New 2022 Kawasaki Z650RS First Ride Review!

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[@stevebeschakis9775]

Sharp looking bike! Yeah, Kawasaki runs forever, performs great, and doesn't break the bank. I've owned four so far, with zero issues.

[@evanwilliams1081]

On my 3rd Kawi, excellent value and reliability I love em.

[@MercilessGuitar151]

@@evanwilliams1081 I too am on my third Kawi and I completely agree.

[@TheAnnoyingBoss]

I had a 10+ year old kawi and it looked and ran like it was brand new.

[@kingkong6520]

Neighbor got a Kawasaki hd2 a two stroke bike from late 80s sold in Asia. Still runs up to now. And it still uses a platino instead of CDI

[@bpswank429]

@@MercilessGuitar151 tf is a kawi kient

[@grahamn311]

Great looking bike. What a time to be alive, where the "least desirable" 650 (on paper) is still a peach.

[@alexanderfaust4192]

My father just bought this exact bike. He's retiring this year and been on the fence about buying another bike since the last one my mother made him sell way back in the 80's (Honda Interceptor). I am beyond happy for him, as it took some convincing for him to pull the trigger. We had to drive 8 hours to another state for it. I absolutely love this bike. Fantastic throwback to the original. Looks absolutely slick as hell, with a variety of well made aftermarket cosmetic choices.

[@michaelkaufman9625]

.you are spot-on saying, " you don't need high-performance to have fun"... stay safe and enjoy....another superb video sir.

[@dave7577]

The perfect motorcycle from Japan, what you need mechanically, with what you want in style.

[@redtobertshateshandles]

Brits would buy any junk with a Union Jack on it.

[@danielkerr4100]

@@redtobertshateshandles not all of us all British made things are usually garbage

[@bigg16]

Lovely looking Bike.Some of these Retro designed bikes that are coming out of late are really nice.👍👌

[@madsbuhris]

Thanks for the sound clip! 👍🏻

[@theinfamous4910]

Rode this yesterday. Was a blast to ride. Very nimble and quick.

[@claesnorell8702]

Great looking bike. Going to try to test ride one this summer. The Trident is very much the other alternative for this kind of bike, but I am not a fan of the rear styling and the way the number plate hardware is attached to the swing arm. If the z650rs rides as well as it looks, it may very well end up in my garage 👍

[@motowipeout5670]

Beautiful bike and good value too. I bought the 50th anniv Z900rs instead and love it but I'd be happy with this one as well

[@petergibbens3614]

Hi Bob, Thanks for another informative video, agree it does look good from this side in this video, no views from the other side? May be next in the garage-studio is a slow turning powered revolving turntable? So we can see bike from all angles during the videos.

[@MChappysGarage]

I own a z900rs and absolutely love it

[@michaelw6277]

I haven't ridden in... decades, and this is the bike that has me thinking about changing that. Looks like all that I could need or want in a weekend mountain day tourer.

[@leeandjancruise]

I like the idea and look of these bikes with the exception of the modern look of the exhausts and probably the engine, a pipe at either side of the bike I think would set it off more.

[@KingCast65]

Damn. I had the first gen 650R and I actually loved that little thing. But this is gorgeous even though the Trident motor is going to pull it every time. One of my bikes today 15 years later is my 5th Triple, an 800 Tiger street. As to the sound, I actually loved the sound of my bike especially from the helmet. This was before 270 cranks of course back then but I do like the way they sound.

[@nickloftus9079]

Great looking bike and another great review. I like the engine sound?

[@jbird330]

I’m enjoying the way you end your video’s, lmao at the ‘I really can’t be fussed’ attitude, a natural in front of the camera……

[@GamerGetsFIT]

That's a good looking bike right there!

[@steveh545]

another great video, and a beautiful bike. (but can we loose the hexagonal lighting? maybe something more diffuse?). Thanks!

[@luckyintervale]

Must agree; Love ALL MB vids, but that lighting really is distracting… cheers.

[@uggruddurga7296]

I looked at this bike review a lot I can’t wait to get this bike

[@powamoto]

Great vid Mate 👌 awesome bike Team Green Approved 👍

[@MrPressPhotographer4]

I used to do production bike races with the Kawi Z650 in the 80s and the 350 LC Yam with the GS1000E SUZUKI. Them were the days. Now I'm 62 and ready for the new era of bikes, the new Kawasaki Ninja H2R.

[@jessdragonify]

The way you started the review the bikes sounds like it is a no-go. I was considering the bike but now am going to keep looking.

[@paullazarro4295]

That bike brings back memories of my S3 Kaw (400cc 3cyl 2 stroke ). I like it !

[@JETZcorp]

It seems a lot more like the later KZ400 4-stroke twin to me. The lines of the tank look a lot more like a KZ than my S3.

[@jimmarshall807]

Looks-wise, just about the best Japanese retro yet especially in green, only the air-conditioning-unit appearance of the engine letting it down a touch

[@Mr_Ashley]

Think that looks spot on. Prefect design for a motorcycle!

[@GrumpySalmon]

Great review. But can you also show us a shot of you sitting on the bike? I am in the market for the new bike. But the trident made me look like a giant. Perhaps it ll be different on this one. Beautiful bike also.

[@JB-ss3bv]

Your light rig reflecting the honecomb pattern on the tank - just paint that in place it's a sweet looking pattern.

[@nicnak4475]

Same colour as the Z650 4 cylinder I had over 40 years ago, but I would much prefer that, Went like stink and sounded the biz with a straight through Yoshi can 😁 Great review as always bot not for me thanks.

[@chrispekel5709]

nobody cares mate

[@RR-rk5gj]

I haven't ridden since the 80's (last bike was Honda CX500 which I put about 40k miles on - should have never sold it!) and now that I'm retired I'm looking at doing some touring again. I've been looking at the 500 to 750 range because that's enough for me, but what I can't find is any with a shaft drive (except Moto Guzzi but no liquid cooling). What ever happened to the mid range shaft drive bikes? In the late 70's and most of the 80's there were a boatload of 'em.

[@tref1013]

A 4 cylinder would have been MAGIC! been Magic!!

[@obiwancanblowme3128]

Love the color combination

[@patrickjohnson7517]

My first bike was a Kawasaki KZ305 1981. This reminds me of how that bike looked. I am going today to the dealer to ask about this bike.

[@marcusrichardson3472]

Great looking bike and a good option for a city commuter/run around without breaking the bank. My first 'big bike' was a Kawasaki 550 Zephyr which looked amazing but sadly was quite unreliable. This new one really reminds me of that, same seat even. I'm sure the Trident will be the better ride but this one looks so much sharper in my view. Great review as always

[@redtobertshateshandles]

Unreliable Kawasaki. Don't believe it.

[@Ariautoace]

Zephyr! You are right!

[@mr1bienvenu1]

Beautiful bike ! It's about time. How is the engine vibes at 70mph ?

[@VanBlamm]

Which color option is your favorite? They all look sharp but I'd take the Moondust Gray.

[@Mark-ou8nu]

Hard to beat your beautiful speed twin though

[@concernedcitizen5826]

Lovely looking bike 😎.

[@christopherdockstader16]

I mentioned the 400 before, but as you can see, a classic. Just something balanced and simple about it. Wish I could post pictures here. Oh, memories.

[@mrsimon2304]

This is the bike for me in 2022. Although having said that I do like the Moto Guzzi V7. yes I know. . . . I am that person that puts styling over performance.😊 Great review as always. Love this channel.

[@State3ever]

I just bought my 2021 V7 stone 3 weeks ago. I don’t plan on taking my bike to the track or doing top speed runs at 3am on the highway so the V7 was perfect for what I was looking for. Something fun and reliable to get me to the gym and back during the summer and the occasional weekend day trips to downtown Detroit to get dinner with the wife. And you can’t go wrong with the styling. I can’t wait for the weather to warm up so I can really start to put the miles on. Plus the financing Moto Guzzi was offering in March couldn’t be beat: .99% for 72 months!

[@advhawk6455]

Thank you for mentioning the sound, as so many just gloss over that as if it's irrelevant. Kawasaki's 650 parallel twins sound like an inline four engine that's missing on two cylinders. Twins should sound good, and these bikes don't. Yamaha's 270 degree parallel twins sound like a Ducati, and of course the Suzuki SV650 does too. I really, REALLY wanted to buy and love this bike, but listening to it made me sad. So ironic, considering the effort Kawasaki put into tuning the exhaust sound on the Z900RS.

[@ZediMaster]

Interesting vid, bob. I guess, 4 some riders, it's not what u need, but how much tech and race styling their bikes have 2 convince ppl how good they ride. Anyway, ride safe, god bless u.

[@Speedytrip]

Great little engine, love the design of the bike, but Kawasaki really need to do something about that sound, it sounds as exciting as their KLR :)

[@chrishart8548]

Even a 360° crank sounds better than the 180

[@wetzel1628]

360 degree cranks actually sound really nice when they aren’t choked up by a cat and huge silencers

[@martinehulme8743]

Lovely looking bike

[@pummyy]

Good looking bike and realistic power.

[@michaele5173]

Very nice. Is the rear tail and all that made of plastic or steel? I assume the tank is steel? I don't like plastic bikes unless they're sportbike fairings.

[@robertpapps3618]

Beautiful bike!

[@iaindouglas2428]

Had an SR650 "Back in the day followed, over the years by...Z1100A2, Z1300, GpZ1100B2, Z1000RX, and my last bike was a Z1100R

[@GaryJohnWalker1]

Styling reminds me more of the mid 70s z400. A worthy but lacklustre machine - my cousin had one. And a better match for this than the 650/4

[@comeon9399]

this is perhaps my next bike, love the look, not so powerful(that won't be a problem as I am upgrading from a cb400F, better do it safe)

[@dylanevans4249]

I have the original kz650 and i cant find parts hopefully this engine can fit the old style

[@jimzenglish1]

Good looking bike and really glad Kawasaki have produced a retro mid weight but I would go Yamahas new XSR700 model, it has a more edgy look and improved performance.

[@scottbrock884]

LOVE IT! Now if they could put out a retro 250 or 350 enduro!

[@michaelcrowley1172]

ABSOLUTELY.

[@redtobertshateshandles]

350 two stroke.

[@scottbrock884]

@@redtobertshateshandles absolutely!

[@ronzen666]

I love your jacket!! What is it?? 😊

[@oldmanvatne2911]

It's a good looking bike, I currently ride a Kawasaki and it has been a solid bike for many years. My one issue with Kawasaki on the RS line is they charge a premium for the retro look compared to the standard Z.

[@WolfgangVonKempelen838]

Agree, whilst the Z900 has quite a few more ponies than the Z900RS

[@evanwilliams1081]

To be fair I feel they offer the best RS overall look, it really does look like a blast from the past. I feel normires would confuse it with a classic motorcycle.

[@PMitchell106]

It's not just styling, sitting on the Z900 and the RS side by side, the RS feels like a completely different brand in terms of fit and finish, like a Lexus after sitting in a Toyota. The Z900's tuning is also much more crude, designed to wow the spec sheet warriors, but look at the full power and torque curves to see the standard Z was not tuned not for anyone who is actually going to ride it on the street. The RS also has a more adjustable front fork, and radially mounted front calipers.

[@oldmanvatne2911]

@@PMitchell106 I plan on checking the RS out when I go and pick up oil and filter for my current Z. I like the Toyota/Lexus comparison and we all know the spec sheet jockeys. After all the years I like the idea of a well sorted bike that is comfortable but when I want to go it's all in.

[@saswatapaladhi4608]

The only thing that looks wierd is the monoshock instead of old-school twin shocks

[@rubo1964]

agree I think single shock is cheaper...

[@David-vb8tg]

@@rubo1964 no, not having to design a totally new bike is cheaper...

[@stephenwandersonea1935]

This bike is gorgeous and the candy emerald green has really grown on me.

[@RovingTrader]

I’m loving mine. The green with gold is always great to look at. I’m not crazy about how the engine sounds though. It ticks, and vibrates a bit too much for my liking. Just hoping it’s as reliable as it rumored to be.

[@kevinspalding5470]

I owned z650 from the seventies and the four cylinder engine in that bike was awesome not forgetting the handling of the bike was superb . Apart from the colour and maybe the silhouette the new z650 is nothing like it . That twin cylinder engine sounds flat compared to the four . Put a four into one on the four and it sounded brilliant . The z900rs is a lot more like the old kwaks.

[@stephenthompson6049]

When did 650s become “little “ bikes, utter balls, they’re middleweight, 125s are little bikes, rather insulting terminology for what may be someone’s pride and joy

[@hathaway.1166]

Yeaa, My daily is a 110cc Lead(I live in SEA) and the first time I rode a proper motorcycle(CB500X)I thought I was riding a beast lol

[@Bugside]

Current 650s aren't at all the same as the old 600s in line 4 performance wise Nowadays is like 650s are easy-going starter bikes, 850 900 are middle weights, litter bikes up are the big ones (and 125's only exist here in Europe due to legislation, else we'd be like in America, starting on 300, 400 or even 650s)

[@rickparkinmoto]

650s are only 'little' bikes to blokes with fragile egos.

[@stephenthompson6049]

@@Bugside I was interested by your argument, so8 randomly checked against a 2000 gsxr 600 out of interest. It had 77kw of power and 65nm of torque, against the z650rs 68kw of power and 64nm of torque, both lower in the revs, so the z650rs is rather comparable to one of the nutter bikes of the noughties, so I’m thinking actually the facts state you’re wrong. Also people are moving away from outright unusable peak power in bikes, the new Yamaha R7 is a perfect example of what a new middleweight sportsbike looks like

[@Bugside]

@@stephenthompson6049 you've mixed hp and kw. That gixxer had 105hp while the 650rs has 67hp It's a BIG difference

[@mertsagcan]

Which bike is the best retro bike for u ? It is realy good looking

[@robinroma6285]

looks fantastic, great price, plenty of poke....sounds like a sowing machine (and no pipe will change that). that's a deal breaker for many.

[@jaeger4966]

Fully agree. And to make it worse, it seems that aftermarket exhausts for this bike are awfully expensive.

[@allwheeldrive]

Much to be said for approachable, *reliable*, just get-on-and-ride bikes like this. Although you just mentioned it, it's very important to keep in mind that a bunch of power is TRULY not needed to have fun, and can be much more of a problem in populated areas. Regardless of the outcome of the upcoming head-to-head with the Triumph - which I really like (and already own an older Speed 1050) - if I didn't want to get to know my service center manager intimately, I'd gladly own one of these instead. And, yeah, it's truly a looker. Thanks for a great review, and looking forward to the next.

[@scottcyoung]

Stunning 👍

[@norbertovillarealiii6750]

The Z650rs is priced at Php469k which is about usd9100 while the trident is priced at Php506k which is about 9800usd. The z650rs is already more compelling for me so its a no brainer.

[@BikingChap]

Finally, finally, some decent clocks

[@HotLyligh]

My dream bike

[@HillbillyonaYZ]

One word to describe the Kawi 650 line in general.. Bland Great build quality, and does nothing really wrong, gentle natured bikes that can be ridden by pretty much anyone. The Chevy Lumina of motorcycles..

[@RL9VI]

I am new to road bikes (did Motocross in past) and wanted to get a kawi z650 as first bike. Heard good reviews that it's nice for a beginner and I have been learning on an er6n. Would you recommend something else?

[@marklevy9]

So what’s more fun …xsr700 or the z650RS?

[@carltongayle5461]

hi, racking my brains trying to decide between a RE Hunter and a Kawasaki Z650RS. like the price, looks and mpg of Hunter and wonder if the Kawasakis is £3k better? Will it be more reliable and better built? Im 62, just passed my test and will use the bike for some 12 mile commuting and the odd 60 mile journey into London via A roads. Slightly put off with Hunter servicing every 6 months, not sure if that would be an issue for you. As a beginner, would the Kawa be "too much"?. Obviously its all subjective but would value your advice. Ps the Z650rs is a looker as well and comes with 4 yr warranty.

[@johnnyfal1]

is this a good bike for a beginner? or something else like xsr700? Honda cb650?

[@ELCLAVE300]

I have 33 freeway Mile commute each day. I wonder if this would be a good commuter bike.

[@JohnnieV]

The gauges & tank renind me of a mid 80s hinda magna. Lol.

[@minorityofone1510]

I owned an original Z650 - but it was 4 cylinders. I loved the torque and smooth power; what a shame they resurrected it with a twin cylinder engine! Nothing wrong with the engine - it works great on the Versys 650. It would have been a definite buy with a 4 cyl though! Oh and what about chrome bars and clock shrouds like the original?

[@davegeisler7802]

Agee completely , too bad it wasnt a 4 cyl like the original, even highly detuned would have been cool , like around 70 to 80 hp

[@justinfo-jepy355]

why not buy the z900rs?

[@hmkedar]

Can you say something about the ground clearance? I know it's cliche--but I'm worried this bike's gonna bottom out all the time where I live--in India. Basically, most Indian bikes have bouncier suspensions because they anticipate bad roads. The Triumph street twin, for example, with 130mm ground clearance is actually fine because it has a stiffer rear suspension, with the assumption that one will ride it at higher speeds, unlike most Indian sub 300cc motorcycles. Is the z650rs ok on that front, with respect to its 125mm ground clearance? Or will I need to custom install a more compact exhaust?

[@karlschauff7989]

Maybe Yamaha will do more to update the XSR700 now that the Trident and Z650R are offer strong competition. I was a bit disappointed that they redesigned the XSR900 but left the XSR700 unchanged.

[@andyshaw4780]

Would have looked so much better with twin pipes and a centre stand a la the 70s bike

[@MG-vo7is]

I think the Kawasaki motor sounds fantastic.

[@markdrewitt8368]

Not bad but I wouldn’t swap for my SV650, especially the engine.

[@kalnwi2023]

I want one, in this green color .

[@BoZhao-oj6ns]

This the a smaller bro of Z900 RS. Love this bike. I own Vulcan S , the EN 650 engine, a legendary from KAWA, the low power version of EN650. Z650 RS might be high power version of EN650.

[@greenrhino]

I'd love to see a 1200rs

[@davidmiller9852]

Expensive for what you get but it looks gorgeous

[@conceptcs]

Exhaust sounds good to me.

[@fjp3305]

Very good looking bike, but I'd change the exhaust system.

[@2ride_along]

Amazing bike...

[@harisjaved1379]

Beautiful!!!!!!!!! I just sold my beloved 2020 CB1000R but I am looking at buying 2 bikes. The z900RS and r nine t. But this might replace the z900RS. Wonder when it will Come to US.

[@elevationmoto6208]

It is in California. Saw one a few weeks ago at a dealer. Sharp looking bike!

[@RoganMatthew]

Why those two bikes may I ask? They seem to me to be quite similar, if you want two bikes would you get two different ones?

[@largeforshort]

My dream/retirement bike 😊

[@FeldwebelWolfenstool]

...reminds me of the Honda Hawk GT from way back when...

[@CortinasAndClassics]

Very nice bike, Only thing I don't like is the stupid blinding LED headlight- retrofit a bulb that is kinder to the eyeballs.

I would buy one if my w650 went bananas, but at the point I am at, I am looking more to the z900Rs. I have a twin, 650 engine with "tamable" power... SO to change on a whim, would have to go up in specs. Surprisingly, this one made my bucket list of 4 based on looks alone. (I hate the looks of the trident and is awful for carrying my daughter to school). Out of necessity this would be my bike, if I can sell my W650 then I would pony up for the z900rs. Still I don't like those protrusions from the radiator, I would have to find out some solutions to hide those... maybe painting it all black... who knows.

[@monotonerunner2816]

Doesnt Kawasaki still produce the w800? That is really a true retro.

[@JustRitschie]

Very cool bike. Bit more power and it would be perfect

[@jayryan7473]

Considering it's around 415 lb this thing would really move 😯

[@jeffshootsstuff]

the 180 engine actually sounds surprisingly good to me.

[@chrispekel5709]

it's actually more genuinely Japanese as they were the ones who first started building them.

[@WileyFox01]

I'd like it more if it were an inline four, at least the Z900RS has a proper engine.

[@randbizzsantiago9792]

Have some commonsense, if it was inline four then you might as well go for the z900rs. Two main advantages of this bike over the Z900rs are, its lighter weight and cheaper price. If it was inline four it would weight much more, and the price would be too close to the z900rs then there would be very little to no reason to go for a 650 inline four retro Kawasaki. Am I missing something!?

[@WileyFox01]

@@randbizzsantiago9792 Common sense is an original Z650 which I was talking about and most people understood......clearly common sense isn't that common these days. Take it easy.

[@randbizzsantiago9792]

@@WileyFox01 Nah old man, it's 2022, don't get too nostalgic, this is a budget bike. Do you expect Kawasaki to produce a 4 cylinder 650 with the same price point as this? So I don't know what you're complaining about when there is a Z900rs. Oh that it carries the same name?...it should be like that thing from the 70's..You can't blame Kawasaki or any company for being able to get more (probably the same or more) power out of 2 cylinders instead of four from 40 years ago, you can't expect them to name this other than a 650, when it is a 650. I don't know how much the original Z650 from the 70's cost but I bet adjusted for inflation it's about the same or more than the z900, eh maybe not, but..Since you're only interested in a "proper engine", be honest, would you buy this if it was a four cylinder 650, given that the Z900rs exist? What do you think the price difference would be? 5, maybe 8 hundred US? Even if it's a grand, I doubt a lot of people would care to save that if you can get a 950 over 650cc four..adjustable forks, ride mode and whatever else the 900 has over the hypothetical 4 cylinder 650. Yeah I guess commonsense is not so common.

[@stephenwright6969]

Generally love the look of the bike but being old enough to remember the original I can't get over the look of the engine and exhaust, horrible ! I get why kawasaki done it, but for me it's a no no.

[@thaijohn1962]

Hi Bob I’ve spent an hour looking at you videos why haven’t you Road tested the Yamaha FJR1300 even on you top 8 tourers you don’t include this bike! Cheers John

[@joenickless2668]

I’m going to keep making the same boring point: this class of retro bike is way too expensive on PCP, which is how a lot of the target market (newer riders) will be buying. This, the XSR, the Trident, the CB650R are all about 25% more on PCP than a BMW F900, or a Tenere.

[@christopheryack580]

how does this compare to the Street Twin (2019 and onward model)?

[@jaeger4966]

Hi, I've rented both for 1 day rides. The straight riding position is fairly similar, although the Kawasaki has a much higher seat and feels lighter. The big difference is the engine: the Street Twin is way bigger with 900cc, has tons of low end torque, has a proper vintage look (unlike the Kawasaki's) beautiful stock exhaust pipes, sounds great and fairly loud. I love the Kawasaki's looks and did have a good time riding it, but the engine sound is so dull that's a deal breaker to me, I have to admit that I didn't get that smile.