2023 Kawasaki Z650RS Review | Daily Rider
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 27 มิ.ย. 2024
- rvz.la/3OFL2PG | Learn more about our sponsor, REVER
Kawasaki’s Z650 adds an RS to the name and a splash of ‘70s style to the look. Zack hits the Daily Rider route to see how the updates and changes compare to the standard Z650 and to the rest of the motorcycling world.
SPECS:
MSRP: $9,100
Engine: 649 cc parallel twin
Measured weight: 415 lb. / 188.2 kg
Fuel capacity: 3.2 gal. / 12.1 liters
Seat height: 31.5 in. / 800 mm
Read the first-ride article here: rvz.la/424al0Y
Zack’s gear:
RSD Ronin Jacket: rvz.la/3IJnBRF
REV’IT! Avion 3 (Fly 3) Gloves: rvz.la/45q4rKm
Rokker Revolution Tapered Slim AAA Waterproof Jeans: rvz.la/3IHPI3G
Alpinestars Oscar Monty V2 Boots: rvz.la/3OBgSNA
Sedici Strada II Mips Helmet: rvz.la/3IMAtXh
0:00 Intro
0:50 Out Sponsor, REVER
1:16 A quick walkaround the Z650RS
4:04 On The Road!
6:26 Freeway Cruisin’
9:50 Urban Manners & Stop Sign Challenge
12:55 Lover’s Lane
14:18 At the Lights
17:50 Gettin’ Dirty
18:57 Will it Wheelie???
20:46 Instagram Questions!
26:10 On the Daily Rider Leaderboard - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
![[HIGHLIGHT] หมีLIVEปะ? | EP.171 เห็นแต่ในจอ วันนี้มาต้องขอคารวะ](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/gPWLxa0e_Z8/mqdefault.jpg)
Plan and share your rides with REVER! rvz.la/3N0mn72
Read more about the Kawasaki Z650RS on Common Tread rvz.la/3WFcmPZ
Hey Lads, Any plans to get a hold of the Suzuki GSX-8S anytime soon?
@DailyRider - it would be both helpful in pulling the trigger on a purchase (or not), & brilliantly entertaining to see the Z650RS' big brother, the Z900RS, make an appearance as a guest on the "Daily Rider" show!
Please 🙏 make it happen, guys!
Thanks in advance if you're able to bring that video to life!
Zack, for future videos can you can snap a profile picture of you sitting on each of the daily rider bikes, so we can see the human to bike ratio and ergonomics? Gracias mi amigo!
This
Humans come in all shapes and sizes though; we’re not all over 6’
Yeah this is a great idea!!
@@alexwilsonpottery3733If you’re under 6’ you can just buy the bike that Zack looks LEAST comfortable on
@@alexwilsonpottery3733jealous?
I will never get tired of Zack's "I've done something a bit silly" laugh. It's pure joy and I hope he never changes.
Makes me smile too . Bart has a little laugh like that as well but it’s rarer
Yeah, contagious and males me smirk every time,,
I believe that MOST of the “it’s so boring” comments come from people who don’t actually ride.
If you can’t have fun with a z650 because the engine is slightly less peppy than an MT07, you’re doing something wrong.
They are the people that drive in straight lines
@@matt59fire You're a person who talks about "driving" a motorcycle
@aluisious I'm the type of person who doesn't correct people on small changes in speech like a 🤓🤡. Should I say "ride" to make you calm down?
All parallel twins are boring IMO, doesnt really matter what style of the bike is or anything else about it. V twin? cool. Inline 3, funky and cool! Inline 4, great! Lightweight single cylinder? Nice!
You can still have fun on one sure, but parallel twins are about as boring as it gets.
@@jth_printed_designsso ktm, aprilia rs660, triumph street twin, gsx8s and so on are all boring bikes with boring inline 2 cyl motors?!
I would love it if you made a mention of headlight effectiveness in your ride... My "daily ride" often starts in the dark, on rural roads, and a good headlight is very important on my commuter moto... As always, great work on this piece. Thanks for the hard work you put in to keeping us all informed, and entertained.
Agreed! I've asked this over and over in the comments on Daily Rider, sadly it doesn't seem to get picked up :(
I've also made this comment in many motorcycle reviews. I used to commute to work 45 miles over a mountain road before dawn and lighting was critical for my safety. I don't know why ALL these guys NEVER mention lighting. My 2004 BMW K1200RS had horrible lights. You'd think that all these guys only ride during daylight hours. Maybe that's it.
i own this bike and often have early morning or late evening commutes. The headlight is VERY good, and grerat coverage of the road with both low and high beams. Its LED, so its nice and birhgt. Also adjustable vertically if you need it.
I love this bike, great review. Just mind boggling how 600-700 class bikes are now $10k out the door.
It's inflation great?
@@krunchie101 ???
Isn’t greed great
Yeah it’s a bummer. 5 years ago I got an almost brand new SV650 for under 5,000. The ergos were too sporty for me but it was otherwise a fantastic bike.
The pricing sucks.
Great review!
Side bar:
Even if RevZilla didn't have the industries best selection, pricing and customer service on motorcycle gear, I would still be tempted to buy from them to because of their excellent videos, reviews, reviewers, podcasts and Common Tread articles.
did you ask chatgpt to make a marketing spiel lmao
@@thechampofwhatever funny
It lacks a voice. I like Kawasaki bikes. I noticed their are a couple of styling tidbits from the Triumph Bonneville. Put a small wind screen on it and a couple of canvas saddle bags and away we gooo! Vaughn
Agree! It might sound cheesy, but based on their video content - especially the extended trips with Zach and Ari - I’m proud to be a Revzilla customer and to help support them.
Daily Rider is some of the best motorcycle content on the internet. Thank you for producing this kind of content. It is nice to see different bikes being run through the same course and compared using similar situations. Keep it up!
Zack, Ya gotta get your hands on the 900RS for the daily ride. Instant leaderboard topper for sure!
Awesome review really appreciate that you put these up on Saturday, I can't think of anything else I like better than eating breakfast drinking some coffee and watching the next daily rider experience !! 😊 happy boy
I feel like I literally wished this bike into existence. I loved how z900rs looked, but it was out of my price range.
Even when I bought my previous Kawasaki I was asking the dealership will they make 650 version of z900rs.
I've owned z650rs for over a year and I still get excited when seeing, or riding it. I love it.
Btw I have a green/gold color way.
These Z650RS's will be selling used for less than $6K in 2 years. Already seeing the Z900RS for less than $8K used.
Even the 650rs seems to be out of a lot of people's price range. I'm thinking a z400rs could be cool
The color of the bike you got is absolutely amazing!!! Enjoy the ride fren!!!
So you like your 650RS? I am considering one. Thanks Brian
Best looking motorcycle to go on Daily Rider. Was hoping Zac would do the Z900RS.
You read my mind! 👍
Yes, agree, that would be so interesting!
I've emailed them about doing. Retro naked episode. Everyone seems to of ire the poor Z900rs. I absolutely love mine.
I have this bike and got it as soon as it was announced, yes based solely on the looks! 100% form over function! I know the Z650 is reliable and got fine power for me, and with this bike’s sweet looks I was sold! People say the engine and set up is boring, and that usually dominates the reviews, “why doesn’t it have a different firing order like the Yamaha” etc etc etc, really there are so many bikes with the trendy 270 crank that a 180 is almost interesting! I love the bike! Confirmation bias? Convincing myself of the purchase? To a degree… Absolutely! Where I live we have no Royal Enfields, and Triumph are twice as expensive as in other markets, so it makes this bike a better purchase! I do wish that it had a better looking exhaust like the Z900RS, and the it’s beyond me why they didn’t put fake cooling fins on the engine, the same engine on the 650 Vulcan S has them, and the Z900RS has them. Not sure how long this bike will be for this world, with Yamaha, and now Honda and even Suzuki with more modern and trendy engine platforms, maybe Kawasaki will go the same way with their 650 platform.
Another awesome review Zach it’s hard to knock off the sv 650 … I just want you to know your daily rider and you reviews are undeniably the best and I swear you better then a professional actor your personality and the video quality is hands down the best and I trust all of your opinions with all the knowledge you have and experience!!!
When Zack says, “I have high expectations …” the chance of a footless stop fudge-up becomes a) 100% b) 101% c) 102%
Man, that bike looked like a ton of fun‼️
Great ride & review Zack!💪🏾
About the upright seating position, I've found that a slightly more forward leaning position is more comfortable on a long journey because an upright back takes the full brunt of gravity and the bumps on the road.
Oh yeah... my back kills on straight upright bikes.
Great Episode once again Zach, thank you.
Nice ride-along as always. This Kawi is a sweet bike. It's slender tank is reminiscent for me of one of my favs from the seventies, the Yamaha 650 twin. That Yami was, at that time, an effective competitor with the Triumph 650s of the seventies. I was impressed with your 650 dream bike choice being the engine from the Royal Enfield NT650. Yes, it's a fun, retro engine.
Just passed 400 miles on my 23 model. Everything you said is spot on! It’s just all around good. To have no disappointments or regrets at all is a rare thing.
400 isn't many , it's not even broken in lol. I am jealous though this is a sweet bike i'm sure.
Thanks Zack. Having watched most of your reviews I went and bought a Z650 RS 50th anniversary model today.
Congratulations, great looking bike!
I really took this video into consideration before purchasing this motorcycle. I was fortunate enough to get this bike on sale $1500 off! So basically purchased it for sticker price with all the dealer fees. Just did the dreaded manufacture break in procedure, and I’m really surprised by how responsive this thing is all around! Night and day between my CBR 600RR. Thanks so much for your review!
Love your work Zack
I ride this bike Z650RS for half of year now and it's really fun 😊
No, thank you Zack for answering my question! And yes i did came to this conclusion, it's not 35% less bike, but the 900 (yes i do own one) is worth the extra price (if that makes sense)!
If I was younger that would be my set of wheels, had the ZRX 1100 a few years back, miracle I didn’t kill my self on it, so fast, like a drug with so much power. Loved that machine even after some 10 day road trips. Had Kawasaki’s on and off for over 50 years, every one left their mark. Great bikes. 😎
Great looking bike. Wonderful video. Keep up the good work 😊
Good review, as always. Regarding the on/off throttle response I've found with my Versys 650 increasing the idle rpm to 1400 to 1500 and ensuring the chain is correctly adjusted helps a lot. Or maybe I'm just used to it after 33000 miles 😁
The SV650 is what I'm learning to ride on at lessons.
Great bike - had one as my first bike which I had for 14 months and did about 14000km. Bullet proof, fun, and more than adequate even on freeways and the track.
Loved the iceberg wedge analogy. Solid riff!
Really hoping for a Z400RS.
One thing is for sure, the swiss army knife of a bike, the SV650 sounds like no other !!! First bike I ever bought, it served me well.
Can’t wait to see Zach review the ninja650!
That radiator looks like an afterthought and was just thrown on there.
Does look awful. The sell some overpriced covers that fit on the side. But it just looks attached on the a few bolts never belonged there. The cap is horrible and the pipes just join on like they added it after it was forgotten.
Cooling? Who needs cooling,
great review as always. I think it's a great all arounder, like my versys 650, with the added benefit of looking really good instead of ADV weird. yes that tank is too small. I don't much get all the moaning about the 180 crank either, but like you said, it might be partly your fault for promoting that anyway. also, actually enjoy your approach to your sponsors, which kind of reminds of the old timey host based commercials of 50s tv. keep up the great work.
Just get the z900rs instead, owned one for a couple years and it’s so much better and not that more money. Bigger tank, better mpgs, more power and looks more filled in.
Rocking that Ronin jacket. Good look!
I absolutely love my w650 as a beginner. Now I'm pretty curious about this z650rs
As someone who grew up riding dirt bikes in the 70s I remember these street bikes. I use to walk by the Kawasaki dealer on my way to middle school in the late 70s and dreamed of having one one day. As I grew up cars were more part of my life and didn't ride again until 2018. In my opinion besides Triumph, Kawasaki has the best-looking retros in the Z650Rs and Z900Rs.
It is an exceptionally pretty bike.
I have the 2019 versys 650 and it makes me proud that its still on the clssics leader board ☺️
I just picked up a used 2015 Versys for $5500 with 2,500 miles. It's spotless and *_green._* Has the bags and real Barkbusters and the Givi front crash bars. Other than the ho-hum exhaust sound it's an awesome bike. I put a National Cycle tall screen on it. The buffeting was too much noise, now it's fine. Nice bike.
@@marscruz great choice 👍🏻
Been waiting for this one
When taking about fuel range, fuel capacity, seat height, weight and the rest of the numbered specs, it would be nice to have the metric equivalent pop up on the screen for rest of us viewers across the ocean. Thank you! Keep it up!
I’d love to see you review a W800!!
Also, is it just me, or is Zack's riding getting better every video?
I was waiting for this bike!
I own a Versys 650 (2020) with the same engine.
It's kind of boring when you just cruise around at 4k rpm (the gearbox is louder than the engine) but it makes a lot of fun at 5-6k and above.
The intake sound is great and it works absolutely fine in every situation that are legal on publich streets.
The only thing, that annoys me, is the throttle response...as Zack already mentioned.
But beside that..everything is great :)
Such a beautiful looking bike. I think they got the styling spot on.
Really love the chrome grab rail in the add ons list. And the green with the gold wheels looks great
Amazing to see the SV650 still heading the leaderboard.
the question about picking parts from various bikes, i would love to see that expanded when reviewing other bikes
I just got the 2022 version (colour scheme and signal lights shape are the only differences I noticed) brand new from a dealership for around 7,200 USD*.
I sold my RE Int 650 for it, and the only pros of the RE vs. the Z650RS are:
1. stock engine and exhaust look and sound way better
2. smoother shifting (the latter does have a snatchy throttle at 1st and 2nd gear, too, though that disappears when you hit 3rd gear)
3. I feel safer going fast on the expressways (because the RE is terribly heavier, which, ironically, is the main reason I sold it)
Overall still super happy with my choice.
The Z650RS meets all my needs whether it be city commute or long rides to the beach.
It's light, nimble, conveniently sized to easily lane split with, enough power to overtake and/or have fun (I could go on for days)
*bought cash and I registered it myself (60% cheaper and 100% faster vs. the amount the dealership charged for handling the registration themselves). Cost of registration and insurance included in the 7,200 price
Would love to see Zach review a Moto Guzzi V7 or V8. I wanted air cooled retro as a 2nd bike and ended up with a V7. Build quality is questionable but full of character and handles great even with the rear dual shocks
He did the V85 a few years ago, but wasn't too enthusiastic about the Guzzi quality and character, it seems. But I agree, would love Zach to do another run on a V7!
What a handsome bike. Bucket list entry
great! I would love to see z900rs on daily rider!!!!
Finally a review that agrees with my assessment of the very un-smooth quickshifter. I was using the clutch on my test ride to smooth out ride... enjoyed the bike overall though...
Kawasaki has an "Extended Reach Seat" with more padding, if that is of interest to taller people. In some other countries, that is the standard stock seat. My guess is that Kawasaki considers this to be considered an intermediate or smaller person bike in the US market so the more dished out seat makes sense. Being short, I am glad that Kawasaki tends to lean towards lower seats. It is a lot easier to add padding than to lower the suspension or mod the frame.
I often feel like a lousy motorcyclist because I can’t wheelie or back it in. But Zack has been riding his whole life and I’ve only been riding a year and a half. The main thing is we all enjoy it.
I was deciding between this bike and the Bonneville T100. If Kawasaki kept the green gas tank and offered the red gas tank as a regular option I most likely would have gotten this one. But I ended up with the Bonnie. And honestly I think the Bonneville is much better for my skill level. Really good fueling (not herky jerky at all) and a lot milder of a riding experience. As Zack would say, very approachable.
Wheelies can be hard but honestly backing it in is pretty simple you just smash the rear break lmao.
If you find your letting the rear end out too much or not stopping fast enough just supplement with front break.
I've been riding for 15 years and I still struggle to wheelie so don't beat yourself up. The Bonneville is a great bike too.
Beautiful bike! Would love to have one ✌️
Z900RS next, please! Thank you!
And for goodness sakes Zack please do the cafe version.
That is one gorgeous bike
6:15 - Someone thought about that. Look at the needles on the gauges. Properly done. Unfortunately, many manufactures miss that. Well done, Kawasaki!
Awesome bike! Love it. Very good to ride and looks great. Low consumption. But we have led signal lights in europe as standard!
I wish they put the Ninja 636 inline 4 in this . That would be a winner. I rode a 1978 KZ 650 for 31 years and loved it and it never let me down.
kz650 IS the always under-rated trooper of the vintage bike world...own and have owned several Love 'em
I want one! Thank Zack.
Kawasaki is so good at retro. Seems like a really cool bike 🥂
I wish more bikes had a short stock exhaust like that and the CB.
The style fits the ride
"Which bike is more approachable." Good remark!
I can't wait until Kawasaki comes out with 400cc version of this, perhaps a zx-400RR-RS. I would find that amazing.😄
Yeah that would be sick
I just bought a 2024 Kawasaki Eliminator 450. Super fun and comfortable bike that I think would fit what you're looking for.
Picked one of these up in Feb and love it. Great daily rider!
The best! Thanks.
I just brought one and love the thing especially the induction sound when under power …. It is intoxicating. 😉
Stunning bike.
Looks massively better in the green with the gold wheels
The kawasaki z650rs the green model with gold wheels. Is a moving work of art. Wonderful bike. A perfect bike. If anything isn't quite right ...is the lack of a crome rear mudgaurd and the rear light fitted to the mudgaurd. But that's it. I would have one straight away
My brother just bought one this week. I felt like it was a Ferrari when I got on it. I ride a Grom. Time to upgrade myself. The power was so fun.
Thanks Nice Vid.
These are sharp bikes. If I didn’t already have a standard-ish bike, I’d look at buying one of these for a fun commuter and runabout machine.
The only thing fun about a Kawasaki 650 twin is the fun they suck out of riding.
The moment all parallel twins are 90 or 270 degree cranks, people will start complaining about how they all sound the same, and some company will make a V-twin with dual cranks giving a 180 degree effective crank angle. hehe! Complaining is fun though, it really is!
No, that's stupid.
A syncopated beat is more interesting than a steady beat, period.
Very cool to see this review. I assume the US spec is the full power version and not the A2 compliant spec we have in Australia. I know looks are very subjective and a matter of personal taste, for me, z650rs is so far ahead of the sv650 it’s not even a real comparison. Just not a fan of how they sound with stock exhaust, but having heard ninja 650s with a decent slip on, I’m sure it would be a easy fix
Still the best bike reviews out there. Love it. A for the bike... The astounding Z900rs ergos, quality and looks get my vote, even with the big bump in price.
W800 for a true wheelie challenge.
These models are some of the best retro inspired bikes out there. I wish Mfr's would forego the outdated hardware though... (blinker housing, tach, etc.)
I wish MF'rs keep the 'outdated' tech on a retro bike
This was a very good video.
18:42 "Looks like it's time . . . . . for a pallet cleanser."
Recommend you try out the z900rs of you get a chance to ride out. So much fun!
Hey Zack, waiting for your review on the Vulcan s. Contemplating between the Vulcan s and sv 650.
I was looking at a Triumph Bonneville 120 the other day because I was considering getting into motorcycles. It was parked on kind of an incline and I was just trying to sit on it to see if the size of the bike would be a good fit for me. I raised my left foot to the foot rest and kept my right foot down. The left side of the bike was angled at about 45 degrees to the downward side of the incline. The bike start to lean to the right and I had a hard time holding it up but was able to. I had put the stand fully down after I was able to stabilize the bike upright. It kind of startled me and made me question if I needed to work on my leg strength before I tried a motorcycle. I'm middle-aged and this is the first time I've looked at a motorcycle. It may just be the way the bike was parked at the dealership and mistake I made but because I've had a few health problems in recent years and don't have the strength I used to, it made me question / doubt myself as far as a motorcycle is concerned and I felt kind of stupid about it. So glad I was able to hold the bike and keep it from falling. I would have been extremely embarassed if it had. I didn't think I was doing anything careless or that anyone looking at a bike for the first time wouldn't do. I'm thinking that since the Z650RS is about 30 lbs lighter than the Bonneville, it might be a good choice as a first bike but I really like the Bonneville too.
I like the style of the Z650RS as well but haven't looked at one yet. I'm also interested in a Bonneville T100.
Could you please tell me what you think about what I described and what you think about the T100, T120, and Z650RS for a new middle aged person 6'3" average build?
I would hope that the MSF Basic Rider course would increase my confidence and help get all the fundamentals I would need to ride safely.
I would really appreciate some advice.
Since kawasaki "standarized" all of their dash with that tft unit one, I grew to prefer the z900rs and z650rs dash
at least they have some kind of character to it.
Not just character. The tft display doesn't age well. 40 year old needles still look great. Early screens now are painful. I would rather have no screen than an old screen with hardly any features. Seen a 12 year old car with built in satnav ?
I am not jealous of the position you hold of making such a tough decision ;-) Seriously though, your opinion is welcomed wholeheartedly. Was interesting to see how many ADVs filled the top of the 2021 board. Perhaps because you rode so many and/or because you are such a VERSYStyle kind of guy or simply because they are so fun/good 🤪
I think people got really fed up with sports bikes nakeds and cruisers
Oh, I would totally buy a scrambler version of this!
I think Kawasaki does create some good retro looking motorcycles. The Z650RS does look retro that was brought into todays technology. Kawasaki even made the W800, and it looks even more retro, but the Z650RS is like a retro naked bike, if there is such a category.
Nice review. Wonder if Kawasaki will put this nice engine in an ADV bike as a more street oriented offering to the KLR
So the tractor has gone retro :D I really like the combination analog gauges with a digital gear indicator.
P.S. How are the chances to see the Honda CB 650 R joining the comparison?
Tractor 😂
My friends that had old er6, says its handle like tractor and throttle really hard to control
The 500X just doesn't have enough oomph for me...I was disappointed on the freeway - the 650 is much better, no power issues
Saw the exact model when I rode to the Kawi and then the Honda/Yamaha shops to browse Saturday.
Pretty scoot, but seemed tiny. I'm six four 225...Maybe it's that I can barely flat foot on my '18 KLR 😏
FINALLY saw (2) Teneri 700's.... Problem is, they both had what looked like some pretty expensive aluminum cases installed. (Adventure pack)
$$$15,999!!!!!!
HOLY ____!
Nice jacket!
Would love to see a daily rider classic with the ZRX 1200r
Looks like n upside down fork?? Great video n info.
Love the looks of them Ts bikes,that 900 rs super nice.
I have the 23 Z 650 for the money it’s a nice bike, so it the RS 👍🏻