Owner's Review - Z900RS v Z650RS

[@paulcrumpton9849]

Interesting vid. As a motorcyclist whose journey started when the originals came out, I think they've made a superb job of the 900, very close to the original. The 650 is a nice bike, although I was a bit disappointed they didn't make it a four as per the original. I understand why, as it's aimed at a specific market. You reckon the 900 is a sports bike which is fair enough but it reminds of era the original game out....your sports bike, your tourer, your commuter and your adventure bike were all the same bike😂

[@davidz8]

Both are lovely, I am drawn to the green of the 650. I hope you both had a good rest in Spain and a safe journey home.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Still here David!

[@davidz8]

@@TheMissendenFlyer Excellent

[@StaceyB-b1o]

I'm the same. They have paid so much more on the details of the Z900, but then put the better colour on the Z650. Weird.

[@lestersmyth692]

The 650 should have been a four cylinder as per the original, I’m sure it would sell better if it were. 👍

[@abadanr]

Still hoping for a Z400RS 😉

[@xorbe2]

@@abadanr are you sure about that, as that engine doesn't do anything until 9000+ rpms

[@xorbe2]

@abadanr You could grab a zx4rr, discard the fairings, and swap bars! You wanna buy mine? Central Calif

[@abadanr]

@@xorbe2 pretty sure they would retune it 👍🏻

[@stevecade857]

Going 4 cylinder would increase the price which would then affect sales. Being a twin it gives owners something to aspire to in the Z9.

[@simonthomas5367]

Hey TMF! Dammit! I'm trying to do some work man! And you keep posting these excellent videos. Hang on. I'll just grab a coffee....

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Sorry Simon!

[@simonthomas5367]

@TheMissendenFlyer 😉

[@ianhalliwell8604]

When I was much younger and fitter I've owned a few muscle bikes with inline fours like the 1300 Yamaha and the 1100 Honda but unfortunately time catches up with you. Not that you'd notice Andy but when you get older, getting your leg over isn't easy and that goes for the bike, so as I'm now well into my seventies i recently bought the Eliminator which even I can get on with no difficulty and it's a marvellous bike.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

I completely get that Ian!

[@peterparker219]

Great show as always, thanks 🙏🏼. I'm a little bit tired of accepting "low quality" brakes on lower capacity bikes. Brakes don't fight engine capacity or power, but kinetic energy. That means when you go 70mph on both bikes you need the exact same braking power to come to a stop at the same distance. Too often lower powered bikes are equipped with inadequate brakes which you only realise in an emergency situation. I once had a Triumph Bonneville T100 (865cc, 68 hp) with absolutely lousy brakes and they still build all the 900cc classics with the same brakes. It's a safety issue and customers should not accept them anymore just for budget reasons. Just my 2 pennies, though 😉

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Very good point! Lower powered bikes tend to be lower budget bikes though, so penny pinching comes into the mix…

[@brucecampbell4485]

I agree. The brakes on the Street Twin are adequate at best. But, at least it has a seat that I can get over unlike the two compared here. About 14 years ago I sold an MZ660 with 130k km on it. Recently the person who bought it from me let me go for a ride. Got to the first corner and applied the brakes. It was a case of "Holy Crap. I remember, the brakes on this thing actually work ." The downside of good brakes, especially on an underpowered bike, is that you tend to rely on them and reduce your envelope of safety.

[@simonthomas5367]

I've had Nissin and Brembo calipers on multiple bikes and honestly, unless you're on a track day monster, there's no difference between the two. But I must admit that when I change the pads, I always go for Brembo. They always perform really well on all bikes and calipers.

[@Scott-ph2yk]

Thanks for the comparison between the 900 and the 650. Love the retro look on both bikes. Kawi captured the look of the 70's vintage KZ's very well. The 650 with some suspension upgrades, an aftermarket exhaust, and a fuel re map sounds like the hot ticket for me. Light, nimble, narrow, and a joy on the back roads, rowing through the gearbox. The smaller bikes to me, are more fun to ride. Ride the bike you like best. It is all good fun.😉

[@pricklypunter]

I've owned and loved my standard 900RS since 2022, in candy tone blue (obviously the best colour), racked up a bunch of trouble free miles on her over just about every crappy road surface there is, and she has been absolutely faultless. I agree, there are times when, seemingly out of nowhere, you will suddenly feel the weight, placed around just higher than mid, when dropping into a turn, but once there, it's like riding on rails. This alone would scare a new rider coming from a smaller, lighter and shorter wheelbased bike. Steering is what I would call slow and positive. You are also correct, she is a wolf in sheep's clothing, more than happy to pootle about town, given how luggable the engine is, but wind it on, and you feel every bit of that heritage rise up. While not as urgent as some, it ain't no slouch either. MPG is what I would call "mood based", and I think the fuel range indicator, instead of numbers, should be a wee face with a bigger and bigger smile the lower it goes 🙂I haven't had the pleasure beyond looking at the 650RS in the showroom, but I can't imagine Kawasaki breaking with tradition, as far as handling and rider experience goes. It will be a very good machine, comfortable and engaging, as a motorcycle should be, even if it is budget conscious. It is also pretty to look at, despite that exhaust. I really don't think you could go wrong with either of them, but I'm biased 🤣

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

I agree with everything you say - except you got the best colour wrong…..🤓

[@alanbarnes2920]

I like the “MPG is mood based” phrase PP…applicable to most bikes imho

[@mattJsy1]

Ahhhh. It’s the Missenden Flyer RS drinking game! A minute in and I’m blathered already 😂😂😂

[@bill_4359]

My first bike was a1976 Kawasaki KZ400 Twin. Same styling of course as the Z1 back in the day. The KZ650 in 1976 was a 4 cylinder bike with 4 pipes just like the KZ900 / KZ1000.

[@georgestratikopoulos2089]

The Z900 RS SE is packed with awesomeness. The best looking bike in the planet. What a beast!

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

You’re a fan then?

[@georgestratikopoulos2089]

@ Yes indeed I am. I have the 2024 model, the last one made in that same variant. Im one fortunate guy. Love your vids Mr Flyer ♥️ God bless you and your family

[@thinkingimpaired5663]

Nice presentation. For me I think i would enjoy them both but I would lean toward the 900. I've enjoyed every kawasaki that I've owned. I never worried about missed shifts, or valve train because of how they are engineered. And yes I regret selling every kawasaki that I've owned. With 2 other Japanese brands I always worried about one thing or another failing. And not having owned a Suzuki or wrenched on a Suzuki I couldn't tell you about owning one, but I've heard many great things about the Suzuki. Thanks for your review, your thoughts were very informative.

[@nohero178]

You're worried about HONDA?

[@thinkingimpaired5663]

​@@nohero178 not to much, I owned several too. The only Honda i really worried about was a 50cc that I couldn't figure out how to reassemble basket case, another shop jobbed out that bike because that's how they received it. I've owned several selling 70 Honda about a year ago. My 82 750 was a blast to ride. 84 vfr was nice but a little too soft for me.

[@peterdane9138]

You can’t go wrong with Kawasaki . Either are good.

[@AndrewWilsonOz]

It's funny, how back in the 80's, in Australia, we used to refer to the RS in a bikes model name as the "Rat Sh*t" edition. :) How times have changed. For the better.

[@travelinben1966]

I can't imagine going wrong with either one,but the Z900 would be my choice.I just feel if I didn't choose the Z900,I'd regret it ever so slightly later on.

[@steverussell9340]

Both bikes look terrific.Reminds me of my Kawasaki Z650 from back in the day. I would fit a screen for touring.

[@johnmacdonald1878]

Both lovely bikes, I would pick a red one.

[@MothershipVideos]

Great comparison...thanks.

[@paulfowler7618]

Both nice retro styled bikes but a pointless comparison really as the Z900 is the bike Kawasaki want Z650 owners to aspire too and move up to after a couple of years. Yesterday I rode the new Honda Hornet 1000 and I currently own the 750 version and apparently many 750 owners are upgrading but you wouldn't compare the 2 machines as the 1000 is considered an upgrade. Having said that this could be a good idea for a series of tests called "Do you really need the bigger bike?" Btw after only being offered £4000 for my 750 hornet against the 1000 I've decided no the smaller bike is good enough for me.

[@Peakwanderer]

I'm often comparing bikes from different categories, for example Hornet 1000 or Suzuki GSX8S currently, so I reckon this sort of comparison is of value.

[@ChadWinters]

If most road riders are honest they would go the same speeds on the smaller bike with less cost

[@NorickFZS25]

I've ridden a ZEPHYR1100 in the past. In Japan in 2023, the KAWASAKI Z900RS was the best-selling motorcycle over 400cc. It also won the Grand Gold Award in the 250cc and above category at the 2024 Japan Bike of the Year Awards. However, personally I like the ease of handling of the Z650RS.

[@deanzaZZR]

There's nothing like evaluating the "go" of a 4 cylinder engine and not getting above 4K RPM! Either bike obviously has enough go given all the traffic on those roads. Both look fantastic that's for sure but I am a long term Team Green fan.

[@billcotton1551]

Since Carol reminds me of Kate Beckinsale, and I like the green with gold wheels, I have to go with the Z650 RS.

[@_Archambaud]

Both look great👍

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

I think so too!

[@RichardFrost-du7sc]

Hi Andy, Your comparison was what I expected, however, I thought you would have mentioned that VERY important difference which was the Gold Forks. Don't worry, I will let you off ok ?

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Good call!

[@FabulousWanderers]

Lovin this KZbin content Mr & Mrs Flyer ... I'm so grateful for a imagination to be able to live my life through your & other great KZbinr's videos. Thanks & Enjoy everything forever 🌟✨🌟✨🧡🧡👍

[@michaelarchangel1163]

I recall looking at my original Z900A4 in the late 1970's and comparing it to a Z650 that rolled in for servicing, and there appeared to be no difference whatsoever in the quality of fitted parts. As I recall, the main internal difference was the fitment of plain metal engine bearings in place of the 900's roller bearing setup. I can't remember if the 650 had the same geared primary drive but it certainly sounded nice. Nobody misses carbs though.

[@matkudinoff]

I currently have an XJ6 Lams Yamaha. another 11 months and I am off restriction. The 900 was always my dream bike. The 650 is limited here in OZ, as it's Lams classified only.

[@marcjohnson7734]

Did you stick with the stock 15 tooth sprocket on the 900? I found it far too rushed swapped it for a 17 much more relaxed

[@xorbe2]

Nice. The 650 can't even take a 16T without some grinding, and 17T is impossible.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Yes I’ve stuck with the original

[@Flyingscotsman3]

Same, went to 17t up front and much better.

[@kignacio]

3:25 Can’t escape the white van!

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Tell me about it!

[@juanrubialesortega3181]

I myself have owned that 650 engine on my ex versys for over 5 years and 75.000 kms on the clock without any kind of issue. Not annoying vibrations, good mileage per liter and confort in capital letters. I have recently changed a NT 1100 for a versys 1000 S because of the use a give to the bike (commuting to work, weekend routes ...) but was about to choose a z900 Rs in that exactly colour. I did not because of the wind protection; but it is still on my radar. WHo knows? Best regards to you both and keep on enjoying my roads

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

We will - gracias Juan!

[@stalbansbiker]

I like the look of both Kawasakis along with Triumph seem to be way ahead in the stying dept

[@treesthatleave876]

I find both good looking and think I would be happy with the 650.

[@Ian-ee8fs]

Hi mate yet another great video. Is the 900 good for 2 up??

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

I’ve not tried it - don’t see why not?

[@Richard-pe4cx]

i thought the weather in spain would be a bit warmer or are you back in the uk ? the roads give it away they look a lot better what are your views on the road conditions .

[@johnrimmer5812]

Cheers TMF.

[@sparkatron9334]

As you're comparing these two, just look at the handlebar view. The 900 with the sticking up too far urine bottle. The 650 with the compact all in one master cylinder. I never understand why a 'higher' spec brake is supposed to look like this when clearly the all in one is more mechanically solid and makes the clock view far less cluttered. Does anyone else see it the same way, and i know its not just these bikes.

[@willismeredith]

Great video thanks. I've got a lovely green Z650Rs myself and keep wondering about the 900. I'd be interested in your opinion on the 900 cafe vs the 900 if you ever get a chance to take a cafe 900 out. All the best for the move.

[@garytilley3217]

The brake master cylinder on the 650 looks a lot better than the piss pot on the 900. Both great bikes though.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

I agree!

[@AndrewWilsonOz]

Still V6. You'll catch me out one day! :)

[@rlw85]

When’s misses flyers z900rs being delivered

[@LambChopRides]

Lucky bugger! Such a good idea going to Spain for January. When you coming home??

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Not for a long long time yet John! Sun's out again today, think we'll go for a ride into the mountains.....

[@ticthedog6095]

I’ve gone for a Diablo black with blue pinstripe Z900RS, when I open the garage door it always reminds me of the best GS. My friend works at a Kawasaki dealership and he says that the Z650 is currently a better seller than the 900, mainly bean bought by the cash buyer older gentleman

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

How interesting! I didn’t know that….

[@Howard1776]

I am such a potential purchaser looking for a lighter bike with enough real world power and classic looks to take me into my dotage! Just holding back as love the ‘25 colours but can get pre reg bikes for up to £1,300 cheaper.

[@ticthedog6095]

@@TheMissendenFlyer There is a bit of speculation going on about the Z900RS as there will only one batch of bikes coming into the country this year when there is normally 2-3 batches. Rumour has it that there will be a upgrade for 2026 similar to the 2025 Z900, albeit the only improvement I would want is cruise control, nothing complicated just a electronic throttle lock, just to give the throttle hand a rest on the long motorway slog home after a day playing in Wales

[@richardeyers322]

for me having 2 of the old 650,s rode the 1000 many years ago,now much older,for m less is more so its the 650 for me.

[@daviddellit8344]

Interesting. Thanks.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

You're welcome

[@martynlaverick3405]

Like both bikes but being tall I suspect the Z900RS would be the better fit. It also looks a bit of a classic however a considerable price difference to the Z650RS.

[@kealanmcateer9690]

Wheres twits? A winter segment maybe?

[@WhippyWhip2]

i'm not a fan of chrome so the 650 looks nicer to me due to the handlebars, i myself have a z500 se as my "first bike bike"

[@scottie55]

As I'm downsizing from a GS 1200, l recently haunted bike shops. The Kwakas were tempting but the dealer wasn't at all helpful, the 650 was too cramped for me, the 900 was nice but a bit expensive. Kawasaki should have a look at how Triumph do radiators, it's the only blemish on the lovely 900.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Yes I agree on that!

[@scottie55]

@@TheMissendenFlyer Ended up with a really good deal on a Tracer7, still running it in. 48kg lighter than the BMW, good for my old body. And it's got gold wheels!

[@125ZJK]

Hi Andy , a question out of left field. Has Mrs Flyer ever tried a dct bike ?.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

No not yet!

[@darthvader8433]

Does Carol's licence allow her to ride the 900? Has she tried it or is it too tall?

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Yes it does and no she hasn’t (too tall for her)

[@farracuda]

The exhaust on the Z650 is not in the retro style and needs to be updated to be a real retro. Love the pretend cooling fins on the Z900

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Yes agreed on both points....

[@steveadams2328]

Would you recommend the z900rs as a regular commuter to and from work cost wise?

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Sure - would be a great commuter I'm sure! A Triumph Tiger 660 may make more sense though....

[@sergentcolon1]

Morning Andy, do you think the reason the Z650 pegs feeling higher might have something to do with the lowered seat? For me it’s the Z650 every day, enough power and far cheaper and when I started riding there were lots of them around.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Could be….

[@chrislecouteur2360]

You do know that white vansRus follows you, just to get a white van in all of your video's ... By the way great video

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Yes I suspect they do!

[@Grahamvfr]

Do you know what would have made thst video perfect at the end. If me and the missus justbparked ourselves on that bench with a flask and butties, and i could enjoy looking at the lovely pair in the Spanish sun😊. I imagine the narrower rear tyre on 650, helps that nimble feel 👍

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Yes good point.....

[@darrengibbons7588]

I have an original z650F4 which has had a nut and bolt rebuild . This model is probably where the styling originated for Mrs flyers bike . I don,t think you can replicate the inline four experience and sound with the new version . Possibly needs a de-cat and a new end can to make Mrs flyers bike sound a bit more authentic . Will send you some photo,s for your twits

[@dawdawes]

Always been a fan of smaller capacity Kawasaki's, my first was a GPX600R and i have just sold my Z650RS due to problems with my left leg. Purchasing a Piaggio MP3 400, dont laugh it means i can still get wind in my air

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Sorry to hear of your leg issue!

[@Rajvirdee]

What's a bezzelle lol 🤣 only kidding great video

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Similar to a bezel but the feminine form (as it is on these bikes)

[@2WheeledShenanigan-gs7cl]

I've ridden the z650rs and the vibes are atrocious, same as my 2013 Ninja 650. I wanted to ride the new model but it was all booked up for the day so I went with that due to having the same engine. The powerplant is long overdue for a refresh, everyone else has mostly switched over to 270 but not Kawasaki. The power felt mostly the same but you could tell it was more refined maybe a bit smoother in power delivery.

[@sd3457]

My son has a restricted (LAMS / A2) Ninja 650 with the same 650 motor. I find it super competent but somehow a bit "meh", I'd definitely have an SV or Hornet in preference on that score. I'd be interested to know if the Z runs hot (top of the range as soon as you're at the lights on a warm day), or whether that characteristic of the Ninja might be related to its fairing.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

If anything my 900 runs cool!

[@VittorioSergi]

it's funny to me, as a kawasaki affetzionato (my fiurst bike was a kawi and they do hold a special place in my heart that is totally emotional and not objective), how I see the normal z900 and think: it's a completely valid bike in a world of completely valid bikes, but then as soon as the RS came out, there it was, everything makes sense, I think it's the best possible representation of a how a classic bike looks when you put on modern pants so to speak, even worse for me, I think the z900RS looks better than any old timey bike looked, the proportions, the quality of materials, without even going into how much better it rides and performes compared to old bikes. I am fortunate enough to be in a position where for me I can choose to either take my car or the bike depending on the wether, and the RS is THE bike, I swear that bike isn't going anywhere unless kawasaki actually makes a new model year with a livery i like better than mine

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Glad you like it!

[@terrydaniel8698]

Do recommend to go to Spain for a month

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Yes!

[@dreadlock17]

That's it. I'm gonna start calling them bezelle now

[@fasteddy3661]

I only like twins, so that's an easy choice here. Horsepower doesn't interest me. A pity though that they did not upgrade the looks of the Z 650 RS a little bit to match the more premium looking Z 900 RS.

[@kkiwi54]

Biz el? Thought it was pronounced behzl 🤔

[@sergentcolon1]

Yes the pronunciation jarred with me too😂

[@zelcpavle5494]

650rs 2 cylinder sound of a lawnmawer or a 4cyl rs900 sound amazing...so gues what i choose 😅

[@rickybloomfield3751]

@@zelcpavle5494 That exhaust sound is definitely the worst thing about the 650.

[@tonyjourneyman1944]

Hard to go past the 650 as a daily ride.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Why?

[@tonyjourneyman1944]

@TheMissendenFlyer Cheap, reliable, Japanese, will be capable of many miles of inner city commuting as well as weekend rides.

[@Dan-56]

My heart says the 900, my brain says the 650 😆. Something you didn’t touch on was difference in insurance costs 🤔, many companies here in the US lump four cylinder standards in with “super sports” and the insurance is ridiculous…..ask me how I found out 😱💸!

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Yes good point!

[@kenet71]

I have a z650rs which can get me through traffic worse than the spanish roads. Im from the philippines. 🇵🇭.

[@kenet71]

Mines a 50th anniversary of the z1

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Nice!

[@grahamjohnstone9983]

Both nice but I do prefer the Mrs bike

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Have you ridden them both out of interest?

[@grahamjohnstone9983]

@TheMissendenFlyer yes just found 900 bit heavy

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Fair enough...certainly the 650 feels featherweight in comparison!

[@RogerCullum-ps1gz]

Pick the one that you fancy lol it's a Kawasaki. I'm a Kawasaki man🤘

[@RJW998]

I would prefer not to have the twin, if you want a 'proper' homage to the classic Kawasaki.

[@seancarter8006]

What the hell is a "bezzelle"?? 😂😂😂😂😂

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Similar to a bezel but the female form….which it is on this bike.

[@seancarter8006]

​@@TheMissendenFlyer😂😂😂😂😂😂Brilliant!! 😂

[@alandmorley]

no engine fins on the 650, shame.

[@redjacc7581]

Bez el have you turned french overnight!! Its bezel as if you said hazel, cripes!

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thank you

[@martinlye7111]

Just get a 1250 bandit and ride by them both and have £5000 in your pocket. N be there 20 mins before them. More room on a bandit. Horse for course. 6ft 2 with big girl on the back…😂

[@skillfuldabest]

First you say the z900rs has higher foot pegs, and then you say the foot pegs on the z650rs are higher…..and then you finally say the seat on the z650rs has been lowered. 😬

[@wjb2]

1st job take front master brake pot off the z650 and put it on the z900 get rid of that piss pot on the Z900

[@smburc1]

Re counter steer…I just push the left HS grip away to turn left …the more strength the sharper turn…is that counter steer or is there another way..

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Yes that’s counter steering

[@davidhailstone1519]

Never,

[@Sean22ei]

The bikes are not realistic comparison. Must be struggling for something to put on KZbin.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Hardly…..

[@Napoleon_Blownapart]

I rented a z900RS in 2024, brand new. I found that the engine was stalling too much. Just a quick twist on the throttle in neutral would kill the engine even after it was warm. Also the brakes squeal allot and first gear sometimes would be hard to engage forcing me to roll the bike a bit to engage it, it was awkward on stop lights.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Sounds like you rode a dud!!

[@Napoleon_Blownapart]

@TheMissendenFlyer Probably. Still made me look more carefully now when looking into Kawasakis.

[@Flyingscotsman3]

Z900rs in Uk not being supplied to Dealers. Even though its a big sales hit, think it's something to do with emissions in Uk regulations. I already have 1 so doesn't affect myself but, sad for any wanting a new 1 here. Also, last colours excluding the beautiful red aint all that great. It will solidify secondhand prices definitely imo. Have delkevic 4 into 4 on mine..(22 green/silver)...looks the mutts and sounds superb!.🎶😁

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

I didn’t know there were supply issues, where have you heard that?

[@Flyingscotsman3]

@TheMissendenFlyer on most of the forums Andy. I cant mention here or my comment will be removed but, if you have a look in the uk head journal. No mention of an update from Kawasaki on the model itself either. Kind regards

[@Flyingscotsman3]

Micheal Mam is a member Andy, he can fill you in on info. There's a z900rs meet at supersausage come spring going on as well. Always a good turn out at these.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

I really should get into some forums!!

[@Flyingscotsman3]

@TheMissendenFlyer Yip....their very useful for a lot of varied information. Sometimes where you hear a thing before a lot of others too. Micheal will point you in the right direction to the best 1 in the UK. The bloke who is Admin is Simon and a great bloke, very informative when it comes to z900rs.