2018 Kawasaki Z650 ABS | First Ride

[@LawTigers]

Law Tigers has entered the Chaseontwowheels chat! 👊

[@chaseontwowheels]

HUD engaged!

[@jasonmelo9379]

I have had all kinds of bikes... very powerful bikes, liter bikes, cruisers, sport tourers, everything. I own this one now and it's actually such relief because it's so easy to ride and you can just concentrate on your environment rather than struggling with the bike.

[@nerychristian]

Whoever is behind the camera during the road shots needs a raise. Love watching your videos.

[@marcustaylor3528]

Camera car crew definitely the real MVPs 😂 Good to know that Chase has a team rolling with him

[@vika0194]

It’s like Jay Leno’s channel but with a bike.

[@jcsdesign]

I bought a 2017 when they were first introduced. I still have the bike. It's an excellent all around bike. I wouldn't take this bike longer than an hour ride since the head wind does get to you fast. I wish they made more improvements on this bike over the years.

[@kenloney9852]

I rode my 2018 130 miles on the freeway averaging 70mph and it was just fine. It was about 2.5 hours of nonstop riding

[@the.communist]

@@kenloney9852 whinners😒

[@jacobdressler7908]

I’m 6’5 and commuted on a 19 Z650 for 2 years, not bad in the legs

[@rudyf2387]

I have a 2023 z650 non abs and I absolutely love it as a starter bike. I did take the the MSR course etc. the TFT dash is awesome, sounds monster with the Yoshikawa alpha exhaust (shoots flames) etc. I will not got tired of this bike anytime soon and saving so much gas to work now. Overall, this bike is a great bike, maybe as time goes by, I will get a R1.

[@kalnwi2023]

Be careful

[@owny0607]

I got the z650 as my first bike. Had it for a year and upgraded it to the z900.

[@Illness.og.]

I’m about to do the same. Almost a year with my z650 soon to get a z900

[@xaysleek4686]

Is the ride height of the 900 the same or close to the same as the 650??

[@jfess1911]

This is an especially good motorcycle for people with short legs. That is a big deal since dropping a motorcycle a couple of times is a real confidence killer.

[@anthonycoffey6565]

I'm 6' 2" at 250lbs, bought a '23 Vulcan S 650 & I'm pleasantly surprised at at the power & delivery of the Kawasaki 650 twin. Plenty of grunt for a shorter run bike , but I wouldn't want to travel too far. About an hour & my butt is numb 😅

[@kalnwi2023]

Get a airhawk ?

[@TravisONiPhone]

The 2020+ look a lot better and have all leds….I put a hindle exhaust and actually sounds great

[@OhHeyAngel_]

Damn this was my first bike, watching this video made me feel some typa way. Moved to an R7 after 2 years but I loved that bike

[@jerodwolford2743]

I have a 16 ninja 650 as my first bike. I test rode an mt07 and I'm trying to figure out if I want to get something like a 636 as a toy and an mt07 as a "commuter" or get an r7 as the toy and z650 as a commuter. Unfortunately the prices for mt07s are absolutely nuts so it's making this a difficult decision for me lol.

[@walkemdown4127]

@@jerodwolford2743Could get a used FZ07, those are just an older version of the MT07 right?

[@jerodwolford2743]

@walkemdown4127 I mean....yeah but the prices are basically the same.

[@RodeoRides]

I have a 23 ABS model $7,749 with Kawasaki rebate and I love it.

[@wwfww]

I remember when Kawasaki made the 2009-2011 er6n, what a beauty

[@dearbulls]

Yep, I don't like the cramped up leg on my old Ninja 650R. I'm 6'2" by the way. It seems all Kawi I've ridden before were not designed for tall people or long legged people. CFMOTO's CLX700 Sport feels more comfortable to me. An issue with cramped up legs is that I don't feel like I'm "in" the bike like you said, but rather I'm on top of it and got throw off the seat over bumps frequently (without having the suspension from the legs). Also I cannot hug the tank well with my knees all the way into my face.

[@MeTubing]

Just bought a 2018 a few days ago.🤝🤩 Looking forward to this week of riding. Thank you for the high quality review, Chase Crew.

[@Sixbagzz]

I just bought that jacket couple of months ago. It's super nice! Love this bike also

[@jonny530]

I have a 2023 z900 and it’s amazing. But in the 650 class I’d probably go with an SV650. Well… I did since that was my first bike lol but the z650 is definitely a great option

[@The_Z_Brah]

Went from an SV650S to the Z900, so I'd have to agree with you lol

[@vyrizu9713]

omg i loved this bike, i road one in 2021, half the year, was my friends bike, miss it

[@LBreezy214]

I am cracking up at that mirror 😂 Also helmet looks 👌 with the new jacket

[@MightyMouzMoto]

I know it's all about personal preference/opinion but I'm yet to see a review that didn't put the S8 and Hornet over the MT07 and some even have the NK over the MT too.

[@gmbmedia28]

I was hoping you can review the Z650 2023 version it already has 2 modes of traction control

[@pleasedontwatchthese9593]

i have had 2 of these. i really liked them

[@LouisPhilippeLebouthillier]

Had to ride one of this when I did the motorcycle riding class. Bike was fine, but had to much vibrations while on the highway

[@andy5786]

Brilliant videos Kawasaki z650 nice bike safe rides 👍🇬🇧

[@McLeod719]

Hi Chase, Thank you for another great review! Is Kawi's Z650 basically a Ninja 650 without fairings (probably a silly question)?

[@tiyonemanning8967]

Yeah they are exactly the same. Just one has fairings and the other doesn't

[@noahlapuz3853]

My dream bike.

[@goodoleme747]

white jacket is nice... visible and matches a lot of other colors

[@SoDakTwisties]

IMO the Kawasaki 650 P-Twin is the worst sounding engine in it's class. No aftermarket exhaust can solve that problem. That's all subjective though. What isn't subjective is that they are dead reliable and run forever with just basic maintenance.

[@hexadecimal1517]

Not even subjective, 180 degree cranks just sound awful. Idk why they still use that config for twin cylinders.

[@Illness.og.]

@@hexadecimal1517definitely subjective, I like the 180 degree crank. I think the 270 degree crank sounds terrible.

[@eraserone1]

Can you try to get a CFMoto 650NK for a first ride?

[@creaperassassin450]

Hey bro, i was wondering if you could do a first ride on the '24 zx6r

[@tjey379]

My kind of bike, thanks if I lived in the US am not sure which of them I would get if it was down to this Kawasaki, the SV 650 and the Honda CB 650 to be added to an MT 07, I would probably work on getting all of them. Love the new gear by the way ... Prefer a black jacket but still fly👍👍👍👍👍

[@lazzygnome4060]

I probably would have thrown that mirror 😅

[@Frank_Torre]

OC: Having owned a MT07, I don't think I'd choose a Z650. Though I did ride one as a test ride before getting my first MT07. It was definitely a fun bike and could see it being a better starter bike compared to the MT07. But there's a reason the MT07 is the king of the middleweight naked bike market. It may have polarizing looks but you can't question it's performance for what it's meant to be. That being said my new bike is gonna be a new Ninja ZX6R as it'll be my first kawasaki since my first bike being a Ninja 250 over 14 years ago.

[@EfferusZangetsu]

Z650 has a better suspension, so if you want to ride more in the twisties, Z650 would be a better choice. But MT07 has that amazing CP2 engine, and the suspension is good for city riding.

[@aidenlothian9642]

So the Z650 is a starter bike but the MT07 isn't. Haha that's hilarious. How much more power does the mt07 make over the Z650 again? Nigh on the same bike. The only thing you will find is the MT07 has flawed handling and wheelies so much because it is so imbalanced. On the other hand the Z650 is a great handling bike. I'll take the z650 any day

[@Frank_Torre]

@@aidenlothian9642 You're missing the point. The MT07 is a hooligan wheelie machine and with 0 lag from it's cable throttle a new rider with get whiskey throttle almost guaranteed. They'll loop their bike and give up riding and be another idiot saying bikes are dangerous. Instead of admitting it was their fault. While the Z650 is more subtle and has a more relaxed throttle response and the traction control on offer can save a new rider from going down as not all beginners understand throttle control while cornering. Overall the Z650 is a much better bike for a 1st time rider compared to the MT07. You also gotta understand everyone bags on the MT07 for having a overly soft suspension, but it's meant to be a city bike for city riding on shitty city roads that are always under construction stateside. So absorbing those crappy road conditions is what the suspension was made for. And for the cost of the bike you're not going to get a better suspension really.

[@aidenlothian9642]

@@Frank_Torre You said you can't question the MT07's performance. Basically saying the Z650 is inferior to the MT07. This is untrue.

[@Frank_Torre]

@@aidenlothian9642 You're reading too much into it. I'm saying the MT07 is my choice between the two bikes. That's my opinion but clearly sales figures don't lie either. I do believe the Z650 is the easier bike to ride giving it has more aids compared to the MT07. But I NEVER said the Z650 is inferior to the MT07. Saying you can't question the MT07 performance doesn't make other bikes inferior as from one view the MT07 is the perfect hooligan city bike, while I'd say the Z650 is the more forgiving city bike that you could also be a total hooligan on. I legit believe having rode both you can't go wrong with either one. Just the MT07 is one of the last bikes I'd recommend to someone with 0 experience. As I feel a beginner can be okay on a middleweight bike as long as they take advantage of rider modes till they've built a solid foundation of riding skills to keep them alive. So NO the Z650 is not inferior as with it's aids it would be worlds easier for a beginner, which is why I recommended it for my brother who had 0 riding experience and taking the MSF class was the first time he sat on a bike.

[@pixiemoto3673]

🎉solid bike more kawasaki

[@HobbitOfChaos]

I think the hyper naked bikes would look awesome with the duck bill front fender

[@Kawasaki10rr]

Kawasaki shouldve made the Z650 a triple instead of a parallel twin. Also the Z900 isnt very big either.

[@eatingwormz3097]

OC I know the SV650 is ancient, but these have always been pit against each other and honestly, cant go wrong with either! *Incoming fanboi noises 😂 lol! Always the best reviews Chase, been watching for years *edit white jacket looks great, lil' bit Acrtic-y but still classy

[@WeaselKonig]

Man may eat worms but he spits pure fact.

[@parag6674]

Can you do a first ride on mt-25

[@Illness.og.]

Too bad it’s not the 2023… tft dash and a needed facelift

[@pixiemoto3673]

Oc hhahahaha the side mirror thou😂

[@marcustaylor3528]

I’d rather the CLX700 since it’s pretty much a bored out 650 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@wv_buwan5340]

Please do the aprilia rs660 ?

[@RyGuyTheAVGuy]

damn dude I think you need to get back in the gym. The beginning of the natural growth to a Harley rider.

[@edmonjaravata2991]

Hey man I was wondering if u can do a video Abt the cfmoto 450ss

[@chaseontwowheels]

Coming in 2 weeks!

[@Wecanhelp]

2020 one is a lot display nicer and i got blacked out asv levers

[@brandonclement]

Please review the Boom 250 😂

[@aboynamedkuno]

Ninja 650 gets no respect lol 😢

[@JoseLgamer05]

I like kawi's 650 line, but you can't understate the fact they sound kinda soulless, generic if you will, not sure if used the right words or not. I wouldn't say bad, because that's subjective some might enjoy, while others might hate it. I kinda like it, somebody had to have the worst one I guess. For me any engine sounds decent enough tho. Really depends on what you after, and if you don't like it, just buy some else.

[@noahparkinson8917]

Love these reviews bro! Hit me up if you’re ever near or in Utah so you can come do a First Ride with my 2021 Z900 🔥 I’m sure there’s lots of people like me who love the Kawi content!

[@miguelcosta94]

Please do zx4rr

[@_Cheeba]

I SAID THE SAME THING ABOUT THE HYUNDAI, I FELL IN LOVE WITH IT AT THE CHICAGO AUTO SHOW, IT SUCH A GOOD LOOKING CAR AND I CANT EVEN REALLY EXPLAIN WHY, NOT TO MENTION THE INSIDE, ALL AROUND GOOD JOB FROM HYUNDAI

[@WeaselKonig]

Stock tires at 14k miles :P

[@cliveomahoney4096]

The engine in that bike scares a lot of people who love bikes. It was pretty much past its sell by date in 2018. The fact that Kawasaki keep on using it until........now! Is a worry about their commitment to making bikes at all. It's a bit like the Suzuki situation, until they started to make some new stuff. That motor was in the ER6, not a great bike. They reduced the hp and have put it in all of their 650s since. Very dull, and way, way past replacement time. The rest of the bike is like the engine....Buy something interesting instead.

[@aidenlothian9642]

I don't think you realise how expensive it is to develop and entirely new engine. For the 650 class Kawasaki done the right thing and updated the bikes chassis and other parts in 2017 and gave the engine a slight rework. It's engine isn't the "strongest" HP wise but that doesn't tell the full story and it easily has the best chassis and handling in the class. Given that the Kawasaki 650 engine is still an absolute peach and so robust it didn't warrant an entirely new engine. Kawasaki will only make a new engine when the class increases in size. Given that Suzuki has made the GSX-8S and Honda has brought out the new hornet one could be just about to be announced. As for slagging off Kawasaki and questioning their commitment to making motorcycles you seem to have forgotten.... They've gone and updated the ZX6R when the supersport class has all but basically died out. Okay you can still buy some supersports in America but none in Europe. They have just gone and made an entirely new engine for the ZX4RR when no other company has. Kept the Ninja brand ahead in the small sport bike segment with the 400 that nobody else has still yet to catchup and compete with. They developed and engineered supercharged motorcycles for multiple models. Only Kawasaki have the balls to take on a challenge like that these days. Nothing more that an engineering flex to all other motorcycle company's. No other brand would have taken on that challenge. So tell me what do the other motorcycle company's make that make them so great in your eyes over Kawasaki? Oh yeah more generic run of the mill motorcycles. I love all motorcycle brands and all motorcycles but Kawasaki is the most badass motorcycle company. End of.

[@alexgroezinger762]

I want to see a cfmoto 450ss review

[@jaredschottin3497]

WHERE TF IZ THE DISCORD MAN???

[@astsaft]

What's up with the right mirror? 😂

[@driftingastronaut]

Either it's shameful sellouts every other minute, self promotion or absolute cringe quirk outs from a man child. No wonder this video doesn't even have 500 likes, that's less than 3% of the views 😂😂😂Who knows how many ads he placed in here. Grateful for Vanced team as usual.

[@davhuf3496]

Seat height low, l for a tall person. I have a 27" inseam. Lol

[@chexmoto]

OC!

[@marioquaranta2317]

[@omarcherqaoui247]

OC

[@Rolilasx]

That engine sounds soo bad. It's a shame, otherwise a really handsome bike

[@private.eyepublisher]

I think the size of that bike fit to Asian guy 😁

[@lowlevelcritter7577]

Just get a Trident

[@Wecanhelp]

mY led LIGHTS are so much better on 2020

[@charlesm.8807]

🫶

[@chaseontwowheels]

What do you guys think about the new summer gear? Jacket: imp.i104546.net/q42mOL Gloves: imp.i104546.net/vNZQEj Shoes: imp.i104546.net/e46GV6

[@WeaselKonig]

Own the jacket it is lovely on a hot day but I still wear it down to 55F. Not a fan of the knuckle guard on the gloves and they fit me odd. I differ judgment on the shoes until I try a pair.

[@Ag1mAm]

worst bike i have tried