The older B1 still holds the torch , they are so well balanced and beautiful looking ,of course moving forward better handling brakes etc ,on the RS but it just hasn't the soul of the old zed , iv had many zeds nines thous 13,s a Rickman , but the z650 still retains a special place deep down and lots of fun and i still have one in my stable , but great to see the spirit re born within the RS models , but you wouldn't imagine the Toe cutter on a RS model .
@@stephendelaney9839 I brought the Z650B for sentimental/nostalgic reasons. It wasn’t until much later that I researched its development and realized just how much design and engineering went into its production, and the success it had on the track.
Interesting review, thank you. Had the rs been supplied with a ZX6 engine, I would have bought one. However good the rs might be, I personally can't stand the sound of parallel twins. Each to their own, I guess. 👍
I own the modern Z650RS as my first big bike. I'd like both. The Z900RS is probably a better spiritual successor to the old 4. The engine braking on the RS is interesting, the engine wants to be above 4k all the time, then the off throttle braking and on throttle jerkiness goes away.
Just as I suspected the RS makes good use of it's 45 years worth of progressive technology so it should indeed be the better all round bike but if I had the choice my heart would rule my head I think and it would probably be the B1 even better with a period 4 into 1 exhaust . Nice comparison test thanks👍
@@RepairandRideout Yoshimura or Harris were my personal favourites tho they were the most expensive the other popular one was the Alpha 41 mine had a Motad Neta when bought it didn't like the sound much so swaped it for a Lazer which sounded much better imo .
the old one is much more good looking
very nice
I think Kawasaki have done their best with the RS, but they had to work with what they were given
@@RepairandRideouti agree
the euro norms are kripling newer "retro" bikes
Somtimes its works out like with the new xsr900
Both nice bikes, but prefer the B1 especially in Kawasaki green 😊
Very hard to beat the looks of a B1. Green all the way for me
The older B1 still holds the torch , they are so well balanced and beautiful looking ,of course moving forward better handling brakes etc ,on the RS but it just hasn't the soul of the old zed , iv had many zeds nines thous 13,s a Rickman , but the z650 still retains a special place deep down and lots of fun and i still have one in my stable , but great to see the spirit re born within the RS models , but you wouldn't imagine the Toe cutter on a RS model .
me to I prefer the b1 any day sorry but that's it I'm 64 years old
@@stephendelaney9839 I brought the Z650B for sentimental/nostalgic reasons. It wasn’t until much later that I researched its development and realized just how much design and engineering went into its production, and the success it had on the track.
An interesting comparison between the bikes. I think I would go for the RS; modern tech, styling homage to to the B1, and easy to live with.
The RS is very easy to ride and live with. It's a great daily and saves the B1 for weekends and special occasions
Interesting review, thank you.
Had the rs been supplied with a ZX6 engine, I would have bought one.
However good the rs might be, I personally can't stand the sound of parallel twins. Each to their own, I guess. 👍
ZX6 engine would have been great
I have the old B1 myself. Love it. Where did you get that t-shirt? Can't find it on zpower.
I brought from them a couple of years ago
I own the modern Z650RS as my first big bike. I'd like both.
The Z900RS is probably a better spiritual successor to the old 4.
The engine braking on the RS is interesting, the engine wants to be above 4k all the time, then the off throttle braking and on throttle jerkiness goes away.
Spot on. Certainly a perfect first big bike. Apparently there is an after market add-on to the ECU that eases the throttle response.
@@RepairandRideout damn euro 5 fuelling. A map and a chrome catless side pipe might be my route.
Rather have the 1977 any day ,every day over modern
Prefer the old Z, its a peach.
Just as I suspected the RS makes good use of it's 45 years worth of progressive technology so it should indeed be the better all round bike but if I had the choice my heart would rule my head I think and it would probably be the B1 even better with a period 4 into 1 exhaust . Nice comparison test thanks👍
Oh what was the brand of 4 into 1 everyone used to use?
The RS is a nice tip of the hat to the original
@@RepairandRideout The Piper 4 into one suited them great, nice and slim and sounded like a rocket ship
@@retro423 That's it! The one I remember
@@RepairandRideout Yoshimura or Harris were my personal favourites tho they were the most expensive the other popular one was the Alpha 41 mine had a Motad Neta when bought it didn't like the sound much so swaped it for a Lazer which sounded much better imo .
4 cylinders 4 the win. Never liked the thumping bumping lawnmower sound.
I agree. I was thinking about an exhaust for the RS, but a guy locally has done it. It doesn't improve the sound