2020 Kawasaki Z650 ABS Review | MC Commute

[@marknolan8052]

As a 66 year old that has been riding since the 70's, I love my 2017 Z650. Owned everything from 125's to 1100's, this bike is perfect for my riding now. No major highways, just secondary highways & backroads. Really like the low seat height & light weight. It's a little quicker than I thought it would be. Just a fun bike to ride.

[@dm1927]

I'm 62 and thinking hard about getting one 👍

[@juicy9592]

Its slow af

[@farmoboy83]

Went for One against mainstream journalists and youtubers that always out it down mt07 and sv650 and after owning a 2007 sv650 couldnt BE happier. Its is a very good middleweight bike for real world use. If you need more power you are way above what is wise on most roads.

[@HardEarnedBacon]

This is my exact bike, bought it two months ago. It’s my first motorcycle and I absolutely love it. Several of the negatives you mention are positives for me, especially the ergonomics. I am way more comfortable on the Z650 than the MT-07, my ankles kept hitting the pegs on the Yamaha at stops but the Kawasaki controls are positioned perfect for me. I’m also getting 65mpg with 91 at 4800’ elevation. That’s just cruising around town with highway mixed in here and there. I’m also not going wide open at every opportunity so that probably helps lol.

[@abelortega6131]

My first bike as well!! Just created a KZbin channel and uploaded my first video more moto vlogs and stunt vids coming soon!!!

[@cpreid]

I agree, I love the z650 ergs.

[@gabrielheredia1898]

Do you recommend it for a 6'2 rider? Is it comfortable for some who's kinda tall?

[@campowell6372]

Does it have a quick shifter or is he doing something to change up gears that I’m missing?

[@shoakman]

Yea moto ergos are so personal. It's good he mentioned his height when talking about how uncomfortable it was for him. Motorcycle comfort ratings should always come with a statement on the riders size. Love my z650

[@rzu7120]

Your honesty and thoroughness is appreciated.

[@shreader327]

Dude, I'm 6'1-1/2 and this bike is super comfortable.. it is NOT too small for taller and bigger riders..with the upgraded seat option for $185 it's is plenty comfortable and it has more than enough power to tour the country and take to the track for a day if you want.

[@Nollecablex]

im 6´1 aswell 106 kg..... new seat, wider bar and wider tires jobs done.... ppl shit on this bike all the time

[@sarag1158]

I'm 5'4 and this bike is literally made for me. If you are on the shorter range the ergonomics are not an issue

[@astout6494]

I’m also 5’4 I’m thinking of getting this any other Problems with this bike that you noticed

[@simonrichards5430]

Love your commentary ... need to see you angle your camera higher. My neck hurts from straining to see more road!

[@TomReinerDE]

Same here!!! 😂

[@lawkig7212]

@@TomReinerDE avv

[@dry509]

Please advise which other bikes in this class perform better in twisties. That is what I am looking for.

[@steve-wu7jp]

dry509 sv650. That said this bike handles very well for what it is.

[@dry509]

Sierra Nevada Thank you.

[@billyburnett2638]

As a 5’6 upcoming rider that is good news that it favors a shorter height, not many cool bikes do

[@toofastnobrakes]

Bruh, I’m 6’5 and I can’t even touch the majority of sport bikes.....

[@noeagosto9231]

@@toofastnobrakes really? Dang? Must have a short inseam.

[@toofastnobrakes]

@@noeagosto9231 no I have a 35in inseam. There is no room for my knees 😔

[@Operation_Lurch]

Agree I’m 6’4 and can’t fit comfortably on most bikes that aren’t a cruiser

[@gm2256]

I don't mind so much that it lacks in top end compared to its direct competitors. It seems to have nice tractable torque, which would make riding this bike a joy. I'm not looking to set any land speed records anyway. As a returning rider, this bike seems like it would be great for me. Plus, the look of this bike is my favorite of the bunch, especially with this black & green frame combo.

[@garykrout8558]

I got my first bike ever as a 2022 z650 abs and so far I love it!!

[@lucasramon1632]

Olá amigo ela é realmente boa para iniciantes???

[@deependdiver9737]

hows the bike treating ya ? i got one as well and seem to like it

[@henkaishi]

Damn, wish I could control my bike that smoothly and easily. Did my MSF course last month and got a 2022 z650 about 3 weeks ago so still a bit rough and only riding around my neighborhood for now. Someday I'll get there

[@flush_entity]

look into Yamaha's ChampU classes (or their street class.) Well worth it. Watch their youtube stuff, too.

[@JaydubyaX]

The low angle of cam made it really hard to watch...not being able to see the road and traffic signs made me nervous that you were staring at the speedo and not the road...🤷🏼‍♂️😄🤯

[@max022251]

I actually started to get a headache watching this. Otherwise good video

[@nealgibson9517]

There is an optional extra higher seat available at 30 mm higher than the regular seat and it is better for taller riders.

[@dawsonjohannes613]

I commute on a Z400 and absolutely love it. I've definitely considered moving up to a Z650 but I definitely agree with Adam about the weird ergonomics. MT-07 is most likely next.

[@grumpysquid]

With this reviewer I have found it ideal to listen to video at 1.5 speed

[@johnhooper1933]

Thanks for reporting on the headlights.

[@terpdx]

The amount of cars driving right next to each other once he got onto the highway was kinda crazy. That was something I was always taught not to do whenever possible.

[@hawkrider88]

I'm 5'5" and this bike fits me perfectly. However the vibes of the parallel twin really bother my hands after awhile.

[@buraqmejker]

Don't worry! It gets much smoother over first 1500 kilometers, and then even more smooth after 12,000 kilometers service when they replace spark plugs. It's like a different bike after that (I owned a 2018 Ninja 650).

[@jaybosher6144]

@@buraqmejker why would those services change anything? If anything I'd say look into replacing the grips with something squishy, it'll help keep your hands comfortable for much longer. Same goes for the seat if needed

[@buraqmejker]

jay bosher feel free to try whatever you like. I'm just saying what really made a difference. Vibes are totally bearable after first 1500 kilometers anyway...

[@jaybosher6144]

Redrum idk I don’t feel like that would do anything really. The vibrations are just due to mounting an inherent instability of an engine type. I don’t see that changing due to miles

[@ricsim78]

@@jaybosher6144 Good for you, then do not believe it! You are the type who thinks your "logic" overrides experience. I believe what he said and sometimes that is how things are. Maybe after a while, it does smooth out? Plus things that are glaring at first, you get used to them. The Ninja 400 is also a parellel twin and I have never heard someone say it has vibration from the motor. It may be true that a parellel twin is not as smooth as an inline 4, I can see that being a reality. That being said, it is a nice motor and been around a while. Kawasaki makes good stuff, but no design is flawless.

[@fredmaldonado9204]

Forget my earlier comment. Your obviously a professional rider that knows how to shift without using your clutch.

[@ng_jr0096]

Now I know what I want for my birthday!!! :)

[@Ziggi-jl6xd]

Did u get it?

[@Jonn44ss]

im almost 6,5,(198 cm) and im fitting good on this bike to be honest. Amazing motorcycle!

[@dallantobler6144]

That’s good to hear, cause I’m 6’3 and planning on buying this bike and was starting to get a little bit worried

[@Jonn44ss]

@@dallantobler6144 dont worry, you'll be fine!

[@momchilyordanov8190]

The camera angle is too low. And the footage is badly overexposed.

[@GHOSTNINJASD]

yeah, I couldn't watch it.

[@GeminiMoto]

ive had this exact thing happen, but recording something twice can make the vibe even worse. lose lose really

[@GeminiMoto]

also, hes not using superview. gives a way better POV. filming properly is tricky at times

[@GeminiMoto]

for those wondering either his ISO is set too high or his ND filter is wrong or both

[@AdamWaheed]

@@GeminiMoto The exposure was clocked up on accident.

[@4KTrainVideos]

Great video, thanks! Tall guy reviews bike for smaller rider, I’m 5’8”, your review nailed it. I want one! 👍🏼😎😀

[@MCGMB]

Hair deserves an Emmy.

[@WolfgangVonKempelen838]

Or cut

[@GrandmasCamera]

Thank god, a bike for shorter people or even average sized riders. It’s so annoying to hear people over 6ft tall talk about how comfortable a bike is only for me to try and get on it and barley be able to tippy toe the bike lol. Sure an experienced rider only needs one foot on the ground but I don’t feel like its conducive to stop and go commuting.

[@Porsche996driver]

Black background gauges with white numbers and indicator. Pioneered by Ferdinand Porsche himself and still done that way. 👌🏼And yeah my BMW Boxer comes close to 200miles range, that provides near 3 hour highway riding.

[@ez_tz3561]

I owe this bike! Such a great ride!

[@abelortega6131]

My first bike as well!!! Just created a KZbin channel and uploaded my first video more moto vlogs and stunt videos coming soon

[@ez_tz3561]

Not my first bike, but one of my most fun bikes!

[@suzukigixxer67]

When is the review for the 2020 z900? Im really thinking of buying it would love to see a vid on it

[@TommyAngelo1337]

This one is going to be popular.

[@TheLilleyPad]

It looks better than the MT07 but is it as punchy on the torque side?

[@kimdelapaz4505]

i was staring at the dash as he was discussing it, stared too long and panicked cause i needed to look straight at the road.

[@hamoud_0038]

Pro the motorcycle have traction control ?

[@zanderwest54]

in case you ever wanted to change it, im 6'5 and i test fit a z650 just the other day, its near perfect for me

[@vectorphresh]

Have to agree. I’m 6’0 and loving mine.

[@jamesdarnell8568]

I'm 5'-10" and the ergos are perfect for me as well. I don't know what he is talking about regarding the handlebars. I prefer these to being leaned over to reach a straight bar. Watch Mark Pulling's video. He's 5'-9" with a 30" inseam and he mentions that the 2020 Z650 fits him very nicely as well.

[@tonyh4233]

Think about geometry and your comment regarding inward sweep of the bars, what happens to the bars when you turn, what is the angle of the bars then? Ride a cruiser if you dont like corners, and fly a plane if you want a cock pit. To many people ride too many bikes and just rabbit on with their opinions to achieve ratings, though having said that I still enjoyed your expressive contribution of a review and will watch more.

[@oneleaf6884]

Mate, use the bloody switch to put the headlight in "dipper" or do you wanna outshine the sun using "upper" in broad daylight ?

[@migmoto9915]

alot of safety courses in the US recommend keeping brights on at all times while riding. Im not a fan, but the basic and advanced courses i did both recommended it 🤷‍♂️

[@oneleaf6884]

@@migmoto9915 lol, shine em on then 😅

[@gin0v4]

Leaving the high-beams on all the time, especially at night, blinding incoming traffic, triggers me :D

[@racerdaveracerdave]

The dash is outstanding

[@zrx4me1]

I would go MT-07 before the Kawi. Another great review Waheed. Next up the Z900 please.

[@jhhd1]

I am a Kawasaki fan, have a ZRX1200R and a ZX-12R and as much as I like the look of the Z650, I just have no room on it, so I would have to take the MT-07 between the two. Now the Z900, would probably go with that

[@guywolff]

Great information .. I couldnt look at the clip . Looking forward to the next one where we can come along for the ride ....

[@marionkyman]

Nice video. I loved watching you zoom between all the slow or stopped cars.....ESPECIALLY the police cars. Lol

[@Lokey_8664]

Thx for your honest review no kissing up for perks you just tell it like it is. I'm looking to upgrade from my trusted Ninja 650. I'm a 5'6 guy the 650 fits me just right. What would you recommend as an upgrade. Around the same seat hight I was looking at this bike but I can see it's no upgrade for me. I also like the low end toque I would like to keep that in my next bike. I just need a lil more power. I like the 750 but it's just a lil too tall for me. I was on my tippie toes I don't like that. I don't necessarily have to flat foot a bike but tippie toes seems a lil schecche to me.

[@bevansvids]

ive had both the sv650 and ninja650 and even the sv650 with more horse power the ninja catches it and passes it so i sold the suzuki and kept the ninja 650 the gearing and torque of the ninja 650 is fantastic it has 40000 ks on it now and starts and goes just the same as when i bought it new from the dealer im not saying the sv650 is a bad bike its a great bike but i just prefer the kwacka even though the sv650 exhaust from the vtwin sounds great like a ducati and both bikes were unrestricted kawasaki just know how to make excellent bikes my next bike is going to be the kwacka h2 supercharged i hope i survive it lol but anyway what ever bike you get they all put a smile on your face and we love to ride them so you cant lose can ya just my 2 cents anyway hi from down under guys ride safe..

[@hungrypigsfarm2959]

thanks for the video i think ill go for this next spring

[@bustelopilon9525]

♥️ the channel. Keep up the good work.

[@dextzapf]

Adam, please do an MC Commute review of the ZH2 please

[@sungerbob1786]

haha, do you have enough experience and money to buy a ZH2 and you need other peoples opinions?? that doesnt make any sense.. im sure you cant buy/ride that bike even if its a perfect commuter...

[@dextzapf]

@@sungerbob1786 yes I do have, but do you? that's why I'm asking him or the channel for a review. Sure there are lots of videos about the bike but I wanna know his insights. clearly enough I didn't ask for your opinion which is full of enviness and insecurities tho. The world is full of bad vibes especially now and I don't wanna get involved in more of it by sharing with your hatred.

[@jonnycando]

sunger bob I watch reviews of Rolls Royce cars but it’s unlikely I could buy one.....one likes to dream, don’t steal it from us.

[@alejandrodg82]

Glad you kept it real Adam, best regards from Argentina

[@grumpysquid]

Very very good review. Camera angle could be higher. Audio and video quality was crisp. Content covered was comprehensive and beneficial.

[@TheLilleyPad]

I can't do the handlebars. I tried a ninja. Too tight. I am 5'10, 70kg and long monkey arms. Weak lower back from my job. I prefer the position of the Yamaha MT lineup as well as the CFMoto nakeds. Honda's CB line too. What is everyone's opinion with the same body ergonomics?

[@DontNickMe]

Ummm are you using a quick shifter?? I have a 2017 z650, can I swap the display? I love the 2020 one

[@doylee469]

Kawi comming out with the z900 and z650, yamaha with the mt series, suzuki with the gsxs series... one must ask, where’s Honda during all this?

[@mt09madness]

Honda CB series...

[@doylee469]

MT09 MaDnEsS the cb1000 doesnt provoke the same excitement as the torque monsters that are the fz10, and z900.. and on top of that its priced way above them.. cb650 isssss again overpriced. Honda line needs revamping big time.

[@c318i]

Non linkage? Adam at least read the specs or look at the suspension for gods sake. Didn't expect it from you. It has a linkage suspension! even Z400 does. The Ninja 650 and Z650’s new shock is now mounted in a horizontal back-link format for a more progressive action. But instead of having the part of the shock and linkage underneath the swingarm, they are positioned on top.

[@-DC-]

Those handlebars are insane like something from the 1930's !

[@Jurica-mtb]

I wish handlebars were wider like on mt07.

[@Jurica-mtb]

Upgrade the tires to sport touring like Mitas Touring Force or Pirelli Angel GT for better mileage and grip but these will reduce the mpg but improve the confidence. I would suggest upgrading to a little bigger windscreen for this bike because the stock one doesn't provide good wind protection at speeds higher than 100km/h. Mine is a 2019 tourer version and it's surely a nice bike. Nothing much but it is a good choice for new riders. If you're taller than 182cm and if you ride long distances you should go for a bigger bike. Sometimes I feel fatigue in lower legs becasue of such tight ergonomic.

[@anthonysilvestri4946]

Changing out the handle bars is a super easy & inexpensive modification - not sure why you are complaining about it so much???

[@monck55]

Nothing old fashioned about swept back bars - the latest CB500F has changed to them. Better in my opinion. As for the older style brakes, they're strong and work better than either the MT07 or SV650.

[@MagicCarpetRide8669]

I have a 2020 Ninja 650 and I highly recommend that one over this one... a little more wind protection, better styling in my opinion, but bike is similar to this one in that it has the same engine, instrument screen, controls etc. Very similar but better imo

[@JGarcia-uy7sq]

It’s perfect for commuting right ? I’m looking into the ninja I need it for commuting I don’t care about speed. Would you recommend the 650 over the z650

[@USARealMan-ls3zj]

@@JGarcia-uy7sq honestly they are both the same bike. Same engine and same brakes and same frame etc. Only difference is mostly the full fairing on the Ninja 650. I like the Ninja 650 I think it looks better and I think the headlights are better also. Get abs for sure no matter which one you go with. Some people just like naked bikes and that's totally fine I just prefer the full fairing

[@Illness.og.]

@@JGarcia-uy7sq no. Ninja 650 is more aggressive seating position and then rear seat is cardboard.

[@Illness.og.]

@@ElCoco1984 just a biiiit more stretched

[@johnd9031]

Like the dash, swept back handlebars, looks and reliability. Don’t like vibrations though.

[@Elementpunx]

I am 270 punds and I fit in the seat. Didnt ride one yet tho.

[@willtauch2915]

Curious to see a 2020 Z900 MC commute as those bikes seem to be amazing. Also can't wait to see the RS660 commute cause I know that's coming in the near months.

[@tobyh4862]

Hey guys good morneeeeen

[@HONDALUIGI21]

I loved the er6n

[@darthkarroto2183]

Can’t decide between the Kawasaki z650 and the Suzuki sv650 any advice appreciated

[@leighchard2929]

z650 or the z650rs both look awesome i assume its personal preference

[@Vahu19]

imagine...for the price of only 2 z650 you could get a streer triple RS

[@AntaresSQ01]

U wot fam, u can get a Street triple for £8,100 the Z650 costs £6,750 at that point the Street triple is a significant upgrade over the Z650 for VERY little money.

[@doylee469]

Antares hes talking about dollars not pesos

[@AntaresSQ01]

@@doylee469 So now tell me how currency makes a difference in the relative cost of items?

[@ligapersada4793]

@@AntaresSQ01 sometimes it wasnt about he currency ,it might be abouta tax, in my country >400cc bikes get exorbitant taxes ,made it twice the price of the bike

[@doylee469]

7,400 vs 10,800 3400 dollar difference... and try to make an offer on a triumph, doesnt work... you can negotiate with a kawi dealer.. my local dealer was getting rid of z650’s for 5500

[@benjamincalev1569]

Please review the Z900 brohim!!! Keep doing what you do

Looks great, just lacks punch; get an SV650 for more fun and torque

[@scottieray]

4 gallons at 45mpg is still 160 mile range. I doubt I'd ride that long before stopping for a stretch.

[@bazonka1]

Well, 180 actually...

[@kongebilj193]

I have a Z650 and i get about 220 miles when drive long trips on 1 tank!

[@02LM7]

I picked up a Cb500f, is the z650 worth upgrading to?

[@marcos1669]

45 mpg seems like somewhat high fuel consumption to me, I am doing 50-55 mpg with mine

[@gm2256]

adam always rides his motorcycles hard

[@lucidmoto2409]

marcos1669 my 2018 model is setting at 54 mpg and i usually don’t baby her lol

[@Darkcarts]

I get 50+ on the 2020

[@mikemcclernon5784]

Just saw the 'Z650rs', thats getting closer, I believe.

[@snowboardinpassout]

Great review as usual. How would you compare this to the Triumph Trident 660?

[@luiz576]

More "budget" bike, but in the end, Triumph only has a better sound (3 cilinders vs twin). Not much performance difference ar all

[@c0uchsl0uch]

I hear the front forks are soft, is the dive bad when front brakes are applied ?

[@crappiehookking387]

Great honest review

[@FyWhy]

I'm 6'2 and i can say it is way too small for me. You can do maybe 100 comfortable miles but after that you just suffer (legs feel stiff, butt starts to ache and your neck will be destroyed do to lack of wind protection). Maxed out at around 120 but you have to be flat on the tank to not get blown away. It's fun around town, engine has enough power to zoom around traffic, but i would avoid taking it to longer trips. If you would get

[@kugangles9860]

Most of these naked class bikes feel like your gonna get blown off at anything >100mph. But I guess that comes with the territory buying a bike with no wind protection.

[@Kron_MM]

picked up my brand new one yesterday and i love it. 30mm lowered, feels really light to ride and nimble AF. im 5 foot 8 and it feels a little small but still good for me. only bike i have had before this was a suzuki 600 bandit '97.

[@apauma1]

What are pros and cons against bandit? Thanks

[@Kron_MM]

@@apauma1 Pros kawa: Lighter, more nimble, better Lights, no carbs, more fuel efficient, Nice dashscreen. Cons: Less power, harder seat, sounds worse, more drag, less seating area for passager, smaller fuel capacity. Cant think of more

[@deependdiver9737]

how is this bike treating ya ? i got one and seem to like it as a first bike

[@Kron_MM]

@@deependdiver9737 it was a great bike. sold it last year and bought a FZ1-S tho. but the Z650 is a great starter bike

[@deependdiver9737]

@@Kron_MM damn seems like everyone grew out of it who got one haha

[@kokopriambodho2316]

Mini Z900!🔥

[@tetonicsheldor]

20 mins of staring at the dash, nioce.

[@oliverroche9139]

Is the z650 a lot more punchy than the z400 acceleration wise? is it hard to handle? Coming up from a 125. Feel like I would out grow the z400 to quick.

[@Illness.og.]

Z650 feels light it's tiny and it's a 650 so yes it's faster and more torque then the 400

[@erolyalim2911]

I'm really glad you review a wide range of bikes. Dealership here in Fort Lauderdale doesn't allow test rides! Says because of insurance reasons! Ha ha..

[@lovingmylifeasIage6741]

You need to hire more short riders to test bikes for short people.

[@TheImtoomuch]

Another good review. I understand the camera view is too low so that the wannabe traffic cops don’t rag on you for every yellow light. Plus, you have to give them something to complain about. Otherwise good job.

[@charlies_ears]

i wonder what the dash looks like

[@supreme5378]

That. Engine really moderate> Good compsumption Good and it can save you fastly from trafic mess either. This is a Good bike after 250cc. But you already have middleclass experience you should buy mt07

[@Godric_71]

I really liked the z800. It seemed to be just the right size.

[@rohandcruz5297]

Hey, cap'n! Can you please do a Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 review? PLEASE!

[@VibhavGautam1234]

Love your videos, please review the ducati scrambler icon!

[@pyrolooga3393]

Would this bike be good for two person riding?

[@pyrolooga3393]

@@ElCoco1984 :(

[@Alex6RFZ]

How come you don't press the clutch when shifting up? Sorry I'm a beginner

[@NewTechChannel]

You only used the clutch only from 1-2-3 higher then that you just shift gears... Is that ok?

[@samuraicheech5977]

Im 5'2 would i possibly fit this?

[@RapidRedRider]

You can change the color of the display

[@jerdasaurusrex557]

Any reason why Kawasaki stopped having the monoshocks on the flanks like in ER-6N and Vulcan S? I think those look neat.

[@WalkerKlondyke]

That dash is great looking, but, is it possible it's actually too big?

[@ajitkakrayan2778]

New subscriber 😊 bro Akki from India 🙏

[@abagent47]

Mc commutes in the night would be fun as well:)

[@timgrace414]

Ergonomics can't be antiquated... unless Skynet has already replaced us

[@koufax3739]

Is this the naked version of a ninja 650?

[@SinuousGrace]

Yep.

[@jermur8053]

Kramer??

[@terrymoore4208]

Hello there can you explain the vibrations on the Kawasaki 650

[@sungerbob1786]

Waiting for the aprilia 660 rs

[@paulstanley3265]

Wow what’s the speed limit there my city is 35 45 or 50