The Kawasaki Z650RS | Can it Beat the Brits?
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 26 ก.ย. 2024
- The Japanese motorcycles of the 1960s and 70s finished off the British motorcycle industry. This, the new for 2022 Kawasaki Z650RS is the successor to the highly regarded Kawasaki Z650 of 1976.
With looks clearly reminiscent of that 1970s bike, how does Kawasaki’s latest offering in the retro motorcycle market compare to the current crop, such as the Triumph Speed Twin 900, the Moto Guzzi V7, and the Royal Enfield Interceptor, among others.
Can this little Kawasaki offer enough character, charm and performance to be a real competitor in the market?
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The Bike:
Kawasaki Z650RS
650cc
187kg
67hp
Parrallel Twin
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Thanks to Wheels Motorcycles in Peterborough for lending me the bike for a week! You can follow them on Instagram (@wheelsmotorcycles) and Facebook (@wheelsmotorcycles).
Wheels Motorcycles
First Drove
Fengate
Peterborough
PE1 5BJ
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As a freshly qualified rider I took out a Z650RS for a test ride, was incredibly surprised and impressed by how easy it was to ride. Really sublime handling. Glad I'm not the only one that feels this way. Engine not the the most exciting but plenty of character and the bike felt quick enough. And those looks really sell it, especially in the green.
I loved this bike already, but that guy praising that bike in elegant british english made me order it immediatly
I have one of these and it’s an awesome bike. I used to ride back in the late 70s and early 80s and have just come back to riding bikes aged 60. It has beautiful handling and very quick indeed! Love it.
Good for you Sir! 🍻
me to...stay safe and well!
I have one also. Replaced my 2014 Moto Guzzi v7.
The V7 had more torque but greater Z650RS handles like a dream compared to the shaft drive V7.
I'm 72 and have been riding motorcycles since the age of 18.
@@raymondkinch3766Congratulations on the excellent choice of bike you made.
They call it the bike of a lifetime.
In addition to being too beautiful, it has a cornering behavior of the best in the class, very fun and pleasant to drive and comfortable, with good torque already and more than enough power and 100% usable.
Best regards ✌️
Im 56, had several bikes and riding since the 80´s but this Babe ( got one 2 monthes ago ) makes me smile like a kid again. You said exactly what i think and feel about this bike ! And those front breaks...... r awesome!!!
I'm a bit older than you. I'm very interested in this bike. Was wondering... what is the wind like on this? Did you buy a windscreen? Thank you!
Kawasaki make such beautiful bikes. The retro bikes are sublime.
As an aside Monica and Freddie your talents exceed a motorcycle channel. Superior video work and editing great scenery and always excellent information. Freddie your delivery and comfort in front of the camera makes the videos easy to watch and you always have great information. Great channel. Blessings for further success
Moto muito Show não tenho que reclamar , sou de Curitiba tenho uma 22/23 tirei dia 19 de fevereiro única ressalva é o tanque de combustível ser 12 litros e dia 29 de outubro colidi no trânsito com outra moto , ainda não tinha feito o seguro devido ficar mais parada que rodando até então está com 4 mil km , resultado 17 mil reais de prejuízo 8 itens quebrados mais caro farol 12 mil optei por restauração muito mis em conta e o radiador esse teve que trocar 8 mil o resto entre é um pouco , mais em conta se não por seguro fale de vez , se eu ficar com ela vou segurar agora!
what I love with their retros bikes are they are they look exactly like the old bikes they are inspired by. They are overflashy neo remakes. You could stand it next to the original and you wont be able to tell which one the latest one is if you squint
If you don't mind the sound from that Kawasaki 650 twin, I think you'd be a happy with your purchase... I would have preferred they used an in-line 4, not so much for the performance but for the traditional Kawasakii 70's howl. It's a bit of a miss for me 😕
The point of this is if Kawasaki had used a Four Cylinder Engine it would have been Far more Expesive
It would not Handle as well :& would
Weigh Loads more ..once its on the
Move it has a fantastic Bass growl
From the Engine. That you cant
Hear at Tickover by using an existing
Engine & Frame the Cost has Been
Kept at £7000.
If you want a Four cylinder get the
RS 900
@@jefflambert8603 Just my personal opinion but to my mind the real question is why is it an £8000 bike when it shares so many parts with other bikes ? The development costs of the ER-6 engine must be well and truly paid back now and the frame is z650 so again development costs are at least shared. It has no fancy electronics it has plastic fittings everywhere so why is it £8000 when Royal Enfield can produce a bike fresh from the drawing board with all the development costs for £6000 ? Yes I know the RE is only 48bhp but that was deliberate to widen the market to include A2 and that engine is easily capable of more. You could argue that RE skimped a bit on some components to get the price down and I would agree but there doesn't seem to be any major reliability issues so how much does that really matter ? Personally I think they could have made it 4 cylinder but they chose to maximise their profits by using an existing engine that is a completely different character to the original and it is the equivalent of Triumph building a 650 single and calling it a Bonneville. I really wanted to like this bike as the original was a big favourite of mine but it misses on the engine and, for me, the styling is slightly off and I would have preferred to see spoked wheels but that is a very personal thing.
@@Grumpy-Goblin of course it all a matter of
Personal opinion
& Yours is as Valid as anyone else
I dont think its a Bad value Bike
You do pay Extra for the Emerald
Green. It will probably appeal more
To younger Riders who dont really
Hark Back to 1976 but like a Retro Look
They are shifting loads of RS Z650s
In America so Kawasaki must be
Doing Something Right.
I think Freddie Dobbs is Spot on
With this review
@@Grumpy-Goblin I agree it's an old bike in new clothes but in terms of pricing it's spot on. You cannot compare
it directly with the RE which is a budget bike built by a budget bike manufacturer. Kawasaki are a very different entity, If (theoretically) people had the choice of an identically designed bike built by the 2 Company's and offered at the same price RE would not sell any!
You can just buy the Z900RS? I know it's more expensive but an inline 4 Z650RS would have been more expensive also, at that point just get the 900, especially when it's way better looking, as beautiful as this 650 is.
Paused at 5:14.
I'm reminiscing so much here. Although in my mid-teens (or so) when this came out, I'm remembering when my older brother brought home his new KZ900.
I'm so grateful to be alive to see (and ride) all the 'old' bikes making 'new' appearances but with new tech!
Thank you Monica and Freddie!
Ahhh I love this- this is why these Retros are so special. Thank you and have a great day!🙂
@@FreddieDobbs Yes, they make us older folks feel like kids again!
Sou de São Paulo, Brasil 🇧🇷 e tenho que dizer que esse é o melhor vídeo sobre a Z650 RS da Kawasaki que me deparei dentre todos os vídeos do Mundo 🌎 Parabéns pelos detalhes minuciosos da moto e também pela paisagem de fundo 👏🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷
Z650rs now has traction control...
Is has better handling and much better looking than the z900rs
It is probably the most beautiful retro bike in industry today.
However it is not so retro as enfield and triumph and it has only 67hp (5hp less then kawasaki versys or er6n) and a weak frontal swing fork. However with a better pillow it could be easily used as a formidable commuter bike (retro street/city bike and as a medium to medium-long range Turing roadster with comfort).
It is totally different than the typical retro bikes and also it is different if compared to the z650, sv650, mt07, cb500x, moto Guzzi, harley street 750 or any other bike in the same spectrum.
Considering I don't care to the super authentic "retro art engine" it would be my retro first choice.
Brasil 😮😮😮😮
@@KRYPTOS_K5 ainda não tem controle de tração no Brasil em 2024. Não sei se tem em todos países. E nem precisa também.
This is the kind of bike you'd see an older uncle stop by with and the one you'd promise yourself you'd buy when you were older. Nice to see retro done well.
Brilliant. 👌🏻
I am 34 and really consider this as my first motorbike, feeling offended 😅
I drove the Triumph Street Twin and it sadly didn't fit me or I was just not feeling comfortable, on the Royal Enfield I had so much fun, but when I got on the Kawasaki it was just pure bliss.
About the engine looks, I don't care, because it's so blacked out, you hardly see it. The only thing you see is the lovely tank and silhouette 🤗
Funny that you like the look of the exhaust...I don't . I get it, that for a modern exhaust it's well done. Especially the sound 👌
But I got the 50 years of Z book along the bike and in that are just some wonderful examples how I want it...so I will change it in the near future. 😁
End note...it's a Japanese bike, so it will be much more reliable then all the named competition 😉
Great to hear from an owner, thanks for your input Martin🙂 This’d be great- I would love to see how an exhaust would change the look. The right exhaust would give it an old school look (which can only be great!🙂). I agree; the silhouette is beautiful😍
Love the exhaust, many today look like hideous afterthoughts. This is integral to the machine.
Freddie your passion for bikes is contagious. Try the bigger sibling Z900RS, you’ll love it. Keep up the good work, my favourite channel.
Hugely appreciated, thank you Matt🙂 I’m really keen to try the Z900RS- hopefully soon
@@FreddieDobbs don't bother with it...
Z650rs now has traction control...
Is has better handling and much better looking than the z900rs
It is probably the most beautiful retro bike in industry today.
However it is not so retro as enfield and triumph and it has only 67hp (5hp less then kawasaki versys or er6n) and a weak frontal swing fork. However with a better pillow it could be easily used as a formidable commuter bike (retro street/city bike and as a medium to medium-long range Turing roadster with comfort).
It is totally different than the typical retro bikes and also it is different if compared to the z650, sv650, mt07, cb500x, moto Guzzi, harley street 750 or any other bike in the same spectrum.
Considering I don't care to the super authentic "retro art engine" it would be my retro first choice.
Brasil
@@KRYPTOS_K5definitely doesn’t look as good as a 900rs 😵💫
Great review! I ended up buying this bike and totally agree with this review. Great bike, very nimble and faster than I want to go., and pulls hard in 3rd and 4tth gears..love it!
I saw many times this test and I got a problem: there is no chance to give a like more than one time. 😊 I love the way you introduce the bikes. The emotions are coming through the screen all the time I view your videos. Good job again. 🏍️💪🙂
Kawasaki is really underrated in motorbike world, z1000sx, w800, versys 650 (so popular in Asia), z900 and z900rs all great bikes
The pricing of this motorcycle in India is absolutely bonkers, Z900 costs around £11600 in India z650rs costs £10,300😂 (converted ₹-£)
Said that an interceptor 650 with basic accessories costs £3600🤦🏻♂️ after all the taxes
My Son and a friend of mine both own Kawasaki Z650's, one the RS model. They love them! If you buy a Japanese bike or a Triumph today, it's probably made in Thailand. ( Z650 engine/ Thailand). I've got the Japanese made Kawasaki W800 Cafe! All are VERY reliable, I remember the 60's and British bikes...Amal carbs, Smith instruments and Lucas electronics insured that they would be very IFFY regarding reliability! I was riding Hondas and Yamahas (XS650)...My friends with Triumphs and Beezers were riding tow trucks!
One of the best videos I have ever seen on motorcycle presentation... So much passion... I love the bike and I hope I can have it really soon. Keep up the excellent work my friend... Greetings from Greece 🇬🇷
A great review. I think this is the best reviewer i have seen. Knows his history. Looks at the subject from several angles to give the reader a thoughtful report. I was lucky enough to ride the original z 650 and many other machines back in the day. Thanks mate.
Freddie there are many that review well and technically sound, but here you have shown something special! the passion you exude for this bike and its character are tangible!
Thank you.
Tried Speed Twin and the 650RS. Both great bikes. What drew me to purchasing the RS is rev counter which does not exist on the Triumph Speed Twin. Also my legs are more bent on the Speed Twin. RS is more relaxed position wise.
im wondering how much, both of the bike priced at in your country?
Hello. I have the same dilema.
You make a good choise. Congratulations on the excellent bike.
Best regards ✌️
I’m between these two bikes, are you still enjoying the 650rs?
Absolutely. More than ever. Very universal bike. Using it in Warsaw traffic on everyday basis but not only. My butt survived a trip to Vienna which is 700 km from my city.
"... hand on heart, it would be this bike ... " nicely put.
Balanced review, indeed. I'm sold and bought one.
Same engine as my old ER6f from well over a decade ago. It was also a light machine and the engine was a cracker, but this Kawasaki is clearly more comfortable, is utterly stunning to look at and it's reasonably priced. It's going to be a huge success (or perhaps already is).
I’m a bit late. I bought the same bike used yesterday and absolutely love it. I had a 77 z1000 in the 80’s and selling it is life’s biggest regret. At 57 this scratches the itch for the last time but I’d love to try the 900
It's a beauty...they nailed a bike that harks back, yet is still a head-turner, and the right size and power and fun and usability for most riders. Thanks Freddie and Monica. Fun to watch as always. Great review of a cool bike.
Looks wise, it does suit you Freddie. Interesting observations on its riding dynamics. Perhaps Kawasaki engineers spend more resources refining that aspect of their bikes. My z900RS' confidence-inspiring handling (and comfort) was also a revelation when I first rode it. And it's that intangible aspect of it that makes me feel the bike's a keeper.
They really do make superb bikes. The Z900RS is now pretty much top of my list for the next bike I want to try🙂
This bike is totally marketed at newer riders...who aren't going to want to spend 21,000AUD on a first decent bike (which is what this would be if it had a perfectly suited ground up inline 4 true to heritage). The Enfield is too retro in the looks department with all the chrome for someone who's never going to mod the bike as far as I'm concerned (some modded Enfield's look great, but I don't have the time or cognitive capacity for that). As a rider on a restricted learner license, I'm just glad that there is something out there that looks better than the XSR700...that's really the only reason why I'm going to get one...
Dreaming of a black Thruxton RS when off leaner license.
Did he just say 7,50.00 pound bike?
What difference does it make whether it's been built from the ground up or not if the riding experience is what you're after?
And the Kawa is gorgeous.
Fabulous video as ever Freddie and Monika...I love the looks of the Z650RS (particularly in that colour scheme!!) - I've not ridden one yet so I'll have to put that right. I'm wondering if you've ridden the Z900RS....I'm guessing not? I really love that bike too and I'm wondering how much quicker it feels over the 650 given it is quite a lot more money. The 650 looks pretty much the same as the 900, with those great retro clocks, fuel tank and so on....but then I do like me the 4 cylinder in the 900.....I dunno, decisions decisions!! So many great value bikes in this sector....
I agree, changed the Ninja 650 for the Z900RS. I can say it’s so much smoother and yes you do feel the 40bhp difference.
I do hope you Get a Ride on the
Z650 RS TMF...
Would "On Yer Bike "westcott
lend yoou a Demo Bike ?
Its not going toCompete with the
Power of the 900RS but its a Torquey
Engine , Lightweight, sweet Handling
Bike
I put the Z900RS side by side to my T120 gold line in the dealership. Took a long hard look and the T120 was just finished off better. The wiring and routing of cables was better and overall appearance was far nicer. The Kawasaki was a nice bike but for the same price the T120 in my humble opinion was the real retro bike, that will stand the test of time.
Outstanding review, Freddie. You always give the full context of why the bikes are made and compare them to their competitors.
Hi Freddie, i ride mostly pre-war bikes, Norton mainly. I wanted a new bike and after looking around i went for the z650rs. I wanted a new Triumph or a Norton [That another story]. As an overall package i think it's hard to beat the z650rs, yes Triumph are superb in the build quality and Ducati are well "Ducati. It came down really to looks and i went with my heart! I think now it's really down to what works for you.
Ok, she's is coming on Friday. Thank you for that review. I think the most outstanding and passionate review I've seen so far on TH-cam in the last 5 years.
I own the very same bike and i love it. I ride with a group with 30-60 more hp than me, and i have never felt left behind. especially in the twisties. :)
Thank you Fredrick- really glad to hear your first hand experience when compared to 100hp bikes🙌🏻
You have done a masterful job at explaining the z650rs .
loving all the options with these retro looking bikes, this and the xsr 700... however as my first "big" bike I went for the SV... not the same looks wise, however they are supposed to be retiring the v twin in the sv650 I'm happy I got one before they went! Loving the burble of the v twin when coming off the throttle.... characterful - and hopefully reliable as folk say they are :-)
I live in the us and the funny thing is, I love Triumph motorcycles. I own a modern classic in the Bonneville T120 and recently purchased a Tiger Sport 660. I love them both and the Triumph triple in the TS, along with the handling, is outstanding. The Bonnie doesn't handle as well, but it has its own look, feel and style. Like you said, it's a great time to own a bike and there are so many great options out there. Reliability has increased across the industry, with a few exceptions, making almost every choice a good, if not a great one. Buy the bike that fits you!
Great and accurate review Freddie. I have the ordinary Z650 and I am blessed to live near some of the best biking roads in Britain where it comes into its own. The lightness and short wheelbase means I can see off much more powerful bikes on the twisty bits. I would say that i average 68 to 72 mpg and I am not a docile rider. Service intervals are short but it only takes twenty minutes or less to do an oil change.
That’s impressive mpg! Thank you for your owner’s insight. Sending all my best🏴🙂
In India, Interceptor is about 3300 - 3400 GBP equivalent (ex showroom) while this is equivalent to about 7400 GBP (ex showroom). Hence, Interceptor makes sense. However, in UK or anywhere else where this Kawasaki is only slightly costlier, I don't see how the Interceptor is going to continue it's streak that it has maintained so far since the launch of the 650s.
I’m with Monika regarding the colour of the wheels.
The quality of the video is superb! What a review !!! I still prefer the Mg v7 but great effort from Kawasaki.
Monica, I will have to watch that video again to listen to what Freddie was saying about the bike because I was so entranced by the beautiful videography that I was totally focused on the overall ‘scene’ rather than the detail. The clouds and sunlight around the 7.10 mark with the topiary hedges in the foreground was an absolute masterpiece, as were the scenes with all the boats in the background. You don’t need to like motorcycles to love these videos! Once again my Sunday morning has started perfectly thanks to this wonderful channel and two of my favourite people on the internet. Now let me start over to see what Freddie thought of the bike!
Hi Nick. You echo my thoughts on the locations and quality of videography. For me also is another dimension, that I grew up in the Ipswich area during the 70’s and know the locations really very well. The hedges are at The Royal Hospital School, Holbrook and the boats at Woolverstone Marina. My first motorcycle was used to take me from home to go dinghy sailing on the River Orwell here. Now living in Asia Pacific, it’s great to reminisce about the great times we had as youngsters. Thank you Monica and Freddie.
She really did a wonderful job.
The backgrounds again are absolutly beautiful, Monika has an amazing eye for the spectacular, The pillion seat looks child size, Nice looking bike, Great video again Freddy.....Monika needs a pay rise for the quality of videos....fantastic photography
I have a 77 Kawasaki Z650 in the exact same color scheme as the new model shown here. Riding that bike now makes you realize what an incredible machine that was in it's day. It's still fast and smooth and with modern tires and aftermarket springs it handles well too. Sadly much as I love my 73 Triumph Tiger, it's all too easy to see why the British bike industry was destroyed by the Japanese offerings.
So one thing that your videos often lack (and often for motorcycle reviewers in general) is a pillion review, or a 2 seat review where you get on the motorcycle, drive with a friend on the back, and review that aspect. Why? Because, this situation is very different on every motorcycle, from comfort to safety, and from maneuverability, and handling once 2 are up! To someone that expects to have more than one on occasion, I'd love to see the actual test done for all the bikes you review and the consensus by the driver and the passenger. 👍🏻
I agree with this! Hopefully when Monica feels a bit better she can provide some solid pillion review???? I plan to have my wife with me once or twice a month, so not critical, but still prefer her to be somewhat comfy for an hour or 2 on the back of whatever I choose to buy.
I'm in my mid 60s & been biking since I was 16, the bike I had before this kwaka was a speed triple I bought new in 2000 & loved it to bits but now I wanted something retro & light, this bike is perfect for me & what has impressed more than anything is the low down toque, this bike is such a joy to ride & hoping I'll still be riding her in my 70s
So lucky to own this bike💚many thanks Freddie
19:45 The end of the video says it all. Thank you for being, as always, honest in your opinion in a discrete way of course.
Nice vid Freddie. The new Kawasakis are excellent, but I’d have the 900RS over that one. I rode big Kawasakis in the early ‘80’s….gorgeous bikes. With that one you’re a couple of cylinders short of the original Z650, which for me would be a bit like having a Bonneville single……so the 650 doesn’t work for me as a true ‘retro’. I’d still have it over the Enfield. You don’t ‘need’ the extra power, but you’ve got it when you want it. Power has never got me into trouble but it’s sure got me out of trouble a few times.
I like your angle on power, Steve. This is a very valid point that I do often overlook🙂
Always a pleasure waking up with a morning coffee and an amazing review from Freddie. Have a great Sunday ☕️👍
Thank you, you too!🙂
Hello Mr. Dobbs, Just a compliment on your mastery of motorcycle reviews; and of course that appears to be from a tremendous amount of passion for motorcycles. I don't comment very often; but I just find your honest and completely thorough review extremely refreshing. Carry on my friend. Steve
Great test and beautifully filmed Monica, thank you Fredie
The Kwak 650 was my son’s first proper motorcycle after he passed his test. It served him well, and I think its a great first bike. For me, that is its niche in the market.
Since there's never been a Kwak 650 Lord knows what you're talkin about. Considering Kawasaki has made multiple 650 motorcycles are YOU even sure what bike you're referring to?
@@jayryan7473 ER-6f to be precise!.
Thankyou for such a positive review Freddie , I’ve just took my full license at 54 so I could take my partner on my Vespa 300GTS , I learnt on a Z650 and loved that bike ( I’m a short ass and it fitted me like a glove ) I’ve fallen in love with the RS , I’d like the extra power of the Honda CB650R , but this Kawasaki is just gorgeous !!!!!!!!
Monika, your photography and video work are exceptional.
A typical wonderful Freddie Dobbs review. It was a pleasure watching it. Same engine as the one in the Ninja 650 and Versys 650. When I had my hands on the Versys version, I was pleasantly surprised how comfortable it was to ride it on a highway. Having a sixth gear made all the difference. And she's a very peppy 650 engine too. I go witrh function over form. The Kawa 650 engine is superior enough over its competitors to choose it over the others. The dual rotors up front is a superior arrangement when it comes to safety and stopping power too. Lastly, you ought to include a pillion rider's opinion, when you have one, in your reviews also. Ciao!
superior to what? The triumph and royal enfield?
Thanks! I was very pleasantly surprised by how fun the 650 engine was- I loved it!🙂
I bought a 1977 KZ650C1 new. It had an inline 4 cylinder engine. I did a 5000+ mile tour of the U.S. from the border area of Canada as a young lad just after the break in period. All I had to do were an oil, and brake fluid change halfway, and a new rear tire (hot desert :) so it performed flawlessly. The 4 cylinder was so smooth. This new retro is so much lighter ( by 81 lbs ! ) Much of that weight on the C1 "custom" model KZ650 was the early generation mag wheels which were grossly heavy compared to today's versions.
I am glad I found this channel 😌
Probably the best reviewers on the internet. Thanks Freddie and Monica
I had a 1977 Kawasaki Z650 in the same green colour. Back in those days it was a 4 cylinder and had a very good reputation as a the bike to have before you finally made it to a 1000cc.
So disappointed they didn’t make this a 4 cylinder 4
@@marshallbromley7805 They dont have a 650cc 4 cylinder engine
Amazing review and amazing cinematography as well! Thank you both and greetings from Chile (and from a now even happier Interceptor owner) :)
I have a Kawasaki Z2 750 as a project bike and I really love how this Z650RS is put together.
I love that color! 😍 I like that you give a back story and provide some history into your reviews. I find it makes your reviews much more interesting to watch and listen to. Not 'just the facts:" Otherwise anyone could just look up the manufacturer's specifications, which wouldn't do much good to me because I am new to motorcycles. I wouldn't know or understand all of that technical mumbo jumbo.
My first motorcycle was an old rough around the edges 1981 Suzuki GS450e that I got back in the late 2010’s when I was 18, I rode it for a year and had to rebuild the engine on it. It was a mechanical mess with a rats nest of redone electrics but I must confess I really deeply miss throwing around a Japanese twin, they are light and handy and the weight is low, a real riders bike. I have a deep love for the styling of Japanese bikes of the early 80s and these Kawasaki’s have me longing for another summer nights ride into the sunset.
So beautiful it's emotionally moving
Yup, I bought a Yamaha XS 650 in 1972 and my BSA and Triumph mates said is was like silk in comparison and it was “the beginning of the end”. My boss wasn’t happy though as we were a Honda dealership😂
I saw it on red the other day and it is even better looking. Magnificient! I didn't ride it but had it between the legs and it felt weightless. So well balanced.
Great review as always Sir Fred. I do agree with you on the styling. It's silhouette definitely tells you what the bike is going for, retro, only when ingested on a quick passing glance. But further examination is ostensibly modern.
Though not markably different, the Z900RS has a slightly different engine/chassis design complete with faux machined air-cooling fins on the engine adding just a tad bit more retro aesthetic.
The 900 is what brought me to this model, and was confused at first when you brought up this engine, only to notice the difference. Why would they forgo such a small, but effective, addition to creating the nostalgic styling we assume they aimed for?
Would love to see you on a Z900RS! Keep up the great videos. Cheers to you and Monika!
Finally a retro bike I'd actually buy. Thank you to the bike shop for lending the bike for review
I love the look of this bike, I currently have the z650 but am considering changing as it has a more relaxed image about it.
I have this model and colour, it’s the only one on the roads in Hong Kong. A lovely bike in my opinion, yes a bit of a mix and mash in terms of the looks, it only just pulls it off. I would have gone for a Royal Enfield 650, but they are not sold here, and the Triumph T100 or Speed Twin is the equivalent of about £4500 more expensive here than the Z650RS. Great review as always, seems like it’s got your seal of approval!!
Bruh.
This is the best looking bike
Totally agree with you on the optics of an engine that wouldn’t look out of place in a fork-lift truck.
What might help would be adding lower bars and a full classically rounded fairing with matching paint, at least a belly pan to cover where the headers mit the collector underneath the engine.
Thanks again for an enjoyable review, you both are champions 😉
Great video the bike is not retro enough imo , the only ones right now are the Guzzi V7 classic and the Kawasaki W 800 and the Royal Enfield family. Its time that the Japanese do a real proper job on making the ultimate late 60s and early 70s retro bike. It will be a huge banger ! Its time !
Keep it going i love your video's. Greetings from the Netherlands everyone ❤️
It's not worth the 10's of millions in development cost for a whole new retro engine platform, as the company doesn't have that market. They all want to develop things that can be used across all their models now, and most bikes are modern looking
@@chrispekel5709 every new bike and almost every new model looks like any other bike that allready excist somewhere, its getting boring...... No...☝️it is boring. They are lazy as fak at the R & D departments, the whole market is not exciting anymore or as it used to be.
@@pleun315 I agree! Has the passion gone for the people who make them, or is it the bean counters trying to run companies as cheaply as possible? I think it's both.
@@chrispekel5709 its all about the money as always... But with a little effort more even with bits and peaces from another model they can do it. A Honda CB with spoked wheels and some chrome fenders oooh my God, the old skool way, they did it ones and should do it again! But......The excitement is gone when you walk in a showroom, Lets be honest. A showroom should always be that one place you can walk in with a boner and come out with a boner... Its really not wurth it anymore... Its really sad...
Great video. If you want a Kawasaki and more of a classic look, as several have mentioned, there is the W800. I’ve got about 9,000 miles on my beautiful red 2020 W800 and it’s the perfect bike for me. Not as quick as the new 650, but it sure looks right to me with no radiator, the rear shocks in the right place and the cool bevel drive on the big twin. Much like the old Kawasaki 750 twin that I bought new in 1979 and rode for many years. Not many will likely remember it, but they did make a KZ750 twin for a few years back then.
No thanks. With only 5 gears they cut corners. The zr650rs has a 6-speed for a really smooth ride on the highway.
Lovely video and shooting, thanks very much. The impressions don't surprise me at all, I had an ER6 when they came out and it was far from a 'commuter' bike. It was very light and quick, ahead of it's time when the other bikes were all quite tubby and overweight. They managed to make it look a bit better in that Vulcan cruiser that uses it at the moment
So happy you like driving it because in my opinion, it is the best looking neo-retro/retro-bike in its price-class. I want one.. I rode one during Kawasaki's dealer-tour this summer and loved it.. sigh!
This video caught my attention as I was an owner of the original KZ650 B1, as it was called in the States, back in June 1977. The full purchase price with tax was $1745.00, incidentally.
I ended up putting 80,000 miles on that bike with never a problem or broken part.
Interestingly, it "replaced" my '67 BSA Royal Star twin as my all-purpose bike. Yet I kept the BSA and rode it until the '90s.
It bears mention that my BSA, which did about 40,000 miles for me, was utterly reliable, a first-kick starter that served as a commuter and everything else.
The new Z650 is indeed attractive and carries styling cues that are taken from the olden KZ, but a comparison is a bit of a stretch. The KZ was a large, four-cylinder bike that weighed some 500lbs, far larger and heavier than today's 435lb Z650.
Since my wife is the (very) proud owner of a newer Ninja 650, very much the same bike as the Z650, I can make some direct comparisons.
The new Z is indeed lighter and far more agile. Yet as a road bike, the KZ had the advantage of bulk and smoothness to make long trips possible. While I don't have my KZ to ride back-to- back with the Missus' Ninja, my strong recollection is that the older bike was much more relaxed at long highway-speed drones. The newer twin is vibey-er and more skittish by comparison.
The seating on the KZ was better, too, with plenty of room for a passenger and a surprisingly good seat. As a passenger hauler, of course, the larger size gave plenty of room for two-up work. The current twin is indeed marginal for taking someone on the pillion.
I do have to note that in real life, the Ninja gets right around 50mpg in US measure. Whatever the computer says, it isn't going to present a useful picture. Her 650 has a 4.1 gal US tank and refueling is normally at the 150 mile mark or so.
Interestingly, the old KZ was only a little more thirsty, although that was based on the optimistic -speedo/odo. Accordingly, the 120+mph top speed I saw was likely more in the 110-115 range- it was a liar in that regard.
So the Z650's styling is definitely a heartstring-grabber for this old-timer, but it's still a lightweight twin and not quite the full-sizer roadburner the KZ650 was.
Lovely review and locations 👌🏼
For my money, a retro tank, dials and forks isn’t enough to make it a true modern classic, because the rest of it looks awful in my opinion.
Still Triumph and Royal Enfield would get our vote, and we’ll have to see about BSA. Did you say that you’ve put a deposit down for a BSA?
Thanks! I do agree re Triumph and Enfield. I’m tempted by the BSA, but I need to get my hands on one for a few days🙂
Great, thorough review Freddie of a very good bike.
Thank you John🙂
I would say its in a different category to the Interceptor, as lots of owners buy them to mod and tinker with them, so the 2k saving is attractive. Good match up to the Triumph though
I used to have a 79 kz650sr and now I just bought my 22 z650rs. Next week I put the smile back on.
I had the original in 1978 now I own this one. Also I've owned the ER6 and the Versys 650 which shows how much I like this engine.
Never seen one of these bikes up close but had a few pass me so will need to go and check them out, thanks for another great review
Great videos, fantastic information. Motivated me to get my full licence, only my mod 2 to go now😆
Oh yes Simba- you’re so close! The best of luck with it🙂
Awesome video and awesome content can’t wait for the next video Thank’s Freddie and Monika
I got this for this season and very much love it. I've since modded it for tail tidy and better shocks; k-tech razor r adjustable rear shock and hyperpro progressive front fork springs. It feels very balanced for my weight (100kg gear on) and makes a super fun ride, even two up now. I haven't changed the exhaust but been weighting for Scorpion Red full system. I also use airhaw2 seat on top of the factory seat.
I briefly had a Z650 from 1978 and the mirrors on the bike you're showing are perfect!
It looks like a straightforward machine. I own the triple disc brake 1978 KZ650 and it is still a very usable, enjoyable bike to ride. The seat is very comfortable for two over-weight riders and the engine makes plenty of power.
Fantastic review, Freddie. I'm now the proud owner of one of these puppies and can't disagree with anything you've said....... It's brilliant, ticks all of my 5' 7" boxes! I can't imagine getting rid of my Interceptor, though, and now you've sewn a seed with your comparison to the Street Twin, you sod!! 🤩
Another great review and enjoying the views on the peninsula again.
One of the best-looking bikes imo, the only thing I would probably nitpick about this bike is the handlebar. I think a chrome handlebar suits it well.
G’day to you there in merry old England Freddie. From an Aussie subscriber in Tasmania, 44 degrees south. 🐧 Love your work & Monicas laughs & comments from behind the camera. PS Get we’ll soon Monica.
Oh wow- Tasmania!! Thank you Russell- sending all my best to you all the way over there👋🙂
Hi from NZ. I used to own 2 original Z650's. They were good bikes then. I moved up to Z1R. I owned 2 of those. One had been modded, bored out to1105cc, Yoshimura 4 into 1. The other was stock. Before that, i owned a couple of triples, S2a, and H1. Should have kept them. I am thinking of getting one of these.
It's.
Simply.
Beautiful.
What a looker !
A very canny review bonny lad, however there is an all important and very real #3 in the demise of our bike industry. And that...was us. The 1970s workforce. Militant, left Wing and heavily unionised. Intent on pushing back against any attempts at streamlining or thinning out of dead wood. We were a huge nail in the coffin. I know. I was there. Keep it up.
Again a good video of you. With a really nice motorcycle. I showed The Motorcycle to My Wife and she liked it immediately. She wants to get the driver's license for the motorcycle next year and the Kawasaki is on the shortlist.
As for your last comments, I think this bike, in this color, with that tail and all, would win me over looks-wise, even though the engine isn't at all traditional looking.
You seem to make every bike desirable for unique reasons. Again great videography. Sorry Monika I do like the gold combo.
Hi Freddie...I bought this in USA (Post Falls Power Sports) Idaho and absolutely Love It. Great Review 👍
Great video again Freddie and Monica…..you always manage to make the most of the beautiful Suffolk countryside.
I have a friend who rides a Z650RS with me (on a Thruxton). He easily stays with me & gets as many looks as mine. We both tested the RE & thought it was too heavy, under-powered & not as well finished. It’s worth the extra money - if only for the gold wheels. Great review 👍
I am considering to buy it, here in my country it is offered with a great disccount (-5K USD for a 2022 model, 0 km), but i guess you there in europe don't have to deal with the massive "speed reductors" and potholes we have here en south america, so the only weak point I notice on this gorgeous motorcycle is the lowest ground clearance. Nice video btw, cheers from Peru
Really like the way Freddie breaks down and appreciates (or not) the design elements. We get what he means by “British” bikes but of course their reliability has nothing to do with being “British”!