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

A Comprehensive Specs Showdown between the beautiful Kawasaki Z650RS and bonkers Yamaha XSR700.
The beautifully designed new middleweight from Kawasaki that could potentially be one of the best retro sports in the class; the Z650RS. Up against Yamaha’s offering that’s been a fan favourite for some time now, being notorious for popping that front end; the XSR700. If you’re looking to buy a brand new, retro inspired, fast and cool learner bike it would really only be between these two machines.
G’day! I’m Kwackajack and welcome to another episode of the versus series! This is where we take two similar bikes that you might be looking to choose between and put them under the magnifying glass to have a detailed specs comparison. In this episode we’ve got two stunning modern classics in the Z650RS and XSR700 going up against each other to analyse the styling, claimed Engine & power specs, exhaust notes, Weight, Suspension & brakes, Fuel economy, features & price to see where they stack up and which comes out on top. Although here in Australia only the LAMSs or restricted models are available, both of these bikes have got High and Low powered models in different parts of the world so I’ll be including the information for both of those too. Make sure you stick around to the end to find out which bike takes the win in this matchup, and if you could do me a huge favour and leave a like on the video and hit subscribe if you haven’t already to join our awesome community of moto lovers!
NOTICE: This video is fair use under U.S. copyright law because it is transformative in nature, uses no more of the original than necessary and has no negative effect on the market for the original work.

[@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.

[@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

[@mikelgeymsige8987]

Very good comparison. Thank you.

[@bedabizkit4871]

Good comparison!

[@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)

[@donventura2116]

How stable is the xsr700? I'm tall as well and I was looking at the xsr700 for its performance and ergonomics, but I've read that its torque and weight balance make the front wheel feel floaty and unstable at higher speeds. Any truth to that in your experience?

[@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.

[@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.

[@user-xm4vm2nk5d]

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.

[@walterfabianodeandradebenn1177]

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

[@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

[@philhorlock5245]

XSR for me. Love em!

[@williamwilkinson2959]

Good stuff

[@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.

[@gregsanford3848]

I love both of em

[@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

[@bohkdi]

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 😂

[@bohkdi]

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

[@kwakithailand]

@@bohkdi it's called "simple math" 😁

[@bohkdi]

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

[@teej1987]

Lol what

[@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/-

[@morbid1.]

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

[@sturejonsson]

I like this video😊👍👏💪

[@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

[@flesz_]

Nothing beats the sound of xsr

[@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!

[@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...

[@user-sw2lv3zp6o]

XSR700 for me.

[@MAdGamer1413]

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

[@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

[@naturalforlife6741]

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

[@user-sw2lv3zp6o]

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

[@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

[@thegamingarsenal1662]

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

[@BoZhaoengineering]

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

[@ukaszwesoowski3180]

Which one is more comfortable to ride with a passanger?

[@BioMECH00]

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

[@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.

[@BrunoRenflement]

MERCI

[@loopertrooper6671]

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

[@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 💚

[@user-ic5uy2hz3m]

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

[@mockbattles]

The Yammy looks better in black.

[@IVMTAB]

Too bad Honda does not have something similar

[@donventura2116]

CB650R is comparable in performance and styling.

[@johncunningham4820]

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

[@relevation0]

CP2>

[@richardcurtis114]

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

[@vincentdavidson755]

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

[@nikosstathakos2227]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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 .

[@Zbroja69]

Is this just me or does kawa look more expensive?

[@bacciuelmagnifico5943]

Yamaha because Yamaha

[@ZinoAmare]

Kawa souned better to me :D

[@bayly1977]

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

[@user-kp8lb5lk6f]

"Zed" 🙄

[@Kenneth_McGrew]

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

[@kalaharimine]

Yamaha is classically ugly in a modern way.