Kawasaki Z650RS - More than just a modern retro

The first time I took the Kawasaki Z650RS out, I was a little disappointed with it. Not because it was not a good bike but because it wasn’t the bike I wanted it to be, a 4 cylinder 1970/80s machine, like the Z900RS but smaller. In truth and with hindsight, this bike is probably far better than the original Kawasaki z650 on all accounts bar the wonderful sound that an inline 4 provides. So going into it with a different mind set, will I feel different about it?
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[@Stefan_trekkie]

You are becoming wiser with the passage of time, mr. TAYM. And you have learned to appreciate bikes for what they are and not what they are not.. Bertie has good influence on you.

[@TAYM]

😁😂😂😂 thanks Stefan 😁

[@daintree2455]

Having owned a Z650 and pretty much rode it around OZ I'd have that bike in a heartbeat even with 2 cylinders less. Love the color and that little tail treatment just like the original and 170 kgs perfect.😊 thanks TAYM

[@TAYM]

Thanks DT 😁

[@ruahinesrider]

New one is 191kg wet with 15Liters of fuel.Very similar to Trident 🔱 but 14hp less torque the same 64Nm weight similar Z650rs 2kg heavier.Trident & Z650rs be great bikes to go on ride together.I know a guy who's got one & it's very nice fit & finish is great but no factory Quick Shifter sadly.I'd to ride with someone who owns one bikes being similar.

[@Grumpy-Goblin]

I think you summed this bike up best when you said about the engine "it's nothing special" and therein lies the problem it is, no doubt, a good bike but it's nothing special and in my view a modern classic has to be something special to work. It has to evoke that feeling that attracted you to the original. The original was one of my favourite bikes of all time and this just doesn't make me feel anything but I am sure it will do a good job as a bike but it is essentially no more special than an ER-5 or ER-6 in slightly nicer, slightly retro clothes.

[@martinowl]

Exactly. It’s the same with the other Japs too (w800 excepted). Bland & boring. The reason why bikes like the Interceptor & Goldstar are so popular.

[@TAYM]

Yes, it’s a strange bike in that it does everything a modern bike should do, but that’s it. 🤔 I think you sum it up well as you usually do 😁 thanks Mike 😁

[@franklowry4852]

Another good video! I agree that the Kawasaki 650 twin is bullet proof. I have Versys 650 LT and I have put almost 30,000 miles on it with no issues. I mainly use it for commuting to work but I have dreams of touring with it. The 650 size of motorcycles have the best balance of power, weight, and economy. The Z650 lands in between the Suzuki SV650 and the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 on the motorcycle spectrum. Thank you for this wonderful KZbin Channel! Merry Christmas!!!

[@TAYM]

Yes, smack bang between the two 😁 wish I’d thought of that at the time 😁 thanks FL 😁

[@f19ash]

Lovely looking little bike in the flesh. Engine is a bit soulless though. Now if this had the SV650’s v-twin I’d have one in a heartbeat!

[@TAYM]

Yes, that v twin of the sv is very special 😁 thanks F19 😁

[@wozza59]

I remember when the Z650 was originally released back in the 70s. Kawasaki’s advert for the new bike was ‘More than a match for 750s.’

[@TAYM]

And in its day it was 😁 thanks Wozza 😁

[@joetocchio9666]

Nice review. I like it and as I get older the weight is a consideration. Fun .

[@TAYM]

Thanks JT 😁

[@alandmorley]

Can not understand why Kawasaki don't put fins on the engine after all it is a retro. (like Kawasaki did with the Vulcan)

[@TAYM]

It would certainly improve it 😁

[@wozza59]

The new for 2024 red Z650RS is absolutely stunning.

[@TAYM]

Yes, in dark red 😁 thanks Wozza 😁

[@pinkiewerewolf]

Great second look Mr TAYM. I do love that bike in the green. My dealer has one of the silver/gray ones on sale at $7300 US which is cheap over here. MSRP is $9+++. I really want a W800 but this lil guy is tempting me. I like the fact that it is lighter in weight.

[@TAYM]

Very cheap 😁 sounds like a good option 😁 thanks PW 😁

[@garryclarke-kray4071]

I do like it especially the green with gold wheels I just find the engine a little messy looking but I don’t think it would stop me having one . Thanks TAYM

[@TAYM]

Thanks GCK 😁 yes, it’s just a water jacketed engine with little attempt to make it look decent. But it does the job 😁

[@Thruxtonrider21]

What a fun looking bike!

[@TAYM]

Thanks TR 😁

[@glynmumby104]

Hi, Thanks for the great review. I'm selling my new BSA Gold Star and had this Z650RS in my peripheral vision as a replacement, but your review prompted me to go for a test ride at my local dealership. What a super machine this is. It's incredibly light, and very nimble around the country lanes. The engine is glorious and very versatile, once you get used to what gear to be in on corners and roundabouts etc, but it makes a lovely understated burble when it's underway. I would say it's a country lanes bike. It will happily do 70mph and dual carriage ways, but, I prefer taking in the scenery and taking my time these days and sniffing out bacon butties and coffee. I can say this review swayed my decision to go Japanese over the Triumph's that were at the top of my list. I only had the bike for 45 minutes roughly, but it was very comfortable, very upright and I could get my feet down flat and I'm a 29" leg. I would also say this could be a good machine for the ladies too as it is not heavy at slow speeds and is easy to move engine off. Thanks again for the review, looking forward to more from the channel.

[@TAYM]

Thanks GM 😁 Yes, I don’t know why this bike hasn’t been more of a success. In the 70’s and 80’s there was thousands of z650’s around. It just hasn’t seem to have caught peoples imagination despite the fact it is such a wonderful, versatile bike to ride. I am very tempted myself 😁 Out of curiosity, why you getting rid of the BSA?

[@glynmumby104]

Hi, I think maybe because there is an awful lot more choice these days possibly ? I have a Honda NC750X (DCT) too which is a brilliant all rounder. I really want a naked bike though and having owned the BSA for a few months have found it good to just a a ride on something physically smaller and physically more manageable. The reason I'm selling the BSA, I just wanted to say I'd tried one / owned one I think. I was intrigued by having a big single as I was always a fan of the BMW F650 Funduro, but more so the F650 Strada (street) version and wondered how the engine fitted / suited the BSA. That said, I did let the the twin in the Kawasaki seduce me away from the Gold Star yesterday and I found the ride position a little more comfortable and the 6 speed gearbox on the Z650RS too, which is my only criticism of the BSA, it needs have a 6 speed box to get the revs settled down.@@TAYM

[@TAYM]

@@glynmumby104 thanks GM 😁 interesting 😁

[@bruceleong9534]

One of my best mates had a Z650 in the 70s so I too was disappointed when this came out as a twin. But if it was a 4 it would be considerably more expensive and heavier too. For me, it’s perfect as it is.

[@TAYM]

Thanks BL 😁 all very true and like I said, performance and reliability on this is better on this 😁

[@GapBahnDirk]

I do like a good middleweight bike and the Z650RS would be a contender if I wanted to go water cooled. The power to weight ratio is pretty good 👍. Also, I was a fan of GPZs in the 1980s 😁👨‍🦯. I think that we would have to have red hair to properly set off the green and gold version though 🤣🤣. Thanks for another great riding impressions and walk around look👍👍.

[@TAYM]

Thanks GBD 😁

[@terryrowe8925]

Some where in days of old we have forgotton the Zephyr 650?😟 nice looking bike👍

[@TAYM]

Yes, the zephyr 🤔 square tank? If I remember correctly 🤔 thanks TR 😁

[@simonbealing]

Yes lovely bikes and the paint scheme is great. Just out of my range though when i started biking tso off to Enfield i went. I always go for a look at my local kawasaki dealer when I'm out for a ride, they still have a w800 with limited edition arrow cans and a custom paint job with only 7 miles on the clock for 7k though so i think I'd take that over the 650 atm, just for the added character:)

[@TAYM]

Yes, the z650 doesn’t have as much character as the W 😁 thanks SB 😁

[@dungspreader]

Interesting review there Mr TAYM . I get the impression that this is a good bike , but not one to get the pulse racing and fill one's heart wiith desire , A bike to buy if you can get one for the right price . It's nicely finished , or as well finished as it can be with an ugly modern engine stuck under the tank . I don't think it deserves the z650 moniker , I think it's something else . If only Kawa had brought out a small bore version of the 4 cyl 900 .

[@TAYM]

That’s the top and bottom of it 😁 but still a cracking bike 😁 thanks DS 😁

[@2wheeledwillie395]

Really like the look of this bike and actually tried one when they came out but as with lots of bikes found it too small, I found the XSR700 a better bike ..looks so good in the green with gold wheels though 👍😍

[@TAYM]

Thanks Willie 😁

[@boxwoodgreen]

I was a bit miffed too when I was surprised at the dealer to find out the Z650 RS was a twin. My first bike was 1977 KZ650C that I bought new. Took it on a 5000 mile USA tour from Canada. I loved that smooth 4 cyl engine. It's only downside was the "C" models monster heavy cast wheels. Currently I'd rather "up-size" to the 900RS for the 4 cylinder.

[@TAYM]

I think you are right 😁 the 900 is as good, if not better, than you can get to the originals 😁 thanks BWG 😁

[@markpercy4277]

Lovely looking bike but being old enough to remember the original it wouldn't work for me just doesn't sound right

[@TAYM]

Thanks MP 😁 yes, a key sense and its missing 😁

[@WyreForestBiker]

A bike that has been on my E. bay " watch list" for ages . Now I like twins and I love the looks of the RS ...trouble is the combination just makes it a bit of a fake and I just can't round that. It's weird but if i'd never been aware of the original it wouldn't be an issue as the bike is very good.

[@TAYM]

I think you hit the nail on the head 🤔 thanks DJ 😁

[@markpercy4277]

You have taken the words right out of my mouth l can only see the original👍

[@crumblymal8479]

These are my thoughts exactly with this one 😊

[@martinowl]

It’s not in the same league as the original.

[@bradleyone9070]

thats exactly the same as mine swapped 900rs for 650 and love it

[@TAYM]

Excellent 😁 all the looks and with a better chance of keeping your license 😁 thanks B 😁

[@island717]

Curious what made you swapping 900rs to a smaller bike? Every review says that 900rs is so much better in almost every department, what is your take on it?

[@adrianwalker7189]

Owned a couple of Kawasaki 650 in various forms, great, great bikes , don't half go for a 650.

[@TAYM]

Thanks AW 😁

[@martinowl]

Had a look at the ER versions years ago. Decent price, engine is basically an update of the GPZ500,which I still have, but like the GPZ, it’s tiny. Great for the shorter boys & girls among us. Surprised you didn’t find it a bit cramped in the leg department, TAYM.

[@TAYM]

Yes, I have ridden the er and that was cramped but this felt good 😁 even with my 34in inside leg 😁 thanks MO 😁

[@icedidi]

I think it's one of those bikes slightly overshadowed by it's infamous bigger brother. This one is the straight A student who runs the school magazine, it's older brother is the one with the leather jacket, tooth pick, winkle pickers and lashings of brylcreem 😆

[@TAYM]

😂😂😂 that’s about the sum of it 😁 thanks Ice 😁

[@crumblymal8479]

Interesting one TAYM I had the original as did many folks and it's one I wish I'd have kept really such a good all round bike and no slouch at the time ,I am surprised to hear you say this rendition would nock spots of the four cylinder one I do like the looks of this one but I am not sure if it wouldn't disappoint me if I rode one . They certainly are a good price especially now for a used one I had narrowed things down to a Triumph or Harley "used of course " so many to choose from I almost switch weekly from one the another 😵‍💫something to dwell on over the cold dark winter nights though 😉good one 👌👍

[@TAYM]

Thanks crumb 😁 I don’t think this would warm your cockles like a Triumph or HD though 😁

[@crumblymal8479]

@@TAYM 👍

[@andrewdyson4255]

Looks good but I will always think it should be a 4 cylinder. It’s my age

[@jefflambert8603]

The RS 900 is Available If Kawasaki had Tooled up to Make a New 650 Four Cylinder Engine, it Would have Priced itself Out The Market

[@TAYM]

You and many others 😁 thanks AD 😁

[@TAYM]

But they did the 400🤔 I wonder if they could do anything with that engine🤔 thanks JL 😁

[@jefflambert8603]

I think The 400 Ninja is Around £10,000 ? & is More Track Focused I ve Had a few 600cc Four Cylinder Bikes over the Years they can Be very Revvy & Buzzy Unlike the 1000cc Fours That have a Bit more Meat in the MId Range but the Main Reason Most 650-800 cc Bikes are Twins is they are Cheaper To Manufacture, at an affordable Price Only Honda Have a 650 four Cylinder I think?

[@TAYM]

@@jefflambert8603 the 400 4 is £8.5k 🤔 a lot of money for a 400 😁

[@BlakesPipes]

TAYM, you can ride either of my bikes when the tank is on empty ! I only offer that to true friends! 😂 looks like good starter bike or just one for a good around town and commuter.

[@TAYM]

😂😂😂😂 very kind 😂😂😂 thanks LoY 😁

[@ladyjrider666]

Do you remember the sweet called pacers? Or am I totally old? Lol it's definitely that kind of green. I loved my z440 (1983) back in the days. The z650 as you say is a take on that. It's a proper bike. Just being a bike. Ride safe, LJ

[@TAYM]

I do, like minty chewettes but slightly softer 😁😂😂😂 thanks LJ 😁

[@richiedewen9289]

I think I saw that bike at Orwell's yesterday. My mate was very impressed with it too.. But think the V-Strom 650 or the Tracer 7GT at Mototecnics, will be his choice.

[@TAYM]

Can’t go wrong with a Vstrom 😁

[@wboeren1]

I like it, but the big brother is the one i would like to own. That parking spot for disabled people makes a good bike parking. lol

[@TAYM]

😂😂😂😂 thanks WB 😁

[@greywolf9292]

It's always worth a revisit just to refresh your thoughts and feelings. It's a decent looking bike but somehow it strikes me as being a bit Ronseal, it does what it says on the tin but doesn't inspire in any particular manner. There again I'm very spoiled, had I been 18 and moving up from my nifty two fifty, I'd probably think it was the bee's knees 🤔😮😯😁

[@TAYM]

Yes, a cracking bike but 🤔 well 🤔 yes, Ronseal 😕😁 thanks GW 😁

[@MariusPetrus]

I just went to test it over last weekend and the engine vibrates like crazy at about 3000 rpm, exactly where it shouldn't. Was thinking to buy it but no way after the test.

[@TAYM]

Thanks MP 😁 very interesting 🤔 just shows, you’ve always got to test them yourself 😁 I never really noticed it that much 😁 I wonder if it was just that one or if something was amiss 🤔

[@Ainsworth-Rider]

Morning Taym 😊 when you first rode it, did you feel short changed 🙄 When I first rode one in about 76, I remember thinking this should have been a twin. I found it was like riding a car way too smoth to be a motorcycle 😊 So this new one is how I would have liked it to have been when its Granddad first came out 😊 god I'm old 🙄

[@TAYM]

😂😂😂😂 brilliant 😁 it’s only the sound that is missing from this bike I think 😁 thanks AR 😁

[@ianhughesroyalenfield]

Morning Mr TAYM. I really really want to like them. I keep looking at them, but then my old school head kicks in and tells me off. They might sound ok……for a parallel twin, but just like all the other parallel twins out there. This engine has been copied by the likes of CF Moto, and used in the Moto Morini’s etc, so must be good. I just can’t make my mind up about them I’m afraid. I do like the look though, especially the orange/brown. Thanks

[@crumblymal8479]

This is the problem I think in a nutshell it's almost like a just another clone "maybe "😊

[@TAYM]

I know exactly what you mean 😁 thanks Ian 😁

[@TAYM]

Exactly 😁

[@markwoodward7195]

Oh, my ideal bike, seen at Orwell's Can I call on the group's on ebay a classic 350 with 465 miles. £3395 is it good deal.

[@TAYM]

🤔 what year is the classic? It doesn’t sound expensive to me 😁 but I know people are being offered under £2.5k by dealers 🤔 thanks MW 😁

[@reneroozendaal5493]

Hi there mister Taym, thanks for yet another nice review of a wonderful "classic" bike......speaking of classic, would you please consider to review the W800 ( I know you owned the café version) . That is a proper classic in my eyes! Thanks in advance. Greetings from the Netherlands

[@TAYM]

Thanks R 😁 I shall try and find one, they are a bit thin on the ground round here 🤔 I am sure there are a few on my cafe still up 😁

[@reneroozendaal5493]

😉 thanks for the reply!

[@reneroozendaal5493]

Hope you succeed! 🙏

[@TAYM]

@@reneroozendaal5493 thanks R😁

[@MsDenver2]

I owned one of the old 650 and I remember it was a very good handling bike and it was four stroke, it was so smooth and you could just throw it into bends and a very easy bike to look after . It’s a shame they stopped using the four strokes in certain bikes. 😊

[@TAYM]

Yes, lots of memories from bikes like this 😁 thanks MsD 😁

[@richiedewen9289]

1st for a change! ❤❤

[@TAYM]

Marvellous 😁 hope you had a good day yesterday 😁 thanks Richie 😁

[@richiedewen9289]

@@TAYM yep we did all 3 dealerships. I now want a Moto Guzzi V85TT Travel... 😍

[@TAYM]

@@richiedewen9289 yes, a very sturdy bike that I wouldn’t mind myself 😁

[@mikehurley5052]

65 hp and 170kg from a 650 twin, Royal Enfield are you watching?

[@martinowl]

But would people buy such a machine from Royal Enfield ? No need to change a winning formula. It is what it is.

[@TAYM]

Thanks MH 😁

[@TAYM]

Good point 😁 thanks MO 😁

[@mikehurley5052]

@@martinowl Yes, i would.

[@martinowl]

Fair enough my point was, to achieve such a power output, you are looking at water cooled & probably a whole host of electronics. I’m not sure the current demographic of RE owners would upgrade to such a machine.

[@kennethheldreich6604]

Love the look of the bike but the sound is so uninspiring 😢🙂👍🏍

[@TAYM]

Yep 😁 thanks KH 😁 spot on 😁

[@Motoristika]

Really nice bike!!! Do you know the max load weight for this bike? And it is beginner friendly ? Did you also ride it with a passenger? Thanx :)

[@TAYM]

Thanks M😁 I don’t know the carrying capacity I am afraid 🤔 I would imagine it would be perfect for someone who has passed all the statutory requirements 😁 I haven’t been two up on this but on lots of other similar bikes it has been fine 😁

[@jefflambert8603]

Every Time there is a review on The RS 650 the Remark it should Have Been a Four Cylinder Is Made It would Have cost Nearly as Much as a the RS 900 By Using the Same Engine as The Z650 Naked , Versys , Vulcan Its Remained Competitive in its Class , its a Tourqey Engine & pretty Economic to Run The only Thing I would Say is it Could Do with a Slightly Bigger Tank

[@TAYM]

You are right of course and strange that no one said the same about the Honda Hornet 🤔 thanks JL 😁

[@jefflambert8603]

@@TAYM before I Forget Have a Very Merry Xmas Mr & Mrs TAYM...☃️⛄️⛄️

[@TAYM]

@@jefflambert8603 😂😂 thanks JL 😁 same to you and your family 😁

[@brockett]

Well done TAYM on another nice video review. Did you compare it to your SV for quality of ride?.

[@TAYM]

Couldn’t help it 😁 the SV appears to have a lot more poke and quicker all round but think this bike is more polished 😁 thanks B 😁

[@brockett]

@@TAYM That's what I expected. Kawasaki make things a little more robust feeling than does Suzuki. The seat looks more comfortable than the SV.

[@TAYM]

@@brockett definitely a better seat 😁 I bought another seat for my sv 😁

[@redhedhair]

A good looking bike ! ... but how does it compare to SV ? . Thanks TAYM ❤

[@TAYM]

Good question 🤔 the SV feels faster and has more character but this is smoother 😁 thanks RH😁

[@neilwilliams9844]

Black & yellow gold wheels nice mind ,but I wouldn’t kick the green out of bed for farting 😂👏🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿✊

[@TAYM]

😂😂😂😂 thanks NW 😁😂😂

[@johnstonstewart9683]

Lovely looking bike but that engine! It sounds like a Briggs and Stratton when it's ticking over. Doesn't get any better when you rev it. What is the cutting width of the deck?

[@TAYM]

😂😂😂😂 thanks SJ 😁

[@jefflambert8603]

The Engine Sounds Better on the Move growl from the Air Box Under the Tank Only The Rider Hears it 👂 I Noticed this on my Standard Z650.

[@TAYM]

@@jefflambert8603 thanks JL 😁 I heard somewhere else that manufacturers are giving bikes more induction noise to make up for the restrictions on emissions 🤔

[@hobnob15]

Which do you prefer this z650 or the guzzi v7 taym?

[@TAYM]

Thanks HN😁 good question 🤔 I think I would have to say V7 😁 simply because it’s not pretending to be anything other than what it is, if you know what I mean 😁

[@hobnob15]

@@TAYM yeah I think I know what you mean I’m in the process of changing my Himalayan and thinking of choosing the V7 🤔👍🏻

[@johnstonstewart9683]

Taste like kale or cabbage maybe? I'm a touch liverish this evening, old and grumpy.....

[@TAYM]

😂😂😂😂 we all have days like that 😂😂 cabbage is good for you 😁 thanks SJ 😁

[@mikerider58]

Taym, why didn't you like the right side of the petrol pumps, yer on a bike 😅

[@TAYM]

😂😂😂 odd isn’t it 😂😂🤔 don’t no why , think it’s about having the hose across the bike 😁😂😂 thanks MR 😁

[@siharries2014]

*****👌

[@TAYM]

😁 thanks Si 😁

[@siharries2014]

@@TAYM no worries I was looking forward to this one

[@frednerks1379]

10 Pounds of PREMIUM fuel. That will drain Orwells petrol credit card they gave you to fill it up, won't it Mr TAYM?

[@TAYM]

😂😂😂😂 thanks FN 😁

[@ruahinesrider]

95th😲 had visitors.

[@TAYM]

😂😂 yeah yeah, whatever 😂😂😂

[@ruahinesrider]

@@TAYM I was on a run too been 1st for a few times in a row.

[@TAYM]

@@ruahinesrider yes, such a shame 😂😂😁

[@Ainsworth-Rider]

I think it looks the dogs dodars if I was 25 again, I think I might have one 🤥

[@TAYM]

😂😂😂 thanks AR 😁

[@johnharris7353]

Why is it that every manufacturer except RE has no problems getting decent power from a 650cc twin?

[@TAYM]

I wonder if it’s liquid cooling 🤔 not sure 😁 thanks JH 😁

[@frednerks1379]

Reliability vs Power. RE could be getting more power from their old designs, but would reliability factor in their poorer Home Market value that ???

[@TAYM]

@@frednerks1379 I think that’s it 😁

[@thomasgadsby7263]

I hate the bloody thing, very lazy attempt by Kawasaki. Ride safe and take care TAYM.

[@TAYM]

😂😂😂😂 I think Kawasaki might even admit that 🤔 if they are honest about it 😁 all to do with cost I think 😁 thanks TG 😁

[@ruahinesrider]

Low seat height about 820mm 😲😲 A low seat height is 790mm😆😁😂🤣.Wet weight is 190kg which is light. Mint Trumpet icecream a Cornetto is a clone of a Trumpet.

[@TAYM]

😂😂😂😂 thanks RR 😁

[@OlManShit4Brains]

2397th😂

[@TAYM]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@OlManShit4Brains]

@@TAYM G’day Taym. I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you for Chanel, your dedication & the time & effort you put into this. I appreciate it more than you can realise. I wish you, Mrs Taym, baby Taym & all your family a fantabulastic Christmas, a safe enjoyable new year & may 2024 bring you everything your heart desires. I look forward to watching all your videos throughout the next year. Please stay safe & warm. Shiny side up mate. Hooroo for now 🏍👍😁😎🍻🎄

[@TAYM]

@@OlManShit4Brains thank you so much for your kind words 😁 you are too kind 😁 I hope you have a splediferous Christmas and New Year too 😁

[@daintree2455]

2nd haha

[@TAYM]

Marvellous 😁

[@ruahinesrider]

Well done 👍.