Kawasaki Z650 RS - Retro adds practicality, but is it right for you? - In-Depth Review!

[@timparker9235]

as an owner of the Z650RS for 8 months I couldn't agree more with your review

[@acadenacci]

Hai notato se il motore euro 5 scalda le gambe?

[@leeinwis]

It's scary to think a dumb kid gets on a 650 thinking it's a beginner bike.

[@lukewalker1051]

Superior review. He explained everything thoughtfully. Thank you.

[@dsambernardo]

As an owner, everything said in the review is totally true!

[@MarkRayne]

Brilliant, in depth review. I have a 2024 RS in green in the UK and it's a great bike, the review is very accurate, good work. The only negative I personally have had is the small seat for a pillion, not good as a two up bike for any distance

[@pedro15522]

This is the best review on KZbin

[@nurzrachit7133]

You make a legitimate point about a bike losing it's appeal because of larger displacement and power. I've had old 70s Honda CB twins that were a total blast almost all of the time due to the fact that I was wringing their neck coming and going. Probably my favorite motorcycle that I have personally owned however was a 2003 FZ1. It was beautiful to me, but it definitely had a downside. I was constantly dialing it back and although I was able to make time to stretch it out, I was not able to rip like that just going to get some groceries. I'm currently battling myself again along these regards as I have a motorcycle that I really want to purchase, but it is a 4 popping liter bike and I'm somewhat ambivalent about owning one again due to the restraint I will have to impose upon myself while driving something with 150+ hp. Currently I have a Lifan kpm 200 I use for commuting. It's not bad but it doesn't satisfy my want button either. I'm thinking about getting a couple of bikes to help scratch the itch and that way I can attempt to cover both bases. Drive the 1L when I want to feel big power and look good, Ride the 200cc when I'm feeling abusive and rowdy 😂😂. Thanks for the videos, I have been watching your channel here and I think you are a very good reviewer. Your video on the Katana is what convinced me to pursue that bike instead of the Z900. Don't get me wrong, I'm a huge fan of the Z900RS SE, but I grew up in the 80s, and that old Katana was a legend for my day. I'm totally digging the new one, and with all the extra performance parts and styling that comes with it, I decided that I might as well just go ahead and get it. Thanks, Andrew

[@Alan-fz6ge]

0 mo ⁰ pl l pl l pl pl pl l 3:05

[@yamahapilot]

I always appreciate the knowledge drop from all your reviews.

[@PeterLoweOne]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@JagoTFC]

The Z650's are both beginner's bike and keepers for us europeans. The retro styling is the best among the big fours. But, we europeans have Triumph, Ducati, Fantic, Husqvarna, Royal Enfield, MV Agusta. Once the Caballero 700 will be available there will be so much competition for your money!

[@rj-gd3pc]

Who made Caballero 700? Never heard of it.

[@enricohagn]

​​@@rj-gd3pcChinese, or Indis?

[@beersmurff]

@@enricohagn Italian, Fantic

[@enricohagn]

@@beersmurff thanks for the feedback 👍

[@robb7177]

The z650 was built to be a practical bike with modern technology handling etc , unlike the bonneville with springs on the back . I’d prefer this one without all the plastic and styling of the z650 that I have .yet it has the same technology amazing.

[@BlackArroToons]

Cool motorcycle and unique, green tone with the gold rims. Great review, thanks. I wonder how large the fuel tank is? My '21 Ninja 650 is 4.0, but can reach 200 miles range from full tank with .2 to spare. For that nice seat, that strap helps with groceries if you have a bag with a string to loop through it and secure with bungee cord hooks.

[@dadvibes8861]

It drinks gas.

[@rj-gd3pc]

12 liters

[@BlackArroToons]

@@rj-gd3pc Cool, thanks! 12 liters is not too bad to get around with.

[@kikoy08]

Kawasaki is always the “bang for out buck” option…i had versys 650, ninja1000, mt10, and currently im using vesys1000 se… someday i will be taming to less heavy but capable bikes and for sure i will be buying z900rs or z650rs with the kind of riding that i am into..

[@rkr6237]

A very good looking bike, but the only issue as far as I can tell is the low ground clearance. I believe it’s 120mm. I assume that would mean having to avoid large speed breakers and potholes (both found in abundance where I live).

[@1long]

U can try a new exhaust system

[@beersmurff]

dear god, how big are your potholes and speed bumps?

[@douglasburt1622]

You do a really helpful review. Thanks. Having said that, I'd like to know gas mileage on each of the bikes that, like this one, might be interesting to someone looking to burn less hurt, eco-speaking, like me.

[@Lacehairwigs]

I just bought this as my second bike from a 125cc.

[@enricohagn]

Great review as always, Peter 👌

[@rajivbhalla3194]

Excellent review, especially the comparison part but how about comfort for long distance day long riding amd low ground clearance. Can the suspension be upgraded?

[@RodeoRides]

Kawi should of installed a usb port near the ip, that’s my only real complaint other that both bikes I have a Z650 should be ride by wire instead of the cable and that would allow some modes

[@beersmurff]

Sadly, because of taxation regulations, in Denmark, the z900rs SE costs more than twice as much as the 650 (first many thousands have less tax here, then you hit a wall). So will likely go for the 650 as it's way more my style and bang for your buck in Denmark. Shoud be 50% more only as other places, but alas.

[@josephgeorgeejr7039]

I think they should have did the faux cooling fins on this bike I really want a scooter for simplicity and ease of commuting in city, preferably a xmax 300, but when i see this bike it really makes me wanna forget ease of use and practicality, because this and the 900 rs are works of art! It's almost to hard not to get this bike!

[@beersmurff]

yes and no. No fins means easier cleaning. But yes, I'd prefer the fake fins too as I had on my VN800 etc.

[@ΚωνσταντινοςΑναγνωστοπουλο-χ2υ]

So why Kawasaki doesn’t provide saddle bags for the R/S 650….? Like other brands they do for such classic bikes, see Triuph, Moro Guzzi, Ducati

[@05gt99]

This is a great, detailed review. Thank you.

[@PeterLoweOne]

Thanks for watching! I'm a big fan of this bike.

[@Willie1980]

I like the 650RS, except the price. At that price, I have more options or choices to decide from. 😮

[@PeterLoweOne]

That was my issue buying the Z900RS SE. You're definitely paying for the style. From a features perspective, there are better feature for dollar options even within Kawasaki's lineup. Having said that, some of us think that these bikes hit the sweet spot for a sporty bike with great comfort, and style. You should always buy the bike that makes you smile, and you should never buy a bike just based on a spec sheet per dollar. I'm thrilled with my Z900RS SE and although I wish it was a little better deal or had a few key features, I don't regret my purchase at all.

[@acadenacci]

Mi piacerebbe sapere se il motore 650 euro 5 della versione rs scalda le gambe e se ha on-off grazie.

[@peterfrancis7798]

Hello, Peter. Thanks for the review. I am considering this bike but have had trouble finding luggage designed specifically for it. Do you have a recommendation for side and tail bags?

[@PeterLoweOne]

I was going to do a video about this. I have used Kriega soft bags and they're excellent for my purposes. Try Shad hard bags if that's what you're looking for.

[@carlostrujillo4750]

Viking bags are very nice

[@EnriqueDelgado-wl8rw]

For budget reasons I'm considering this or the CB650R but man I'm undecisive haha. Kawasaki looks great but the other is a 4 banger.

[@beersmurff]

Depends on what you prefer tbh. Honda is a pure streetbike where as this is more retro. Honda is reved high and demands a more sporty driving, where as this is for everyday commuting and cruising. All down to taste as I am sure both are excellent bikes.

[@cadesmith4278]

The first thing I noticed was the $9,100 MSRP. Would be the PERFECT motorcycle at $2000 less (and with twin shocks and 2 into 2 chrome megaphone mufflers...lol.

[@enricohagn]

Every bike gets "perfecter" with 2.000,- bucks discount, 😂

[@gregorytheleast-gf5me]

Das ist Uber Wunderbar, Peter! The Z650 RS -Retro in Green with Gold wheels ist Wunderbar! When I trade in my 2024 Honda Monkey for a bigger bike, I think the Kawasaki might be a good choice. The Monkey was perfect as my first bike, but if I ever need to outrun law enforcement, the Monkey is not a good choice, ha, ha.Have a great day, Peter and thanks for the information. 😀😃😄🙂😊😇🤚🖐👍🙏🌚🌝🌞🏍

[@petersaulnier3526]

does the gas fuel cap open & lock with the key ? on some key locking gas caps key is locked into cap until cap is reclosed. is it like that?

[@PeterLoweOne]

It does need the key to open the gas cap. I can't remember if the key needs to remain in the cap. On my Z900RS SE, the key can come out.

[@petersaulnier3526]

thanks@@PeterLoweOne

[@starjoke8781]

Would you recommend this bike to me? I am a super beginner and I am 5’7.

[@PeterLoweOne]

Sure!

[@starjoke8781]

@@PeterLoweOne thanks Peter. I been thinking about the z650rs or dr650. Which would one would be better suited for me?

[@janjosephblasco7430]

I hope you could answer my question.. I'm from the Philippines and I own a 150cc naked sports bike, Can the z900rs be good for me as my Second bike?

[@PeterLoweOne]

Sure. Be ready for more power, because it will be a huge difference, but it's relatively easy to ride for a fast bike. I own the Z900RS SE.

[@janjosephblasco7430]

@@PeterLoweOne thank you... This really helps..

[@benjaminwilliams3568]

I've never seen that 650rs upclose. Until you sat on it I always thought it may be the same length as the 900rs. Seeing you sit in that 650 shows just how short in rider length it is. I'm 5'10 barefoot, with my riding boots which are Magnum Hi-Tech military boots I'm closer to 6'0. I can see that 650 would be an uncomfortable ride for most average male riders, I can't help but wonder why Kawasaki didn't put that engine into the 900 frame? Or if maybe kawasaki geared that bike towards female riders???. Abd yeah I am of rge majority that feels Kawasaki should have put an inline four-cylinder engine in that bike. That twin just looks awful and looks out of place. Thank you for the informative vid. Nice walk and talk about the bike very gelpful.

[@jaydenholic8829]

how tall are you in cm ???

[@carolo2159-v9y]

6ft = 182,88cm

[@bossfredrich6945]

Wow 😮

[@bluesysaxman]

It seems this bike has LED turn signals everywhere except in North America, which makes no sense.

[@JagoTFC]

America doesn't make sense. They still use lead in small aircrafts so everyone's brain is lead polluted but can't use 95/98 or 100 Ron fuel as standard.

[@PeterLoweOne]

I'll be talking about some differences between the European and North American bikes when I do a riding review of my Z900RS SE soon. I have some theories about things.

[@bluesysaxman]

@@PeterLoweOne Cool

[@Massproduce201]

American mod nation

[@1stfrompuertorico568]

1st

[@leeinwis]

Costs more than a MT09, a Transalp, a Tenere..so it's out.

[@PeterLoweOne]

First of all, this costs considerably less than both of the bikes that you mention. This is also a completely different class than those two bikes. This is the Z650RS. I can only assume that you think this is the Z900RS?? If that's the case, than it just tells me that you didn't watch the video, and just posted your comment based on the title. I have videos of the MT-09 on this channel if you're more a fan of that bike, and the Transalp is a completely different class of bike than this bike or the MT-09, so I'm not sure if all that many people will be cross shopping them. Anyway. Watch the video if you're interested. I can't make sense of your comment other than to say that it's not accurate.

[@hugo7506]

Tank is to small, who ever built this bike didn't have range in mind.

[@PeterLoweOne]

I don't know if it's "too small" I think for plenty of people it will be fine for the type of weekend riding they do on this bike. I don't need the extra weight of an adventure bike tank full of gas on a compact sporty bike. But I hear what you're saying.

[@herrtomas6729]

Hi, late again. Must do better 🤣

[@PeterLoweOne]

Haha! All good!! Thanks for your support!