Kawasaki Z650 RS Owner's Review - I Ride Mrs Flyers New Bike!!

[@JezNashMusic]

Marvellous looking bike; a wonderful homage to the Z650 of the ‘70s - ‘reminiscent’ is bang-on.

[@steveh545]

super cool. You need to mic up the mrs, and let her make a little blog. Nothing fancy, just an open mic while she rides. That would be awesome!

[@petevan]

Little did you know she was riding the goldwing while you were out on the 650………

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

😬

[@andrewhayes4246]

@@petevan 🤣🤣🤣

[@johnterry804]

Lol 😂😂😂😂😂

[@garyoneill8868]

😂😂😂

[@RobertJones-pm3zk]

Its too bad he didn't keep the Panigale, he could have just given Carol the keys!

[@jamesnoonan7450]

I've owned a few bikes in the short time I've had my full bike licence, a Honda, and a Royal Enfield. But my current bike, the Kawasaki Z650 RS, is the bike for me. I love it mine is in black.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Nice!

[@manugatzi6158]

I love the mechanical finesse of a cb650r inline, and a styling like this would be lit. Like a smaller cb1100ex.

[@Barrmy1969]

I’ve owned this bike for 5 months and done 4500 miles on it riding almost everyday. Best bike I’ve ever owned. Practical, comfortable, easy to handle (I added some grab bars) and it is fast (once it’s run in and you give it some). I’ve owned Honda 500FA, Tracer 700 and Kawasaki Z1000sx before this. This is a brilliant bike as far as I’m concerned 👍👍👍

[@zweispurmopped]

I guess what I like about the looks of this bike so much is that it actually has a tail. Most contemporary bikes look their arses fell off. I totally agree that the colour adds to the beauty, this bike is a bit of a beauty indeed! 🤩

[@robertmarsh3588]

Absolutely agree with this point. The Suzuki Katana retro is a great example of ruining an otherwise good looking bike. The greenon this model is gorgeous.

[@903lew]

Well said, I wanted a Tiger 660 Sport but what always put me off was that it looked like a model from the 90’s - big front and no derrière.

[@gk73man51]

For me this a far more appealing package for that engine than the “modern” Z650/ER6. Great tribute to the original emerald green Z650 and Z1000 and I like that it’s not swamped with silly rider modes.

[@pgVeritas]

My old woodwork teacher had exactly this same colour kwakker in the 70s. I believe it was called, affectionately, as the "duck bill", due to the cowling behind the seat.

[@jamescolburn2683]

I've had mine for just over a year now, and I love it. Only thing I wish they done with it tho is put a similar exhaust to the 900 but 2 into 1

[@WildBikerBill]

I think the look of underslung exhausts is poor, and they eliminate any possibility of fitting a center-stand as well.

[@brucekendall52]

I remember a friend of mine buying a Z650 4cyl in 1976 in JHB SA.What a great machine it was.(Green as well).

[@edwardkeeter762]

I'm a SV650 nerd through-and-through, but DANG is the Z650RS a good-looking motorcycle. That bike but with the SV650 engine would be perfection.

[@Flipper-hd6cx]

When you think the original SV650s are now 25 years old, they're now a genuine retro! I thiink the SV650 was the most fun bike I've ever owned. As my bikes have got bigger and better (?), I don't think they became more fun.

[@georgeblumenthal7938]

I own a 2007 Kawa Vulcan 900. It looks and runs like new. No rust or corrosion.

[@timparker9235]

once its run in, you will hear the induction roar, which is absolutely lovely - still love my Spark Black 650RS, nearly two years into ownership. having seen the delicious new colours for 2025, severely tempted to order one of the new schemes

[@keithallen9994]

Great review Andy. I took one for a test ride and was so surprised by how much I liked it. So I bought one in green like Mrs f's and still can't fault it one year later. Unlike many bikes you can use all it's performance

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Exactly!

[@robertlindstrom540]

Looks wise that is almost a modern work of art. And with the Kawasaki quality it should be an absolute winner for first big bike. Or a keeper, even. Great choice!

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thank you!

[@BaxterTheBiker]

I'm waiting to see how Mrs. Flyer outfits her bike. My bikes always get heated grips, an automatic chain oiler, windscreen, and luggage. If she's so inclined, my Scottoiler E-system also has an ambient temp gage. One lasted over 15 years, and I transferred it between an older bike to my current bike.

[@bogdan1207]

the only thing I can criticize about the z650rs is the sound. This bike deserved a 270 crank with a more bassy sound. The z900rs on the other hand, that's as lovely as can be.

[@christopherpekel6096]

180 degrees crank is actually more Japanese faithful, something people never really consider

[@elevationmoto6208]

Totally agree on that z900rs sound. 15k miles on mine and have done nothing that changes that sound, or better said, those sounds, those indescribably appropriate sounds.

[@markwat5958]

My second ‘big bike’ was a 1979 z650b in 1981, after an RD400 it felt huge and so torquey 😊 it also had a Kerker 4-1 exhaust which my neighbours were particularly fond of 😂 Kawasaki are producing some lovely looking retros and this one of Carols is bringing back some (very rose tinted) memories.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Yes they are good looking bikes aren't they - all the looks and all the reliability of a modern bike....

[@DrewScotland]

I bought a 71 plate z650rs a month ago and love it and it the same colour as Mrs flyers

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Good choice

[@ryanhood1867]

As someone who's considering getting a bike again after . . . too many years without, something like this would suit me down to the ground! Enough poke, not so much to catch a returning rider out, good manners, looks lovely . . . pity about the exhaust as you say, but not enough to be a deal breaker! Thanks for a nice review, I enjoy your on bike footage. Cheers!

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Pleased to hear that!

[@Banditmanuk]

I think it's the perfect bike for Mrs Flyer. Kawasaki definitely hit the right retro mark with this and it's bigger brother the 900RS. Perfect bikes for a summer run out to a cafe when you can wear some riding jeans and jackets that don't look out of place off bikes. Hope she's enjoying riding the Kawasaki as much as my Carol loves her Street Triple

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Yes, can’t get her off the thing!

[@paolodechipiece1027]

I agree about the looks. Needs a more retro exhaust really like the 900. Spoils it really, could have been so much better. A centre stand option would work also.

[@Surbatron]

Realllly wish they'd produce a mid size in line 4 version of this...id snap it up!

[@drewiediggler1]

I heard a rumour they're working on an inline 4 version. We can only hope 😄

[@ProphetAndLoss]

Z900rs is the thing but boy is it heavy!

[@jefflambert8603]

Every Time .. this Comes up

[@kristwi37]

I own this and love it. No need for inline 4.

[@jefflambert8603]

@@Surbatron I doubt you would It would be Push the Price up To High. Even Mighty Honda Have made the New Hornet a Twin To make it Competitive

[@PNH63]

I had an old school Z650 on a R plate and this bike looks so good and you can see the heritage in its looks.All be it mine was inline 4.

[@southhillfarm2795]

I loved my kz 650 in the early eighties. Back then it was a high revving 4 cylinder. Lots of power, great sound.

[@jefflambert8603]

@@southhillfarm2795 They were great. bikes if they had Made the RS 650 a Four Cylinder it would be have Been Too expensive ( & Heavier). For it's Market Segment Anyone wanting The Inline Four Cylinder Experience May as well go for The RS 900

[@John-jw8rx]

I had a standard Z650 as my first big bike after passing my test. Great little bike, if a little bit too small for my 6'4 frame. Great fun though.

[@GadgetMart]

Frustrating being over 6ft sometimes, so many nice bikes were missing out on.

[@michaelworrall6804]

Lovely review on a lovely bike .. My biking started mid 70’s … so love this look .. I am happier with the exhaust look more than the stark radiator.. I wish that many manufacturers made more of an effort with some mild body trims to blend the rad in more … Your are super fortunate to have a partner that rides as well .. but it’s only a mater of time before she suggests taking you me other bikes out !!!!!

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

I'd be more than happy for her to ride my other bikes, the more use the more I can justify keeping them!

[@haxan6663]

I have owned an original Z650 and a Z750 (which was my first post test bike in 1990). Loved the old Zeds, so I appreciate these modern interpretations.

[@paulbarnes6124]

Even with 2 cylinders falling off ?

[@philliplum3845]

Andy... You make me feel old😂... I had the original Z650B1.. 1978.. Kawasaki have done a great job, it looks very like the original... Clocks, colour, rear lights.. Except the engine on the original was 4 cylinder, and chrome wired wheels.. I had a piper 4 into 1..sounded gorgeous.. Great review as normal mate..

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thanks 👍

[@billcotton1551]

This is a beautiful bike, TMF! Kind of looks like a certain custom RE ,that I have seen somewhere.

[@paulfowler6665]

I had one of these as a courtesy bike when my Ninja was in for a service and I really enjoyed it 👍

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Good to hear!

[@mikebrook8500]

Kawasaki have hit the bullseye with the Z650 & 900 models. Always end up looking at these at biker cafes/meets etc.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Yes they are both very cool bikes (but then I'm biased)

[@gr1ff1ngton]

Nice review 👍 Had mine (2024 in red) almost 5 months now, after passing my big bike test in April. Does absolutely everything I need it to - love it. I find the grab rail which I optioned is really handy for manoeuvres in the garage - only ‘mod’ so far has been a fly screen, which helps a bit on the commute if I decide to pop onto a fast road/motorway I’m only over in Wycombe (your favourite town 😜) so will keep an eye out for you both when I’m out for a blast in the Chilterns 👍

[@markbrennan4693]

Oh, that looks good. My mate had an original Z650 back in the day, similar green. The tail piece looks vey authentic . Nice bike and review.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thank you Mark.....

[@brandonhindmarsh4353]

I found higher seated position and raised bar the perfect cruising compromise on my z650. Took a bit adjusting to sitting "on top" instead of "in" the bike. Tank grips help the transition. But knees will thank you with the higher seat so long as you can still get your foot down. Enjoy the reliability as well as ease of maintenance and customization. Confident, balanced, predictable handling when you "press on a bit"

[@dhc8guru]

1:19 who on earth thought having a random jut out was a good idea? Cool bike, love the green color!

[@dbharrold]

I had the standard Z650. Excellent machine, 68mpg and 58 riding in hooligan mode. On the twisty roads around the Brecon Beacons my mates on 1000cc V Stroms had a job keeping up with me. My biggest criticism of the standard not the RS was the number of fasteners that needed to be removed to access the air filter if you do your own servicing. Great review Andy.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thank you!

[@MotoBikerMike]

Looks like you had good fun, there’s no denying it’s a good looking little bike 👌🏽 My first big bike was a 2012 ER6-N, bags of power when needed 👍🏼

[@jefftuckercfii]

This bike definitely calls out the KZ650 (in the US) from the 1970s. The color, that big rounded tank and side covers are all standout styling cues. I like the mix of round gauges and digital/electronic displays as well. Can't really call out that original engine sound, though. The inline four KZ650 engine from back in the day could outrun most 750s of the same era and had that iconic inline four sound, especially when you set it up with a four into one exhaust header.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Yes I love my z900RS for its four cylinder loveliness….

[@juniorjr4815]

I'm somewhat surprised they went with a six speed gearbox. Nice to have that extra gear on the highway, which I'm sure the 650 is quite capable of keeping up with traffic. Nice review and the green reminds me of my old, late 70's, KZ400.

[@christopherpekel6096]

Its a ninja 650. Its not a retro bike

[@Kevin-mw9yl]

As you said.. Nothing not to like. A true winner, in my books.

[@SS-ck3ew]

A beautiful bike indeed, my friend! Seeing that the green is one of my two favorite colors, I must applaud the choice and those wheels are a superb look that compliments the bike's color and that "duck-tail" rear fender is very sweet! I am holding onto the hope that Kawasaki will pay more homage to its own storied history by producing a long overdue tribute to their American Superbike racing with an ELR1000, aka the Eddie Lawson Replica. In green. Until then, your wife's bike and your own Z900RS are superb examples of Kawasaki style. So many Japanese marques have blatantly ripped of Harley for decades now all the while ignoring their own history of eye catching style. I am glad to see Kawasaki pay tribute to themselves with this Z650, the Z900RS and the W800 because Kawasaki made some gorgeous motorbikes (and still do!). Thank you for this look at your beloved's new E Ticket ride and I look forward to viewing more on it and the two of you on the road together as time goes by. As always, the roads and towns in your beautiful country are wonderful! In all ways and for always, be well my friend. SS in commiefornia, USA.

[@cpuuk]

As a nipper I lusted over the original Z900 & Z650/4- Mrs F has picked a fine stead for the future. Maybe a chrome radiator guard would look nice.

[@neilanderson2374]

I can heartily recommend the PMJ denim jacket. Excellent as a cheap alternative to a mesh jacket for summer. Hides the beer belly well and can be had at a bargain price at a certain online store right now

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Oh, I may have to look that up, although I risk doing double denim!

[@neilanderson2374]

@@TheMissendenFlyer my daughter tells me double denim is cool again.

[@johnlenart597]

I think this is and will always be the Mr's hooligan bike. Good choice for looks and performance. Just enough go to satisfy even the more experienced rider while being a superbike to a lesser experienced rider. Good choice Carole.!! 👍👍

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Couldn't agree more!

[@garyhope0103]

A good review of a lovely looking bike. If, or when I get back on two wheels this may be one to look at. I'll be looking for something light, tourable, but mainly fun to ride, and pleased t hear so many manufacturers adding these 'mid range' motorbikes to their range.

[@rogervallve7375]

If these were in Canada before I got my xsr700, I would have defiantly given them a look! Great bike.

[@paulinethornton7636]

Glad she has found a bike she likes ❤. Hope you will keep your bigger kawasaki...my first bigger bike was an sv650S and my husband had a TL1000S which he had to get rid of as he felt they looked too similar 😉...so he bought an R1 instead...happy trails to you both...maybe see you both at next years ABR😊

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

See you then!

[@iainf6]

Great buy Mrs Flyer 👍 hope that you will enjoy your trips out and about. Hi Andy great to see this bike thanks for the review 🫂👍

[@garylewis3780]

In addition to the exhaust not being as aesthetically pleasing as it could have been, I notice Kawasaki also omitted to add the fake cooling fins on the engine which give the Z900RS a more retro look. But still a lovely machine and Mrs F is a lucky lady. Looking forward to her lady’s perspective review of your Goldwing.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

May be waiting a while for that!

[@chefineer]

I hope the aftermarket manufacturers make old style round indicators for it. They'd be good !

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Yes I agree - the indicators are the same on my z900RS and are a bit of a let down….

[@enricohagn]

And a proper exhaust.

[@05gt99]

Thanks Andy , great review. I almost bought one but ended up with a Triumph Trident just really because of availability at the time and they offered me a better trade in on my old bike but I would have been more than happy with the z650rs.

[@clifffawcett]

Always enjoy hearing about the gear you’re wearing at the the end of the videos. Thank you.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Delighted to hear that!

[@BanjoLuke1]

Kawasaki do this very well. Back in the 80s, I was very pleasantly shocked by the (UK) GPz500 twin. It was very "un-Japanese". It was light, small and had excellent geometry. It handled and stopped and went. And it didn't feel the need to shout about it. This seems to come from that same line of thought. That it slightly echoes the look of the original four-pot Z650 somehow makes it even better.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

We agree...

[@jefflambert8603]

Lovely Looking Bike Came out Just after I Brought my Naked Z Version it Really is a Great Engine very Punchy Its almost Unique in Having a 180 Crank these Days There is a Bark that Comes up from the Airbox under The Tank. Wise Move to Put The R&G Crash Bungs on I saw an RS 650 Dropped in the Super Sausage Car Park Not a Mark On it Saved by the Bungs! Tell Mrs Fly to Keep on Top of Cleaning the Exhaust They can Start to look a Bit Ropey if not Cared For Invest in some Solvol Autosol

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

What makes you think it’ll be Mrs Flyer doing the cleaning!!?

[@jefflambert8603]

@@TheMissendenFlyer you Have Volunteered for that Job ?

[@Bob-xc2us]

My W800 came with both the regular and the 20mm lower seat and I find the regular seat to be more comfortable for me. It does give less of an acute angle for my old knees. One thing that I like about the lower seat is that it does not say KAWASAKI on the back so most people don't have a clue what bike it is. Cheers BJ

[@bradleyalexander5821]

The fact that you’ve spent money on “the bike”, Mrs Flyer rides, speaks volumes. Nifty addition to the Flyer fleet of scooters.

[@DatOldeBiker]

Thank you Mr. Flyer. Looking stylish (and well protected) as always. So the 650 is a very competent but reasonably well priced middleweight, as one would expect. I think the styling gives it a certain something although I'm not really a "retro" rider myself. I wish you and Mrs. Flyer many happy and safe hours on the Kawasaki. :>)

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thank you!

[@aidenlothian9642]

I'd watch those R&G sliders that replace the factory engine mount bolts. I had one snap in half and leave the bolt stuck. As you can imagine wasn't a pretty job getting it removed. I've seen some people not notice and continue riding and crack the bikes frame because the engine didn't have proper support. I'd recommend removing them & refitting the factory engine mount bolts and Kawasaki's own frame sliders which do not use the frame bolts. R&G is aftermarket tat. I've had 3 tail tidy's snap on 3 different bikes from general road riding. Nothing they make is fit for purpose.

[@davidz8]

A great bike for Mrs Flyer, shame there are not any reasonably priced aftermarket exhausts for it, your 900 seems much more engaging since you upgraded the pipes. Love the green.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Totally agree

[@Dreddingbath]

"No nonsense, great fun, lovely beautiful looking, easy to live with, cheap to run"... perfect match for Mrs Flyer by the sound of things 😉😁

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Classic!

[@SteveInskip]

Nice vid Andy. This was introduced as a ‘four’ in the mid-70’s and both it and the modern version are really lovely. A great ‘real world’ bike that’ll do anything well.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thanks for the info!

There was a twin 650 version as well but I think only the American market got it.

[@robertmarsh3588]

I really fancy one of these as a local run around. The only challenge is coming to terms with selling one of my old BMW boxers for very little money, despite low miles (as they're 10+ years old) to make space.

[@palantir135]

Great beginners bike. Simple and easy to ride with enough power.

[@adunford2664]

Just looks great and all the best of motorcycling. Plenty of go no doubt.

[@Themotograndpa]

Took forward to both you and carol on tour on both bikes Andy 😀

[@gordonsuddery4635]

This Z650 Rs is available here in the Philippines, i would love to own one but now @ 73 i don't think that's going to happen. The old Z650 4 was also a brilliant bike, hope your wife enjoys it my best wishes to you from the Philippines ♥️💪👍😉😀😁🏁🏍️🛺🐑🇵🇭🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@debbieclegg2485]

The gauge also gives initial garage temp. . You can monitor warming process time from that 🤓

[@snuffparrot]

Best looking bike in your garage, TMF. A perfect choice by Mrs Flyer.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Well I think my Z900 is a looker too!

[@snuffparrot]

@@TheMissendenFlyer It most certainly is, sir. A very close second place. 😁

[@Lacehairwigs]

That's exactly what I've got and I'm a female biker too. It's easy to ride. I kept the same seat by lowered the suspension by an inch. Might put it back up next year now I'm used to the weight.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Yes it's all a matter of confidence isn't it - what colour did you get? Do you have the low set?

[@KelvinChilvers]

Nice looking Bike Andy. My partner passed her Mod 1 recently, think I told you. She has her Mod 2 next Monday, so fingers crossed. She has a CBR500R awaiting should she pass. Really like all your videos. Cheers Kelvin

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Oh cool - best of luck to Mrs C!

[@johnsteel4719]

These are great looking bikes and I’d snap up an all black Z900RS if they had cruise control..

[@paolodechipiece1027]

Why the need for cruise control? The original z900 never had cruise control. I've never had a bike with cruise control and have never needed it.....

[@johnsteel4719]

@@paolodechipiece1027 it’s a dead hand thing. I haven’t ridden a Z900RS for a couple of hours but other than my XR (which is ironic given its reputation for vibrations at certain revs) every other bike I’ve owned, which is a lot, gives me a numb hand. With cruise I can relax occasionally and it does the trick

[@ChrisSmart1]

Thanks Andy another great review, you cant beat a play on the missus's bike while she's not there :), Black Widow seem to have an extensive range of exhausts all reasonably priced, might be worth a look if you havent already.👍

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

I’ll check em out!

[@MoroMagrew]

Perfect bike! Beautiful colours! I have had one since it was released! Great to hear your perspective on it! If I were Kawasaki I would have had a different exhaust, and also used the engine style from the 650 Vulcan S as they look much nicer and same engineI have been off the bike for a few months due to an arm injury, and am about to get back on (physiotherapy all being well). However I have been thinking of changing the bike to a T120 (if I could afford it) or a new BSA which has just been released into my market! Probably the BSA is more affordable, though if the right Triumph comes up second hand it could be a deal.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Best of luck with your arm!

[@Dalekennth1969]

I’m retired due to my back injury I been wanting to see a specialist about back it been well over 4 years since my doctor sent referral s to some hospital s. In Melbourne. Have fun enjoy riding

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Oh my goodness that’s worse than here!!!

[@mikesmouse7779]

Kawasaki dealer doing these for £6695 with finance deals too! The one that's predominantly black with a bit of silver on the tank looks good and will date well, probably better than the green.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Yes that’s the deal we did iirc (and paid off the finance a week later!)….

[@SomewhereInside]

Put a low seat on the Honda Transalp 750 it too reduced seat height by 20mm. Lost foam , but find the low seat more comfortable , and for a 28 inch inseam rider , makes the ergonomics better. Touching the ground better is a big deal . Wearing enduro boots also increases leg strength when supporting bike with one leg down , wearing low boots , weakens your strength around ankle lower leg area. Wearing Alpine Tech 7 enduro boots , raises my height by about 10mm , but also gives me that sturdy footing whenever my foot is on pavement or dirt.

[@diegocella6791]

I've finally managed to catch the small print! And yes i know i could get the file and go frame by frame, but where is the fun in that?

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Well done…..

[@cmk20qa]

Nice bike that, looks good in green. Just seen some nice new colour schemes for 25.

[@loddude5706]

Go for it Carole, ride safe & find 'your flow'. - so much so, he has to buy you new tyres for Xmas! : )

[@craigbutler3378]

I had a Z650 from the 1970s a few years ago and I was a bit disappointed when this model came out that it wasn't a in line 4. I think they missed a trick, look at the CB1100. Proper looking classic from Japan.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Yes I love the big CB

[@TheStargoose]

Among other factors bikers are an ageing demographic, twins can be lighter and easier to heft.

[@anthonybrown4874]

Mrs Flyer has very good taste in bikes, twin clocks gold wheels done like jps lotus would be epic.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

We agree!

[@pdark3930]

Great review, i agree they should have fitted another exhaust

[@alwarren2653]

The green looks good as does the new red. When the bike came out the optional Akrapovic was £1800

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Salty!

[@alwarren2653]

@@TheMissendenFlyer I think I read it in MCN when they were released. I told the newly recruited salesman at the local dealer as he said £1200 which I told him was the price for the Z900RS optional exhaust. He looked it up and confirmed it was £1800. Seastar Superbikes have them listed online at £2,015.17 - seems they're Titanium.

[@rufysufy]

My wife hinted that she wanted a nimble commuter that was styled like a retro bike. She was hinting at a new speed 400 but a z650rs is very close price wise and the green and gold rim color way looks really mint. She also really loves the mg v7 special. It’s a really tough choice between the two bikes. Looking forward to this series!

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Good choices to have though!

[@christopherpekel6096]

They're a lot more expensive

[@rufysufy]

@@christopherpekel6096 what is?

[@christopherpekel6096]

@@rufysufy z650rs

[@scottie55]

Lovely bike, l just wish Kawasaki would lift their game with the radiator design, I've always felt that on such good looking bikes it really spoils the looks.

[@Grahamvfr]

You lucky so fella Andy...When my Mrs is away, I rarely feel the urge to ask..." can I do one of your Jigsaws whilst you are away"?. Lovely bikes those 😊

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Hehe!!!

[@glennhastings3422]

Great! Been waiting for this. Hopefully my first BIG bike as well. Will check it out as soon as possible 👍 shared

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Awesome, thank you!

[@kf-dk5pb]

Just ordered mine in candy red cannot wait

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Nice - congratulations!

[@helenhughes9130]

Lovely looking bike and lovely ride! Great review!

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thank you kindly!

[@lovingmylifeasIage6741]

Kawasaki actually made a motorcycle that really looks like a motorcycle. The only thing I don't like is how you adjust the rear shock. The motor is good but the 180 degree firing order sound isn't to my taste. It's a good performer though. I do love the looks. The price isn't all that great either. I'm waiting for the Z400RS 4 cylinder.

[@aidencoder]

My first big bike is a green/gold Z650RS and I am loving it so far. Light, smooth power delivery, incredible looks :) I do find the bike is best above 4k RPM, even just pottering around town. Everything is much smoother. Perhaps the EURO-5 fuelling making things a bit abrupt down low in the revs?

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Great choice!

[@kignacio]

Heated grips should come standard on all bikes and cruise control would be nice.

[@ragerider6283]

Nice review. Good looking machine. Perfect for Lady TMF.

[@Brian-qg9bm]

No doubt, T. E. Lawrence would have loved this bike. I want one so bad - love the look of them, but can't live without a faring due to the fact that Alaskan air is full of flying insects during the better part of the riding season. Do a few highway miles here, mid summer when the riding is sweet, and you'll be... protein enriched, for your trouble.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

I take it you don’t ride with a full face helmet? Where in Alaska are you? Did you see my GS tour there two years ago - what a place!!

[@Brian-qg9bm]

@@TheMissendenFlyer People do ride the highways with open face helmets here, at highway speeds. You'll never catch me doing it. A bumblebee, dragonfly or a beetle in the teeth is enough to put me off of that idea. I'm in south central Alaska, on the Kenai Peninsula. Distances are long here, so any real touring or destination cruising you do will see you put on some miles. The problem here is, we have long runs of highway, but only so many highways to run. I look at you guys with some measure of envy, with all those beautiful lanes and roads to explore. Haven't seen your AK tour as yet. Will check it out presently. Cheers!

[@speedfinder1]

Kawasaki have made a much better decision with putting twin discs on this bike. It the same retro road bike genre, I have A Moto Guzzi V7 850 special. The single disc on the front is a mistake on their part. The Z650 is a much better equipped bike for the money. Good review as always.

[@rajsmith9855]

On my guzzi 850 I swapped the brake pads for EBC which improved the braking.

[@MsDenver2]

I had one of the old z650 and I loved it , very smooth and handling was fantastic, of course that was a 4 cylinder. So I love the look of Carole’s bike but I do wish they had kept the 4 cylinder but of course I haven’t rode the two cylinder so can’t judge it. Love the old clocks aswell and I suppose the twin will be good on fuel? Oh can I ask now Carole has let you ride her Kawasaki are you going to let her ride yours lol🫣👍🤓

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Of course!

[@oldmanduck]

Bike looks amazing! I passed my mod 2 last week so i am going to test ride the honda transalp at the weekend, did you like the transalp?

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Yes I did ….and congratulations!

[@1234567marks]

I took the 900RS out, hated it, took the 650RS out, loved it, so obviously I bought a Thruxton 1200. PS I just bought a Triumph scrambler 1200 X which of the 72 bikes I’ve owned over the years is by far my favourite, in fact my Thruxton is currently on eBay!, please do a review on the 1200 X 👍

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Yes I must get a go on the latest scramblers…

[@kevinstyles9290]

Hi my father had the old z650 great bike