2023 Kawasaki Z650RS - The Perfect Bike for Almost Anyone? - Complete In Depth Review!

The 2023 Kawasaki Z650RS has arrived, and the retro styling doesn't just give you a good looking motorcycle, it also adds a lot of practicality to an excellent motorcycle. If you're looking for a good looking motorcycle with retro styling but with fully up to date technology, this could be the perfect motorcycle for you! Connect with the amazing team at Jim Gilbert's PowerSports to see it for yourself! powersports.wh...

[@kwakithailand]

That comment about this twin being more powerful than the ancient 4-inline is spot on, mate 👍 It's really frugal, in comparison, too.

[@rickh8380]

If this came with an inline 4 engine I'd buy it, otherwise... I'll pass. Honda still makes an inline 4 cb650. I'd buy that instead. A 4 into 1 exhaust sounds incredible.

[@roobanloganathan6498]

Everyone likes to talk negatively about every bike that is manufactured by all the bike companies as though thy can do the perfect bike that satisfies everyone which of course thy can’t do. Just buy the bike you like the most, do the modifications that you want to and enjoy riding it.

[@mwaychoff]

Just picked on of these up in the states last week and put 400 miles on it already. The styling grew on me the more I checked them out and once I rode it I was sold. Incredibly comfortable for long rides and plenty of power to have fun as a commuter/around town. I love having that retro look with the modern engine and components. Best of both worlds. Keep up the great reviews!

[@josephgeorgeejr7039]

Yea the more I research this bike, the more iam like this is perfect!

[@genxlibertarian9656]

I bought one of these a week ago after 15 years of wishing I hadnt stopped riding. 15 years is a lot of rust. I hopped on this thing and rode it out of the dealership like I hadnt skipped a day, and I assure you 90% of that was this bike. Its comfy, light, and zippy when you want it to be. My only real complaints are the touchiness of the throttle and the size of the tank, but those are far outweighed by how much fun im having. highly recommend.

[@areyou0k98]

Explain the touchiness of the throttle if you don't mind

[@PeterLoweOne]

In regards to the touchiness of the throttle, this was more of a concern with the 900. I've got the Z900RS SE, and mine doesn't have ANY issue. I'll do a video soon explaining what I think is going on, and why I think it's not an issue on mine.

[@areyou0k98]

@@PeterLoweOne the z650rs seems cool but the number one search result that pops up is everyone complaining about the throttle which is a bummer. Seems to be the only downside to it.

[@genxlibertarian9656]

@@areyou0k98 In a nutshell, the on/off touchiness of the throttle when first engaging is jarringly abrupt. This is most noticable when taking off while turning or doing u turns. theres a product ive seen that is supposed to tame it down, but ive adapted pretty decently already.

[@leeinwis]

I shook off 35 yrs in 2020 during the plandemic, damn I rode alot ;)

[@dardobartoli]

A most detailed review and appreciate the presentation> Being of a certain age, this bike is gorgeous. I have the wonderful Ninja 1000SX 2020, but since my lifestyle overhaul and moving to Wales and no longer commuting on Motorways or doing the advanced riding stuff, I no longer really appreciate most of the advantages of such a wonderful bike. Recently rinding both my sons bikes for fun and commuting round the Welsh country lanes during winter, I realised just what fun smaller basic bikes can be (SV650 and CB125R) Not wanting to get rid of the SX, (my heart and ego wanted the Z900RS) I started looking at all the budget middleweights and once I stopped obsessing over performance numbers, it came down to the SV650 and this. A black 2022 model will soon be sitting next to my SX. How lucky am I?

[@rickybobby6760]

Funny enough, after riding for decades, I am in the same place. Having sold my last SX, I'm thinking thisnlooks like plain fun, cheap and light with lots of charisma. How have you found it 5 months on?

[@elwood62]

That’s a nice bike for sure. I’ve decided that a 650 is the right size for my next bike. Just have to decide which one, but this is near the top of my list.

[@SteveBlancoMusicianWarrior]

A very nice bike. Love my W800. Need this and the Z900RS as well hahaha. Cheers 🥂

[@herrtomas6729]

Hi…. Grandkids day today…. Like the bikes, but I’d really need to wind back the years to enjoy one!

[@PeterLoweOne]

Haha! Enjoy the grandkids! I can't help you roll back the years!

[@bigbutter2510]

Own the 22 RS, it's almost the perfect bike!

[@DagNabitAquaVega]

I want one !

[@kegancook2360]

I got mine a few months ago and already put 1k miles on it. I wanted the 900rs but couldn’t find one near me. I am very happy with the 650 though and don’t regret it. I mostly commute on mine and installed some auxiliary lights to avoid the deer on my route. Trying to find a rear luggage rack for my lunchbox but it’s out of stock on RevZilla.

[@Thijs6noa]

Anny vibrations trough the pegs?

[@bigbutter2510]

@@Thijs6noa There is a bit from long rides over 2hr. Handlebar has more...

[@Thijs6noa]

@@bigbutter2510 thanks! I test drove a 50th anniversary and found the vibrations trough the foot pegs very annoying especially when deceleration. I felt really disappointed cause it's a gorgeous bike

[@jeanpequignot80]

Hello Peter, I wonder if you can protect that bottom placed pipe. I live in Mexico city, haha.

[@rjjohnson292]

How far back and up can the handlebar travel, do you need a modification part or riser to do that, does Kawasaki make that accessory and if not can you recommend one? Thanks, RJ

[@williamcox8200]

I own one first road bike I have driven Ktm Enduro since 95. Very quick learn ability. Quick, responsive and fun to ride. I weigh 205 and find the ride rather stiff. Quick shifting in low rpms work best. Get a loud clunk when high Rev shifting. Front brake is quick to engage and stop. Nice smooth ride on 70mph pavement. Miss cruise control. Mirrors adjust nice and give a good rear view. Overall low vibratIon. Wish the handle grips were fatter. Would like bigger tank. Will advance to the 900 after a year.

[@dewaldvisser6785]

Does it come with Heated Grips??

[@carcal170]

I have a 2020 Zee 650 ABS here in the USA. What I don’t like is that there’s not much room on the handlebar to mount accessories. But thanks to ram ball mount that is bolted to the rearview mirror. Yeah, I have the mount for side and top cases. I love my Zee 650. Oh, that handlebar, headlight and dash are different from mine!

[@bluesysaxman]

I just but the 50th Anniversary version a week ago. I am not taking my MSF course until the end of April, so once delivered it will sit in the garage until then. I chose it because it fit me well, it had good safety features like the slipper clutch and dual rotor front brakes, i can easily ride it as a novice (I rode trail bikes 40 years ago) and I won't out grow it as I develop my skills and experience.

[@oliverallen5324]

Zed keeps people from confusing Z,C, or E.

[@PeterLoweOne]

🤷‍♂️ All I know is that, without fail, when I say Zed, there's some American somewhere who is NOT happy with me! 🤣

[@josephgeorgeejr7039]

Yea that was the original purpose for the phrase

[@davidhayter8516]

If these came out with an In-line 4 would have bought one.

[@josephgeorgeejr7039]

1st thing I'd do to this bike would be to red line the rims!

[@boloplum4416]

Just bought it and picking it up on hopefully Friday

[@IggyWildcat]

Good detailed review! Thanks. Nice bike. 👍

[@larsfrandsen2501]

Best review so far. I have studied more than twenty of them. Thanks. Very competent.

[@PeterLoweOne]

Thanks so much for your support!

[@artofpaulo]

Greetings from Portugal. I Proudly own a green 22 Z650RS. I priviously owned a Vulcan s, so i was already a fan of the engine, but this bike takes fun on ridining to another level. Also breaks are really good. I´m 57 and had a few bikes, but really enjoying this one! Why does US/Canada not get a full LED like here in Europe? Is there any other diference? Down sides? ...whell, keeping my Gold Wheels clean is a pain.... 😀

[@Victor-vf1fi]

Congratulations on owning a great bike! Do you think the throttle is snatchy / abrupt at low speeds? I've seen reviews saying this but I tested the bike yesterday and it was absolutely fine.

[@kegancook2360]

I have 22 650rs and mine is the metallic moon dust color which is like a dark grey and has orange pin striping. It is confusing about the turn signals not being LED. I’m not too upset about it though cos I’m gonna replace mine once I get my tail tidy. I just installed a set of yellow LED driving lights to sight deer on my commute route at night. So far I am very pleased with my bike. I took 7 years off of motorcycles so it was a good size bike to pick back up on.

[@kegancook2360]

@@Victor-vf1fi I have a 22 650rs and the throttle on mine is very hurky jerky at low speeds. Maybe there was some that were out of adjustment from the factory. It’s not so bad to where it’s super annoying but I may get a Power Commander later on when I upgrade the exhaust. I heard the Power Commander gets rid of the snappy throttle response.

[@artofpaulo]

@@Victor-vf1fi Never had that problem on any Kawa i owned.

[@Victor-vf1fi]

@@artofpaulo glad to hear dude, safe travels and hope I buy a Kawa too. So hard to choose the first big bike...

[@timrobinson9192]

2nd ! Nice bike BTW !

[@rickybobby6760]

I've been riding for 35 years, everything from full HD tourers to Ninja 1000, first bikes were Virago 500 and V45 Magna. I'm actually considering this bike...it looks like the bikes I loved when I started, and seems like it would be light and fun. But...is ot way too little bike for me (in size and power)? Btw, 5'11, 220 lbs.

[@RodeoRides]

When do you think you guys in Canada will see the Z 650 ABS

[@PeterLoweOne]

The 2023 Z650 has ABS and gains traction control this year. I don't know exactly when I'll see it for the first time, but as soon as it arrives, I'll have a video up on it. So feel free to subscribe.

[@robertgoodman4917]

Hey dude, dig the videos! I currently ride the z650rs. Absolutely love it. But I've had my eye on the bike you ride, the 900 rs se. I'm a small dude 5'7" about 140 lbs. My only real concern switching up to the 900 is I do a lot of riding up in the twisty mountain roads in Quebec, and I really enjoy getting low and really digging into the turns. Do you think I can ride the 900rs se in the same way I do the 650? Looking for some insight. Thanks! Rob

[@salvatoreboccia9590]

I would love to see this with a 4cyl 650, similar to the Honda cb650r

[@lenrichardson7349]

And what size is the tank, yep egg cup size. Why do they keep making the tanks smaller and smaller.

[@HooliganD]

Are the pinstripes on the tank clear coated in?

[@PeterLoweOne]

Hi Adam, I actually wasn't sure, so I went down to check the bike. It feels like it's clear coated in to me.

[@KF1]

Nice job showing the bike. I didn't notice any traction control system on this one, but you showed the 2023 Z650 does have it. I wonder why Kawasaki didn't include it on this one...or did they?

[@PeterLoweOne]

It's not included on this bike for 2023. We'll have to see about 2024. I'm not sure why they didn't include it.

[@dewaldvisser6785]

Mooi Motorfiets regtig goeie werk met die Ontwerping

[@Motoristika]

Really nice bike!!! Do you know the max load weight for this bike? And it is beginner friendly ? Thanx :)

[@PeterLoweOne]

It's definitely got a manageable power delivery that would work for beginners. I don't know the exact max load capacity for this bike, but they're plenty capable of taking heavier riders.

[@donellclemons2195]

If they make a cafe a version of this, I'll buy it right now!

[@dsambernardo]

The best review on KZbin. I own the bike and I must say everything here said is faithful to reality. Great video that will help many future customers! Thanks!

[@PeterLoweOne]

Thanks for watching!

[@ahsansaeed9103]

Excellent detailed review

[@FinalArrival]

Hello, I was curious If you had the chance to test drive this bike. How does it compare in driving dynamics to the z900rs? I know the 900 will have more power, but does this model feel more nimble or handle better?

[@PeterLoweOne]

It will be a little more nimble just because of the lighter weight, but the ergonomics are similar and the Z900RS doesn't feel cumbersome to drive at all. (I find mine to be relatively nimble for sure.) The biggest difference other than power is the width and the weight. The 650 is noticeably lighter and is narrower at the tank. There are other differences like exhaust note, and I could go on, but I hope that helps a little bit.

[@FinalArrival]

@@PeterLoweOne Thanks for the info! I sat on the z650rs and z900rs at the dealership but was not allowed to test drive either. I bought the z650rs since I would be doing more city driving and less highway, and I did notice the gas tank on the 650 was slimmer which I preferred. However after driving the z650rs I'm not crazy about the seat and how it feels like I'm falling forward often. The seat on the 900rs felt like it supported me better. That's good to note the 900rs doesn't feel cumbersome, when I sat on it initially it did, so perhaps I will upgrade in the future. Just wanted to make sure I'm not giving up better handling with the 650!

[@kristwi37]

I bought it and I love it!

[@PeterLoweOne]

Nice! Great bike!

[@kristwi37]

@@PeterLoweOneI almost bought a Yamaha but when I saw this in real life. The difference of the finished and paint is just one level above. And I could care less about the little bit better exhaust on the Yamaha when it’s the only thing that’s better. 😂

[@PeterLoweOne]

@@kristwi37 I'm biased, but I definitely prefer the Kawasaki in this class.

[@ThatGuy-yu9tq]

I'm looking into getting a first bike and I am 6'3 and was wondering if any other tall rider have an opinion on the feel of this bike because I've pretty much have fallen in love with it

[@PeterLoweOne]

I feel like it would work. The Versys 650 is an easy option to throw out to tall riders as it shares this engine and suits tall riders well. A lot of bikes are going to feel compact to you, but it's something that I think you should try to swing a leg over and see if it works for you. We have a taller salesperson here at Jim Gilbert's Wheels and Deals and he fits fine on this bike.

[@ThatGuy-yu9tq]

@@PeterLoweOne awesome thanks for the info loved the video

[@ΚωνσταντινοςΑναγνωστοπουλο-χ2υ]

It has a nice seat but the foot pegs are on a sky…

[@PeterLoweOne]

Nah, they're not too bad. It may be something worth trying for yourself. It depends on what you're used to. If you're used to something like a cruiser, this is going to feel weird, but if you're looking for something in this class, I think you'll find this to be slightly different but just as comfortable as anything else. (maybe more comfortable)

[@1stfrompuertorico568]

1st

[@danielthatcher5345]

-20 below 0 are you kidding

[@PeterLoweOne]

Celcius. Yup!

[@guszam1036]

How tall are you?

[@PeterLoweOne]

I'm about 6 feet tall

[@ProtonD1200]

From Denmark. I think it's a shame they stick with the 2 cylinder dud dud dud dud engine, it sounds terrible. I have owned 2 z 650's myself, one brand new in 1977 and one used in 1986. then i heard here in 2017 i think they were going to come out with the z 650 again and i was crazy until i heard this 2 cylinder engine. Look how super nice the ninja z 650 is, but if you listen to it, it's not a z 650 I'll get again. it may well be that the 2 cylinder is better, probably also cheaper to produce. but the z 650 from the 70s was a 4 cylinder