Kawasaki Z650 test

Menus

• The balance
• Euro5 parallel twin, 649 cm3, 68 hp and 64 Nm, 188 kg full made, A2 compatible
• Discovery
• In the saddle
• Contact
• City
• Highway
• Departmental
• Comfort
• Brakes
• Convenient
• Consumption
• Video test
• Conclusion

The balance

Euro5 parallel twin, 649 cm3, 68 hp and 64 Nm, 188 kg full made, A2 compatible

In life and in its evolution, the Kawasaki Z650 follows in the footsteps of its big sister of range and inspiration, I named the Z900. Last month, we discovered the benefits of switching to Euro5 and those of the new equipment adopted by the brand’s bestseller. Now is the turn of the entry-level roadster, compatible with the A2 license via electronic clamping, to update it. A smaller upgrade that said, the electronic assistance part is not making an appearance for the moment. But then, what are we entitled to, two years after its release? ?

Kawasaki Z650 review

Discovery

Kawasaki claims to have evolved its Z650 on 6 points: style, a cleaner engine, new tires, a color and connected TFT screen and finally a reinforced range of accessories. Released in 2017, we then criticized the first version of the Z650: a lack of readability of the information on the computer, the inability to change the information displayed from the handlebars and a small lack of extension at high speeds. While the engine has gone from Euro4 to Euro 5 ready in two years, it does not announce any change in character or any particular technical optimization to do so. Except at the internal level of its exhaust, revised accordingly.

The 649cc twin comes in compliance with Euro5

The new Z650 therefore evolves rather on the aesthetic side. Like the 900, it reinforces the styling of its front optics to adopt the Sugomi standards of the day and a more assertive personality. Understand by this an emphasis of the optics by two "mustaches", a new visual signature with more "pleated" front lights at eye level and a more dynamic sticking of the rest of its fairings. No new hunt for superfluous masses for 2020, no ergonomic changes, but an ever more aggressive and dynamic look. Sugomi one day, Sugomi always.

The headlight of the Kawasaki Z650

We therefore find the organic forms of the bike, mainly at the level of its tank very worked lines. The tubular frame is also similar to that already known. We won’t complain, he visually lightens the bike as much as he could on the scale when he first appeared..

The tank trim evolves, still in the Sugomi style

Let’s not forget that the Z650 is a short line, compact motorcycle that does not want to be too small: the Z400 takes care of reassuring those who are afraid of greater weight or saddle height. The Z650 still displays 188 kilos on the scale and a saddle at 790 mm, ready to accommodate mid-size and larger riders. The shorter legs will have to resort to a lowering kit. This may include a saddle more hollowed out than the original and a return link for the rear mono shock absorber. It allows the saddle height to be mechanically reduced. Speaking of height, a saddle 3 cm higher is available as an option in the Kawasaki catalog. It provides better support on the handlebars with a more plunging posture of the arms, while the large rods benefit from seeing the knees move back on the tank. Handling and precision gain what we lose in comfort. Indeed, this seat is more present on the inside of the thighs, due to a steeper slope and less width on its upper part.

The Z650 remains a compact motorcycle

In terms of developments, the passenger location benefits from a new base, less "selfish" than in the past. The result is a visually more significant release between the seats. As for knowing the benefit of this evolution, we invite you to discover them in the paragraph devoted to comfort..

The passenger seat becomes more welcoming

For now, we are enjoying the new instrumentation, a real novelty of this model and frankly, one of the best in its class in terms of appearance, readability and functionality. Kawasaki is taking a step forward in this area in the “accessible” mid-size category. Finally over € 7,000 all the same. However, still no offset on the handlebars to alternate between information or to access the motorcycle menu. This allows you, for example, to activate the Bluetooth connection with your phone and to perform pairing. The opportunity to benefit from a remote display in your pocket and much more.

Kawasaki Z650’s all-new TFT speedometer

In the saddle

In fact, the Z650 appears to be a small motorcycle. Especially for those over 1.75m. However, the legs easily find their place along the narrow 15-liter tank. We appreciate the position of the footrests, very slightly forward in relation to the plumb of the bust when you ride in a measured way. Here again, a very good compromise. Above all, we appreciate their some 130 mm high offering good ground clearance. They also allow a relaxed posture while providing excellent support.

Kawasaki Z650 footrests

In this respect, mobility on this welcoming base is good. There is enough room to move back against the imposing passenger seat, especially if you are trying to gain a few kilometers per hour. On the contrary, we can go as far as possible when we favor agility. A posture encouraged both by the slope of the saddle and by its moderately slippery surface. Rubberized to better filter vibrations, the footrests also offer welcome comfort and satisfactory grip..

The seat is always 790 mm high

The very natural driving position satisfies immediately, while some form of ergonomic comfort is already felt. An excellent point for this bike, both light and very pleasant when ridden.

Ergonomics of the Kawasaki Z650

Once the ignition is on and the engine has started, engine vibrations are therefore more present in the handlebars, mainly in mid-range. The simple, fairly narrow, aluminum hanger has a nice matte black finish. It gladly echoes the heartbeat of 649 cm3 that we start with a simple push on the starter.

Contact

Filtered, the sound remains characteristic of the Twin Kawasaki. It blends the softness of a mechanical rumble and presumably soft mids with a more metallic and therefore sportier tone. With each rotation of the right handle, the air rushes under the tank, bringing its share of resonances and auditory satisfaction..

The silencer of the Kawasaki Z650

City

First gear engaged, a softness is immediately present, which is accompanied by a welcome force. An unexpected release of attention and of the clutch, a clutch whose flexible lever and adjustable in spacing is a rarity at this level of the range, immediately informs about the engine health: the bike jumps in a benevolent way and this on the 3 first reports. The sign of good health and more than sufficient character. As proof, it is still possible to evolve in agglomeration in 6. At least for the more reckless. We would much prefer the 3 or 4, real reports to do everything with enthusiasm. They gladly increase the engine thrust after crossing 4,500 rpm and up to 7,000 rpm. We will even find a little engine pep and sound pep just before the switch some 3,250 rpm higher.

The twin is able to evolve in agglomeration on the 6th gear

Whatever the gear engaged with precision and good locking, the ascent to the second third of the tachometer is therefore done with kindness. We won’t necessarily look any further, the speed is already more than sufficient in 1st gear: count around 70km / h once you enter the red zone located at 10,000 rpm.

The gear change indicator, which can be deactivated and has a configurable triggering threshold, already causes the tachometer to flash after the 9,000 rpm has been exceeded. In short: it grows and it expresses itself, a Z650! Promising.

The gear change indicator can be set

Agile and natural, the Z650 is an excellent city bike, you would have guessed. Its driving character serves urban developments while once again we appreciate the balance of the chassis offering the most appreciable stability. Engine flexibility is a sensation, literally and figuratively, the vibrations accompanying all changes.

Kawette’s smooth controls and benevolence are no longer to be defended, they simply impose themselves. Something to have fun once again, whether you are a beginner or a seasoned driver. The art of versatility without losing any of a strong identity. Here is the Z650 formula.

The controls remain quite soft

Highway

We quickly set off on the access ramp. At bottom 2, the 110 is not far and very quickly reached, allowing to explore and explore the last 1000 rpm before the break. Surprisingly, they are more efficient and responsive than suggested by the rather soft zone that we will call the comfort zone, located between 7 and 9500 revolutions per minute. The 3 is more than enough to cruising on the right ribbon, before chaining the remaining gears until the 6th and last. We then evolve without difficulty at 130 km / h and less than 6,250 rpm, drastically reducing consumption. The Eco witness thanks in passing for protecting the environment…

On the motorway, the Z cruise at 130 km / h in the last gear at 6,250 rpm

If we spare the air quality, it saves less the shoulders or the torso. Classic on a roadster, but bearable given the flow correctly deflected by the new fork crown and by the small cap of the TFT instrumentation. The legs remain exposed and we will occasionally endure the good train journey. Especially since we can vary the postures and relax the butt. Phew.

Departmental

Benevolent while being nervous. This is what comes to mind when trying to characterize the Akashi firm’s twin. On the one hand, it acts with a certain force for a 650. On the other hand, it expresses itself with a controllable vigor if it is not controlled by superfluous assistants in most cases as evidenced by our experience of the day..

Testing the Z650 on small roads

Finally, it exudes a number of mechanical sensations that are quick to enhance everyday life and trips on small roads. And that’s already a lot. But what would an engine be without a good chassis? A problem. Therefore, the balance and ease offered by the frame of the Z650 go hand in hand with the desires of zeal. With a capital Z.

On the day’s playground, between sea and mountain, between dry and wet, between 10 and 5 p.m., we twirl, we launch, we constantly relaunch a voluntary twin, relying on a serene and precise nose gear that Yet even lighter when enthusiastic about the layout, we open the throttle wide on the first 3 gears.

The precise front axle reassures when you open the throttle

As proof, when exiting a curve in 2, it is not uncommon to feel the gommard leave the ground. The pins therefore present no difficulty, while we appreciate a generous ground clearance. There is a sporting spirit in this Z. As in all. It is not overused, it is assumed with ease, whether mechanical or technical.

The suspensions, for basic and sober as they are in the total absence of adjustment for the fork and being only adjustable in preload, ensure the course on a road yet regularly wrinkled. We only manage to undermine the suspension / tire pair by going well beyond a reasoned pace..

At ease on winding roads, the 650 retains the sporting spirit of the Z

A completely legal operation, even if risky in theory: the 90 km / h allowed are almost impossible to take into account the typology and topology of the bends. More and more closed bends, more and more blind, more and more enjoyable, to admit everything.

Deep down, you can feel the Dunlop Sportmax Roadsport 2 tire start to heat up and lose its grip. Its final appearance will testify to its rough experience. Result ? It hops slightly in the front axle, but it still goes. Tremendous, even if it is necessary to keep an adequate safety margin. Noted.

The tires show their limits in the shade, where the road is still wet

It remains to be wary of shady and wet passages. The 160 eraser at the back picks up as gently as it hangs up, except on the white lines that should be avoided. Never mind, we follow its corridor, we lean naturally as we lean vigorously with simplicity and naturalness. Above all, we dance with the motorcycle as if it weighed nothing. A treat, quite simply and a model of its kind for the category.

Comfort

After two days of driving, at every imaginable pace and mainly on secondary roads and in built-up areas, no fatigue to be felt on the handlebars of this Z650. The expected comfort is therefore there. Whether in terms of suspensions, considerate, driving position, well thought out, or even saddle comfort, the Kawasaki middle-size roadster is doing extremely well. Like its engine, it offers both smoothness and sportiness, while sparing the driver. A very good point to go far and to fully enjoy your motorcycle.

Considerate suspensions contribute to the comfort of the Z650

Brakes

Are at work and maneuver Nissin for the brake calipers and Bosch for the ABS part. The 9.1 system has nothing more to prove and it makes it known. The trigger comes late, very late, as long as it is instinctively cut.

On the road and in sporting evolution, the rear brake has the most appreciable power allowing the Z650 to be ideally placed in the chosen axis. It really only blocks in built-up areas when the speed becomes insufficient.

The front brake of the Kawasaki Z650

For their part, the front clamps benefit from an adjustment in spacing acting naturally on the force transmitted to the calipers. They use the 300mm diameter discs with power and precision. Once again, only intensive use will bring out micro blockages quickly overcome by a cycle part still so formidable. Let’s not forget that the Z650 certainly goes up in range and in performance, but it remains a simple motorcycle.

Permissive, as it should be for a motorcycle also intended for beginners and young people allowed, considerate, the Z650 allows to brake from the front in curves without generating parasitic movement. A very good point.

The rear brake of the Kawasaki Z650

Convenient

Few practicalities for this "basic". At least if you’re looking for a USB socket or whatever. On the other hand, the new instrumentation of the Z650 offers connectivity with an Android or Apple smartphone..

The Rideology app

Via the Rideology application, one can then take advantage of the same information and actions as those offered directly on the instrumentation, including totalizers, the fuel gauge, or more interestingly, the maintenance schedule and others. Above all, we can also find the GPS track of a trip, display messages and calls. Too bad that the simplified navigation cannot be directly indicated on the meter. Admittedly, it is positioned low enough, but both its dimensions and its proportions allow you not to take your eyes off the road too much..

Too bad once again that we cannot control the alternation of information from the on-board instrumentation. It is not an obligation, but it would be a plus.

Kawasaki Z650 2020

If that gives you a nice leg, know that the Z650 also offers a small trunk under its two-part saddle. The passenger seat is removed separately from the front element, leaving access to a small space. Sufficient for a disk unit, we imagine that it can also accommodate rain pants and / or a compact jacket.

Consumption

The least that can be said is that we have spared the Z650 in our evolutions. On the one hand, the ultra-twisty roads particularly pleased the intermediate gears and on the other hand, we pushed them unabashedly in order to get the most out of the bike’s feel and efficiency. Result ? 5.8 L / 100 km announced by the TFT screen. And frankly, that’s a feat in itself. We would have liked to have imagined more. The efficiency of the engine is once again demonstrated, as is its most measured appetite.

At a ‘normal’ rate, the 15-liter tank should allow 300 km of autonomy

By driving on a daily basis on less demanding roads, or quite simply by turning on the ECO warning light a little more often, we should therefore be able to claim a consumption of around 4.5 l / 100 or less. Enough to cover more than 300 km with a full tank. A good deal these days.

Video test

Conclusion

The Z650 was no stranger. This 2020 vintage offers a most complete and pleasant service. Very aptly proportioned, sized and equipped, the Z650 does more than the direct competition while defending its own character and identity. A personality reinforced by a most seductive look, but also and above all by all the possibilities on the handlebars. Without real flaw, it exudes this unique pleasure of mid-displacement motorcycles combining trunk and fully usable power..

The 2020 Kawasaki Z650

Because that’s what it is about once you find yourself riding on such roads: you wonder what the good of overbidding when it is possible to have so much fun on board with such a level. of security. So the saddest of us can blame him for not opting for traction control, but this is one of the few things that calls for thought..

About reflection, precisely. Available in A2 version via electronic clamping, the Z650 will offer the same performance and even lower consumption. Something to delight many young people allowed. As for the full version, it will certainly have delighted us during this test. Admittedly, the Z650 is not the most eccentric nor the most nervous or the most aggressive at first glance, but its efficiency and its first-rate performance for the category, both in terms of its engine and its chassis, deserve that we seriously ask ourselves the question when choosing a mid-capacity roadster.

The Z650 is available in three colors

So yes, the Yamaha MT-07 gives it a shadow, but let’s not forget that it is in the shade of the great oaks that future generations grow. And the Z650 is clearly geared towards new generations of bikers, if only for its Bluetooth connectivity. One point for the Kawa. Shall we talk about it again at the end of the year? In the meantime, enjoy the Z650 at the same price as a basic MT-04, i.e. € 7,099 until March 31, 2020 in its standard color and € 7,199 in its special edition livery, against respectively 7,299 and € 7,399 thereafter. Certainly a "small" ticket, but it is worth it.

Strong points

• Part of the formidable cycle for the category
• Sparkling and lively engine
• Pleasant comfort
• New instrumentation

Weak points

• Non-adjustable suspensions (for the more athletic)
• No U-lock under the passenger seat
• Optional high seat less comfortable

Kawasaki Z650 technical sheet

Test conditions

• Itinerary: winding roads of the Costa Brava in the vicinity of Girona (Spain)
• Weather: Dry roads
• Motorcycle mileage: 210 km
• Problem encountered: ras

Test equipment

• HJC RPHA 70 helmet
• RST Paragon V Pro Series Jacket
• IXS RS-200 leather gloves
• Jean Ixon Defender
• RST Tractech EVO III Boots

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