2017 Kawasaki Z650 Review | MC Commute
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 20 ก.ค. 2024
- It’s another commute with Zack! As usual, please feel free to suggest a bike you want to see featured here. If we get enough comments, we’ll send him home on that one next.
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It’s no secret we’re always trying to get our staff to work a little harder. Especially the ones who always seem to have too much to say. “Write it down!” we always shout at each other. Zack Courts is a classic case, always arriving to the office after his commute with a bunch of opinions about the bike he’s riding. Anyway, it’s always too much this, not enough that, and occasionally has some decent insights that we thought might help consumers or entertain enthusiasts.
So we strapped a camera and microphone to his helmet and told him to turn it on when he leaves his house. A lot of his talking in his helmet is complaining about drivers, yelling at red lights, and wondering why billboards aren’t more expensive. But sometimes he actually talks about the bike, and those are the parts we keep. Got a bike you would like to see discussed? Let us know and we’ll send him home on that one next.
Full story here: www.motorcyclistonline.com/on...
This bike by the numbers:
Price as Tested: $7,399
Displacement: 649cc
Measured Wet Weight: 412 lb. (187 kg)
Fuel Capacity: 4.0 gal. (15.1L)
Measured Horsepower: 57.6 @ 7900 rpm
Measured Torque: 42.4 @ 6590 rpm
To read a comparison article with the Z650, FZ-07, and SV650, read: www.cycleworld.com/kawasaki-z...
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Excellent review👍👍👍 love the MC commute series.. You guys have the best MC channel on TH-cam..👊✌
The color of this bike is absolutely amazing 🤤🤤🤤
Brought one a year ago same colour really love it
@@nickbutcher6565 Envious!
I have a question in the first gear why is feel weird
Do you have the same problem?
Had the bike for a year now (and in this colour). Initially I was quite underwhelmed by the sound, but as I've had more of a chance to wring it out on the throttle, it makes a nice throaty intake noise at around 5k onwards which doesn't come across on video. Much less buzzy than you'd expect when you actually sit on the thing. And the looks, at just the right angle, are sublime. I always get someone come over and ask me what bike it is when I park up anywhere.
Gotta say it's grown on me.
Jamie Pryke got the same colour people ask me what make it is because of colour
I thank u for coming up with the idea for MC Commute!
This is without a question the best MC TH-cam channel!
Congratz guys!
Zack you are a damn good reviewer and you and Ari are a great combo, keep it coming for years to come pls.
Glad to know you talk to the motorists around you on the road...thought I was alone in that! Totally understood your preference for the Versys over the Z650.
Thank you Zack for this much anticipated review of the Z650
Thank very much for these reviews you guys do.
It gives a really good Idea how the bike feels, specially for communities
Great review, thanks again Zack. Love watching the channel.
I had a 1979 SR650 which was an American import (I'm based in the UK). Picked it up in 1995 with 16,000 miles on the clock. It was a great bike. I got it up to 70,000 miles before I crashed it (not for the first time) and bent the frame bouncing it off a Volvo estate at about 50mph (consolation being that they also had to tow his car away coz I'd knackered his front suspension, and then he had to pay me £2500 for the bike, replacement gear and injuries sustained). I sold what was left of the bike to a mate for £200 (about $300) and he took the engine out and popped it into a custom bike he was building and it's STILL running. I'm on a BMW F800S at the mo (nice bike) but I love the look of this new Z650, so I'm either gonna buy one or part exchange the BMW. Great vid this. Nice one. In fact, you guys have an awesome channel here. I've been riding for about 26 years now and I've learnt an awful lot from watching your different videos. Grand job guys. Keep up the good work.
I really enjoy your straight reviews. You call it as you see it.
Can you please do a 2018 mt 07 review?
Zaaaaaaack Courts, ladies and gentlehooligans!!! Live and dangerous. My life would be a bit emptier without his and Ari's antics.
Ladies and gentlehooligans. Hahaha!
Gullwing swingarm allows them to tuck under the exhaust for lower CG and better clearance.
Yeah and it's cool that one side is bent but the other's straight. Neat little touch for a bike this price
Good job as always Zack. I agree about the sound of the engine, reminds me too much of a GPz500s I was riding 30 years ago (it was my girlfriend's). Now hunting for your Versys review.
Another fun review, Zack! I realize you only review new models but it would be awesome to see you do commute review on a 1100 Hypermotard, or even better, you and Ari compare it to the current water cooled generation. The 1100 Hyper was such an intoxicating bike when it came out and I'd love to see another review of it after all these years.
"If you're like me, and when you write home, you write about mirrors."
This guy is friggin' hilarious! Love Zack's deadpan humor
Green/black is sweet looking as well as 2019 blue model!
8:52 no way it's underpowered to me haha. Great first bike to learn and keep in the long run til you want more power in my opinion.
This bike together with Yamaha07, and the SV-650, are actually made/Assembled in Japan, but the Honda 650's are Thailand
I saw one of these at the dealer the other day and I have to say, it's beautiful. I love the styling and the matte pearl white might have helped. I'm thinking about swapping for my 919, but the difference in power really worries me. I love the low end torque of the old naked.
From someone who has now been riding his 2010 Versys 650 for its 8th year (YES! ...the longest I have ever kept any one bike), ...I'm totally diggin' all the nods to the Versys. I've told everyone for years, that its one of the all around greatest bikes I have ever ridden and still ride today :p
This was the bike i took my riding lessons on. I loved it!
I’m really enjoying your commutes.
Sorry Zack,but as a previous Ninja 650R owner...........I'm LOVING the sound of that 180' firing-order!!! The engine REVS and REVS HARD and reminds You,that the internals are moving QUICKLY to get You where Your wanting to go!!! Sorry if it doesn't make that "Brump-Brump-Brump" sound (which I don't personally care for!!!) Anyway,to each their own!!! :)
Why Thank-You Zack!!! You do the same My Friend!!! Because no matter WHAT kind of exhaust "sound" bikes make..................at least their not CARS,EH??? Lol. ;)
I thought it was just me, but coming from a CBR250R, my 2014 Ninja 650 sounds amazing stock. I feel like it's a great compromise; it's quiet when you're just taking it easy, but opens up when you give it gas. Video's really don't do it justice.
Agreed fully sphilpot05! I thought my Ninja 650R sounded AMAZING stock,but went with an aftermarket-exhaust that REALLY made it sound fantastic when getting on the revs!!! Loved it!!!
I love the Ninja 650 2017 💪💪💪
YES A GOOD REVIEW thinking about buying one of these this summer
Purchased the white 2017 a month back. It is my 4th bike. Just hit 500 miles and can finally rev up to 6k rpm. The break in is a little harsh in my opinion. Have always broken in my bikes according to manual. Will go on my first good mountain/canyon ride tomorrow. What I can confirm is the comfort. I am 5'10" and my legs are a little cramped. Can't imagine what it's like for somebody 6'2".
The sound isn't a big deal ! Just got one and have a Leo Vince on it, it sounds Amazing ! Will post a video soon.
I love my Z650 !!!
Still no video
Siddhartha Ganni lol
2 years later still no video :shrug:
@@flaviutomuta2083 Guys! I switch to the GSXS 1000...
YmKchannel Great bike, Ride safe 👍!
Hello ... great reviews and a pleasure to watch. Wondering about your comment at the beginning about the Ninja 650 - I searched your channel for a review and didn't find any. Curious as to your opinions of that bike ( in a nutshell). Interested in that bike ( 2017 + model) as a get back into biking light tourer, older person's bike. Thanks.
Went for the Z650 for the wife as she is a bit short for the MT-07 and the Z was priced better. I get it why people dis it for the conventional 180deg parallel firing order, but I cannot help but wonder if we get a different airbox/intake setup here in South Africa. That thing's induction noise on acceleration is one of the best I have ever heard on a bike, especially in this category. Throaty and superb...
Hi Zack,
What do you guys make of Honda's CB650 compared to this?
Lots of references to the Suzuki and the Yammy competitors in this segment, but none to Big Red!
Thanks for the awesome reviews.
Hi Zak. thanks for all your interesting videos. Could you give us your overall top five bikes?
I've been waiting for this :-D
Excellent video 👍👍thanks from Paris .
Doing my motorcycle courses on one on these, more fun than I expected!
A new and improved er6n. Love it.
Nice video as always. Can you please do the Ducati Diavel and Xdiavel s?
One thing that's good about less tire is slightly lower unsprung weight. I think I prefer the look of the Kawasaki nakeds over those of Yamaha or Suzuki, but sound and power are things I wouldn't want to live without.
Got one last summer and love it. It's perfect for me since I'm only 5'7.
What's your inseam? I ride a lot of offroad, but am looking into getting my first street bike and am very interested in the Z650 but I haven't found one near me to sit on yet and I'm wondering if I'm too short. I'm 5'5 with about a 29" inseam.
@@casuldad1296 should be perfectly fine for you
@2:06: “...let’s do the damn thing” lol...glad to hear there’s one other person who uses that expression 😂
I've a Ninja 400 which I like very much. I ride it mostly on track, particularly gokart track. I'm interested in getting a 2018 Ninja 650 for track use and long distance touring. I wonder if stock suspensions , both front and rear, would be as good as stock Ninja 400. Also, will the twin front disk brakes be adequate?
Here are my thoughts on engine sound:
--I want stock / quiet pipes, so I can actually use my bike outside of an 8am to 9pm timeframe without pissing off my neighbors and/or getting the HOA on my back... loud / aftermarket pipes aren't even on the radar for me
--frankly I just don't care what someone else thinks of how "good" my bike sounds -- it's my bike and I'm not trying to "impress" anyone
--unless it's just a slow neighborhood trip, I wear earplugs, so I'm not hearing the sound of a stock exhaust anyway
Given these facts, I just can't be bothered to care what an engine sounds like. Vibration along with all the other characteristics of torque, horsepower, revving, fueling, snatchiness, etc. are things I care about though.
Plus, the vibrations people talk about are easily gone once you switch out to better handle grips.
Well put! I don't have a license yet (slow DMVs), so I've been going out to practice at like 5:30 am. I'm happy to have a quiet Honda rebel so I can sneak out of the neighborhood. Looking at this as the next upgrade.
Do you own one?
@@Gaverny that's because you don't need anything loud just yet. Allow yourself to become an actual experienced rider +/- 3 to 5 years, 30k miles..
@@eshelmen thanks for the encouragement.
I get what you are saying but one of things I love the most about the 2020 Street Triple R I have is the exhaust note sounds amazing. But yeah I'm in the same boat for aftermarket parts, I would love to throw a new pipe on it. The carbon stuff is amazing looking, SC has that sexy s bend into their pipe, Scorpion has beautiful shaped exhausts, and they sound amazing but I work shift work so the last thing I want to do is wake up the whole neighborhood when I start my bike up at 10pm.
I really like this bike, but I hate the fact that Kawasaki offered the white with green frame for just one year, that was the color that I liked. I hope when the time comes for me to get another bike they'll bring the color back again, otherwise I'd take my money elsewhere, or maybe the Ninja 400, who knows. I do agree that these bikes have plenty enough power, I've been riding for almost four years now and I started on a Hyosung GT650 naked and got another Hyosung which is faired (it was about $2,200 cheaper than the Ninja 650, I couldn't justify the price difference specially since they both didn't have ABS), and I have yet felt the need to have more power, these bikes get you to jail time speeds in no time and they have plenty of get up in sixth gear on the highway so that you don't need to downshift to overtake. Great category, I love it!
Is going through the green light a good example of trail braking? I see you rev up for the down shift and then have a bit of front brake on during the first ¼ of the turn or so. Just learned of this technique in the last few weeks, curious to start trying it this season.
Any reason why there are no reviews for Suzuki V strom? Just curious. Thanks
Anyone who thinks a 650 twin isn’t fast hasn’t followed Andrew Trevitt around Thunder Hill. In the hands of an expert rider, this bike can rail. It’s just a different kind of fun. Think back to when you couldn’t wipe the grin off your face when you ride your first “big” bike. This bike feels like that. I commute on a ZX14r and track a S1000rr. I picked this up to train my kid and I’m on it more than he is lol.
Really not fond of the sound of the engine too. Actually it was the only reason I didn't buy one, because it's pretty nimble, a little treat. Anyway, went for the Z900 instead (muahaha)!
Mmm
Well yea we all go bigger more expensive bike if we can. It not that one is any better it’s just the next model up, you sprang for the top bike in that class. Just like your bike is no worse or anything then say a ZX10 it’s just slightly less everything.
Abel Lopes
Are you still loving it?
How is it in the city?
Does it wheelie when it wants to or only when you want to?
Nice ride video. Hard to pick something I like because test rides are always too short. Out of this and the yamaha MT-07 what would be the better all rounder for both city use and getting out on the highways for a bit of touring? also have you ridden the Honda CB650F? I like them all but can only buy one of them. I am about 6ft tall and a bit more heavier build to you. Thanks.
In this class everything is going to come down to either brand loyalty (maybe who has the closer dealer?) or which you can get the better deal on really, I've had an ER6N (Ninja 650) or 3 years now, covered around 15k miles, it's a good second bike if you are stepping up or a good cheap little workhorse, the everything being said about the Z650 here is pretty much the same for the ER6N
I think the z650 looks the best of the 3 then the MT07 then SV650
Which is lightest and which is most powerful/most torque and which revs highest ?
@@Fee.1 my 🍆
CB650R easily wins in performance, looks and power except for the price
@@neoretroguy4488 The price for two extra cylinders is worth it though.
@@babyvanta absolutely! i own one and its just a joy to ride
Thank god I found someone who's not a fan of the 180 crank. Man, I was hoping the Z650 2020 version would have the 270, well...one can always dream.
Great review as usual, and I particularly liked highlighting the point that this class of bikes has plenty of performance for the street. These are great "real world" reviews.
I'd love if you could test the CB650F.
Hi! So I am looking at getting a motorcycle and I've had a few friends recommend that I start off with an MT-07, Z650, or the GSX-S750 as my first motorcycle! Would you say that these are good bikes to start off on? This would be my first time learning a manual on a motorcycle and a motorcycle with a forgivable clutch would be great. I am not really a fan of Harley Davidson. They are certainly cool bikes but something that is agile and fun to ride would be perfect! My main premise for getting a motorcycle would be more convenient to take to the gym and would be a fun weekend ride!
Please do a KTM Duke 390 commute.
If you can, try to get your hands on the 2018 SV650 and the 2018 my-07. Looking at the websites, they added or improved some things on the bike. Those are the 2 bikes I’m seriously considering! Plus I’m close to your height 🤓
if you would choose one of the 650-700cc bike(cd650r, sv650, z650 or Mt07, those are the brands that I could get my hand into of course), which would you buy? Also would a CFmoto NK650 or GT650 acceptable for you, maybe? Considering the whole costs of keeping one of course.
Another nice rev Zack. ^_^
I owned a Z300 and I have been wondering whether I should buy the Z650 or Z900. Z650 looks like alot of fun but I don't want to put myself in a position where I have to upgrade AGAIN after a year or so.
650cc actually way way way more than enough for normal person to use
Did my training and tests on one of these in the UK. The bike is very competent and neutral which I think makes it an excellent learning tool, however there was nothing particularly exciting about it that would make me want to fork out for one. I got a 90s bike which is a little slower yet much more exciting to be on for 1/10th the price of one of these from new.
12 feet of snow on ground...so jealous ...thanks for sharing.
My first and only motorcycle I have ever owned was the 2016 Indian Chief Classic, I would love your take on the new Indian Chiefs so I say do a mc commute with the new chief. I came across your channel because I was looking for a small commuter like z900 and it seems like mc commute is mostly lightweight bikes. People hate on the heavyweights, but I think they serve a purpose.
These 650cc bikes are not beyond the point of diminished returns (hp/weight), the engines are plenty powerful enough for the 450ish lb bike. I have noticed people don't expect much from bikes this size and they are shocked when they pull on Harley 1700ccs. A big reason for this is the rev limit, while they are shitfting into 3rd you're still in 1st and all that shifting costs them a lot of delay. Also, look at the size of the transmission on these bikes, it is incredibly small, no wasted weight there!
Pretty much, you sit in between cruisers and super sports with a 650 class twin. Pull away from cruisers with ease, but zero chance of keeping up with even a 600 in a straight line. They corner well though. My Versys will keep up with super sports around a corner below 100mph. In a canyon you will keep up with the super sports, and leave a cruiser miles behind.
Personally, I like the motor to dominate the experience!
Literally the first time i've ever seen you make that green ..... WOW
I might by this or a sv650...ill just wait and sit on both and see what feels better
Hey Zach, Can you give any details about if you would or will do a commute on a 2015/2016 gsx-s 750?? Thanks
Just out of curiosity, will you guys be doing an MC commute with the upcoming Royal Enfield GT650 twin?
Hey Zack what gloves do you wear in this video ? Brand and model ? Would be great to know.
Hi ZacK!! Wheres your review off the Triumph Street triple 2018??
I've ridden this Z650 the Indian version (Comes standard with ABS)
My height is 5'10 and you are right it's a delight for people of my height.
I mean my height is compatible with all bikes. Large bikes feel comfy and small bikes are not a very big problem.
I'd like to see you guys do a write up on the 650 Vulcan S.
Smart move - linking topics to talk about to the route sections! But what if there's a roadblock? :D
Beautiful bike, beautiful colour.
Is it any less discourteous to use the washers when another cage is behind? It's just not something people realize until it's happened to them. So far it's only happened to me when I was operating a cage.
Love your videos your a great rider 👍just curious why you dont like the 650 ninja .. i never rode one but im buying one 2019 model.. for next season
Mr710324 for the money you might as well get the Honda CBR650R, same sport touring class, its a little more expensive but not by a lot. You get a 95 hp i4 (like 30 more hp over the ninja) and a very linear smooth power band...
Idk if ils me but i couldnt find the ninja 650 commute I would have like to know what u didn't like about it. Is it coming soon or it get deleted or lost ?
Which has more vibrations? Z650 or CBR650F?
Love to see one for the v-strom 650
@motorcyclist is the seat height too tall for riders who are around 5'6??
Zack and Ari plz show us a video on how to do a backing it in techniques.
I’m interested to see how the CB650F compares.
It's playing in the 80+ horsepower range, instead of the 60+ range. For a 4-banger it's decent, but wouldn't have the same low end stomp as a MT-07. I remember when Honda introduced it, people complained about vibrations. Not sure they've smoothed it out in more recent years.
How in the heck does one choose between this and the MT-07 and the SV650? And how is the transmission gearing..close ratio, wide ratio, appropriate for the engine? How is the fueling? Darn, to bad about the vibrations. Does the Versys have the same vibrations and firing order? So it has a balanced suspension, good transmission, and good brakes. So would you buy a Versys or an Fz-07?
Hi!
I know u asked if we had any requests on other bikes u could commute on.
And I have many but I am very curious on the new bikes from Husky! The 401, 701 Svart pilen and Vit pilen.
Is that a possibility? ☺
Patrick Sandeberg
I
YES!
Were you purposely not including a comparison to the CB650f? It seems to me this would be it's closest competition. Thoughts?
What are the difference between parallel twin crank degree and inline 2?
How do you like this compared to the SV 650, Zac?
Please do one for the Kawasaki Vulcan S please!
I commute with my little Z250 but with some mods such as handle bar raisers and seat rework to increase height, doesn't like the Z800 weight and feels. Was excited when they announce Z650 but after 3 test rides, I decided not to get one. at 6" the foot pegs and seat is way too cramp for me and seating position is really awkward and uncomfortable for any long distance commuter.
Guess I'll keep an eye on Versys 650. Probably that would be my next bike should there be no competitors. Too bad MT-07 Tracer doesn't come to my country.
Very good review
It's a bit old but what do you think of the yamaha FZ8?
Is this bike any good for beginners? Better than the SV650 or the MT07?
Looks remind me a bit of my FZ. On another note, whose S2000??
I actually really like the look of the digital dash on these Kawasaki bikes. I just wish the rest of the bike had better styling.
hey Zack, good video! I like your channel. I'm looking to buy bike very soon but I cannot make my mind over 2 bikes from Honda -- CB650 and CBR650F. I was wondering if you have any plans reviewing any of these bikes anytime soon or if you have already reviewed them could you please send me like? once again thumbs up to your work. Safe riding
I heard the power is underwhelming compared to the maha FZ 07 & uki SV650. Also that’s also my favorite type of riding (state roads doin 55-70)
Is that a Z shape in the gas tank and body work or am I just seeing things?
Will you be doing the DL650 anytime soon? :)
Awesome looking bike
Hi Zack and MCCommute! Could you do an MCCommute video on a Benelli?