Rabid Hedgehog's Ride and Review of the Kawasaki Z650

[@BloodPanther06]

This video is helping me to decide what I want to upgrade to when I trade in my z400.... it has the same styling so it helps. I love how you review the bikes you do. It’s clear and concise and and gets you the information you need, not the junk most people want. Keep doing what you do. I truly appreciate it.

[@Dr.BenjiBuddy]

9:40 you should still tap the brakes to make sure your brake light lights up. Cars don't expect a motorcycle to slow down that fast without braking.

[@Antimortem]

It's perfect for do it all 'ers, very hard to fault, better quality than any other 650 ,reliable, best brakes and suspension, almost perfect bike if you can swallow your pride in accepting you don't need a 1000cc to enjoy riding!

[@rtg1018]

Around the 19:20 point in the video you mention feeling some heat on your right shin and ankle. The reason for this is because the engine's cam chain housing and the clutch housing are located close to your right leg. While on the left side of the motorcycle, the distance between the left cylinder and your leg is greater. The result being that you get more heat on your right leg and ankle than on your left. I got used to this very quickly on my Z650, and it's not a problem.

[@benjaminminty9602]

Same thing on the Versys

[@daviddewolf1982]

Just finishd learning in one of these bikes. I am 1,90m and 160kg. Was very nicely suprised By the power and abilitys of this seamingly small bike. Liked riding it a lot.

[@Tashin32]

There isn't a day that goes by that I regret selling my Ninja 650. That engine is a freaking gem for sure. Good review!

[@themarvelousvintage76]

Its same of ninja 650 just naked version I guess lighter than ninja?

[@Tashin32]

@@themarvelousvintage76 Lighter for sure, but the 2017 versions of the Ninja and Z650 have engine and throttle body changes too. I have a 2017 Z650 now XD

[@hawkrider88]

Nice review. I loved the '18 model I had but had to sell it because of the vibes through the footpegs and especially through the bars. After riding it two months and trying several things, I just couldn't get ride of the vibrations in the bars which were putting my hands to sleep. I've ridden lots of bikes in thirty years and this is the first time this has happened to me. Great bike in every other way

[@azhariaziz5791]

Wonder if the latest version also got vibes like the older one

[@spooner9440]

You introduced it right, clear and concise, brother.

[@saitamathehero7028]

Wow, spot on review, and most of what you said I rarely hear from other motovloggers actually- very informative. You got my sub brother!

[@RabidHedgehog]

Much appreciated!

[@rowan791]

I really liked your review and also the folks that follow you and comment.

[@thomasgrim4325]

This is a great review of a great bike. I'm running a big cruiser and i'm seriously considering getting this bike as a great all arounder for daily back road commuting. Thanks for this video, very well done. Take a Ninja 650 and remove a lot of the plastic while bringing the bars and pegs to a good neutral riding position and you get the standard bike many of us want.

[@RabidHedgehog]

Go for it! These machines are fantastic and well balanced for sure. I have that big cruiser and have the CX500C as the backup for the back road commuting so I understand. I would love a more modern ridge runner. This one has the chops.

[@alexp6409]

Great review - looking closely at this bike as an upgrade from my CB300F. I can identify with your comments regarding lack of twisty roads being in NTX, though I have found a few fun ones around here...

[@theozman38]

Those Kawasaki 650’s love to have a full dynojet setup or bazzaz. A guy on here name tremonte has both the Z and ninja. He says huge improvement and very responsive

[@Josh..88]

I just Bought a 2019 z650 2 weeks ago. Love my bike. I chose it over the 2020 based on Display alone. Not really a fan of the full LCD display. Sweet bike for sure, totally smooth clutch. Love my Z

[@MercilessGuitar151]

8 just bought the 2020 model because of the new dash. That old dash is ugly imo and barely visible in the desert sun. Great bike either way though, congrats and enjoy!

[@ridehead8771]

How do you guys find the vibration? I tested the 2020 and I couldn't stand how vibey it was, I was amazed how smooth my 2019 Cb500f is to comparison.

[@Darkcarts]

richmondvaper same here. Ready to get it broken in and ride!

[@kelval5679]

I love the review. I am a new rider, I was looking at the Z400, but I think I can also get the Z650 based on your review.. Thanks.

[@leeinwis]

500 now

[@Drewtube45]

Watching this as I sit here in Tulsa Oklahoma trying to decide between then and the Vulcan s to buy at the house Kawasaki in OKC. Small world.

[@RabidHedgehog]

Both are great in their own way and HOK is a great place here in OKC.

[@Drewtube45]

Rabid Hedgehog I’m so torn because compared to the Vulcan s the z650 has more features for a cheaper price. Only thing is I’m a big boy 6ft 280 pounds and I feel like I’d look weird on the z.

[@carlosvejar3938]

This bike sounds great

[@CraigSmith568]

Still prefer analog gauges, but this is a nice bike. I chose a Yamaha FZ-07 over this, but if I wanted this motor and a Kawasaki I personally would get the Versys 650. I would like the extra wind protection it provides with the upright riding position also. Kawasaki makes a great product. Great review sir.

[@ridehead8771]

I am with you in choosing the Mt07 over this, the 07 is just a different beast, and surprisingly more refined.

[@ladyjrider666]

Great review. Thanks for posting

[@UkletiHolandjanin-pd1bf]

Waiting to see what is new in 2021 kawasaki Yamaha suzuki and will decide... Getting new one that I will be riding for 5+ years. V storm 650 is in option too if they update ugly dash. Mt 07 too if it gets tft. Can't wait

[@henryhartley9993]

Great do it all bike..

[@efratoy]

Love this bike ❤️

[@jaybandit9402]

I just got me one 🏍❤️🔥

[@efratoy]

@@jaybandit9402 ride and joy in a good roads bro'

[@jeffreycrigger6439]

Would love to see a review of the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 if you have access to one. The Z650 and the RE INT650 are the two I’m most interested in, but so completely different bikes. Coming back into riding after a bit of time off.

[@RabidHedgehog]

About an hour thirty away from a Royal Enfield dealer. So far they have not responded to my questions.

[@M.D.M911]

@@RabidHedgehog please compare royal enfield interceptor with kawasaki z650. Just want to know whether it is worth paying extra for z650.

[@bigg16]

Awesome review!

[@Chrissepisje]

Why didn't anyone tell me about that cap when I owned the Vulcan? Nice detailed review.

[@RabidHedgehog]

Well since it's a factory designed limiting device they don't want it out there. Folks in the UK found it too but their throttles also had a screw stop them from going wide open too. So they had to remove both. So far US models just remove the little green cap.

[@jt693]

Thanks again for another great review! I have been riding my Z400 a tonne in the past three months (I actually commented about buying it back in your Z400), and I love it. But, I am already looking forward to upgrading to a 650 of some kind down the road. I had thought the natural progression would be to step to the Z650, and this review makes it sound like that would be a good choice. However, I do note that even though you praise the Z650 here, you didn't break into joyful laughter the way you did in your SV650 review. So to put you on the spot a bit...as a Z400 rider, do you think a step up to the Z650 is the way to go, or is the SV650 still just the bike to move to for sheer fun and enjoyment?

[@LColUK]

I know you're not asking me, but I rode the 2020 Z650 last week & at the same time rode the 2020 MT-07. The Z650 is a beautiful bike - it's incredibly smooth, the clutch is like butter (assist and slipper clutch so doesn't matter what you do with it, it's silky) and it's very stable at all speeds. It also feels like a much smaller bike - it's really well balanced, quite low and very easy to move: and this was one of the reasons I didn't buy it. I'm tall and quite heavy, and it felt too small for me. Some of the plastics also felt a bit cheap, and it doesn't have the hilarious torque pull that the MT-07 has. It's probably just as quick, but in a very refined way compared to the Yamaha. If I was younger or smaller I'd have definitely taken it over the MT-07. As it is, as smooth and lovely as it was, the MT was just a bit more of a laugh. However, if you're looking for an easy step up from a 400 that won't try and fire you into a tree with stupid low down power, it's a great bike.

[@jt693]

@@LColUK Thanks I appreciate your reply. Since I am only 5' 9" or so, and fairly light (the Z400 is a decent fit for me) it sounds like the Z650 would be a good fit too then :)

[@stablestoic1491]

After getting off 2 years of a z400, gonna be tough choosing between this, a SV650 or a MT07...

[@RabidHedgehog]

SV!!!!!!!!!

[@stablestoic1491]

@Redrum keeping it till it DIES. It's my beater.

[@stablestoic1491]

@@RabidHedgehog Yea. That's what I'm thinking. Gonna wait for the model refresh though.

[@UkletiHolandjanin-pd1bf]

When is refresh??? Witch ones? Yamaha suzuki kawasaki? I am waiting to see 2021 models bcs I am getting new one

[@stablestoic1491]

@@UkletiHolandjanin-pd1bf looking at the cb500f as well.

[@ridehead8771]

If only it's as smooth as my little Cb500f I would have gone home with this bike yesterday, I've tested the 07 and it's more refined. Such a shame coz I do like how this bike looks.

[@markhess6061]

What about the vibration? Im interested in the bike but all i hear is crazy vibration

[@RabidHedgehog]

I come from Harley and Vtwins. To me the buzz is nothing to be troubled about.

[@markhess6061]

Rabid Hedgehog That’s good to know because I’ve owned both sport bikes and Harleys and I’ve never had it in uncomfortable vibration, and I even owned a Hardtail at one point. Speed bumps are no fun but vibration was never an issue. Thanks again for chiming back

[@jpdaddy678]

Might be late but my 17 dose not have any crazy vibration

[@BirdArvid]

I feel for ya man; I don't think there was one single curve in the entire video.

[@ronaldwaddell3135]

Well done.

[@rsv4pilot114]

What green thing under your seat are you talking about on the Vulcan S? I have a Vulcan S. What is this item that you unplug? What does it do? Can you elaborate a bit?

[@RabidHedgehog]

So on the left side there is a (at least on the 2015 model year), a green resistor that plugs into a harness next to the battery under the panel you use your key to remove. It is essentially telling the ecu which motorcycle it is installed in. Removing that cap remaps the engine as it does not detect the resistance there. You can remove it and on the 2015 model we had there was a neat little place it and the harness could just clip back on while apart. If you are in the UK or other markets there is also a screw on the throttle cable side that needs removal to reach full potential, US does not have it.

[@rsv4pilot114]

@@RabidHedgehog Thanks. I have a 2018 model in the US. I will try it and see what happens.

[@lsixty30]

Im thinking this would be a great upgrade from my 09 Ninja 250 ! hahaa

[@myronmosley2167]

Ever plan on doing the 2020 Z900?

[@RabidHedgehog]

If the dealer keeps one in stock I shall!

[@jeckdaplas3700]

Nice road but its the bike I wanna see.

[@korazon3spinado]

So you liked this bike a little more than the z400?

[@RabidHedgehog]

Yeah cause the Z400 is plenty for most commuting needs.

[@korazon3spinado]

It also costs about $3000 more then the z400.

[@larrybahr48]

WTF is a resistor cap?

[@buragggg1]

How big is his height in centimers anyone knows?

[@RabidHedgehog]

183 CM

[@buragggg1]

@@RabidHedgehog thanks

[@jonathandixon6201]

I’m between this bike and a Vulcan 650s. I plan on taking my wife with me and want her to be comfortable, Which one would be best?

[@RabidHedgehog]

With the flatter seating profile of the cruiser when seats are added, and of course the ability to add a back rest the Vulcan S would win for the passenger. Sure there are random aftermarkets that might market a backrest for a sport naked, but the passenger is still leaning forwards into the rider no matter what. So not as comfy for them. Sometimes the rider does not care, but the passenger may.

[@jonathandixon6201]

Rabid Hedgehog Thank you, That is kind of what I was thinking.

[@Munstallstodes]

dixon considered the versys 650?