Kawasaki Z650RS Vs Yamaha XSR700 | Which is the BEST Middleweight RetroSport of 2023?

[@PengithePengsen]

I chose the Z650RS because I felt so in love with the look of the bike. Making my drivers license on a Z650 over here in Germany and about the handling I have to say that it’s simply amazing easy to use but still fast as hell (at least in my opinion as a beginner 😅). Still like the look of the yamaha and ofc a bit more of a beasty motor. But in points of everyday use, handling and look the winner is the Kawa to me.

[@farmoboy83]

I am 40 and agree its the most beautiful new retro. Only the engine sound is not my favourite. This bike with sv650 motor would be perfect

[@nishiki7047]

Greetings from the UK , like you , I learnt on a Z650 and have fallen in love with the Z650RS , but I am waiting to test a Triumph Trident 660 , not a retro bike , but small and brilliant

[@kwakithailand]

​@@farmoboy83lovely bike, only the Z900 RS does beat it in looks, though.

[@ed.t.hansen6499]

@@farmoboy83 get the speed twin 900 for sound , power.

[@giedriusgylys474]

I am driving since late nintees. I have tried many bikes, styles. Last ten years I drove Honda vtx 1800, Suzuki Bandit 650.. Kawasaki z650rs is amazing in the city, perfect looking, super torqey, at the same time it is not frighting at any situation.

[@p9raceway759]

I compared Kawi vs XSR & purchased Yamaha. I think Z650 looks better but wanted more power. So far love XSR 700

[@jakesolo2872]

I tested both. The Kawasaki is beautiful, (that green!), but I chose the XSR700 because of its bigger physical size. I’m 6’ 3”, (1.90m), and swapping out the stock seat for the slightly higher scrambler seat from the X-Tribute version made it the most comfortable bike I’ve ever ridden.

[@carenthusiast6748]

I am 1.92 and I like the kawaski more. Can I comfortable ride the z650rs or is it to bad (height and leg wise)

[@jakesolo2872]

@@carenthusiast6748 “Comfortable” is relative. Everybody has different tolerance. The Kawasaki was not uncomfortable, but the Yamaha was more comfortable, if you get what I mean. I’m 6’ 3” or 1.90m and I rode sport bikes for a lot of years, so everything feels comfortable to me compared to them!

[@jakesolo2872]

@@donventura2116 I’d say it’s less stable at lower speed than higher speed. The front wheel really wants to lift if you’re not careful with the throttle. The CP2 engine is so great but the torque down low is a lot.

[@ed.t.hansen6499]

why not xsr900 ?

[@neonsheep3358]

​@@ed.t.hansen6499 900cc isn't a middleweight for one thing.

[@RiderXp]

I compared the Z650 & the XSR700 and finally ended up buying a XSR900. Although I agree it's an overkill, the XSR700 would've been in my garage if I could find one when I was looking. The Z650 is also a great package, but the XSR700 character was more engaging to me personally.

[@BenRingenberg]

Happy to hear your opinion as I just bought a 700 XSR. I absolutely love it. That being said, I will trade you for the 900. I am sure the power is intimidating, but man I bet it's a blast.

[@ed.t.hansen6499]

for city , heavy traffice the xsr wants to go fast so too much power is a disadvantage. ; slow city traffic deserves the 500x.

[@mikelgeymsige8987]

Very good comparison. Thank you.

[@craigkaschan4822]

Bit late to this video but I just bought the z650rs used. How do I know if I have the lams version ? Bought it with low ks from an older gentleman.

[@dawn_h6]

Depending on your state you can check the rego status online and that could tell you (QLD for example will), but I'm pretty sure all Z650RS sold in Aus are the LAMS version and none were unrestricted from factory.

[@jeriksson7686]

The Z650 is my choice. Its a bulletproof beauty ✌️

[@paulblouin6955]

Im looking for a comfortable unfaired lightweight bike to build a 1 person tourer. Styling doesn't matter much. Ive been riding on the street since 1974 and on the durt since 1966. Which would be better?

[@MrEiniweini]

I think the LAMS comparison is so close that it comes down to personal styling. The Z650RS sits apart in my opinion as being truly retro and on the mark. If I were leaning towards the XSR700 with modern styling, then I would be more inclined towards the Triumph Trident 660. At the higher price, the Trident to me represents the best modern tech package in class by far with traction control and power modes. On this comparison, I would take the Z650RS though.

[@Bro-Dog7]

Hey @Kwackajack, I understand why you used the unit kmpl, but in metric countries people use Liters per 100kilometers. Cool Video keep it up!

[@kwakithailand]

FYI: not every "metric country" uses Liters per 100 km 😂. But most citizens of metric countries are able to convert any figure into the metrics they prefer 😂

[@Bro-Dog7]

@@kwakithailand Well 😂 Thats interesting 😂 never heard of that 😂😂

[@kwakithailand]

@@Bro-Dog7 it's called "simple math" 😁

[@Bro-Dog7]

@@kwakithailand 😂 I know yeah 😂 So simple 😂😂 So many dumb people on the internet 😂

[@teej1987]

Lol what

[@f.i.l.d.e.p.s]

notable mention that wasnt mentioned in the video are the limitless support and customization in xsr700.

[@teej1987]

There is a limit though

[@ed.t.hansen6499]

seat on the RS is more comfy for 2 up riding but; no support for top box, panniers.on the RS

[@f.i.l.d.e.p.s]

@@teej1987ye was an exagg

[@walterfabianodeandradebenn1177]

Saudacoes aqui do Brasil tenho um Z650RS 2023 cor cinza show de moto

[@vitpalu]

i've been looking for the two aswell, but I ended up buying the yamaha second hand, it cost less even if second hand, also i have it green aswell (2016 version) is not produced anymore in that color. yahama xsr700 feels light, easy to use, especially into traffic or cities and it's really powerfull, at least for beginners, it's really easy to do a wheel from full stop at the stop light.... to handle with care because it might be dangerous for beginners.

[@fuglbird]

Only the Kawasaki is a retro bike. The Yamaha is just a modern Yamaha. Nothing wrong with that if a modern looking bike is what you want. I started riding motorcycles in 1973 and in my opinion Kawasaki, Honda, Triumph and Royal Enfield are making the best looking retro bikes today.

[@ukaszwesoowski3180]

Which one is more comfortable to ride with a passanger?

[@ruysk]

Z650RS for the looks and features without doubt, but the larger 270 degree engine of the XSR has more power throughout the powerband so it is a difficult choice. The Z650RS has more upright seating position which i prefer so i think the Kawi would be my choice in the end.

[@teej1987]

Unless you're racing, it doesn't matter

[@alex.tsoumanis]

Kawasaki has the classic 180 degree crank 650cc engine from er6 and versys and the the xsr has the cp2 engine from mt07 and tenere that you correctly said has 270 degree crank.

[@lovingmylifeasIage6741]

Would you do a comparison between the new Z650RS and the original 4 cylinder Z650. That would be interesting. I own the original back in the day.

[@teej1987]

No

[@sohanroy2813]

What is the situation of spares and how much is the waiting time for the Kawasaki? I had a starter switch failure in my Ducati Scrambler ICON when I went riding 1600 kms for MotoGP I was told 1 month. Luckily 1 was managed from another dealer in Bangalore. Cannot abort a ride like this due to mismanagement. The switch barely costs ₹5000/-

[@GanjaHouse]

I prefer my Ducati scrambler 803. I bought an xsr 155 cc s.r. asia model to check, and it became instantly obvious that i dont need an xsr 700, because the Ducati beats it, and can do on and off road, unlike the wonderful Kawa 640 which is of course, almost as tempting the Z RS 900. But the lack of a 4 cylinders on the 650, make it less attractive than the RS 9000 I would like a 900 RS but i live on an Island that is mostly muddy potholes, so the ducati scrambler does the job, plus i have a harley sportster 1275 cc a Royal Enfield scram 411 and a two ducati scramblers (one nightshift and one cafe race), oh and the XSR. The Ducati nightshift and the Scram 411 are the ones i use the most here

[@philhorlock5245]

XSR for me. Love em!

[@marvinbanka7592]

I'll pick the kawasaki. It really looks retro. The Yamaha looks like a pile of loose parts between the wheels.

[@nishiki7047]

I agree , I think the Yam is horrible

[@bedabizkit4871]

Good comparison!

[@hmkedar]

I bought the z650rs, and love it. With LAMS, engines are too similar to really play into the equation too much, and looks go to the kawi hands down.

[@theaustralianconundrum]

You did well!

[@thegamingarsenal1662]

Does Z650RS have enough ground clearance? it is just 125 MM

[@Pn3uma33]

Love the XSR

[@BoZhaoengineering]

650RS is more retro looking arguably. 12L is legit , bringing you a range of 200 km no problem

[@MAdGamer1413]

Would you really recommend that size bike as your first bike?

[@salsamancer]

You could get in some trouble with 72hp as your first bike

[@SuperSokol7]

I have not seen any vids of the Kawasaki off road. The Xsr 700 seems better on dirt roads right? But Kawasaki more comfortable...

[@JackFat-w5i]

I have a XSR and definitely do not get anything over 170-175 miles out of a tank.

[@1990-t1j]

XSR700 for me.

[@ed.t.hansen6499]

whats wrong with Oz. with restrictions; for what

[@narendrairengbam112]

Would you call them modern classic or Neo retro

[@gregsanford3848]

I love both of em

[@93jElwood]

My choice XSR700, prefer the modern retro look rather than the classic retro look.

[@genegoodwin8925]

I don't even have to watch this video to answer which is better, THE KAWASAKI Z650RS. I've owned many motorcycles since 1964, of them were four Yamahas and three Kawasakis. I had trouble with all four of the Yamahas I owned, while all of the Kawasakis were very reliable and very comfortable. I've learned my LESSON, no more Yamahas for me.

[@pierslunnon-wood1001]

The Kawi is so much more Beautiful and comfy. Especially two up. The CP2 p-twin on the XSR is just a dream and gets my vote

[@1990-t1j]

I wouldn't entertain the Kawasaki. I would consider an SV650, though, but I'd just about favour an XSR700. I'm talking about the full-powered versions as I'm not Australian. Nick J

[@BioMECH00]

Man, that stock muffler on the XSR is awful. It really mutes the amazing sound of the engine.

[@morbid1.]

Kawa holds old school style better imo... more classic than neo-classic of Yama

[@bossHogOG]

I want the yamaha engine in the Kawasaki body.

[@jduarte1506]

Good excellent bikes, good engines I lean towards Yamaha but an opinion between these bikes and the Ducati Scrambler for which you think it is better say that Japanese bikes are for life

[@williamwilkinson2959]

Good stuff

[@flesz_]

Nothing beats the sound of xsr

[@ilmiosmani3689]

Thats the only thing that keeps me away from kawa.

[@jvdg96]

The Yamaha is more years on the market so for second-hand buyers there is more choice. For me the Yamaha wins (and i do own a XSR700) because i don’t have anything with the Kawasaki brand although the Z650rs is nice looking

[@ed.t.hansen6499]

for city, scooter traffic the rs would be smooter. xsr can be torqy. and wanting to move. !!

[@HalfCrazy520]

Style: Kawasaki Engine: Yamaha (270 Degree crank) Suspension & Brakes: Yamaha Gauges: Kawasaki (analog tach) The Yamaha is cheaper than the Kawasaki in the US.

[@loopertrooper6671]

Best looking is the RS, best performing is the XS.

[@bratcafe5632]

The Yamaha has that new modern angular gobot thing going on. Want my motorcycle to look like....a motorcycle. The Kaw's looks are timeless. People will not be repulsed by it when the new wears off.....the Yamaha's fashionable look today will be the bell bottoms of tomorrow....

[@MatthewW713]

I chose the XSR900

[@enricohagn]

I picked the Z900RS 😂

[@MatthewW713]

@@enricohagn I really like that bike. If they offered the se in green I would be all over it.

[@enricohagn]

@@MatthewW713 Got mine (Standard, not SE) in dark green with the yellow stripes on the tank. Looks almost like my '74 Z900 I bought 2.hand in '78 Lucky me 💚

[@richardcurtis114]

No contest....z650rs wins every time......for me anyway its a seventy bike with mod cons. And that's perfect

[@evetsegap]

I do not understand why anyone would allow their government to restrict power. Nanny state?

[@dawn_h6]

It's a choice by the manufacturer as the LAMS restriction in Australia means if you want to ride something with a bigger engine or over a certain power level you need to retake your licence test on an unrestricted bike after having your licence 2 years. Most people don't feel the need to go through that so you end up with a smaller number of potential buyers if you sell something that doesn't fit within the restrictions. Nothing stopping them from selling the full power version.

[@IVMTAB]

Too bad Honda does not have something similar

[@johncunningham4820]

The Kawasaki is definitely the Prettier Bike . Considerably so . The Yamaha Sounds better though . 270 crank = Faux V twin .

[@catmandu6776]

Australia seems to be a neutered version of American. 😂 You're almost free enough to make your own decisions in life, but not quite. Beautiful country, though.

[@coreys8070]

Weird comment

[@sturejonsson]

I like this video😊👍👏💪

[@JustPityHD]

The looks goes to the Z650rs no doubt, but the weak points make the yamaha much better. The weak points are 12L tank which it is impossible to make 300km with a full tank, the fuel consumption being more than the Yamaha having less power, the lack of customization given the fact that UJMs where highly customizable bikes and last but not least, the exhaust being at the bottom completely breaking the retro aesthetic, not only that but its a huge exhaust (bonus: because of this you cannot install a center stand) and it sounds terrible

[@mockbattles]

The Yammy looks better in black.

[@vincentdavidson755]

Give me the 900 rs because I don't like the small feeling🧝⚡🌴

[@relevation0]

CP2>

[@nikosstathakos2227]

If you dont care about poping the front wheel with first gear , then Its Kawasaki hands down ....

[@Fallen608]

Honestly they're both kinda "lazy" retros but the yamaha isnt even trying. I wish Kawa had put in the same effort as they did on the 900RS

[@BrunoRenflement]

MERCI

[@Zbroja69]

Is this just me or does kawa look more expensive?

[@bacciuelmagnifico5943]

Yamaha because Yamaha

[@bayly1977]

Sick of Oz destroying all these bikes by making them LAME models. Give us open license riders less options

[@jesselewis269]

Bump the price down 3.500 bucks.

[@Dave30867]

Dont matter what you think its up to the rider and there comfort on the scooter .

[@ZinoAmare]

Kawa souned better to me :D

[@HarrisonFjord-n3v]

"Zed" 🙄

[@alexd5594]

First of all Yamaha isn't classical looking bike , mono shock under sit, dash is digital modern and general look and poisture..this is NEOclassic or even Naked. So they are not comparable bikes. Yamaha xsr700 need to be compared to Suzuki SV650. Kawasaki z650rs compared to Royal Enfield 650, at least in design. Another notice, is color. Why green emerald color put in favor ? This is color of 2022,2023 years, in 2024 and 2025 are different pallett colors , there is no green. By the way, sit hight is very impotant, let say for me I am 172cm , 820mm of kawasaki's sit is already high , I am not even speaking Yamaha's one....

[@Kenneth_McGrew]

xsr700 sounds 😁😊😛😍🤪 z560rs sounds... 😓😩😫🥱😤 no contest.

[@nunosalvado9769]

Kawasaki is not a 270°crank

[@kalaharimine]

Yamaha is classically ugly in a modern way.

[@JustPityHD]

The looks goes to the Z650rs no doubt, but the weak points make the yamaha much better. The weak points are 12L tank which it is impossible to make 300km with a full tank, the fuel consumption being more than the Yamaha having less power, the lack of customization given the fact that UJMs where highly customizable bikes and last but not least, the exhaust being at the bottom completely breaking the retro aesthetic, not only that but its a huge exhaust (bonus: because of this you cannot install a center stand) and it sounds terrible