Kawasaki Z650

The Kawasaki Z650 is an affordable and user-friendly bike designed for both new and experienced riders. It boasts a comfortable riding position, smooth transmission, and a punchy engine for an exhilarating ride. The 2020 update introduced a modern TFT Display, LED headlights, and Bluetooth connectivity, putting it ahead of the competition. With its stylish design and practical features, the Z650 offers an enjoyable and economical riding experience.

The Kawasaki Z650 is not just a motorcycle; it's an embodiment of the Sugomi design philosophy that defines the core performance and styling elements of Kawasaki's supernaked Z models. With its aggressive street fighter look and dynamic silhouette, the Z650 exudes an unmistakable stance, reminiscent of a predator ready to strike. The sleek headlamp casing and Z-designed stop lamp at the back add to its fierce and captivating presence on the road.

Embracing the minimal fairing concept, the Z650 proudly displays its tubular trellis frame, engine, and exhaust, showcasing the mechanical excellence that lies beneath its surface. Weighing in at a mere 185 kg and featuring an optimal seat height of 79 cm, this lightweight and comfortable bike maximizes acceleration capabilities, ensuring a thrilling and enjoyable riding experience.

From its sharp styles to its squat forms, the Sugomi design philosophy resonates throughout the Kawasaki Z650, making it a standout in the world of naked bikes. With its aggressive yet elegant appearance, the Z650 is a true representation of the predatory nature that Kawasaki has masterfully captured in its design, promising an exhilarating journey on any road it treads.

The Kawasaki Z650 boasts strong and sturdy suspensions, with a telescopic front fork and a Horizontal Back-link rear suspension that can handle its weight and dimensions. Despite slightly softer suspension rates than its Ninja counterpart, the Z650 remains stable and well-balanced during aggressive cornering. Enhancing its distinctive design, the gull-arm style swingarm provides a lower center of gravity. With Dunlop Sportmax Roadsport 2 tires and a balanced suspension package, the Z650 delivers a confident and enjoyable ride, combining sport-riding performance with comfortable cruising.

The Kawasaki Z650 boasts an impressive 4-stroke Parallel Twin engine with a 649cc capacity, delivering a remarkable power output of 67.3 horsepower at 8,000 rpm and a torque of 48.5 lb-ft at 6,500 rpm. This potent engine is paired with a smooth 6-speed return shift transmission system, enabling quick acceleration from low to high rpm and providing the bike with excellent speed capabilities.

Equipped with Fuel Injection technology and a 10.8:1 compression ratio, the Z650 ensures efficient fuel consumption, making it highly economical to ride. With only one liter of gasoline, this motorcycle can cover an impressive distance of 23.3 km, allowing for extended journeys without frequent refueling.

Minor tweaks have been made to the 649cc parallel-twin engine to enhance low-end and midrange power, resulting in a punchy performance between 4,000 and 5,000 rpm. The fuel delivery and throttle response are incredibly smooth, providing seamless power delivery for a thrilling riding experience.

While the peak torque has decreased slightly from the previous model, the Z650 remains an absolute delight to ride, emitting a gravelly gurgle throughout the rev range. It offers impressive midrange torque, making city riding and overtaking a breeze.

The Kawasaki Z650 comes equipped with a reliable and capable braking system, featuring Nissin two-piston brake calipers and 300mm discs at the front. The suspension retains its original chassis and components, including non-adjustable 41mm front forks and a pre-load adjustable rear shock, providing a comfortable and forgiving ride, especially for new riders. While the bike doesn't have advanced electronic safety interventions like power modes and traction control, it incorporates ABS for reliable braking in various situations.

During aggressive braking, the front forks may exhibit noticeable diving, but the overall handling remains stable and predictable in corners. The Z650's dual front two-piston calipers and 300mm petal discs offer impressive braking power and responsiveness. However, the stock Dunlop Sportmax Roadsport 2 tires may feel vague on wet surfaces and lose traction under hard acceleration in lower gears. Replacing the tires with more suitable options can further enhance the bike's handling capabilities.

Supplied by Kayaba, the Z650's chassis features 41mm front forks and a horizontally mounted, backlink rear shock. Though the forks lack adjustability, they provide a plush and forgiving ride at lower speeds, catering to newer riders. The braking system, featuring Nissin calipers and 300mm semi-floating discs, delivers excellent performance, inspiring confidence and control in different riding conditions. Additionally, the rear brake, also from Nissin, complements the front setup, aiding in slow-speed control and cornering.

The Kawasaki Z650 is a bike known for its versatility, offering a perfect blend of comfort and performance. Unlike simply sitting on top of it, the bike's design allows riders to feel integrated with it. The fuel tank's sculpted shape provides excellent support, enabling confident leaning into corners. The handlebars lean slightly backward, distributing body weight across the upper body and backside, resulting in a comfortable riding position. Even during long rides, riders of 170 cm height will find it easy on their legs, back, and arms.

For taller riders, the bike's high pegs and low seat might initially feel cramped during extended journeys. However, Kawasaki offers a solution - an optional high seat that adds extra space, making the bike feel roomier and more accommodating. Whether cruising on the motorway or tackling winding roads, the Z650 ensures a comfortable and enjoyable ride for riders of different sizes and preferences.

The Kawasaki Z650 sets a high standard for quality that won't disappoint riders. Its impeccable fit and finish align with the latest machinery available, showcasing a top-notch construction. Notably, the sleek TFT dash display with Bluetooth connectivity and the use of premium components like the Dunlop Sportmax Roadsport 2 tires further elevate the bike's overall quality. Kawasaki's commitment to excellence is evident, ensuring that the Z650 delivers exceptional performance and a satisfying riding experience. Additionally, the option of a two-or-four-year warranty solidifies its status as a well-built, premium motorcycle, all while maintaining its competitive and wallet-friendly pricing.

The Z650 boasts a premium aesthetic that belies its affordable price tag, giving it a larger capacity bike appearance. In comparison to its Yamaha and Suzuki counterparts, it stands out as a breath of fresh air, turning heads as it glides by. LED lighting at both ends, a stylishly angular front cowling, and striking radiator shrouds contribute to its overall appeal. Practical improvements include a redesigned pillion seat with increased thickness in the middle and sides, ensuring enhanced comfort for passengers. The Z650 is a true showstopper that offers both style and practicality.

The Kawasaki Z650 is an affordable and user-friendly bike with a stylish design. It offers a comfortable ride, powerful engine, and reliable braking with ABS for safety. Despite being slightly more expensive than some models, its superior specifications make it a popular choice for riders.