TEST DRIVE KAWASAKI Z650 - a city motorcycle for beginners

Kawasaki Z650 ABS naked model

was introduced in 2021 as a successor to the Kawasaki ER-6n. In fact, this is the same ER-6 in a slightly modified style. The main innovations include the following:

• Engine
  . It has been modified to meet new emission standards, maximum power is reduced from 72 to 68 hp.
• Injector
  . The model receives a new injection system with smaller throttle valves (38 → 36 mm).
• Clutch
  . The model gets a slipper clutch and an Assist & Slipper clutch.
• Fuel tank
  . Reduces its capacity: 16.0 → 15.0 l.
• ABS
  . Only versions with ABS are produced (versions without ABS are also available in the North American market).
• Curb weight
  . Reduces to 187 kg.

The Kawasaki Z650 was based on an in-line 2-cylinder liquid-cooled engine with a volume of 649 cm³ and producing 68 hp. power and almost 66 Nm of torque. Maximum engine performance at 6500-8000 rpm.

Other features of the model include a steel frame, simple suspension in the form of a conventional telescopic fork at the front and a rear monoshock absorber (adjustable by preload), a 6-speed gearbox, simple 2-piston brakes, a 15-liter fuel tank and 187 kg curb weight.

In 2021, Kawasaki introduced the new generation Z650. The updated model received a more aggressive and modern appearance, LED optics, a color TFT instrument panel and updates to new environmental standards. The factory designation has changed: ER650L

(without ABS),
ER650K
(ABS).

In general, the Kawasaki Z650 model positions itself on the market as an inexpensive mid-sized urban Z-series model, suitable for users of various skill levels - from beginner to experienced.

At the end of 2021, Kawasaki is expanding the Z650 line by introducing a new modification - the Kawasaki Z650RS

. The model is a motorcycle in a retro-classic style - a round headlight, a flat saddle, spoked-style wheels, a classic dashboard with two wells, a wide handlebar and round mirrors. The modification is available for sale from November 2021 (2022 model year).

A sports touring model, the Kawasaki Ninja 650, was also built on a common base with the Z650.

Kawasaki Z650: electronic equipment

• ABS
• Assist & Slipper clutch
• LED optics - 2020+
• TFT instrument panel - 2020+
• Smartphone connectivity - 2021

The main competitors of the Kawasaki Z650 in the class:

• Suzuki SV650 (2016+)
• Yamaha MT-07

Brief history of the model

• 2017 - start of production and sales of the model.

Model

: Kawasaki Z650 + ABS (all regions).
Factory designation
: ER650GHF + ER650HHF.

• 2018 - no significant changes.

Model

: Kawasaki Z650 + ABS (all regions).
Factory designation
: ER650GJF + ER650HJF.

• 2019 - no significant changes.

Model

: Kawasaki Z650 + ABS (all regions).
Factory designation
: ER650GKF + ER650HKF.

• 2020 - restyling of the model.

Model

: Kawasaki Z650 + ABS (all regions).
Factory designation
: ER650LLF + ER650KLF.

• 2021 - no significant changes.

Model

: Kawasaki Z650 + ABS (all regions).
Factory designation
: ER650KLMFNN + ER650KMFNN, ER650KMFAL.

• 2022 - the appearance of a new modification Z650RS.

Model

: Kawasaki Z650 ABS;
Kawasaki Z650RS (all regions). Factory designation
: ER650KNFNN, ER650KMFAL;
ER650MNFAW, ER650MNFBW.

First of all, the size of the Z650

This moto is small, narrow and light. Branded design weighing 15 kg. Thanks to this, the motorcycle weighs 187 kg with a fully filled tank and ready to ride. This is a really good result. In addition, the couch is at a height of 790 mm. With a height of 170 cm, there should be no problem reaching the ground with your feet on the floor. So full support and peace of mind. In addition, the steering wheel is narrow, but at the same time comfortable. The tank is very offset almost like 125 cc. This gives you stronger legs and better control of the car. Well, it's very compact. Unfortunately, with my height of 180 cm, I had the impression that the chaff was too close, but it might not be my bike. It is best to try on the motorcycle you are considering purchasing if possible.

Kawasaki Z650

Specifications

Technical characteristics of Kawasaki Z650:

Hello! Kawasaki Z650. A month ago they introduced the facelift, but there is still not a single post about the dorest. Well, okay, I'll try to fix this matter. The character has not yet been discovered. Let's start with the history of this model. Many may say - what is the story if the motorcycle has been produced since 2021? Yes, it’s simple - it’s a ruff, aka ER-6N. Why? Yes, because the factory index is ER650H. The same as the old ruffs, only the last letter is different. Motorcycles of this line have been produced since 2006 and at the moment the Z650 is already in its 4th generation (I don’t consider restyling yet). The entire line sold in large quantities due to the excellent price ratio and design simplicity. It's no joke - 2 boilers, 2 spark plugs, and an injector in the middle, seasoned with a low center of gravity, which results in an excellent motorcycle for a beginner. Although we will talk about the purpose at the end of the post. In terms of design, the models changed little - the power was reduced, the tank was smaller, but the ecology this year is already Euro 5. If we talk about specific figures for specs, then the horses were reduced from 72 to 68, but the torque was increased from 64 to 66, due to the reduction diameter of the throttle valves. Weight was reduced to 187 (184 without ABS) from 204 due to the new frame. At the bike post we were already discussing the frame. There is no need to talk about any radical changes other than the design and frame. And that's a good thing in some ways, because drastic changes usually lead to changes in price. The design, in my opinion, somehow stands out from the entire Z-line of those years, with the exception of the rear light, which glows with the letter Z. From the factory retrofit kits available: Central case Side cases Tank bag Full Akrapovic exhaust Plug for the rear seat Sliders for frame ears

My motorcycle arrived from the states in September. The damage is minimal and cosmetic, such as a dent on the tank and a cracked front fender, which was immediately replaced with a new original one. During the entire period I drove 741 km. Version without ABS =(

A few words about the advantages that I like about this motorcycle: 1. Interesting tidy. It is reflective, which means that it is perfectly readable both in the sun and at night. Has 3 types of tachometer display. There is a flow meter and a gear indicator. 2. Weight and center of gravity. Everyone who has ridden this motorcycle says that it is a bicycle. My friend, who owns an '09 er6-n, was especially delighted. When my mother saw it, she actually thought it was a scooter. In fact, it is very pleasant and easy to steer. But for a height of 186, you can sit quite normally without straining your back. 3. Simplicity and low cost of maintenance. If you don't have super complex structures in your motorcycle, then if something breaks, it will cost very little. Prices in Poland confirm this. 1.8 liters of oil, 2 spark plugs, 160 rear tires, 520 chain - ideal for the wallet. 4. Consumption - 4.94 liters mainly in the city (I track it using the application). 5. 2 cylinders. It pulls from idle. Ideal for my retired driving style. And the sound of the standard exhaust... It’s just amazing for me. The sound, by the way, is very quiet compared to the 9th year ruff.

Now about the disadvantages: 1. There is no wind protection. Maybe if you put at least some kind of windshield, it will be better, but in stock it’s terrible. 2. Small tank. It seems like 15 liters should be enough for 300 km, but it’s still not enough for me. The minus is subjective, but still. 3. Sluggish front brake. Usually when on other motorcycles you just touch the front brake lever, the motorcycle starts to slow down. The brake immediately begins to work closer to the middle of the lever stroke. I fully admit that this problem can only happen specifically on my motorcycle, because... I have a non-stock brake fluid reservoir cap, or some kind of pads are not the same. The fluid was changed as soon as the motorcycle arrived to me. The rear brake is ok. 4. Low beam. I don't think this will come as a surprise, but at night it's just not enough. At the beginning of the season I will try to adjust it, but I am sure that it will still be missed. MB for difficult weather conditions I will install an additional small fog light. 5. I have a version without ABS. Here you will say - you yourself are a fool, where did you look when you bought it. And you'll be right. But it's not that simple. I didn't know before what I know now. Kawasakis like to measure speed with an ABS sensor. I have it, but only on the rear wheel. When I looked at the photo from the auction, I saw that there was a sensor on the back, but there were few photos from the front and from a not very good angle. This is what ruined me. And so that no one repeats my mistakes, I’ll say that not all Z650s come with ABS (before I bought mine, I was firmly convinced of this). In the states, the price difference between the versions is $300. So - if there is an ABS sensor at the rear, this does not mean that there is one. It seems possible to equip it, but it requires new wiring, an ABS unit, hoses and time. For spare parts it will cost approximately $400. 6. Not enough space under the seat. Enough for a set of tools, a rag and a pack of cigarettes. And yes, after the rain there will be water under the saddle. There is also some kind of container under the driver’s seat, the tubes from which go into the tank. 7. Inaccessibility of coolant and fuses. For example, in a blackbird it’s all under the seat; right there, to top up the coolant, you need to unscrew the 3 bolts that hold the plastic cover on the right side under the saddle. The fuse box is located in the left half-fairing. I don’t remember how many bolts need to be unscrewed, but it’s definitely not just once or twice.

Despite the fact that there were more disadvantages, I still like the motorcycle. Who can I recommend him to? For a beginner, as well as for a person who just needs to drive around the city.

Ask your questions - I will be glad to answer them.

Driving impressions

The Kawasaki Z650 is a motorcycle that rides very well. It's easy to feel, it's predictable, but at the same time I wouldn't call it boring. It has a claw, but you have to reach for it. In general, I got the impression that it was created in order to squeeze out in traffic jams. It combines good weight distribution, size, and the way it imparts force. The suspension worked great in the city, even in big potholes. The Zetka, however, does not have the characteristics of a driver's seat or a roadster. Definitely feels best in the city, on hard surfaces. Low and high speeds are not a problem. It should also be noted that at a speed of 120 km/h the air pressure is still not felt and this speed can be maintained longer. In addition, I installed the mirrors on this motorcycle without any problems and could see everything in them. But I would lower them when riding on dirt roads and trails.

Kawasaki Z650

Engine and gearbox in Kawasaki Z650

He's good for his power. Very linear. Don't feel any shortages or sudden surges in voltage. To achieve this, maximum values ​​are available in the middle of the rev range, so you don't have to torture the engine to feel it. All thanks to two chokes, one of which controls the driver, and the other controls the computer. This power delivery also gives you greater confidence when driving. The motorcycle rides below and asks itself to change gear, the speedometer flickering happily. At the same time, we have excellent performance gearboxes and an anti-hop clutch that not only compensates for rear wheel skidding, but also keeps the system running. The handle is easier to press, the wheel does not rotate when it is reduced, it also reduces slipping during sudden acceleration. Overall everything works beautifully and smoothly. The whole or engine, clutch and clutch work great and are a big plus for this bike. Combustion is also compliant because during normal handling of the bike it was 4.65L/100km.

Kawasaki Z650

Kawasaki Z650 from the outside and a closer look...

... looks very good. There are several colors available, although the green frame on a white background is the most interesting in my opinion. Mot looks aggressive. This inspires respect. The engine is nicely exposed and the whole bike, despite the small amount of plastic, feels like a compact, homogeneous mass. The lamp and the design of the watch, although giving a different impression, are very effective at directing the air flow over the driver. The watch itself, in my opinion, is a plus. This was my first time dealing with them on this bike. Later in the Z900, and I liked them because they are cleverly disguised as a classic tachometer. To achieve this, the display has high contrast, looks great at night and you can see everything clearly in any conditions. All switches are well placed, correctly sized and intuitive. There are adjustable handles as standard and a fairly large under-seat storage area. Everything is made of good materials, although, of course, picky people will find something to “catch on to.”

Kawasaki Z650

Brakes in Kawasaki Z650

Here, unfortunately, ABS fails. It's not that it doesn't work, because it does. But he does it cruelly, nervously, strongly. I've had a few of these bikes under my butt and know it can be done better. While the system's performance is fine on asphalt, the problem becomes more difficult in hardened soil. It no longer paints on sand or gravel, so it's best to be careful or avoid forest and field trails. In this area, “the brake works nervously.” But also, it's easy to feel the system working and you don't have to struggle with the handle to stay still. On pavement, I had no stress when it came to slowing down effectively.

Kawasaki Z650