KWAKAKI Z650 RS | A REFINED RETRO

[@garethholmes9497]

Good review Daz. Not my type of style but I’m sure it’s a great bike. I’ve only had and ridden two bikes in my two years of riding and they had the same engine, 2018 Versys 650 GT and the current whip, 2023 Vulcan S 650. I enjoy what power it has, can’t imagine wanting any more for what I need and enjoy. Agree, the tank is small on that and the Vulcan. The Versys 21 litre is much more preferred. Keep up the great work. 👍🏻

[@DazmatronMotorcycleTrips]

Thanks Gaz, yes the retro feel will be desirable for some folk, I quite like it hence the test ride but I'd have to go for the 900. I love the paint colours too. There is something about a retro that gets people nostalgic, so when a modern build on an old bike is brought out its just great for choice & to bring back a bit of the past I think is cool 😎. I love the cruiser look of the Vulcan too, perhaps I'll take that one out for a feeler? 😁

[@garethholmes9497]

@@DazmatronMotorcycleTrips I understand why people like higher capacity bikes. However, I like how light and economical my 650 is and would never consider it a “beginner” like some see these bikes. I love my 650 Vulcan and how it rides. Don’t think I’d ever want or need any more power. I’d only get into trouble with the authorities or god forbid worse. Happy riding and stay safe.

[@DazmatronMotorcycleTrips]

It sounds similar in the sense I noted with the Z650's torque & power range, it's more than enough not to be doing any shall we say 'progressive' riding! The Z650 is ideal for people moving up or even on a A2 licence. It's slim, light & with a low seat. The Retro Zed is a great bike for sensible riding just like you're cruiser & I love that name for a bike...Vulcan.

[@ben9l351]

@ben9l351 1 second ago 1985 was the last time I rode a bike. I have been looking at a new bike for two years. Took the Z650RS out for a test ride fell in love with it immediately. In my test ride the only thing I struggled with were with roundabouts and the indicators. I had no trouble with the breaks or gearing even though its my first ride in 39 years. I took it up to 120 kiolmetres per hour. So I went straight back to the shop and brought it for my 72nd birthday. Only used to ride 400cc Hondas

[@DazmatronMotorcycleTrips]

Ben! I love you're post here 👍 that's amazing you have embarked on a biking hobby again after 38 years & at the age of 72 👏 Yes the Z650RS is a nice retro bike I'm glad you found it suitable along with the speed!! May I ask what bikes did you ride previously sir? Ride safe now & may I guide you to the 'Bike Safe' video I made, that might be of interest to you after being out of the saddle for so long. Ride safe, & enjoy you're new bike, Daz 👍

[@mike-gb8ln]

Just picked up a 2024 version for my 65th Birthday. Love the bike. Have an old 1982 GS750E I'm looking to sell or donate.

[@jefflambert8603]

These Engines are Tuned for Srong Midrange Power plenty of Pedigree ER 6 were Raced at the Isle of Man Supertwins Class & Won Many Times

[@DazmatronMotorcycleTrips]

Thanks Jeff that's interesting to know especially abouts its history in the TT 👍

[@Ally-k8o]

Good information, the bike does sound like a tin of nails, but looks wise Kawasaki has got it spot on maybe the exhaust could of been all black.

[@DazmatronMotorcycleTrips]

Hi, I definitely agree regarding the sound. For £2,015 here in the UK you can get the Akrapovic full exhaust system with catalyst and titanium muffler. This system is around 2kg lighter compared to the stock exhaust system and gives a pure sporty sound. A combination of racing materials like titanium for the muffler outer sleeve and carbon fibre end cap give this exhaust system a racing touch. This homologated exhaust system is compliant with EU regulations and has EC/ECE type-approval. A lot of money to sound better & less weight but it's available never the less. Cheer's, daz.

[@leegreveson]

Did the owner say it struggles over 70? In what way? Thought these were good for three figures (theoretically) 😂 I'm hoping to get a 2024 version within a couple of months so am interested in long term ownership reviews.

[@DazmatronMotorcycleTrips]

Hi Lee, I've had a reply from the owner : ''I did a run from London to Leicester the other week, 70mph all the way come, lots of power to overtake, no problems, the only problem I had was pufferting in the wind on motorways, off the record I have had a ton out of it, you have to remember this is a naked bike, and not a sports bike''. Hope that help's Lee, I think the owner was referring more to the exposure going quick as opposed to the engine struggling, hope that clears it up, Daz.

[@leegreveson]

@@DazmatronMotorcycleTrips Hi Daz. Many thanks for the reply, much appreciated and relieved 😅 I've been learning on an MT07 and hate every moment of dual carriageway riding because of the wind buffering, so it's not going to be a regular type of riding I'd be undertaking. I'm just glad that there were no power issues with the actual bike which was why I asked. Thanks again 👍🏻

[@DazmatronMotorcycleTrips]

@@leegreveson absolutely no problem I should have clarified with him so I'll know better for next time. I did notice the buffeting on the motorway & commented I'd probably get a screen. As my friend said I guess that's part of a naked. Good luck with you're bike tests & let me know if you get one in the end 👍

[@patriciafoster-lutz7448]

Nice looking bike, tank range needs 2 be bigger

[@DazmatronMotorcycleTrips]

Agree, as pointed out in the negatives. I think the bike would still be light enough with a slightly bigger tank plus it would resemble the Z900 which looks better. The Z650 is a great bike for people moving up to a mid-range bike 👍

[@troopz4683]

It don,t do anything for me Daz, it certainly don,t make you look back at it when you get off. That exhaust!!! ugh!! the only plus side is the gold wheels, and the green tank, the rest of it is a big NOOOOO.

[@DazmatronMotorcycleTrips]

Understand ya Troopz, I agree the colours they are nice, I think its because it reminds me of the old British Racing Green colour a bit? The other colours on the Z900 are nice too when I seen the variety at the bike show. Its a mates bike, just thought id do a review on it. But I get where you're coming from, yep, bad exhaust design!

[@jefflambert8603]

The Exhaust was really Designed to fit with the Standard Naked Z Road Models More Angular Shape I Think the ,650 RS Looks Stunning in Green & Gold. ..some nice New Colours out Now I would be proud to look Back. After Dismounting