust for a black widow so it's loud. Preference kind of thing tho
I just love this exhaust system it gives you additional stability that is for showskie
Really nice Review.
Seems like a cool bike for beginners and like a quite funn bike to take through some twisties in tirol. Might even try one, even though i, myself ride a z800
your reviewing style is very enjoyable. Huge thumbs up.
Definitely earned yourself a new subscriber.
Greetings from Austria
Getting this bad boy next week, can't wait!
Nice solid middle weight for those on a solid (3 years) learning curve! With 'Nothing To Prove' and after market parts as they do, improve.
I took my license with an kawasaki z 650 2017 last year, but i bought an honda cb500f 2019 because of my budget, nice little bike too ride short tours on and a blast in the city.
Thank you Scoot First.
Looks like the TFT display is standard for all street bikes now even the bike from Japan
It's a good bike, but at the end of the day I would always pick the Suzuki SV650 over her. Because the V-Twin is maybe the best on the market, even though it is maybe one of the oldest V2 out there.
How was the vibration through the pegs and especially through the bars? One I tried just about put my hands to sleep.
I love the colour scheme
Thanks for the review. That road in the first 5 minutes is interesting. I thought it was one way till I saw the other car! no center line!
Yea, that is fairly common on the smaller country road in Europe cause you have to remember these roads were made thousands of years ago and have only been paved the last 50 years.
I realy enjoy your work!!!!
Another excellent review mate
Just wonder about the expense/legality of replacing the exhaust on these new 'clean' machines.
You can get road legal slip-on exhausts as well as full systems. To be legal the exhaust must have the relevant markings for the country you're in.
An example:
www.spengineering.co.uk/kawasaki-z650-2017-2020-round-gp-ra-300-plain-titanium-full-exhaust-system.html
Thank you for this review. I have been researching this bike for awhile now and it is on my short list. I would prefer a retro 650 but they haven't made one yet. I have a 2012 Bonneville and was wanting something lighter and newer.
kawi? of course they did the w650 and now the w800 ,,,wich is a bettre triumph than the triumph
Saving money for this one as first big bike nice review sir
Thanks Scott!! As ever, a gentleman and humble! Now... where is the Ducati Streetfighter V4 S test?? Regards!
Thank you!
LOL! Well the Ducati dealer is giving me a hard time, I've asked 3 times now for an appointment to ride it and he keeps saying "in a few weeks". So I don't think it will happen any time soon, I've about had enough, sorry to say. In the last conversation with him he said that he will call me and that was 4 weeks ago. 😒🤔
I don't beg, or bow down for any man, prince or pauper. "I am my own man, ain't nothing richer than that" quote by Robert LeRoy Parker, better known as Butch Cassidy. 😁
So in other words, I probably won't ride it, at least not this year.
@@NothingToProve I agree Scott! Blessings!
Which one is better Honda CB650R or Kawasaki Z650 in terms of:
- engine
- suspension
- brakes
- handling
Which one would you recommend to buy as new?
Hey Scott. Boy, It is gonna be harder to pick a winner than I thought, as this is a pretty nice bike too! Of the 4, I think I like the look and the engine the least of the 4. But the dash/display is amazing on this one, 4 gallons is a decent fuel load for this bike, and from the tank back I really like the line. The front does ruin it for me, however. But that is just me. Of the 4, this one would not be my choice.
The MT is uglier. Hands down...
Very well made review. Thank you!
Great review, thank you!
God morning and thank you for the well balanced reviews! I am a normal guy & surgeon wanting to enter the world of motorcycling. I had a Kawasaki Vulcan in my thoughts. Are you planning a review on that as well? Best regards from Sweden!
Thank you! I'm glad you are enjoying the reviews. I generally don't do cruisers but if an opportunity arises I won't turn it down. 👍😁
Ride safe,
Scott
Very relaxed review. Nice!!
Such a nice reviews! I wonder how tall you are, mr. Scott, and to me, it seemed that you had more fun on sv650 and loved it more...am I right? ☺
Thank you Mirko!
Yea, of the Japanese 4, the SV650 stole my heart. I was surprised AND it's the cheapest of the 4.
Oh, BTW, I'm 5'10" / 178cm.
Ride safe,
Scott
Great review Scott. 👍
Where I'm from, the CB650R is 400-500 Euros more expensive. But is a 4-cyl, has about 20-25 more horsepower, USD front, radially mounted brakes, preload adjustable rear (but a horrible dash if you ask me, the Z650's is waaaay better). If you don't just look for the 2-cyl style, then I think the Honda is a better choice (you'll spent 8k for the Z, you might as well spend 6% more and get the CB)
It's only £250 more for the ninja over the Z thats money well spent. These budget bikes are pushing over £7k now in the UK in KRT colours
NtGism It depends, some people like the relaxed nature of a twin cyclinder bike. When your not in the mood for going fast,i prefer a twin.
@@marksimpson5218 I think the 4-cyl can be driven much more relaxed than a 2-cyl, if you stay in lower RPMs. In any case, the Z650 has to compete against the SV650 and the MT-07.
Prices in Greece (in Euros): Z650 - 7.990, SV650 - 6.895, MT-07 - 6800 and CB650R - 8.250
This bike is awesome commuter from sf to Morgan hill and back 5 days a week
Good review!
Good review
Great content👍
I enjoy engine breaking on the expectation to hit a twisty, I ride a CBR250R. Wonder the shifting difference with the slipper clutch.
Awesome review!!
Been religiously following you vids... Keep up the awesome and honest reviews!
Any chance if you can test ride a Z900? I'm keen to know your views on that
Thank you, I'm supposed to ride that this coming week 👍😁
@@NothingToProve haha..awesome!! Loving the odds!😊
Can you tell me what type of jeans you wear and where you would get the from as I think they look really cool and I’m looking for a good pair and can you tell me if you’ve done a review on the gear that you have?
i hope there are traction control,😏wheelie control, quickshifters, auto flip👊😏and most of all i hope it was inline 4
nope, nope, nope and nope 😒😢
Kawasaki 650 is it good for 5’7 foot tall? Please answer,
Yes.
Nice video.. In term of performance, do u feel any different between this model and the prrevious one?
Yes, there is an improvement, not a lot but there is one between the two models.
@@NothingToProve nice.. in term of weight which one do u feel the lightest among all the middleweight?
Beautiful Update on the Z Series. What Rukka Model do you wear? Are you satisfied?
It's the Rukka GoreTex Pro and yes, I love it, it's the warmest jacket that Rukka makes, with the Thermo liner in it. 👍
650r honda, mt07 or z650, which is more comfort, some say 650r they get tired in their shoulder.?
Boom Boom
What helmet you riding with
Wait did he say how much the bike is?
Any thoughts on the OE tyres? They come in for criticism on other reviews
Na, they were fine for this bike and it's performance level. Sure you can always put "better" tires on any new bike and it will improve it's performance a little and this bike is no different.
which bike would you recommend between the mt-07 & this for a guy around 210pounds about 5'10. thank you really like the info.
The MT07 will handle a bigger guy better than the Z650. 😊
Awesome!
Hahahaah the sound is patpat paty hhahahaha nice sir
How does the oil smell? How does the bad oil smell?
I don't understand the question.
Did you review 2020 z900? I am looking for your opinion on this bike. Thanks
I wanted to but the dealer didn't have one on demo this year 😒
Hoping you would do it next year. 😃
It's an excellent review, have owned this bike 2 years now and I contemplating upgrading to Z900. I will really appreciate if you can review 900 and how different it is from 650
What’s that word you said at the beginning? Sugomi style headlight?
Yea, that's what they call it. You either like it or don't...I'm more on the don't side.
@@NothingToProve oh so I spelled it right? Interesting I was just sounding out what I heard and spelling accordingly. Never heard that phrase I’ll have to look it up. Danke.
Do I really need to pay £11k for a Speed Twin or Ducati Monster or will this actually do everything I want on a sunny Sunday?
Yep but you just won't have the "name", "looks" or "high price" & this will do everything those bikes do 👍😁
@@NothingToProve TBH, I think the Monster's looks are it's weakest point and I prefer the look of the Z900RS looks to the Speed Twin. I will definately try one of these.
Of the 3 650's (ninja650,z650,versys650) which do you recommend for first time riders at 6ft tall?
All 3 are good bikes but the Versys will give you more room, the Z might be a little cramped for you. But it really depends on the length of your legs. Sit on them and see which fits you best :)
Ride safe,
Scott
@@NothingToProve Thank you... I really appreciate your suggestion and will do just that. Stay awesome! Ride safe Sir!
Is that not the same exhaust pipe that was on the 2018 and 2019?
Nope they changed the exhaust for 2020
Many Experienced rider say this bike is fine but boring compare to the new MT-07. Is this true?
Yea, that's true but I also say that the MT07 is boring too! Now the SV650 is not :)
Mt 07 engine is little bit more peppy, although on the paper they looks very close, concerning to be boring, agree, for me in-line 4"s are the best
Thanks.
Any bikes you would recommend for a bigger rider (6'1" 240lbs) as a beginner bike?
There are so many bikes out there, it just really depends on what floats your boat. And a bike to where you feel comfortable on and not cramped. If you like ADV bikes then the Versys650/Tiger900/850GS, Nakeds: F900R/Z900&RS/SpeedTwin/MT09&07/790Duke/StreetTriple.
The point is with first bikes for bigger guys is to go to a bigger bike with out going big on power and weight because both can get you into trouble quickly. Also, because the more power and more weight prevents new riders from learning the basics at a normal pace.
Sit on as many as you can see what you like and fits you at the same time. We are all different shapes and sizes and so are bikes.
Good luck,
Scott
@@NothingToProve thank you for the reply and your insight.
I appreciate your take on the bike, solid as always. I'm caught between this, the XSR700 and the Honda Cb650r. Do you have the Honda on your reviewing radar? Thanks for your effort as always man 👍
Thank you,
Yes, I just rode the Honda, the video of it will be up in a week or so. :)
Ride safe,
Scott
@@NothingToProve Awesome! Looks like I'm holding off on my decision for another week.
All the best, Ryan.
I might get this bike as my first bike (35kw because of license). Is it worth it to get this one?
YES! This is a very good first bike.
Heared many good things about this bike, I just have to try it soon I guess ^^
How is z650 compared to sv650 with respect to refinement??
The SV is a little more refined but with the Z being a parallel twin, is inherently more "viby" than the 90° v-twin in the SV. But the fit and finish is about the same on both bikes.
Ride safe,
Scott
Thank you so much.. if it was upto you which bike will you put your money on. Z650 or sv650??
@@P3Aesthetics Oh, the SV, it just has so much soul, it spoke to me on an emotional level. It said to me like a dog "let's go play".
What about husky 701 weight feels
Like the jeans what make are they please
Do you have the blue z650 over there.
no 😒
@@NothingToProve neither do we just black/green white/green or KRT i love the blue one.
I talked to the kawi dealer they said it has the same suspension as the 400 just adjusted slightly for the 45 more pounds
that in brasil is like 50k reais easy... 15k dollars +-
Acabei de adquirir a minha por R$ 38 mil. Ia trocar a minha MT03 na Yamaha. A concessionaria fez de tudo, até baixar 3 mil da 09, mas ainda assim ficava bem mais caro. Na minha opinião a montadora aumentou demais o preco: a MT 07 tava 45 mil. Veja que no exterior a Z é mais cara que a 07.... Vão ferrar com vendedores e concessionárias.
Are you tired man? 😅😆
yep, I was when I recorded this review, I was actually sick. 😢😢
10k bucks
In all of Europe and North America it's between 7k to 7.5k Where do you live that it's the cost of a liter bike?
@@NothingToProve Eastern Europe
Good review.