When I look at the cost of the Trident the price is with in $500 of the Z900. The question I have (the one I wish people would talk about) is forget class, what is the best that price range?
Love my quickshifter.... sometimes I use the clutch to keep in practice but it is amazing to just rev and lift up my left foot and 660 takes off like a rocket
I went for the trident and love it, it rides and handles like a dream. I love the look and style too, modern naked but with a hint to the retro. I got all the toys too.. Bluetooth, quick shifter, heated grips ect…
I have the Kawasaki, absolutely love it. not interested in modes bluetooth etc. Kawasaki is astonishingly light, wonderfully nippy, surprisingly gutsy (pulls hard up hills in 6th) Love the looks, an extra 13 bhp means nothing to me on todays roads. Looks lovely IMHO in green.
The Triumph navigation option is cool. But I can also live without it just like I have on literally every other bike I’ve owned. The performance is impressive because not only does the Trident outdo the Z650 it out performs the venerable SV650, and I think that’s the closer comparison. I think the deciding factor is how much you care about performance. The Trident is the better bike from a purely objective perspective. If pushing the bike/riding hard or even a little street racing is fun for you, that’s almost definitely the better choice. The Z650 is easily the best looking bike to ever be made in that “Retro styling with modern engineering” design concept. I don’t think the Trident is bad, but it just isn’t going to get the retro fans. I think the XSR700 is clearly the closer bike here, similar performance and similar design concept. I think the Z is just that little bit more beautiful, I think maybe some people would learn the other way, they’re certainly close. Right now I’m looking to buy a new bike and right now I think the Z650RS is the one that excites me the most. Because I’m not an aggressive rider, I like to have some fun but I often ride slow and relaxed. I want to feel comfortable in the seat, I want to enjoy staring at it whenever I get off the bike. I love old bikes, I still own a 78 SR500, and I’ll probably own other classic UJMs in the future. But for a daily rider with modern chassis design that still fits neatly into my overall vibe as a rider, I think I would just get more smiles out of the Z.
Great comparison , i think the triumph is the better overall package , if only they could do something with the back end of it ! The looks and paint of the kwack are stunning but the engine and lack of tech lets it down. Even a retro can have rider aids .
I'm actually interested in the Versys 650 and the Tiger Sport 660, which are comparable in their own categories. This is a great comparison, and probably some similar points.
Compared to the Z-650, you will find that the Versys 650 has better, fully adjustable suspension (front and rear). Great for touring ! But the Z-650 is a really cool looking retro motorcycle..
If the triumph had a good looking rear end then I would Definitely pick it but Kawasaki looks great and 65ish HP is enough for daily riding. Service cost and spare parts cost is low on Kawasaki.
Like Bob, i had a white Tridey for about 9000 mls as a part of my 2-wheel workhorse-park, the other ones being a Duc 950 Hypermotard (also 9000mls) & an old Speedy, 1st Gen from '94. The Trident got fitted with a custom seat from the word go, grabhandles @ the back & a Triumph-branded Givi Tankrucksack. Great to ride, good tyres & the Metzler Roadtec 01's were a good alternative, but the OEs did 8000mls without any problems & i wasn't on tyre-sparing-mode....A student of mine's got the Kawa Z650RS in Grey with Orange detailing & it looks & handles just really well. In the cold the tyres aren't that impressive but a Road 5, Dunlop Roadsmart 4 o, a Metzler Roadtec 01 or a Pi Angel 2 would probably solve that little niggle. These 2 & the Duc Nightshift (Hyper replacement) are style-wise a cut above the others & do their thing really well.
Lovely looking bikes. Love the Kawasaki. That room you use is beautiful but I do find those overhead led light lines distracting when trying to look at the paintwork. Thanks for all your hard work showing us these bikes 👍🏻
Kawi is beautiful. Wish they'd done an engine with more character. It's easily within their capability. The Triumph just skipped checking the looks box. That Kawi paint, just oozes retro!
I'd rather have the performance. As someone who was riding in 72, Kawaski has nailed it. I'm afraid to go to the bike shop. I keep looking at the 900 and I have to admit there seems to be a bit of drool involved. The 900 solves the power problem. I think it is the best looking bike in decades.
Thanks Motobob for th enice explanation about these two middle weight bikes. I however have a short sum up of these two: Retro design with contemporary features is what I like the best. The Z650RS got that, what it however lacks is the inline4 symphony which the 660 has. however, I just loathe the design of the Trident. For me the the dream bike which I would love to buy someday is the CB400. :)
Id choose z650 rs all the way. Trident is also perfect but i used that 650 cc block on '17 ninja 650. Harassed it for 20k kms to catch liter bikes on long roads, sold it, second user still using it, exceeded 50k kms already without any problems. Japanese reliability is no match for others. And its also looks simply stunning.
They should've give 650rs the older brother exhaust looks and tune in sound of it, double exhaust on both sides with crackling deeper sound would sell me on Kawa in this case. Price here in US is 10k, and you can get a lot of the bike in this range.
Kwak is a good looking bike, but the Triumph is just better . Both cool. Cheers Bob 👍🏻👍🏻 Edit. Shame Triumph insist on loads of electronic aids on that no one asked for. My Speedy would be perfect if only it didn't have them. Cheers 👍🏻
Went to Triumph dealer to actually see it and ride it...looked great on TH-cam...but if you see it for real, it looks like half-baked goon cake...feels cheap plastic clunked up Glock (yes, but it works great...yes I live in the US). Also saw Kawa Z900RS (they didn't have 650) at the same dealer. All made of metal - felt like well made 1911. Btw, thumbs up for Kawasaki for the beautifully made gauges and controls. You can really feel the quality of build and parts used... very classy but ain't my type. Looks way to slim for me...but its still on my list. Decided go and check out Harley 48...less of everything with more money...sigh...(Side note: If you are thinking about getting 660, highly highly recommend checking out Triple Twin 900 for about $1000 more...for the value you get way more bike for similar size and weight).
Well that surprised me a bit you being a Triumph man, only thing I don’t like on the kawa is the plastic box on the clutch side of the engine bloody horrendous . Triumph back up and servicing costs horrendous . Not sure on Kawasaki .
They both have plus points and/or lack of. Z 650RS is definitely on point for the older rider and first timer. Trident 660 screams out modernity. 10 years from now, the Trident will look dated but the Z 650 RS will still look classy!
Mind says Trident, heart says Kawi...which I would get in a heartbeat, if they weren't hopelesly sold out where I'm from. No chance of getting it this year.
Triumph has the better spec but it looks awful. The back end seems totally missing. I wouldn't buy it if it was an absolute class leader, plus I regularly a pillion so it is an utter non starter. The Tiger Sport looks so much better and is more practical. Kawasaki Z650RS looks fabulous especially in that lovely green. Yes, it isn't the latest word in refinement and shame the exhaust doesn't look better, but I'd be proud to have this sat in my garage and to take it out on a sunny day.
Pre covid the kawasaki had 0% apr and I'm not sure about the triumph... now you are looking at 5.9% and 7.9% for the triumph! The prices may be the same if buying in cash but for anyone buying on finance 7.9% on a new vehicle is absolutely absurd!.
I think the Triumph is a better bike but I grew up salivating every time I saw a Kawasaki Z passing by. And at my age 12 hp will not really make a difference.
I must be getting old because I remember when a 650cc was a big bike. Just on retro looks alone I would have to go with the Kawasaki, it just looks like the sort of bikes I used to ride in the late 1970's.
I think 650 naked are being made more street friendly, i'm not saying to fit hoonigan riders but easily mensurable, i certainly enjoy my trident and its exploding sound wakes everyone up the street!
Hey mate, love your content, and love the new studio. But...... the ceiling lights reflect a honeycomb pattern on everything; first video I watched with it I thought it was part of the paint job. Anyway, great content and style. Many thanks.
Both great looking bikes. The Triumph is just better specified for the money. Better electronics, better tyres and more power. Closer examination shows Triumph have done a better job of hiding the cables and pipes. Looks are subjective but I would say the Kwak looks marginally better as a retro.
@@that1panther105 Any stats to back up the reliability and dealer access? Our personal experience on Triumph reliability has been excellent with a 6 year old Street Triple 675
@@Banditmanuk I could look them up but I’m lazy but the big 4 in Japan are just the most reliable and this is one of the most reliable Kwai’s of them all due to them using this exact 650 engine for so long
The Kawasaki is the winner for me. I used to be a mechanic at Kawasaki shops in the late 70s early 80s. These bikes were our favorites back then and now.
Just the kind of review I’m interested in, and I share your views on both bikes though I haven’t yet ridden either of them. I’m a weekend rider so the Trident might be the better choice but the Kawasaki is just so good looking it’s hard to say no to. Decisions, decisions…
I have a thing for retro and I love the looks of the new kawa! I have my trident now for a year and i am still in love with it, for me a beginner its the perfect bike!
I'm a huge Triumph fan (and currently own a Triumph), but the Kawasaki is drop dead gorgeous and more practical with the better seat. Both superb bikes, but Kawasaki would get my cash. I'm not bothered about too much tech - a lot of it is just a distraction.
Agree, and for the long term - and I have a Speed Triple myself - the no-fuss reliability of the Kaw is a huge draw, specially if I'd be counting on it to get me where I NEED to go, rather than want to go. At the first opportunity, though, I'd switch-out those tires to the Road 5s or 6s (which just came out). Did that on both bikes I have, and they changed the character immediately. It would also give the Kaw much more confident on those weekend rides. Thanks MB!
100% agree with you. I'm currently a older BMW fan but love Triumph and Kawasakis too. I'd have that Z RS or the bigger 900, but the Trident is so ugly I just couldn't buy it. If it was a T120 or, one of the Tigers I'd be far more tempted.
I'd say the best reason to buy the Kawasaki over the Triumph would be the Japanese reliability. I would also say that it were substantially cheaper than the Triumph, instead of slightly more expensive, it would be a much more attractive proposition.
Except as we all know about "globalization" ,Triumph, yes British owned but now pretty much all bikes are to be made in Thailand/except highest tier models. Here's the kicker many Kawasaki and Suzuki, Honda models made in Thailand also, except you guessed it ,higher tier models. Don't even wana touch on Harley, parts from "everywhere " but assembled in US, does that make it "made in USA" ha ha , maybe?. Just google to find out the models are done where. Now i hear that Thailand produced bikes are of pretty good quality, so its up for you to decide. Best of luck, -Cheers
Great video, thanks! I've got a Z900RS myself, deeply happy with it. The Z650RS looks delightful, a seriously fun and uncomplicated work of art. I am impressed by the performance of the Triumph...it's just not as pretty. Just an opinion... Both very nice bikes!
I do wish Kawasaki would fix the rear suspension looks. I’m sure that mono shock works better, but that huge floating rear looks off compared to the old looking front.
Many moons ago I had a GSX-R750 as my "fun" bike and a Z650 as my commuter, which by it's use I of course done many more miles, I really liked the Z650 which IMO is one of the most under rated bikes ever, it's top speed was comparable to most of the sports 750s of the time, so I was delighted to see Kawasaki were about to release a modern version of the old Z and my first thought was "that sounds a great replacement for my SV650 commuter bike", only to be very disappointed to find it wasn't a 4 cylinder like the old Z but a twin, My Triumph dealer is also the main dealer for Kawasaki in N. Ireland (Phillip McCallen) so when I left my Street triple R in for its service they lent me the new RS, I'd previously taken their demo Trident out shortly after its release, the RS has one thing over the Trident in its looks, it's a smart looking bike but IMO Triumph have made a mistake in giving the Trident a retro look with bland colours when it's aimed at new bikers so a more colourful choice would've been nice, IMO the looks are the one and only place where the RS beats the Trident, performance wise the Trident blows the RS away, the finish of the Trident is vastly superior, likewise the electronics package also the handling and even the O.E. tyres are much better and lastly Triumph even manages the beat them on cost.
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Had same thought as well - just give the Trident some pizzazz, some colour! That would make a world of difference, because now it's basically 4 shades of gray (with splotches of red thrown in). Make same colours as Tiger 660 available and I'd probably be sold. Looking for a 650 class bike next year, but the Trident's colour schemes are really a let down.
What about long term maintenance? That's a very important aspect if you're on a budget. The Trident needs an annual service. I don't know if the Z650RS needs one too or not.
For me personally the trident looks hideous from the rear, and for those saying the performance is better with the Trident are missing the point. These are not track bikes, they are commuter or bumble bikes.
On looks alone it would have to be the Kawa but factor in performance, service intervals, residual values and rider aids the Triumph is the one I'd go for
As well as the Trident rides and nice as the Z650RS looks I would pick the Suzuki SV650 or SV650X (for the cafe racer clip-ons looks) engine is a little gem handling is sweet and with a quick muffler change it sounds grate as well. You get LCD clocks sadly like he Triumph but also more peppy engine then the Kawasaki with a very sweet chassi set up. Ok no upside-down forks but the OEM stuff works well enough to keep one smiling in the twistes. And price wise it is cheaper then bouth. Ok no TC but You get easy start and clutch assist to pull away so it is very beginner friendly.
I have seen the Trident in person. I would chose the Tiger 660 instead. I'm not sure when or if I will ever see the Kawasaki in person. None of the dealers around me can confirm if they will get one. I owned a 2nd gen Versys and 1st gen Ninja 650 so I am familiar with the engine. Even though I love the engine of the FZ-07 I owned I would chose this new Kawasaki over the retro offering from Yamaha with all its plastic cladding.
If kawasaki would have just given the rs an updated motor with more power and maybe even a 270 firing order I'd choose it. Thw triumph is the better value though for everything it offers for the price.
Why don't they just put the 660cc engine on a Bonneville frame? Anyway, I think I'd go with the Trident because you get more out what you're paying for and (must check it but) the intervals between manufacturer's maintenance may be longer.
I’d suggest Kawasaki gets the nod for reliability and looks, particularly the gorgeous clocks and the triumph for performance. I’m so tired of awful lcd clocks that would probably end being the deciding factor.
Both bikes are targeting the cost conscious entry (ish) level rider who have done their penance on the smaller learner bikes. When viewed in that light, the Triumph has a lot more bang for the buck. Faster, cheaper, w/ more features, what's not to like? Also, let's be honest,Triumph as a brand, is perceived (rightfully IMHO) as a bit more upmarket. It should also be noted that the Kawi is more expensive than the arguably better XSR 700 as well. I'm not shopping that part of the market, but I think Kawi needs to have a second look at their pricing scheme. They are about $500 - $600 too high. Quite a lot in this segment.
Don't like the (retro) looks of the Kawa. It looks to messy underneath the tank and has two identities. There's tubes and exhaust pipes going any direction without thinking about the lines of the bike. If you'd cut the Kawa in half horizontally and look at the bottom. You'd think you're looking at a modern bike. It doesn't match the top.
Can anyone here compare the power and ride-ability of these bikes to the Triumph T100? I’m very much interested in a standard/neutral riding position. Thank you
I have a Trident. Love the looks of the K but wouldn’t swap. The handling, performance and ease of riding of my Trident are what seals it for me.
The trident just looks a bit naff though.
That being said, I'm taking one out for a test ride. It's still better looking than the SV, NINJA 650s and on par with the MT7 in terms of looks.
When I look at the cost of the Trident the price is with in $500 of the Z900. The question I have (the one I wish people would talk about) is forget class, what is the best that price range?
Love my quickshifter.... sometimes I use the clutch to keep in practice but it is amazing to just rev and lift up my left foot and 660 takes off like a rocket
I went for the trident and love it, it rides and handles like a dream. I love the look and style too, modern naked but with a hint to the retro. I got all the toys too.. Bluetooth, quick shifter, heated grips ect…
dang! how much coin did that set you back?
@@drakeb6168 I honestly never even counted but it was worth every penny… 😁👍🏻
@@TheLordMuzzy That is really good to hear. I think the triumph is going to be the perfect bike to get back into the hobby with
@@drakeb6168 Cheers! It’s the most fun bike I’ve ever had the pleasure to ride.. It’s a keeper! 😁👍🏻
Im not sold theres something stubby about its stance
I have the Kawasaki, absolutely love it. not interested in modes bluetooth etc. Kawasaki is astonishingly light, wonderfully nippy, surprisingly gutsy (pulls hard up hills in 6th) Love the looks, an extra 13 bhp means nothing to me on todays roads. Looks lovely IMHO in green.
It's the best looking bike on the road ,that's new, imho .
The Triumph navigation option is cool. But I can also live without it just like I have on literally every other bike I’ve owned. The performance is impressive because not only does the Trident outdo the Z650 it out performs the venerable SV650, and I think that’s the closer comparison. I think the deciding factor is how much you care about performance. The Trident is the better bike from a purely objective perspective. If pushing the bike/riding hard or even a little street racing is fun for you, that’s almost definitely the better choice.
The Z650 is easily the best looking bike to ever be made in that “Retro styling with modern engineering” design concept. I don’t think the Trident is bad, but it just isn’t going to get the retro fans. I think the XSR700 is clearly the closer bike here, similar performance and similar design concept. I think the Z is just that little bit more beautiful, I think maybe some people would learn the other way, they’re certainly close.
Right now I’m looking to buy a new bike and right now I think the Z650RS is the one that excites me the most. Because I’m not an aggressive rider, I like to have some fun but I often ride slow and relaxed. I want to feel comfortable in the seat, I want to enjoy staring at it whenever I get off the bike. I love old bikes, I still own a 78 SR500, and I’ll probably own other classic UJMs in the future. But for a daily rider with modern chassis design that still fits neatly into my overall vibe as a rider, I think I would just get more smiles out of the Z.
Great comparison , i think the triumph is the better overall package , if only they could do something with the back end of it ! The looks and paint of the kwack are stunning but the engine and lack of tech lets it
down. Even a retro can have rider aids .
I'm actually interested in the Versys 650 and the Tiger Sport 660, which are comparable in their own categories. This is a great comparison, and probably some similar points.
Compared to the Z-650, you will find that the Versys 650 has better, fully adjustable suspension (front and rear).
Great for touring ! But the Z-650 is a really cool looking retro motorcycle..
If the triumph had a good looking rear end then I would Definitely pick it but Kawasaki looks great and 65ish HP is enough for daily riding.
Service cost and spare parts cost is low on Kawasaki.
this is why I had to make cosmetic changes to the rear profile :(
I know you won't see it when riding but that thing really is hideous..
Like Bob, i had a white Tridey for about 9000 mls as a part of my 2-wheel workhorse-park, the other ones being a Duc 950 Hypermotard (also 9000mls) & an old Speedy, 1st Gen from '94. The Trident got fitted with a custom seat from the word go, grabhandles @ the back & a Triumph-branded Givi Tankrucksack. Great to ride, good tyres & the Metzler Roadtec 01's were a good alternative, but the OEs did 8000mls without any problems & i wasn't on tyre-sparing-mode....A student of mine's got the Kawa Z650RS in Grey with Orange detailing & it looks & handles just really well. In the cold the tyres aren't that impressive but a Road 5, Dunlop Roadsmart 4 o, a Metzler Roadtec 01 or a Pi Angel 2 would probably solve that little niggle. These 2 & the Duc Nightshift (Hyper replacement) are style-wise a cut above the others & do their thing really well.
Lovely looking bikes. Love the Kawasaki. That room you use is beautiful but I do find those overhead led light lines distracting when trying to look at the paintwork. Thanks for all your hard work showing us these bikes 👍🏻
Most annoying, what’s going on with the view of the trident’s instruments, I’m unsubscribing for that reason. See ya.
I am sure he will fix it in future videos. Seems a bit harsh man.
@@theonlyredspecial yes you’re right, I forgive him, he does present some interesting stuff.
got a brand new kz650sr in 1978 -- loved that bike as much as any one since. It's a tough choice
Kawi is beautiful. Wish they'd done an engine with more character. It's easily within their capability.
The Triumph just skipped checking the looks box.
That Kawi paint, just oozes retro!
Lovely wheels on the Kawasaki. I suspect the Triumph is a better bike, by some stretch.
Great comparison. I’d go triumph with QS 👍🏻
omg im so excited to see this new video! those two are my favourite!
I'd rather have the performance. As someone who was riding in 72, Kawaski has nailed it. I'm afraid to
go to the bike shop. I keep looking at the 900 and I have to admit there seems to be a bit of drool involved.
The 900 solves the power problem. I think it is the best looking bike in decades.
Thanks Motobob for th enice explanation about these two middle weight bikes.
I however have a short sum up of these two: Retro design with contemporary features is what I like the best. The Z650RS got that, what it however lacks is the inline4 symphony which the 660 has. however, I just loathe the design of the Trident.
For me the the dream bike which I would love to buy someday is the CB400. :)
The 660 is a triple, not a four...
The Kawasaki is the bike I’m leaning to … but almost all reviews talk of a noticeable vibration through the handlebars and seat.
Kawasaki Z650RS for me. i just love the classic look.
Id choose z650 rs all the way. Trident is also perfect but i used that 650 cc block on '17 ninja 650. Harassed it for 20k kms to catch liter bikes on long roads, sold it, second user still using it, exceeded 50k kms already without any problems.
Japanese reliability is no match for others. And its also looks simply stunning.
The RS with Road 5s or 6s, and it's a done deal. Comfy, super reliable, economical, a real looker. Just get on and ride (JGOR)!
Love to have the cash to get both. The k for weekly riding and the T for weekends.
They should've give 650rs the older brother exhaust looks and tune in sound of it, double exhaust on both sides with crackling deeper sound would sell me on Kawa in this case. Price here in US is 10k, and you can get a lot of the bike in this range.
Great video, excellent comparison to help make a decision. Question, what product were you using when you were washing your Trident? Thanks ! 👍
The Kawasaki wins easily if you want to buy on looks. I think it’s gorgeous
Kwak is a good looking bike, but the Triumph is just better . Both cool. Cheers Bob 👍🏻👍🏻
Edit. Shame Triumph insist on loads of electronic aids on that no one asked for. My Speedy would be perfect if only it didn't have them. Cheers 👍🏻
Went to Triumph dealer to actually see it and ride it...looked great on TH-cam...but if you see it for real, it looks like half-baked goon cake...feels cheap plastic clunked up Glock (yes, but it works great...yes I live in the US). Also saw Kawa Z900RS (they didn't have 650) at the same dealer. All made of metal - felt like well made 1911. Btw, thumbs up for Kawasaki for the beautifully made gauges and controls. You can really feel the quality of build and parts used... very classy but ain't my type. Looks way to slim for me...but its still on my list. Decided go and check out Harley 48...less of everything with more money...sigh...(Side note: If you are thinking about getting 660, highly highly recommend checking out Triple Twin 900 for about $1000 more...for the value you get way more bike for similar size and weight).
Well that surprised me a bit you being a Triumph man, only thing I don’t like on the kawa is the plastic box on the clutch side of the engine bloody horrendous . Triumph back up and servicing costs horrendous . Not sure on Kawasaki .
They both have plus points and/or lack of. Z 650RS is definitely on point for the older rider and first timer. Trident 660 screams out modernity. 10 years from now, the Trident will look dated but the Z 650 RS will still look classy!
i think this is a mis comparo as the z is for more off laidback riding rather than the tridents encouraging sporty nature.
Those studio lights above are a big distraction and ruin the quality of the video.
Kwaki... Sort of bike ya Dad would ride. Triumph is more cool and yeah, I bought one, it's a great little bike.
Kawasaki is perfect to use in urban and country I think
Mind says Trident, heart says Kawi...which I would get in a heartbeat, if they weren't hopelesly sold out where I'm from. No chance of getting it this year.
Triumph has the better spec but it looks awful. The back end seems totally missing. I wouldn't buy it if it was an absolute class leader, plus I regularly a pillion so it is an utter non starter. The Tiger Sport looks so much better and is more practical.
Kawasaki Z650RS looks fabulous especially in that lovely green. Yes, it isn't the latest word in refinement and shame the exhaust doesn't look better, but I'd be proud to have this sat in my garage and to take it out on a sunny day.
Thanks!
Much appreciated mate! Very kind
Both are fantastic!
Hate the Honeycomb Light effect..
Is it really that hard to adjust the preload on the Kawasaki ? My partner wants to ride with me a fair amount
Shame the kwaka has 2 pistons missing 🤔
How come when you mentioned the kawasaki 3 thngs you prefer you still had triumph written underneath?
Your are right on.
The Kawasaki is not that retro when it has a 2 cylinder engine and the original Z 650 had a 4 cylinder.
Pre covid the kawasaki had 0% apr and I'm not sure about the triumph... now you are looking at 5.9% and 7.9% for the triumph! The prices may be the same if buying in cash but for anyone buying on finance 7.9% on a new vehicle is absolutely absurd!.
I remember when anything under 10% was amazingly low. These new financing rates are also going retro.
The Kawasaki should have the same style of exhaust as the Rs 900
The z650rs is too expensive for what it is, looks great, that’s it.
Damn bro how short are you. You make that Trident look huge and it's a small bike.
What kind of person are you? Sounds like a full-on jerk question.
I’ll have that one.
The studio lighting ruins your videos sorry, otherwise best bike review content on TH-cam 😀
I like the lighting
Its not that bad, but it can certainly be better
The Kawasaki wins hands down on looks alone.
The Kwak looks so cheap.. its about 1800 quid too expensive
What about sound????
The triumph ...is. Much better looking....and better in every way....
I would buy the Kawasaki get better fuel mileage
The z650rs is gorgeous but it's engine note is horrendous
XSR700 :)
The Kawasaki ♥️♥️♥️
Kawa for me because it’s incredible beautiful and comfy.
Z650rs for the win
I'd love to see a Matt black trident with those gold wheels on
Z650rs
Triumph but only because of the engine.
If you want to be home surely get the kawasaki....
Kawa all the way
I think the Triumph is a better bike but I grew up salivating every time I saw a Kawasaki Z passing by. And at my age 12 hp will not really make a difference.
I would choose Triumph as I love tech and safety is very important, TCS.😊
Love the classic look of the Kawi. Gives reminders of when motorcycles were simple.
Nothing wrong with a simple motorcycle.... at the appropriate prices...... this ain’t it.
@@stubbingtonmarigold3032 seems to be a decent price for performance. What's the issue?
It's a proven design with updated, or backdated looks.
@@stubbingtonmarigold3032 I'm curious if this ain't it, what is?
@@stubbingtonmarigold3032 Only bikes cheaper than this are crap , like Royal enfield
I must be getting old because I remember when a 650cc was a big bike. Just on retro looks alone I would have to go with the Kawasaki, it just looks like the sort of bikes I used to ride in the late 1970's.
I think 650 naked are being made more street friendly, i'm not saying to fit hoonigan riders but easily mensurable, i certainly enjoy my trident and its exploding sound wakes everyone up the street!
Hey mate, love your content, and love the new studio. But...... the ceiling lights reflect a honeycomb pattern on everything; first video I watched with it I thought it was part of the paint job. Anyway, great content and style. Many thanks.
Agree - excellent content and presentation but the lighting is distracting.
Both great looking bikes. The Triumph is just better specified for the money. Better electronics, better tyres and more power. Closer examination shows Triumph have done a better job of hiding the cables and pipes.
Looks are subjective but I would say the Kwak looks marginally better as a retro.
Yes the trident has more of a “modern” classic look and is much better imo, the tail tidy looks fabulous
Kawi is way more reliable and easier to have dealers nearby tho
@@that1panther105 Any stats to back up the reliability and dealer access? Our personal experience on Triumph reliability has been excellent with a 6 year old Street Triple 675
@@that1panther105 Triumph is pretty reliable too and where I live, there’s more triumph dealerships than kawi
@@Banditmanuk I could look them up but I’m lazy but the big 4 in Japan are just the most reliable and this is one of the most reliable Kwai’s of them all due to them using this exact 650 engine for so long
The Kawasaki is the winner for me. I used to be a mechanic at Kawasaki shops in the late 70s early 80s. These bikes were our favorites back then and now.
Just the kind of review I’m interested in, and I share your views on both bikes though I haven’t yet ridden either of them. I’m a weekend rider so the Trident might be the better choice but the Kawasaki is just so good looking it’s hard to say no to. Decisions, decisions…
I have a thing for retro and I love the looks of the new kawa!
I have my trident now for a year and i am still in love with it, for me a beginner its the perfect bike!
I'm a huge Triumph fan (and currently own a Triumph), but the Kawasaki is drop dead gorgeous and more practical with the better seat. Both superb bikes, but Kawasaki would get my cash. I'm not bothered about too much tech - a lot of it is just a distraction.
But the engine is....bleh.
Agree, and for the long term - and I have a Speed Triple myself - the no-fuss reliability of the Kaw is a huge draw, specially if I'd be counting on it to get me where I NEED to go, rather than want to go. At the first opportunity, though, I'd switch-out those tires to the Road 5s or 6s (which just came out). Did that on both bikes I have, and they changed the character immediately. It would also give the Kaw much more confident on those weekend rides. Thanks MB!
It's just a er650 though?
100% agree with you. I'm currently a older BMW fan but love Triumph and Kawasakis too. I'd have that Z RS or the bigger 900, but the Trident is so ugly I just couldn't buy it. If it was a T120 or, one of the Tigers I'd be far more tempted.
@@robertmarsh3588
Got my Z900 RS 3 weeks ago, it's a blast to ride, great mileage, too 👍.
6. gear goes from 40-200+.
I'd say the best reason to buy the Kawasaki over the Triumph would be the Japanese reliability. I would also say that it were substantially cheaper than the Triumph, instead of slightly more expensive, it would be a much more attractive proposition.
Except all the data says Triumph is at least as reliable as Kawasaki!
@@WyreForestBiker but triumph is British made and uk made things are usually shit
@@danielkerr4100 congrats, both your statements are completely wrong.
@@WyreForestBiker ha funny
Except as we all know about "globalization" ,Triumph, yes British owned but now pretty much all bikes are to be made in Thailand/except highest tier models. Here's the kicker many Kawasaki and Suzuki, Honda models made in Thailand also, except you guessed it ,higher tier models. Don't even wana touch on Harley, parts from "everywhere " but assembled in US, does that make it "made in USA" ha ha , maybe?. Just google to find out the models are done where. Now i hear that Thailand produced bikes are of pretty good quality, so its up for you to decide. Best of luck, -Cheers
Great video, thanks! I've got a Z900RS myself, deeply happy with it. The Z650RS looks delightful, a seriously fun and uncomplicated work of art. I am impressed by the performance of the Triumph...it's just not as pretty. Just an opinion... Both very nice bikes!
I do wish Kawasaki would fix the rear suspension looks. I’m sure that mono shock works better, but that huge floating rear looks off compared to the old looking front.
Totally agree
Many moons ago I had a GSX-R750 as my "fun" bike and a Z650 as my commuter, which by it's use I of course done many more miles, I really liked the Z650 which IMO is one of the most under rated bikes ever, it's top speed was comparable to most of the sports 750s of the time, so I was delighted to see Kawasaki were about to release a modern version of the old Z and my first thought was "that sounds a great replacement for my SV650 commuter bike", only to be very disappointed to find it wasn't a 4 cylinder like the old Z but a twin,
My Triumph dealer is also the main dealer for Kawasaki in N. Ireland (Phillip McCallen) so when I left my Street triple R in for its service they lent me the new RS, I'd previously taken their demo Trident out shortly after its release, the RS has one thing over the Trident in its looks, it's a smart looking bike but IMO Triumph have made a mistake in giving the Trident a retro look with bland colours when it's aimed at new bikers so a more colourful choice would've been nice, IMO the looks are the one and only place where the RS beats the Trident, performance wise the Trident blows the RS away, the finish of the Trident is vastly superior, likewise the electronics package also the handling and even the O.E. tyres are much better and lastly Triumph even manages the beat them on cost.
Had same thought as well - just give the Trident some pizzazz, some colour! That would make a world of difference, because now it's basically 4 shades of gray (with splotches of red thrown in). Make same colours as Tiger 660 available and I'd probably be sold. Looking for a 650 class bike next year, but the Trident's colour schemes are really a let down.
@ 100% correct!
What about long term maintenance? That's a very important aspect if you're on a budget. The Trident needs an annual service. I don't know if the Z650RS needs one too or not.
For me personally the trident looks hideous from the rear, and for those saying the performance is better with the Trident are missing the point. These are not track bikes, they are commuter or bumble bikes.
The Z650rs looks great, until you get to the exhaust. I guess the budget ran out, it looks totally out of place.
Z650 looks better everything else goes to the trident.
On looks alone it would have to be the Kawa but factor in performance, service intervals, residual values and rider aids the Triumph is the one I'd go for
As well as the Trident rides and nice as the Z650RS looks I would pick the Suzuki SV650 or SV650X (for the cafe racer clip-ons looks) engine is a little gem handling is sweet and with a quick muffler change it sounds grate as well. You get LCD clocks sadly like he Triumph but also more peppy engine then the Kawasaki with a very sweet chassi set up. Ok no upside-down forks but the OEM stuff works well enough to keep one smiling in the twistes. And price wise it is cheaper then bouth. Ok no TC but You get easy start and clutch assist to pull away so it is very beginner friendly.
I have seen the Trident in person. I would chose the Tiger 660 instead. I'm not sure when or if I will ever see the Kawasaki in person. None of the dealers around me can confirm if they will get one. I owned a 2nd gen Versys and 1st gen Ninja 650 so I am familiar with the engine. Even though I love the engine of the FZ-07 I owned I would chose this new Kawasaki over the retro offering from Yamaha with all its plastic cladding.
the triumph shouldve been made to look like a bonneville.
If kawasaki would have just given the rs an updated motor with more power and maybe even a 270 firing order I'd choose it. Thw triumph is the better value though for everything it offers for the price.
Why don't they just put the 660cc engine on a Bonneville frame? Anyway, I think I'd go with the Trident because you get more out what you're paying for and (must check it but) the intervals between manufacturer's maintenance may be longer.
Yeah, triple in a bonnie frame, like the 90's one. I,d buy that. 👍
Z650 all day. A guy at work has been riding one to work for years now. Hasn't missed a beat.
I like the look of the Kawi but love the motor in the trident
I’m the same , I’m waiting to test ride both , really stuck between the two
Kawasaki for me. It's so good looking..
It’s settled. I’ll take both!
I’d suggest Kawasaki gets the nod for reliability and looks, particularly the gorgeous clocks and the triumph for performance. I’m so tired of awful lcd clocks that would probably end being the deciding factor.
Both bikes are targeting the cost conscious entry (ish) level rider who have done their penance on the smaller learner bikes. When viewed in that light, the Triumph has a lot more bang for the buck. Faster, cheaper, w/ more features, what's not to like? Also, let's be honest,Triumph as a brand, is perceived (rightfully IMHO) as a bit more upmarket. It should also be noted that the Kawi is more expensive than the arguably better XSR 700 as well. I'm not shopping that part of the market, but I think Kawi needs to have a second look at their pricing scheme. They are about $500 - $600 too high. Quite a lot in this segment.
Fuck it I’ll take both
dang you nailed it!
Don't like the (retro) looks of the Kawa. It looks to messy underneath the tank and has two identities. There's tubes and exhaust pipes going any direction without thinking about the lines of the bike. If you'd cut the Kawa in half horizontally and look at the bottom. You'd think you're looking at a modern bike. It doesn't match the top.
Kawasaki all the way! The 660 you have to rev the shit out of to get moving. Bullet proof Z650 engine you get much more low end power!
Love the looks of the Kawi, but that engine is a snoozefest. Learned on a Z650 and even as a learner it felt boring
What about the cb650r?
A lot of motorcycles have similar MSRPs. But I would chose the motorcycle that has affordable maintainence costs. (Kawasaki)
Can anyone here compare the power and ride-ability of these bikes to the Triumph T100? I’m very much interested in a standard/neutral riding position. Thank you