Kawasaki Z650 & Ninja 650 Review | Joanna F. Benz

Apologies for the severe case of helmet hair at he beginning of this video.. I'm afraid that's the reality of riding bikes. One simply cannot avoid the helmet hair situation. Ha!
Thank you to Bournemouth Kawasaki for the bikes and a hot cup of tea.
If you live down South and fancy a test ride on one of these bikes, pop round to the Bournemouth guys. I honestly cannot recommend them enough!
Instagram - / joannafbenz
Twitter - / joannafbenz
Facebook - goo.gl/6s4MrG
Website - joannafbenz.com
Personal accounts:
KZbin: bit.ly/2CbRdqc
Twitter: / joannafilomena
Instagram: / joannafilomenabenz
My camera set up:
Helmet and onboard footage: Drift Ghost S
Point-and-shoot: Canon G7X
Intro music by Chris Cook
www.cdjmusic.co.uk

[@GareyCooperdude]

Well done review. I actually came back into motorcycling with the Ninja 650 here in the United States, California. It is exactly as you describe as far as ease of use and being just enough power and handling to keep your interest as a returning or "newbie" bike rider. The only thing that I can add here to your review is that it is very reliable and indeed the mileage on gas is excellent. So anyone out there watching who is contemplating buying a "first time" bike, or even a second should well consider these by Kawasaki....

[@deathwish8339]

I like the fact that you realized when they said they would be perfect bikes for a girl. They weren't trying to sleight your gender but had designed a bike that would conform more to the average female build. I love the fact that more motorcycles are coming out for more people of all sizes and that they are affordable.

[@aaravwallace9161]

InstaBlaster.

[@steeleknight93]

Such a beautiful accent I love it. Love the content as well, keep it up!

[@colubrinedeucecreative]

I am really impressed with how much you had to say about it, all while not repeating yourself all that much. Bravo

[@richlfc3604]

I bought this bike for my first one (same colour too) and I'm not disappointed, I've done 2500 miles in 9 months but I will say in low gears it's very torquey and in the twisties it can catch new riders out but overall it's a great first/learners bike and I would highly recommend it to someone just starting out or looking to downsize. It was a good review, it's nice to watch someone enjoy the bike without slagging off every nut and bolt!!

[@gavinfraser7784]

If that review doesn’t inspire smaller bikers female and male on having fun on two wheels then there’s no hope for them 👍

[@draiguk]

I've got the ER-6F and agree with everything you said (I still prefer the faired over the naked), even if mine is slightly heavier (and by all accounts slightly faster) it really is such a fantastic commuter/first big bike. I'll probably keep it and get the 1000SX for longer trips. Get a proper exhaust on them and they transform from really good into excellent (you have to have a full exhaust system on these bikes not end can only). I'm 5ft 9 and it suits me perfectly. There's plenty to it, and it will do over 100 pretty easy, running around town at speed limits is a breeze. I'll be doing my second 1200 mile trip on it in a few days.

[@shashankthegamer]

Loved the honest review..and your pure joyful giggle in between... thinkning between Z650 and a used Street Triple for my first bike.. quite confusing.

[@m_dawg2432]

“Fun and easy to ride” and “Let’s have a cup of tea” Great review

[@ausingtv]

'Black and naked is a good combination, always' Joanna F Benz 2018

[@MrKdr500]

if it ain't white it ain't right.....

[@sen7882]

I really hope I don't understand what you mean XD

[@MrAndyS]

Except in the prison showers

[@davideloi9176]

Hahaha, yeah, that cracked me up!! You go girl!

[@99nobilis99]

I came here looking for this. It couldn't be the only one with a dirty mind.

[@kennymcenhill8691]

I just bought one last week and pick it up this Friday. I can't wait.

[@kenmorrison1725]

Cracking reviewish thing. Love your stuff right down to the little squeak when you went over the bridge. Please don't ever change!

[@wilgarcia1]

YAAY I'm 5'5" so it may fit me like you. Would you recommend it as a first bike? I'm still researching for my first.

[@Jeff-lb6os]

Seeing your world is amazing

[@JoannaFBenz]

After watching it back I’m thinking, maybe that car was overtaking and went for the ditch to avoid a head-on..? Still.. what a bum.

[@warholio]

Joanna F. Benz overtake before a blind left hand bend? Utter bellends is all you can conclude I think

[@gre99ers]

I've been down the Avon Causeway a lot and never seen a car come off the road... and how did they end up facing the wrong way? Weird...

[@alt5967]

Joanna F. Benz Hi girl would you be open to make videos like that 360 ? The Xiaomi cam is reasonably priced and we can see more kzbin.info/www/bejne/hIXGqWOFfcqbmqc

[@Cartsp70]

Joanna F. Benz I LOVE YOU 😻😻👍🏽 nice bike too xx

[@MrPAULONEAL]

In the states that would be an illegal maneuver...

I would say that a 650 may not be the biggest engine, but it's big enough to get you into trouble. I also like the fact they're tuned for torque, I think torque is where the fun it at. It's also amazing you can have them A2 legal and then unleash the full power of the engine on the same motorcycle you already own. Definitely great beginner bikes.

[@Surpriseify]

I agree that torque is great fun, but try riding a bike like the Honda CBR600, or the newer 650's, and wring that engine out, its also VERY addictive! ;) Acceleration is almost like a drug, im serious! Which is one (just one) of the reasons why bikes rock.

[@AGardenShed]

I used to own a 2016 er6f and loved it. Even preferred it to the ninja 650. They are great beginner bikes especially for shorter riders.

[@Mysticfizz24]

I think these wee bikes are great for people getting into motorcycling, small, agile, low seat to inspire a bit of confidence, or as an everyday hack....... Great review Jo 👍

[@royalbiscuits8442]

Loving the videos! Hope to see more soon. Any chance of reviewing the Honda 500 series? I know its a bit smaller than you normally ride but dying to see a good review of them!

[@matttownsend1652]

Great review, as always! Beauty & talent ✌🏻👏 Calm that watery eye down with a nice cup of tea .... Very English jo jo 😂😂

[@VanessasVlogs]

I love my z650. But currently I'm craving more ... I just don't want yo give up my z650 !!! 😭 currently in the shop so I have not rode lately but Damn I love it

[@tuongqle]

Just tried out the z650 last weekend! Brilliant bike, I liked your review :)

[@MegaKane84]

Great review I had an 09 ER6N it was a savage bike for country roads. Only ever had a problem with the wind on the motorway.

[@bill_4359]

Great review and thanks for taking us along for a fun ride. The woman we all want to ride with! Ride safe from California, USA.

[@tazui1982]

Great review. You are so exciting to watch and i am definitely considering a z650 now for my next upgrade from 300cc.

[@vines8836]

You're great! I appreciate that however much of a biker they are, some people are so ... natural, uncomplexed, honest, and real. That does it! I'm much into bikes and reviews and very focused but, I must admit, why not, I like her at personal level. Fact is fact, still!

[@exothermal.sprocket]

I really wish Yamaha would answer this bike with a full fairing version of the MT-07. The Yamaha CP2 engine is miles more entertaining, better sounding, smoother, more torque and 10 hp more.

[@noahlara13]

Yes and with a bit more sporty position than the MT-07 neutral position. Like the Ninja has slightly lower bars than the Z650

[@RobertNixAlternativeArtist]

Ninja650 rules-one of the best engineered bikes Kawasaki came up with.

[@peteyboy6629]

So tell us how you really feel!! lol Just hearing the wicked little chuckles here and there, and the joy in voice, was enough to tell us how much you enjoyed them, without hearing the words. Hearing you're comfortable on them, having "short legs," and being 5'4" will have a friend from work looking at them. She's ready to move on from the CBR250, but is worried about having to lower a new bike to accommodate her inseam.

[@manuellengletgarcia4968]

I was looking forward a bike for a beginer such as myself, also legal for A2 , this video helped me be clearer on my decisión, I think Ill go for the Z650 like I was thinking first for the confort and maneuvrability and also I think it is the one it looks better.

[@billycushion9266]

I don’t understand this thing about it being a good beginners bike, it’s a 650cc for gods sake. My current bike is a KLX250 and a week ago I tried the Z650 and loved it, it will be my next bike

[@wiresxuk8471]

Good video, been thinking of getting another bike for ages. Also nice to see on roads I used everyday...

[@Groagun]

Fun to watch, thank you. Are you going to be testing the KTM 790 Duke? You can get a factory lowering kit to 790mm seat height, I think or there about. No other KZbinr moto tester has mentioned or talked about testing that. I hope you can!

[@weemt07biker74]

I'm only 5' 3"..... Or 4 lol I'm the shortest guy I know. Did think of the z650 but think I'm gonna go for the suzuki gsx-s750 and a lowering kit.

[@davideloi9176]

Black Z650 with green chassis

[@rockingrodders8551]

Nice Review from Super You..looked like a really fun bike..keep up the Good work.!!✌🏻

[@robquince3076]

Great review as always jo jo x love the watery eye thingy to go with your other odd stuff😂😂x you are sweet and make me laugh x keep it up we miss you xxx

[@edwardmusicman896]

I’m buying a Z650 motorbike because of this review. It’s one of the best beginner bikes in the market now. Thanks.

[@Davidlouis3]

Would like to ride you

[@rnbfreak74]

Great Review! Finally another review from a woman's perspective. I'm a Beginner Lady Rider and will be purchasing the 2017 Ninja 650.Keep the reviews coming!!

[@JoannaFBenz]

rnbfreak74 Ahhhh, it’s always SO nice to see another lady here!

[@colinbell9147]

It's great watching you ride those bikes in my neighbourhood... was watching and picking out the landmarks, ha!

[@BL00MYB0Y]

I used to have a 58 plate ER6F they have done a good job with the looks of this new version, and that KRT colour version is gorgeous. I now own a Triumph Daytona which I love but as I’m short and skinny I do find moving it around difficult. I can’t flat foot this, and I have to get off it and push it rather than sit on it and move it. I sometimes wish I was taller and bigger built, but then I don’t as it is fun being short and light I can tuck right down under the fairing and it goes like fu**

[@russelllocke7180]

Wow, you are riding in a beautiful place. Pity the cars are out though. The naked looks great, I also love riding them , but I’m 6’4” so bike frame size/ seat height is an issue, hence my regular ride is a BMW R1200GS. Haven’t seen much of you lately, had to look for this older vid.😀🏍

[@JuanLopez-vf8ti]

Great review!

[@user-sw2lv3zp6o]

Really good review. I have subscribed. Where are you from, Joanna? And where in England is this, please?

[@martinsero685]

Good work. You have an sympathetic eye for details. Plaudits 👏

[@mavricxx]

My biggest problem with these 2 bikes is that the exhaust sound weak and don't sound sexy even with an aftermarket exhaust. I wish they made it into a tripple or V4 to give it a more deeper more sport bike tone

[@NorfolkSouthern-xt3xx]

I like the full fairinged Ninja 650 over the naked Z650! I ride a Ninja 300 right now,..but if I were to upgrade,I'd go for the Ninja 650!

[@TriumphDragon]

Love the faired version, great review 👍.

[@hawkrider88]

I'm getting ready to buy one or the other. I rode them both recently and was prepared to buy the naked version. However, I was WAY impressed with how much smoother and even a tad quicker the Ninja was. There was defiantly more vibration on the naked version and many other reviewers have mentioned it. Joanna, you apparently did not feel any vibrations through the seat or bars that you found offensive?

[@falconknowledgey]

What is your opinion on the engine vibration, some other reviewers have said it's a viby bike and you can feel a lot of vibration through the handlebars. Or is it not to the extent where it causes discomfort.

[@suhaildafadar6525]

How's the heat management in both bikes? Living close to the equator means the outside temperature is around 32* celcius

[@hawkrider88]

I'm picking up my new Ninja 650 this weekend. I can't choose between the Orange or the KRT version (Black Green, White). What you do think Joanna? I love the Orange but am concerned that it may be a little "much" after a while....any opinions? Thanks.

[@hawkrider88]

I got the Gray one...the Ninja not the naked Z650. I'm loving it but there is some vibration in the bars that has to be dealt with. First, new thicker softer grips and if that does't do it, I'll try heavier bar ends The OEM grips are hard rubber and the bar ends are just lightweight plastic that do nothing to absorb any vibes. I suspect these two mods together will take out most of the offensive vibrations. It IS a lovely bike and handles extremely well.

[@dry509]

So what would you get for under $10k in the USA? Looking at everything from mt-09 to ninja 400? So many choices and very difficult to test Japanese bikes in my city. What about mt-07 or sv650? Please try sv650. 5-4 is not that short! I am 6 feet 198 lbs.

[@DG-ss1gc]

I agree , from a distance the 650 looks like a sport bike , but when you get up over it , it’s thin and lame, the semi handlebar /clip ons look lame, and it just isn’t shaped right around the tank and the the cockpit isn’t great. The 650 seems like a poor facsimile of a sport bike. When I got my endorsement our instructor said he didn’t know why people said ninja 250s aren’t a “real sport bike” And I mentioned that they sit up straight and don’t really work like a sport bike. He didn’t believe it and thought it was the same and called me out saying “they race 250s in Moto gp” I didn’t press the issue , and that wouldn’t be the last thing this instructor was just flat out wrong about , but I wanted to encourage him to walk 30 feet and sit on one , but this guy refuses to even sneeze at any bike made after 1990.

[@Roger101Watson]

Great review and all that riding was around my neck of the woods including where I bought my Z650 from! I use mine for commuting and its very good for that offering over 200 miles from a tank of fuel. What I don't like is the suspension, it's poor crashing down potholes and the uneven roads around our area but worse than that is the vibration from 4-6k it's pretty bad and I'm surprised no one mentions it.

[@bevansvids]

mine has no vibration not enough to feel it much anyway i dont notice it .over 5 grand it just gets smoother on mine

[@DarkKabut0]

Black and Naked is a good Combination....nailed it LoL

[@oceantree1911]

I checked out the same black z650 but he said it was 8,000 total

[@DezBanks]

I love my 2017 Ninja EX650, I have the exact same bike you reviewed down in California. I’m waiting on my Yoshimura Alpha Exhaust. I wanna start a channel any tips for editing?

[@dry509]

How was the fueling..snatchy or jerky on off or smooth? And the transmission..shifting? Much vibration at any rpm? Would you choose this over an SV650 or an MT-07?

[@exothermal.sprocket]

MT-07 has an engine that is far more entertaining, better sounding, more torquey, more powerful, without any downsides.

[@tonyeverett2485]

Try the Z1000sx seriously they are a great all rounder sport tourer , I have had two of them a 2017 and a 2014 bike , both come with power and traction control settings

[@OntarioAndrews415]

I don't know why, but it sound so naughty when you said "I can't stop playing with the throttle. It's very enjoyable." LOL :)

[@Jeff-lb6os]

Love to ride with you, but don't know how long I can stay on the left lane

[@MatthewdePaula]

I love listening to you speak. Seems like a fun bike, the Z650. Have you tried the Yamaha XSR 700?

[@mdsabirsabir2604]

Matthew de Paula jjggdap

[@warplanmotivation9804]

I've got the titanium z650. They're great bikes, fun and very easy to ride. Very vibey though, and you do notice the lack of top end power due to the limited horse power. Brilliant for rides out and especially round the city. I love mine, but they are what they are. You will want more at some point, probably an in line 4, say a z900 or something.

[@Jayewaye18]

The comment “ Black and naked is a good combination. ALWAYS! “. Get a instant subscription from me. That comment won my heart over!!! 😂😂❤️👌

[@king0wazza]

You had me going at black and naked 😂😂😂😂 I tossed up between the kawa naked and the yamy mt07 and went the yamy 👍

[@MrPAULONEAL]

Did the 650 you were riding have abs?

[@xXxTripleHxXx]

I always ask myself how people can enjoy only owning a supersport. Yes its awesome when your attacking your best time on what you think of as your track but if you want a nice more relaxed ride its always more difficult to do so on a supersport. If you want to limit the number of bikes you own to 1 i would never get a supersport or a chopper. Id get an alrounder that is very decent at everything.

[@mikeberame1042]

Hi! I love my dream bike z650

[@Jeff-lb6os]

I'm from Georgia

[@OrlandoBloomForever]

What's is the color name for the Kawasaki 650?

[@YoungSweat]

Candy burnt orange. I have this color/bike. I absolutely love it

[@harry.mfowlie9368]

Great reviews,,,

[@protacticus630]

Great, thx

[@Tommyall]

The kawasaki z650 is the runner up against the yamaha mt 07, the ninja 650 just gives the rider a sport/touring feel, which I think I prefer 🤷

[@fugley100]

Well I've been to Hastings And I've been to Brighton I've been to Eastbourne too So what, so what

[@cloroxbleach175]

Got a Yamaha MT125

[@henrybakermeredithnh920]

Yes i traded in my HARLEY And bought the NINJA 650.The best bike ever,i hate the tail light.

[@djbgatekeeper]

No wind issues 😂😂😂 great review 👍👍

[@JoannaFBenz]

HGV Biker 🍑💨💨💨 😆

[@icmw]

Love it, the comment about looking like a child on a GS My wife who is same height as you was once pulled over by the constabulary in Australia on her then bike a FZR Yamaha 1000 sportsbike, they said they thought it was a 13 year old child riding, on checking her licence they found out she was around two and a half times that age (30). They decided to leave embarrassed which was good especially given she had stopped at a stop sign right in front of them, no case to answer stuff. Haha!!

[@hawkrider88]

We are missing hearing from you....I hope things are well with you.

[@IndyMotoRider]

It's called "Z" not Zed or Zet. Idk why other countries call it that. Is a zebra called a zedebra? Is a zipper called a zedipper?

[@OntarioAndrews415]

I say Zee-650. :)

[@chriscuc1602]

I'm buying the h2 or zx14 as a beginner bike. I won't regret it later because of power.

[@captainaverage721]

Excellent choice as a beginner bike , wow youll be able to exploit about 10% of its power before it spits you off or you high side it🤣👍

[@christopherwatts1833]

Hi Joanna, How are you? Not seen you for quite a while. Would like to know how you & your son are

[@ChronicTHCBlaze]

You're from which country miss benz, your accent sounds European, I dig your channel you're intelligent and honest! 😊

[@kwrider4375]

She is polish beauty

[@yoog]

Oh no kawasaki finaly brought the parallel twin ninja 650 to Europe there hose that iconic name. It's been available in the US for years just a faired er6,

[@buzzbravado7591]

We have always had it in the UK too. It was the er6f and er6n.

[@rockafella1690]

Eoghan McIlveney It's been available in the UK for years too.

[@colindeans5972]

I tested both and really liked the Ninja. The new colours are horrid, Kawa Green (marmite colour), electric blue (way too bright) and battleship grey (dull looking). Had there been a black, red or white I'd have bought one there and then, sadly the colours put me off.

[@Jeff-lb6os]

A GIRL THAT LIKES TO RIDE A BIKE IS COOL

[@chris-eb8ky]

1:17 - oh yeah? 😉

[@chrisj9447]

“Black and naked is always a good combination “

[@Jeff-lb6os]

Your so pretty

[@mikestanley2190]

Wouldn't mind.

[@12345678971480]

hi you like revving hard and like sound exaust pipe

[@TheNamrod]

Jestes Polką ?

[@JoannaFBenz]

TheNamrod Torunianką :)

[@TheNamrod]

Joanna F. Benz Więc dobrze poznałem po akcencie hehehe xD ja tez na migracji ale w Niemczech pozdrawiam

[@joenesiow9851]

Its 2 bikes..can I ride that one with you?how i wish.

[@columkenn]

The Ninja650 looks great in the green colours but the hp has put me off. A more powerful engine, maybe 750 or 800 with 100hp or so would make it alot more attractive option for us guys.....maybe it is a girls bike))

[@hawkrider88]

But the bike is very light...it really doesn't feel like a beginner or slow bike. Handles like a dream.

[@salvatorecavallaro3529]

Sei sempre più bella ed bellissimo che fai questo che fai

[@sayyidmuhamad879]

Nice... 😉

[@tommy605]

Z is pronounced Zed, like you said. Americans incorrectly say Zee.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Z is pronounced Zee, English people incorrectly say Zed.

[@tommy605]

It was zed for over a thousand years before Americans. Zed is proper. Zee is lazy. See, it even fits the word perfectly.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

So "Z" is pronounced "Zed". I understand. Therefore.... "B" is pronounced "Bed" "C" is pronounced "Ced" "D" is pronounced "Ded" "T" is pronounced "Ted" "V" is pronounced "Ved"

[@tommy605]

Do you notice how none of those can be mistaken for each other? For instance, when you're spelling "lifted", no one ever says "Did you say C?" when you said "T". But throw "Zee" in there, and now you have two very similar sounding letters with "Zee" and "Cee". Even if you include the "e, g and P" that you missed, none of the letters sound that similar. The English alphabet was not thought up in minutes. A lot of thought went into it with thought about keeping it as simple as possible with little chance of errors because someone couldn't make out which letter it was.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

So if "Z" is so unique and needed to be clarified from C, D, T, and V by being given the "Zed" pronunciation, then why not the consistency? That's why I will say it sounds like like those other letters in vowel sound. I refuse the silly "Zed" pronunciation just like I will not call "T" a "Ted", but rather "Tee".

[@BACACBF]

No english😢😢😢