Two Year Ownership REVIEW | Kawasaki Z650RS motorcycle
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 ก.พ. 2025
- This week the date is finally here - TWO YEARS OF OWNERSHIP for the Kawasaki Z650RS. How has it behaved? What are its strong points? What are it’s weaknesses (yes it does have some weaknesses).
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We are Glynis and Chris Taylor. We’ve been riding forever (🤦♀️). Glynis passed her test in 1998, and Chris a few decades earlier.
Our riding history! We’ve ridden the length of England, Scotland and Wales on everything from a Suzuki 650S, Ducati 748R, Fazer 600, CBR600, VFR800’s and R1’s. We’ve taken BMW GS700s from Ushuaia to Machu Picchu in South America, taken RE Classic 500’s around Rajasthan in India, ridden off road in Cyprus, and covered a lot of New South Wales on R1’s and Fazer 600’s, and South Australia on MT09’s and now Kawasaki Z650RS’s.
The road never ends for motorcycle adventurers.
We’re all about bringing you a weekly #motovlog videos riding motorbikes, in particular our twin Kawasaki Z650RS’s. We do this full time. We love adventure travel, extreme travel, and sometimes just easy relaxing travel along with the odd skydive and bungee jump. Just like so many bikers, we need varied and specific clothing and equipment, tyres, good servicing, great routes and good mates. So we aim to offer you suggestions, our experience, our knowledge, and some genuine good ideas.
CAN YOU HELP US?
If you want me to try anything out (tech on the bike, cans of lube, or anything else you can get in touch at email: ozdivergt@hotmail.com
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GLYNIS & CHRIS TAYLOR - C/O: PO BOX 405, RSL TAILEM BEND, South Australia 5260
In South Australia rural properties do not have post boxes as the postie doesn’t deliver outside of town. Hence the post office box.
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Your review was excellent, thorough, and best of all 'honest'. Most reviews do not tell the true cons of a bike. Much appreciated 👏
Thankyou so much for saying this. I know not everyone will agree but it is my real lived experience. I hope I haven’t put anyone off buying one as it’s an amazing bike. X
I appreciate this review very much. It's valuable hearing the information from a sensible enthusiast, rather than the red lining people who do reviews as a profession - and seemingly can't get enough power nor lean angle on any bike. Thank you so much and all the best from Norway.
Thank you for your comment. I know where you’re coming from on professional reviews. I’m just an ordinary rider wanting to share the reality of ownership. Ride safe. I’m betting it’s pretty cold up there now. Have a lovely Christmas x
Thanks for this great review. I’m currently trying to decide between the Triumph Speed 400, Trident 660 and z650rs and your review has been super helpful. I think the z650rs is looking likely to be my next bike.😊
You are awesome.
👍 Here is your thumbs up and I'm your newest subscriber.
You now have a friend in Pennsylvania USA
Thankyou for subscribing. So many people watch the videos but don’t subscribe so I really appreciate it x
Fab review, really useful.
Thank you ❤❤❤
Thanks for the 2 year review. Great review.
I will pass my driving licence in the next incoming weeks and plan to buy the z650rs. This kind of review is way more revelant than "commercial reviews".
Thankyou for your comments. It’s a wonderful motorcycle and like all motorcycles has its own unique personality. Hope you really enjoy riding yours when you get it.
Thumbs up. Really enjoyed the vlogg.
Thank you ❤
Super review of your experience with the Z650RS, I have this bike and I absolutely love it. I agree the fuel tank is small, I generally fill up after 250 KM knowing I can easily wait longer. I personally find the seat very comfortable, like a cloud, nor do I find the vibrations an issue for me. That probably has a lot to do with the riding I do where I live in Hong Kong there’s not many roads! My Vulcan 900 has plenty of vibrations compared to the Z650RS! I never realised what a joke that range counter is, but you are right! On the way home recently got stuck in traffic on the way to the petrol station, and watched the range go down from 80KM to 20KM, in the space of about 3KM of road!
Thank you for your awesome comment. I think I’ll be a lot heavier than anyone from Hong Kong, you’re all so slim and thin! It’s not an issue as rides of an hour or less, but longer rides it’s really noticeable for me. I do tend to ride closer to the tank so I have better reach to the ground. Getting older as well I’m sure my legs are getting shorter 😂. It is a stunningly good looking bike and gets a lot of attention. Enjoy your bike and ride safely ❤
I enjoyed your video where you give your everyday experiences, I just subscribed. I have watched many reviews on this bike and the majority focus on the Z650Rs as a beginner bike or reentry bike for older people who haven't ridden in a long time. I bought a leftover 2022 Z650RS last week in the beautiful Candy Emerald Green, similar to my 1979 KZ 750(darker green 2 cylinder also) that I rode to high school back in the day. I am not in either of those 2 aforementioned categories. I have been riding for 50 years and always had a bike in that time frame. I bought this bike because father time and old injuries have made moving my 2009 Street glide (north of 800 pounds) back up a slight grade in my garage a pain in the a**. I am in my 60's now and I believe we get different bikes for different times in our lives. I don't need another FZ1 again, so HP is not a crucial factor. I am still breaking the engine in, so I appreciate your seasoned review.
Hello and WELCOME to the channel, thankyou for subscribing really appreciate it. I love this bike it is so nimble. Perhaps as a “restricted” version it could be classed as beginner bike and as a beginner riding it I can see how the experience would be good for building up confidence. As a seasoned biker however, this bike should not be over looked. It is almost too capable sometimes and coming soon is how even the most experienced riders (like me) can get seriously caught out! There’s a lot to be said for heavier and bigger bikes. Their comfort, their long fuel legs, gadgets and more, give them a well earned position in the long line up of motorcycles. The lighter smaller bikes such as the Z650RS however, also have a well earned position too. Australia like the USA has some very long and straight, and incredibly numbing roads. There are also in both continents some serious curly roads which are technical and challenging. If only there were bikes which could morph into something else at the press of a button (Transformers style) depending on the terrain and conditions. I think as we ride through like our needs change and if we’re lucky, we can change to something else to try out and enjoy. Or can keep a whole stable of different machines. I hope you really do enjoy your Z, it’s massive fun, economical and a grin generator. Ride safe x
Thank you very much from Italy! There isn't such an accurate long term review of this bike around. Of course I own it and I always find valuable tips here in your channel. You are sincere and nice, a greeting to you both.
Thankyou 😊 your comments are very much appreciated ❤
One of the Best review I have ever see. Exellent video
😊 wow thankyou ❤
I have this bike and absolutely love it!
It certainly is an incredible motorbike. Incredibly capable in the bends and way faster than it should be 😜
Me too, had several bigger bikes, and smaller bikes, the z650rs it's a good balance of power, weight and handling
@@foxmoongazeglad you’re enjoying it ✅
nice review, I think you covered everything that I have found in my 2 year ownership and 2600 miles here in the UK. sorry you had issues, I've had none except for the vibration which is mostly through the seat at around 4200 rpm but that's got better as the mileage has increased and I don't think I'm just getting used to it either. I absolutely love it though and their is nothing on the market I'd replace it with either except maybe some of the new colors coming out for 2025 - mine is spark black so a little plain compared with the new colours. you are spot on BTW it does love to counter steer and the OEM tyres are crap - they feel garbage in even slightly damp conditions but then I only ride in the dry
It’s an amazing machine and very addictive ❤
Thanks for your review, I really like this bike.
It is a beautiful bike and has a lot of torque. Great ride and a good commuter but tourer it isn’t.
Regarding your seat. You will find it’s not the seat being hard that makes it uncomfortable after an hour or so. The foam of the seat would actually be too soft, as in after sitting on it for some time the foam collapses to the point you are sitting basically on the frame and the thin layer of plastic that is the base of the seat. It’s well worth looking at buying an aftermarket seat or having the stock seat modified by an upholsterer that specialises in motorbike seats with gel inserts and progressive density foam that stays supportive over longer periods. That way you can get a full fuel tank of riding while being comfortable.
I never thought about it that way, what great advice, thank you ❤
My front always wear more on the right side. In America right hand turns are tighter then the left turns at intersections. I think this is a big factor for a commuter. Ike.
Wow I guess it has something to do with which side of the road we ride on. I’m watching the pirelli very closely to see how they wear. Commuters needs good reliable tyres. Thanks for your comment ❤
One huge advantage of your review , it's from user point of view, you mentioned issues ,pros and cons as a long term rider. And you were sitting on the bike, all of us can compare your physical to size of the bike to ourselves, very clever.
I'm glad you found it helpful, it's really important to be honest about the bike x
The dunlops on the Z900RS (the bigger brother) were shocking. Mine would slip off the kerb on my driveway on a warm day. They were diabolical and unpredictable in the wet and the dry. Best money I ever spent was putting another type of tyre on it. Most people suggested either the Michelin Road 6's or the Pirelli Angel GT's for the road, for a good balance of wear and performance. Good luck on your trip, I'm told the roads in Tasmania are pretty sweet.
Yep we put Pirelli Angel GTs on and they are incredible. Well worth the money. Videos on Tasmania coming up - incredible roads.
That was confusing!
But thanks 👍🏻
The poshest Aussie accent ever. 😉
Sorry it was confusing. Do I need to explain something better?
Cheers. Just watched your one year review before watching this. I suppose there's no such thing as a perfect anything - just depends on what you're happy to compromise on. Still a lovely bike though !
And it does take a little bit of time to iron out the pros and cons and yes, every bike and car has its “differences” but I still adore it.
What tyres cost $700?. That's $700 Australian dollars right? Sorry I'm from Singapore and a pair of brand new Bridgestone S23s for a Hayabusa is about SGD450 and I recently changed the tyres of my CB400 super 4 to Michelin Power 6s also around SGD450. All with workmanship included. Are tyres just really expensive in Australia??
Great video btw! Nice to see real people give real reviews. Especially about long term usage
Yes a pair of Pirellis in South Australia were just under $700AUD including angled valves.
The click click...is the ECU indicating the battery should be changed soon. It allows to still start the bike but it is like an early warning indicator about your battery failing
Hi thanks for that yes that’s exactly what we thought (flat battery) but it turns out it’s a symptom of something else which has since been fixed on both of our bikes. There’s a gear shift sensor which the ECU uses to recognise whether the bike is in gear so won’t allow starting in gear for safety reasons. The rider has to put the bike in neutral or lift the side stand to start the bike. If this sensor fails or is faulty, the bike can be in neutral, with side stand up and the bike just clicks when attempting to start as the ECU “thinks” the bike is still in gear. Pulling the clutch lever in results in the bike starting. These sensors have now been replaced under warranty and the issue has never reoccurred. Both batteries have been tested and they are 100% good condition but you’re right - this clicking is the normal symptom of a failing battery. X
@@Sticky_BEAK Thanks for the details on the CLICK CLICK problem you had. I have the exact same bike and the exact same problem. Can you verify that what the dealer replaced was the "SENSOR, GEAR POSITION" Part# 21176-0820? Thanks
I’ll get the exact name of the sensor and get back to you.
GEAR POSITION SENSOR ❤
They Could Have Made the Tank
Another Two Litres Bigger. Without
Spoiling the Style of the Tank
I have the Z 650 Naked. With a 15 Litre Tank & that Still Looks Small
To Me
Yes totally agree. A 15 litre tank would make a huge difference.
Thanks for the thorough review Sticky Beak. Such a refreshing change to have such a real-world, practical review rather than some asshole motorcycle journalist complaining about some new hyperbike ''only'' having 170HP......
I got this Z650RS in green as my LAMS learner bike and I love it. I'm a few months away from my unrestricted license and I've decided to keep this, derestrict it and also pick up an Indian Scout Bobber. I'm still smitten with its looks, that beautiful green paint and the absolute rock solid reliability of a Japanese bike.
Looking forward to many thousands of more kms on it :)
Thankyou for your comment. I’m saddened by the positive only reviews on way too many bikes. Channels especially like mine have people who attempt to get test rides or loan bikes so they can attract “views” etc and no matter what the bike is it’s all positive. I don’t think anyone can get a true feel for a bike unless they’ve had long term ownership of it. We are also looking at another bike with longer legs. Australia is a big country with a lot of very straight roads so something with a bigger tank and bit better seat (for my wide backside) would help. The Indian Bobber looks to be an awesome design and I see Triumph are also bringing out a (Bonneville) Bobber too. They’re getting popular. So pleased you like the Z650RS. They’ve definitely got the style and looks just right. It has its detractors but then so does any bike. Safe riding and have fun. X