Which A2 motorcycle to choose from Kawasaki? Test of Z900 70 kW, Ninja 400 and company…
In 2018, Kawasaki launches two new motorcycles compatible with the A2 license: the Z900 70 kW and the Ninja 400. Site was able to test them along with the five other models that the Greens are offering to new French bikers: Z650, Ninja 650, Vulcan S , Versys 650 and Versys-X 300.
Page 4 – Four 650 cc models and a small 300 cc
Z650
- Engine: 649 cc inline twin
- Maximum power and torque: 68 hp and 65.7 Nm
- Front and rear brakes: double discs of 300 mm and single of 220
- Seat height: 790 mm
- Fuel tank: 15 L
- Full weight: 187 kg
- Price: 6999 euros
What the builder says
The Z650 is poised to set new standards in the lightweight roadster category. Agile, light and seductive, the new Z650 sports a stunning look thanks to the influence of the Sugomi concept while its liquid-cooled parallel twin is responsive and full of torque. The Z650, Refined Raw
What Site thinks
Kawasaki France has landed in Corsica with the two versions of its Z650: limited to 35kW and "Full". Site begins its rapid tests with the second, just to get back in mind the sensations offered by the little "Kawette" of 68 hp and 65.7 Nm…
As a reminder and summary (read the full test if necessary), the 649 cc twin-cylinder accepts to run smoothly above 2000 rpm on high gears, tows with more force than the old version (ER- 6) between 3000 and 7000 rpm but sees its length a little altered as a result. On a daily basis, we adhere to the choice of kawa.
Like the new 400, the Twin 650 begins to vibrate around 5,500 rpm. The crackling is bearable in the hands and feet, but it is more difficult in the buttocks. As on the Ninja, traveling long routes on secondary roads with the Z (at 80 km / h) will therefore not be a problem, unlike long links on expressways (from 110 km / h).
By overlapping the restricted version, the Journal moto du Net realizes that the character of the engine is even more effaced: available and voluntary in low revs, it is also very linear and tops out at around 6000 rpm. No need to climb the needle higher in the tachometer !
The least constrained and the most appreciated
The Z650 “35 kW” manages to follow the Vulcan S “Full” (heavier than 42 kg!): The Motorcycle Journal of the Net had the opportunity to verify it during this test. Incidentally, the better ground clearance of the roadster makes it possible to negotiate the curves more quickly than the handlebars of the custom. To the good heart.
The small Zed is therefore less "constrained" by respecting the 35 kW maximum for A2 licenses, than these sisters Vulcan S and Versys 650. Compared to the Z900, the clamping is logically much less frustrating too … But the unlocking will be much less striking too !
With its fine fuel tank, low, narrow and long saddle – and a little hard … -, without forgetting its light weight, the Z650 is the "Kawette" friend of novice bikers: the little ones can put both feet on the ground without any worries, adults can tidy up their legs without any harm.
In the absence of a Z400 derived from the Ninja 400, the Z650 is the smallest roadster available in green dealerships and represents Kawasaki’s best seller in France: 4,311 units sold for its launch in 2017 … against 5,066 MT -07.
For the readers who would hesitate between its two "road-stars" of medium displacement and adjustable to 35 kW (package of 90 € at Kawasaki), the Motorcycle Journal of the Net invites you to reread our Duel MNC Kawasaki Z650 Vs Yamaha MT-07 : bestseller fight !
- Z650 highlights
- Agility / stability trade-off
- Road holding (s)
- De / bridle package € 90
Versys-X 300
- Engine: 296 cc parallel twin
- Power and torque: 40 hp and 25.7 Nm
- Front and rear brakes: single 290 mm disc and single 220
- Seat height: 845 mm
- Fuel tank: 17 L
- Full weight: 175 kg
- Price: 5799 euros
What the builder says
The Versys-X 300 is the ideal combination of versatility and small displacement for "any road". Long-travel suspensions, large handlebars and low saddle enhance machine maneuverability while the many optional accessories allow it to adapt to all driving situations.
What Site thinks
Qualifying as "low" a saddle perched 845 mm from the ground would not be a little inflated on the part of Kawasaki? Not that much after all, given the appreciable and welcome sag in the suspensions when the pilot (72 kg naked as a green towards, in this case) sits on his mount.
A 1.80 m biker (very handsome and very strong, in this case) therefore has no trouble maneuvering the "mini" Versys. For the shortest on legs, it will be necessary to stretch out the tiptoes … or put on boots worthy of the name, or even enduro boots with big heels. ?!
The handling is however greatly facilitated by the light weight of the motorcycle: with its 175 kg all full measured at the Akashi firm, the Versys-X 300 is the second lightest Kawasaki A2! No need to take out a scale to confirm it.
The large handlebars and the excellent turning radius are practical for making a U-turn on a small departmental road and grabbing the discreet entrance to a small path … or for parking your bike in the city center in spaces two- wheels often overloaded.
In the countryside as in the city, the little Kawa lets herself be led without any effort and even accepts being manhandled: the fork and the shock absorber with generous deflections absorb the roots or retarders without flinching or attacking its in-delicate pilot..
Likewise, small stones or sidewalks are crossed without ulterior motives for the collectors which are relatively high … but are not protected by the two crude plastic engine half-shoes. French customers will recover, no doubt more easily than Indonesians or Brazilians, whom little Kawa is targeting as a priority….
The cheapest and the highest
The Versys-X 300 offers a semblance of protection to its rider – far superior to the Ninja 400 or 650 – thanks to its fairing slightly open at the knees and its fairly high screen … but not adjustable, Kawasaki having done its best. to get the price of its entry level.
To display at 5,799 euros, the small Versys also had to ignore the hand guards, the central stand, however very convenient for washing and then greasing its chain. The luggage rack is fitted as standard: practical for picking / buying strawberries from / from Carpentras on a motorcycle !
On the road, the Versys "Cross" allows – our opener Bruno Langlois Himself – to impress a hell of a pace. This is far from obvious because of the comfortable suspensions, of course, but not hyper rigorous, and weak braking: do not hesitate to take the lever with full hand to stop the bike if necessary….
Likewise, the small trail pulls very short, a little too much. The engine inherited from the Z300 and Ninja 300 goes up extremely quickly in the revs and upshifts are done in fourth sixth gear! Even in built-up areas, we never stop playing the selector. It’s a good training, but it can be wearing out in the long run.
Conversely, we appreciate the large tank capacity: 17 liters of gasoline which should make it possible to travel almost 400 km between two refueling. Those who have fallen for his trail look and want to travel long distances with him will be 300% satisfied. !
- Strengths Versys-X 300
- Versatility city / countryside
- Real little trail look
- "Kolossal" autonomy
Ninja 650
- Engine: 649 cc parallel twin
- Power and torque: 68 hp and 65.7 Nm
- Front and rear brakes: double discs of 300 mm and single of 220
- Seat height: 790 mm
- Fuel tank: 15 L
- Full weight: 193 kg
- Price: 7499 euros
What the builder says
With its innovative trellis frame, liquid-cooled twin cylinder, low seat height and typical Ninja design, the new Ninja 650 is the stylistic and practical answer to the expectations of the European market. Whether you are attracted by the design of this novelty or whether you come from a smaller or larger displacement, the Ninja 650 will offer you in all circumstances a sporty behavior but also will allow you to move daily, with ease..
What Site thinks
In the absence of Ninja 650 clamped to 37.5 hp on this press presentation, Site has not taken over the handlebars of this endearing machine which seduced no less than 960 French people last year. A success that she owes mainly to her Ninja look, which the ER-6f shunned did not offer…
- Ninja 650 highlights
- Ease of handling
- Road holding (s)
- Ninja Allure
Versys 650
- Engine: 649 cc parallel twin
- Power and torque: 69 hp and 64 Nm
- Front and rear brakes: double disc of 300 mm and single of 250
- Seat height: 840 mm
- Fuel tank: 21 L
- Full weight: 217 kg
- Price: 8049 euros
What the builder says
Hard to explain and impossible to categorize, the Versys 650 simply excels in all areas. With its suspensions made for the long haul, its sporty 17-inch wheels, its upright driving position and its parallel twin-cylinder focused on low and mid-range speeds, the new Versys 650 is at the same time a sporting, escape and urban partner..
What Site thinks
The Versys 650 was not available in 35 kW on this test: Site therefore contented itself with driving a few kilometers on its handlebars in order to sell the new 2018 models and 35 kW models to its colleagues. The opportunity to realize how much this 650 exceeds the others in terms of saddle comfort !
Protection provided by the bubble – adjustable! – is also very appreciable, just like the behavior of the suspensions on badly paved roads. The rigor in the attack is not up to those of the Z and Ninja binoculars, but the big rollers with the small A2 license will find their account there..
- Strengths Versys 650
- Comfort on board
- Character of the adapted Twin
- Many accessories available
Vulcan S
- Engine: 649 cc parallel twin
- Power and torque: 61 hp and 63 Nm
- Front and rear brakes: double disc of 300 mm and single of 250
- Seat height: 705 mm
- Fuel tank: 14 L
- Full weight: 229 kg
- Price: 7649 euros
What the builder says
The Vulcan S is not a Custom like any other. Away with its parallel twin, chassis and suspension configuration, it was created for people ahead of their time and who have their own lifestyle. Accessible from all points of view, the Vulcan S encourages you to show your Style! Configure your Vulcan S with Ergo-fit accessories.
What Site thinks
Like the Ninja and Versys, the Vulcan S sent to Ajaccio by Kawasaki France for this presentation was a "Full power" model. It was even "Up graded", since it included the sport pack offered on the official site at a price of 1000 euros..
Intrigued by the noise of the machine, Site got on the Japanese custom during a photoshoot and doesn‘t regret it! If the Cafe bubble does not add much to the bike, the Arrow pot – and not Akrapovic ?! – radically transforms it…
By installing the Italian exhaust, the little green men erase one of the main weak points of their custom: the lack of sound of the original pot. The Vulcan S finally seems to come to life! She growls and backfires like a real "bad boy" … To be tested.
- Vucan S strengths
- City approval, road performance
- Engine architecture and quirky look
- Affordable price
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