Kawasaki z650 RS | How Does It Compare To The XSR700?

Kawasaki z650 RS is a new bike for 2022 and is based on the z650. It looks very familiar to its larger z900 RS brother but how does it ride and how does it compare to the Yamaha XSR700? Time to find out...
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#TeamLCR #LambChopRides #z650RS

[@ben9l351]

just brought one. My first bike since 1985. Now 72 yrs young brought it for my birthday been sick ever since that was two weeks ago. Always believed that if I had a 650 I would be untouchable on hills. Only got passed twice on hills did 16000 miles over one year ( about 25% was hills) and I was on a Honda 400 V Twin. I wont be trying to stop others passing me now

[@volt8684]

So nice to see twin clocks on modern retro. I really like this bike. Gorgeous looking

[@leeinwis]

Why I oughta clock you one !

[@stefanberanek2589]

picking up mine as addition to the Z900RS on wednesday. Its the family ride. Everyone feels comfortable on it and it is absolutely enough for daily use, with beautyful red / gold design and last but not least. as the '25 colors arrive, the '24 came to sale:)

[@leeinwis]

That's not fair, I want one 😞.

[@grenphelps7455]

This video, reminded me of the way you use to vlog and really enjoyed you doing this again, it's all very well having all the other gear, but it's also good getting back to your roots 👍👍

[@JLOSTAFF1]

Nice review. I’ve got the 900. Had to have a remap! Best bike I’ve ever owned out of 46 since I was 16! (Now 63 years young.) Cheers.

[@ilpuntouk]

😂 you really did re-edit the outtro with the h2 drop! Respect!

[@retrostu1]

Love the classic style dials. I seem to be going through a retro-styled bike appreciation phase at the moment.

[@gmanlimitedanderson-0drisc211]

I usually get bored of bike reviews but I never get bored of yours so I'm going to subscribe 😂😂 good stuff👍

[@LambChopRides]

Thanks Gman 👍

[@keithsbitsandpieces]

Nothing wrong with the lack of cameras chopsey :) Sometimes it can be a little distracting to have to many shot switches and you do a good voice over with plenty of humour , Just like Bruce too 👍🙂

[@LambChopRides]

Appreciated 😁👍

[@adolfshitler]

Yep, those 360 cameras are nothing more than really annoying!

[@astrostrotch]

Nice review, I'm glad you review some of the budget stuff as well as exotica! I didn't miss the cameras in the same way you didn't miss the electronics.

[@deanharris9331]

Kawasaki's fit and finish especially the paintwork scheme's are right up there with the best of them. Even their budget option machines look quality now. Great review again Chops 😊👍

[@simonbowen6653]

Nice one Chopsey. Didn't really miss the other camera at all. 1970's Z1 was a slightly darker green but this still a beautiful looking bike, especially with the pinstripes and gold wheels.

[@bencatt6246]

Great one camera review. Nothing wrong with that Chopsy.👍👍

[@DavidMcBride-n5n]

Great review as usual Mr Chops , don’t worry about the lack of 360 shots they are not my favourite….this was a perfect video for me , you giving your detailed expert opinion on the bike while I get the normal riding view…..more like this for me 😁…keep up the great work Mr Chops 👍

[@michaelw6277]

I’ll be the odd one out… I like that it has a twin. Aside from a brief affair with an RC51 all of my bikes have been inline fours, so for me this bike being a twin adds character. I know that these twins are generally regarded as beginner bike engines, especially here in the USA, but I like them as much as V layout twins.

[@ragerider6283]

Nice review Chops. Don't think the lack cameras impacted it much tbh as it wasn't a particularly "wow" type of bike. Although it is very pretty & it's not supposed to be a beast obviously. If you're after a stylish, mid-sized, easy going & well priced retro, then this should be on the list. Looks much better than the XSR too imo.

[@964tractorboy]

Good relevant review again. Liked the looks and pleased to hear the quality is there too. And range-to-empty: bloody lovely. Didn't notice a lack of cameras at all.

[@wattie1050]

Great review chops , and the outro good laugh . The immortal line I have never came off a bike in my life 😮😮 😂😂

[@headrace4863]

Very pretty machine to have in the garage, nice sunny Sunday that’ll be just the job to roll about on. Yeah sure it’s a twin, but taking into account modern restrictions, that’s why it’s ended up as such. Works for me… thanks chops. 👍

[@powamoto]

Chopsy I love these retros they take me back

[@ninja1970fin]

I did all the mods for this bike, its a great bike to work on. K-tech shock, stiffer front springs, tail tidy etc, lion batt, scorpion red power full exhaust.. it is great as a secondary bike 🏁💚Stock shock spring is adjustable with a collar.

[@HippoDrones]

I think this is probably one of the best looking retro machines at the moment. If I didn't have my Moto Guzzi V7, this would def be on the shortlist, although I don't like the headlight that much. Do agree that the dash is nice, I don't mind having LCD/TFT, but on a retro you want analogue dials.

[@rj-gd3pc]

How’s your V7, reliability wise?

[@bruceleong9534]

Alright, that’s it for this channel. You’ve really, really, really, REALLY let me down by not having those bike mounted cameras. What the hell were you thinking? 😂

[@bruceleong9534]

@@luko560 I agree with you mate. I need to keep my day job ‘cause I’d never make it as a comedian.

[@LambChopRides]

Haha sorry Bruce 😁👍

[@ragingamy6082]

This bike is definitely on my list to try! Great as always chops!

[@SPM1966SPM]

Thanks for another great review Chopsy, much appreciated.

[@LambChopRides]

Welcome Stephen 👍

[@Craigravon]

I'm sorry I'm late to the party just subbed coz you've got a nice channel, nice bike yup alas them gloves looks like next level , I'm a noob but not waste your time I'm lookin for em online. Keep rockin ✌️

[@LambChopRides]

Thanks Craig, Knox Handroid Pods try searching for that 😁👍

[@Eternaldream00]

Fun review as always. Your comment about it not being a screamer made me think of their ZX-4RR engine. Put that one in a retro style bike and you can take my savings, my house and my bone marrow.

[@eggbod]

I own an xsr and used to own the versys 650 with a similar engine to that. The engine in the xsr is loads more fun than the Kawasaki, and I sorted the handling with a new rear shock and fork springs. But, I should have just bought a better handling bike in the 1st place like a triumph.

[@jamest5149]

If anyone spots you parked up in the middle of no where flapping your arms around they will call an ambulance 😂

[@thinkingimpaired5663]

That z650rs appearance reminds me of my 79 SR650. I really enjoyed my old bike. While the Yamaha has a nice appearance similar to my old RD400. By the way, your 1 camera review is excellent. Keep the shiny side up.

[@verncampbell1690]

Team green all the way, bikes in for a service getting a wee hurl about on this as well. Another good watch chops, good way to enjoy a coffee.

[@boostaholic7116]

A bit of snatch, the schoolboy in my 51 year old self 🤣🤣🤣 you do make me laugh Chopsy! 👍

[@ferkle1980]

Really handy review chopsy! This is on my wife’s wish list for next year so seeing this is useful

[@The1977andi]

Looks better than it sounds.

[@adolfshitler]

My wheelie bin looks better than this sounds! That's the trouble with 180° twins.

[@May-D97]

Open them up on the road and they sound great. Only sound bad when stationary.

[@paulmurray129]

Looks awesome great review nice one chops 👌

[@andrewmeads6136]

Saw the 900 parked up on the street. The thing that jumped out was the depth and quality of the paint. It was like glass. A rarity with modern water based automotive paints.

[@SteveBlancoMusicianWarrior]

I love that bike and Kawasaki quality, design, and style.

[@michals1108]

I'm 11stone guy here and bike feels bit different to what he describes, nimble and quick for me at least. Great bike!! love mine

[@HalfdeadRider]

To really have fun on a bike like this, you need to ride it like you're a kid on a 125cc bike, redline every gear and they are super fun! Definitely agree that it would have been a more interesting and fun bike if it was an inline four, maybe a 636 from the sport bike 😎

[@steve37steve37]

Do enjoy all of your reviews,Chops. All quality.

[@GentielioGaming]

How is it on the highway? 80mph or 130 kmph? vibrations through the handle bars or not? Still comfortable (in case there is a small windscreen maybe).

[@leeinwis]

Get the cafe version ? A 900 on the highway...come on it'll do 140 mph.

[@maheshsriloju5048]

I have been watching your videos. Great videos sir. All are very interested . AND Your fan from India

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

So close to the magic 100k now mate, and you certainly deserve to get there! then 250k is the next Milestone 😁

[@LambChopRides]

Yes getting there super slowly, all slowed down completely now 😫

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

@@LambChopRides I know you've been on the brink for weeks!

[@dalehawkes1698]

I was in Wheels the other day &I looked at this bike looks fantastic under the lights of the shop that green is a winner (. I thought it was the 900rs at first ) great little bike

[@johnratcliffe4105]

Good, fair review as ever Chopsy... Did i notice a fart at about 16:42 though,.. 😳😉

[@LambChopRides]

Maybe 😁

[@PubRunner]

I also just brought one and I love it. Mine is the LAMS version so it only has 51 hp. I’m looking at getting it derestricted. It gets so many complements. The Z650RS is so much better than the Royal Enfield Interceptor. That I had.

[@mrcintheuk4641]

You're probably not going to like this, but I actually enjoyed the one camera vlog! 😁👍. However, I suppose it makes it a bit tricky for you as the speedometer is permanently on show. 😉

[@LambChopRides]

Yes exactly 😁😁 it really helps with that 😆

[@kristwi37]

got mine today.

[@bakedbeanzontoast9078]

Very nice looking bike, I like the colour, ideal first bike for a new rider don't you think. Great vid Chops. 👍👍👍👍👍👍🇬🇧

[@MrAndrew1953]

My problem is I was at the release of the Z650 -4. For the time the thing was a high performance pocket rocket. In fact if you lived/did most of your riding in the city,burbs,short freeway trips they made a lot more sense than a Z900/Z1000. Not the same magic with a 650 twin. I’d be looking at a Benelli 800 off road version.

[@rosendo3523]

Sounds like you may not have ridden a 650 /700 parallel twin. They have way more magic than a 650 four - especially in the city, burbs, short freeway. You should try and get out on one - I think you'd be pleasantly surprised!

[@MrAndrew1953]

@@rosendo3523 Fair point governor.I’ll put it on the bucket list. I’m waiting for the TransAlp/Hornet combo from Honda. I had an XLV750 shaft drive V twin at one stage. Lovely bike. Overdid the oil and it laid a smokescreen down the freeway that would have done a destroyer proud . No harm done.

[@DucatiDale]

@@rosendo3523 this engine is god awful 😂 I know from experience can’t comment on the cp2 engine as I haven’t rode one yet

[@deanodrives4966]

@@DucatiDale the cp2 engine is amazing. I rode an r7 at Silverstone this year and I loved it. For the road the power delivery is brilliant

[@DucatiDale]

@@deanodrives4966 I mean it’s ok on the tenere and the mt07 maybe even the tracer but the last thing I’d want in a super sport is a 70bhp parallel

[@andrewbozhozr]

8900e in Serbia this days... Either I'm getting old or cheep isn't what it use to be... And yeah, by far, the best looking bike on sales today.

[@LambChopRides]

Yes bike prices like everything else these days through the roof! Anything sub 10k is a cheap machine these days

[@jackiechan5626]

£8000+ is cheap now….. ? Damn I’m not sure when I became poor, I never used to be, but I sure seem to be getting there these days.

[@LambChopRides]

Yes bike prices through the roof these days like everything else!

[@davidellis2021]

Enjoyed that, and the previous video on the 125.

[@hunkyleepickle]

so glad you can live with the 'snatch' Chops.

[@Delboysparody]

Great review dude.

[@ashwinraggs4226]

Apologies accepted (about the cameras)😝 Nice review…I’d personally choose handling over playfulness

[@jamesgodden7620]

"Not too much of an overhang on that tail tidy I could live with that" Chopsie, you'd have that thing mod'd up to its eyeballs within days of ownership! 😂 Keep up the content mate, my go to channel at the moment 👍

[@LambChopRides]

Haha yes probably James 😆

[@Ravan_Caw]

Back to basics camera work 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@BMRTV]

Re: Vibes, I wonder if they didn't rubber mount the engine like they did in the Versys which was pretty vibe free until 70+ mph.

[@ParaBellum2024]

I've seen a lot of motor cycle review videos, and I don't think any of the other reviewers ride as fast as this guy. I wouldn't want to meet him on a narrow lane!

[@blueyondermoto]

"A bit of snatch..." ooh you'll get some mail about that 😂😂😂

[@RE650NZGraeme]

Interesting comparison - both retro 650's range roughly , the Kawasaki offerings in this in the past have not been concentrating on high HP performance, perhaps more of the torquie twin like the W650 - true old school. But now there is more horsepower, more performance but still the twin dials on the dash and naked - love the green and gold!! Did you ask Mavis where you placed /hid the other cam mounts for the 360 and the other handlebar mounted GoPro? Or is she still in a box after the garage and house move??

[@lauriew2907]

Good review chops, I had the 900. Hard seat and snatchy throttle. I got rid of it after 6 months of torture.

[@jdam28k]

What did you get instead?

[@lauriew2907]

@@jdam28k I have had a couple since the Kawasaki

[@nickrider5220]

Good fun but informative video Chopsy, summed it up well. Oddly, just as you said the green was a bit lairy, I thought ' could do with being darker' ! - exactly what you said next......a darker green would look lovely with those wheels 👍

[@LambChopRides]

Great minds and all that Nick 😁👍

[@paul.vanhout57]

Another well delivered review! Kawasaki has done a great job with their modern retros. A 270 degree motor would top it off.

[@LambChopRides]

Yes indeed it would Paul 👍

[@davidwiggins8886]

Nice riding on the roads around South Harting, West Sussex

[@davidwiggins8886]

The road from Lavant to South Harting is an even better ride

[@vincehyde191]

I had one as a courtesy bike while mine was being serviced, Im 12 stone and the main thing I came away with was how good the brakes were, so much so that I changed my OE Brembo pads when i got mine back

[@jpsrides]

Nice to hear the old intro music, much better 😊

[@LambChopRides]

Yes going back to the full intro JP 👍

[@alanshearing7515]

Photos for the man cave , and a snatch . Had a good laugh. Enjoyed the video 👍

[@r.davies2702]

I remember in 2002ish I bought a Fazer 600 for four grand. It had four cylinders, stunning looks and it was heaps of fun to ride. How the world has changed, double the money for a parallel twin which (in my opinion) doesn't quite cut it. The 900 is a fantastic bike. But this, nah.

[@robertmarsh3588]

You did well if you got it for that price. The Fazer was £5.5k list in 2002, which is almost £10k in today's money.

[@r.davies2702]

@@robertmarsh3588 Correct. I bought it second hand, six months old. Hardly any miles 😁

[@andrewharrop7932]

Great looking bike, great vlog 👍

[@motor_ma77]

Kawasaki paint work looks on point 🔥

[@rogerkay8603]

Love the 900RS but the 650 doesn't appeal, like its a budget parts-bin special compared to the 900, looks nice though.

[@johnharvey5338]

This or the Enfield 650 if you want a retro bike? Is £1500 cheaper.

[@crozzy28]

I don’t call 8k budget, Royal Enfield interceptor 6k now that’s budget I also think the 900rs is over priced but I think there aimed at the older rider who remembers the originals and are deemed to have a little more disposable and want to relive there youth! Having said all that I do like the RS range 👍 I test rode the 900rs at the Peterborough show this year and like you found the throttle to be snatchyd and I found the gearbox to be a bit clunky, my wife rides a z650 not the RS version and that throttle is snatchy I’m told it’s because of the set up for emissions.

[@LambChopRides]

Any bike sub 10k is budget, bikes like everything else these days are expensive

[@LambChopRides]

Also the RE is made in India, can't compete on price when this is made in Japan

[@crozzy28]

Yamaha MT 7 Suzuki SV 650 Triumph Trident 650 Honda CBR 650R all around 7k Kawasaki are praying on us old folk who look at these bikes with rose tinted glasses the new 900rs SE now over 13k I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with these bikes just there’s nothing on them to warrant the price tag.

[@MoroMagrew]

@@LambChopRides this bike is made in Thailand, not Japan. I’m a very proud owner of one of these bikes! Nowt wrong with made in Thailand

[@Cobalt1520]

@@MoroMagrewexcept the price

[@jacobwilliams1285]

Gotta say, nice review but the comparison with the XSR which was quite heavily modified has lost its meaning for me as it was not a standard bike, and the complaints you had about its handling, are not echoed in other reviews. That makes me think it has to do with this XSR being modified, so a bit of a shame. Still the review is worthwhile for what it says about the Kawa. I am going back and forth between this Kawa,the XSR, the Triumph Street Twin, and the new RE Shotgun 650

[@jimsadler8704]

Never mind the cameras, Chops, that was a great review on a fair priced middleweight. Cyclists are now a protected species.

[@dukie1616]

It is pretty looking. For me though don’t quite like that kind of S-bend that’s going on with those headers.

[@pricklypunter]

I opted for the 900 right after you and TMF put it on my radar, until then it had passed me by. I did look at the 650 in photos, but I just couldn't live with that under slung exhaust or the twin power plant, it's not what that machine was all about. I blame the bean counters for trying to get two bites of the candy apple from the same concept. If only they had sleeved down the 900 engine and used that instead. The 900 however, nailed it in every way. I rarely notice the digital throttle now that I'm used to it. All that said, I would still have the cool kids Kwak over the Yam, even if it is a little peppier in the mids off the factory floor ;>)

[@LambChopRides]

Yes the 900 is much better but obviously more expensive 👍

[@bccapone837]

so no wheelie action 🙈😁, great old school looking throw back , great dash too as I believe an analogue rev counter on any bike would add to the feel good speed build up and most of the new ones lack that in my opinion, great colour scheme but I agree a slightly darker green would of set gold off a bit more too , they should do 1000cc inline four one too 👌🏼

[@950boy2]

The anniversay model in red n black would be my choice over the green or the 2023 all black one

[@robertmaitland09]

Nice bike, funny how you were commenting on your surroundings whilst riding. You need to shout out to someone with an original z650 for coparison.

[@LambChopRides]

Yeah that would be brilliant wouldn't it! 👍

[@lenrobinson9767]

Pleased you lost the mount for the 360 camera! Really dislike that style of vid! Good review Chopsy 👍

[@johnsr10]

Had a test ride on one of these, have to say I didn't like it due to the engine, I wanted to downsize but I think an experienced rider would get bored with it pretty quickly, fuelling wasn't great either on the bike I tried.

[@lestersmyth692]

Great review LC most informative. Kawasaki should have dropped a 4 cylinder into this beautiful looking machine IMHO completely ruined as a twin. Make it a four and I’d snap one up 😀

[@bcab7955]

I really like this bike for being your budget commuter 650 bike. Its a shame Kawi hadn't designed a refreshed 270 degree twin for this and the standard z650, if they had, this little machine would be just about perfect.

[@LambChopRides]

Yeah that would bring the pep 👍

[@geoff9614]

Love the looks could afford one never going to buy it it’s a twin every time I’d hear that engine it would remind me of an Er5 I had worse bike I ever owned

[@jeffwertz2953]

Unless you you're just in love with the looks (and it does look good) , I can't see why anyone would choose this over the Triumph Trident which costs less and gives you sooo much more. And better quality as well I think all be it by a slight margin.

[@alastairtheduke]

This looks more comfortable than the trident for tall riders...it's also better looking.

[@tannertaulbee1151]

I like to suggest this bike to my hipster friends who are just now getting into riding. One of the best quality bikes for the money, no extra frills.

[@nitrogary814]

You should ride the CFMOTO CLX700 Heritage. Originally based on the versys but a 700 a good comparison

[@martinp1539]

Just the gopro is just as retro as the bike ;)

[@LambChopRides]

Haha 😁👍

[@coastalrider1155]

Story of my life just got to live with the snatch lol 😂

[@Larry_Mott]

Seems like a OK bike although i bemoan the fact they didn't release a modernized version of the '78 Z650 i owned back then, that is a 4-cyl. engine.

[@dcasandman]

In the US dealers are just charging to much for the 650 and XSR 700. They are to close in cost here to their bigger siblings.

[@clintnorthwood8058]

They could have taken some inspiration from the Paton for the engine but sounds like they didn't. Such a great looking bike though.

[@alexpryce555]

If it had a inline 4, or even a 270 degree parallel twin rather than a 180, they'd sell alot more I think

[@LambChopRides]

Yes agree Alex it's desperate for it imo

[@FingersRides]

Glad you can live with the snatch!

[@andrewmanning5763]

Looks nice but not sure on it being a twin - also glad you can live with the snatch 😵‍💫

[@stephenjohnson7519]

I remember the original very nice bike x

[@ZinoAmare]

Beautiful bike