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Test Kawasaki Z650 - The finesse of balance
Kawasaki has retired the ER-6n and is offering a really cool update with the new Z650. Visually significantly sharpened - the well-behaved curves have given way to more aggressive edges - the Z650 can be seen primarily as a direct competitor to the Yamaha MT-07 and Suzuki SV 650. Same drive concept, similar price, comparable features. But the first impression surprised me.
Test Kawasaki Z650 - The finesse of balance
ergonomics
With a height of just 790 mm, you sit low in the saddle of the Kawasaki Z650. Smaller drivers and ladies will be happy. The handlebars are pleasantly wide and positioned exactly where you need them for a discreetly active riding posture. The rubberized footrests and levers feel like they sit a little lower and allow for a very relaxed knee angle despite the low seat height. The two-part bench is comfortably padded and pleasantly narrow around the crotch, which has a positive effect on the knee fit. When folded, the pillion cushion offers enough support for the baby. The ready-to-ride weight of our test motorcycle with a full tank was exactly 176.8 kilograms. This is – probably thanks to the exhaust system – even slightly below the factory specification.
Handling
Who buys a Z650? No Golf GTI drivers but the TDI 110 hp group. The handling of the Z650 is correspondingly foolproof and is a model of balance. Always striving for neutrality, the Kawa turns in easily but not nervously. Once in an inclined position, the line can still be corrected as desired - not least thanks to the narrow 160 mm rear tire. Even applying the brakes works perfectly. Despite the simple chassis, the handling conveys a lot of confidence and boosts the pilot's confidence from corner to corner. After just a few kilometers you intuitively know how the Z650 drives and can drive it playfully through the radius. That really puts you in a good mood.
Engine/gearbox
The 649 cubic parallel twin is given by Kawasaki with 68 hp and 66 Nm. It feels like that could be achieved, although the engine is rather tame. Always very direct on the gas, but never explosive or aggressive. On the one hand, this is wonderful because - coupled with the praised handling - you can move extremely quickly, but there is also no outbreak of euphoria. As perfectly linear as the engine revs up, it feels unspectacular. This is semi-optimal for the emotions, but makes the angle work quick. The transmission slips through the gears unobtrusively, the shift travel is short, and the connections are correct. A complete Akrapovic exhaust system was installed on our test motorcycle. Visually it's a treat - the workmanship is bombastic - but acoustically it's rather reserved. Yes, the exhaust sounds muffled at certain points, but overall it would be too good for me personally. Also, I don't think many Z650 riders will treat themselves to a complete exhaust system for 1296.70 euros for a bike price of 7199 euros. For visual reasons, yes, when it comes to sound there are certainly more noticeable screamers. Note: The performance package includes the complete exhaust system, a seat cover, a windshield, crash pads and gel stickers for 1,450 euros.
Undercarriage
Typically for the around 7,000 euro class, a conventional, non-adjustable 41 mm telescopic fork is used at the front and a mono shock absorber that can be adjusted in the spring base at the rear. When I put the saddle on (I weigh approx. 90 kg with the gear on), the Z650 immediately drops by what feels like three centimeters. Yes, the chassis feels pretty soft. Probably a compromise in order to also serve the women and smaller, lighter pilots mentioned. In addition, it was comparatively hot at 28 degrees during the test period, which meant that the chassis gave in more. After a few kilometers the surprise: after the first dip, the chassis is still soft and comfortable, but offers significantly more feedback than I expected. Braking hard, the fork dives deep but remains stable and the turning is precise. Even very fast corners are mastered without any annoying pumping movements. No, it's not super sports level, but the dampers work quite decently for the comparatively simple components. Nevertheless, as with all bikes in this class, there is still potential for tuning here. But the progression – especially the fork – is well done.
Brakes
At the front, the Kawasaki Z650 has axially screwed double brake calipers on semi-floating 300 mm wave brake discs. The axial brake pump is nicely done, and there is a lot of feedback via the adjustable brake lever. To feel the full braking power, you have to pull the lever a little harder, but then the pads grip tightly. The ABS regulates noticeably, a little early, but absolutely without reproach for the class. The rear brake is easy to control and rather inconspicuous. If the fork hadn't dived so low when braking, there would have been even more feedback and performance.
Noticed
The high-quality workmanship. Beautiful covers and detailed solutions can be found throughout the motorcycle. It wasn't always like this with the Kawas, something has really changed here. The fully digital speedometer with its dark display is very easy to read both day and night and is something different. Furthermore: How good the wind protection is despite the mini-window and how subdued the Akrapovic sounds. The rearview mirrors offer a great, vibration-free view to the rear and even look good. It works.
Failed
Well, to be honest: I wouldn't have noticed anything so negative that it would fit here. The rubber brake hoses are typical for this class. The engine could perhaps be a bit wilder or livelier or the soft chassis could perhaps be firmer, but all in all everything fits together again.
Test verdict: Kawasaki Z650, by p.bednar
More information about Kawasaki Z650
With kind support from TOTAL Austria
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