2020 Z650 test: the Kawasaki roadster not all new but all beautiful ?
Launched in 2017 on the competitive medium-displacement roadster market, the Kawasaki Z650 is experiencing its first evolution for the year 2020. Objective: to get back to the star Yamaha MT-07 with some retouching… subtle, clever or futile? Responses.
Z650 2020 test page 2: Technical point
Engine
Released in 2017 to replace the good but aging ER-6n, the Z650 knows its first evolution in 2020. The main part of the mechanics being kept as is, Site allows itself to "copy-modify" the technical point of the original model…
For the record, the Z650 uses the block – in die-cast aluminum – of the ER-6n. Logical, since the liquid-cooled 649 cc in-line twin cylinder, double overhead camshaft, 8-valve and electronic injection largely ensured the success of the old Kawette, the favorite motorcycle of the French … until the arrival of the MT-07 in 2014 !
According to the Greens, the flexibility and liveliness at low and medium speeds of their Twin represent its main qualities. They "predispose him to sporty driving, but they also give him a docility which will inspire confidence in newcomers to motorcycles." The latter can also clamp the small "Zed" to 35 kW, then the unleash return to its original configuration two years later.
It is in particular the setting of the pistons at 180 °, thus "the short period of crossing of the intake and exhaust cams (which) shift the torque curve towards the bottom of the revs", assured us the Japanese engineers there at three years old.
On this second generation of Z650, the engine has undergone some modifications in order to anticipate the Euro 5 standard and "offer an increase in torque at mid-speed while maintaining the power of the previous model", the Greens tell us today..
By comparing the two data sheets, it appears that the maximum power is unchanged: the Z650 continues to develop 68 horsepower at 8000 rpm. In terms of maximum torque, on the other hand, there is a slight drop in performance: the 2017 model offered 65.7 Nm at 6,500 rpm, that of 2020 offers 64 Nm at 6,700 rpm.
In detail, Kawasaki announces that it has changed the duct connecting the air box to the intake horns. On the exhaust side, the length and shape of the manifolds have been changed, the volume of the catalytic chamber has been increased, the structure of the silencer has been revised and shortened…
The cast, which had been thoroughly revised during the ER-6n / Z650 transfer by Kenji Idaka (project manager, pictured above with the first model) and his team, was not affected. Ditto for the double butterfly system, the secondaries continuing to guarantee flexibility and sensitivity to acceleration.
The balancing shaft driven by the crankshaft is still responsible for making the operation of the engine more flexible … Unfortunately, Site realized during its tests (first test then duel against the MT-07) that this second shaft does not succeed in suppressing the vibrations at mid-range. Pity !
As a diversion, Kawasaki ensures that "the patented fan cover located behind the radiator channels the hot air downwards, away from the driver, who thus benefits from better comfort in traffic jams. This also avoids heating the tank , the frame and the other parts of the machine in contact with the operator ".
Good point for the pilot too: the Z650 always has an anti-slip clutch: "when the engine is running at normal speed, the assistance cam acts as a torque damper by bringing the hub against each other clutch and pressure plate, in order to compress the clutch discs, ”describes Kawasaki. Neophytes will remember that: "this reduces the total load on the clutch spring, thus smoothing the operation of the lever".
"In the event of excessive engine braking, resulting for example from a sudden or involuntary downshift", complete the Greens, "the anti-slipping cam comes into play and moves the clutch hub and the pressure plate away from each other. . By relieving the pressure on the clutch discs, this reduces back torque and prevents the rear tire from dribbling or skidding. Reassuring, no ?!
Finally, a small bonus that other brands highlight more – like Suzuki, for example -: "the automatic idle acceleration system simplifies starting and ensures a rapid rise in temperature of the catalyst to the optimum value".
Cycle part
In 2020, the Z650 takes a small kilogram due to its new trim: its full weight of 188 kg remains significantly lower than that of the ER-6n (206 kg with the ABS then optional) and is not too far from that of the MT-07 (182 kg). According to the engineers, the frame is "one of the main explanations for the Z650’s very low weight"…
The tubing of the trellis frame would follow "an ideal line", made up of a maximum of rectilinear parts and the most open curves possible. Inaugurated on the extraordinary Ninja H2, a new analysis technique would also have made it possible to determine more precisely the diameter and length of the tubes, as well as the thickness of the walls … and to lighten the frame by 10 kg compared to at the ER-6n !
"Thus free of any superfluous material, the new frame is extremely light: only 15 kg, which explains the liveliness of the Z650", congratulate the Japanese engineers who have kept the rigid mounting of the engine and the footrest plates, to the benefit of the stiffness of the frame and its lightness … but not of comfort, as betrayed by the weights at the end of the handlebars and under the footrests.
Kawasaki’s analysis method was of course used for the swingarm. By using the same principle – "the line going from the axis of the arm to that of the rear wheel is as straight as possible" -, the Japanese obtained the same result: a weight reduced to 4.8 kg (-2, 7 kg vs ER-6n).
Another source of material and weight savings: the shock absorber, offset on the ER-6n, is centered on the Z650. This solution avoids heavy consolidations due to the asymmetric nature of the assembly. In addition, "compared to suspensions without connecting rods, it best balances sporting performance and road comfort", maintains Kawasaki … until its next find.
By placing the shock absorber and connecting rods above the swingarm, the Z650 benefits from better weight centering. In addition, "this configuration allows enough distance between the suspension of the exhaust so that the heat does not affect its operation", note the Japanese.
Naturally, the 41mm front fork that looked like it had been transplanted straight from the ER-6n to the Z650 had its settings changed. The caster angle was closed by one degree (24 °, as on a certain MT-07!), Reducing the caster by one centimeter, in order to "promote the precision of the front axle". No odds move in 2020.
Likewise, the braking system is unchanged: diameter and cut "petals" of the discs, double piston calipers in front and single behind … The Bosch 9.1M ABS module is also renewed in its functions, as are the 5 star rims. branches.
The only change is that the 2020 Z650 is fitted with the original Dunlop Sportmax Roadsport 2, like its sister Z900, which was also updated this year. The strong presentation of this other great Kawasaki novelty had precisely allowed MNC to validate the behavior of these new compounds in the wet..
The rear loop of the frame, made up of two tubes, still allows a low seat height: 790 mm, or 15 mm less than the third and latest generation of ER-6n. To make it even easier to put your feet on the ground, the designers have skilfully refined the front of the saddle.
The saddle support is mounted on silentblocs at the front in order to limit – at best – the transmission of engine vibrations. The handlebars benefit from the same mounting, while the driver and passenger footrests are covered with generous rubber pads, effective !
In 2020, the rear seat becomes wider and better padded than in 2017: "about 5 mm thicker in the center, and 10 mm thicker on the sides", details the manufacturer. Unfortunately, the passenger handles that fitted the ER-6n do not reappear on the new Z650…
Under the new passenger seat – which opens via a lock that is not easy to access and exposed to projections despite the wheel arch – still hides a trunk receiving an original tool kit and being able to accommodate a yellow vest and a block -disk or a small U. Not bad at all !
Reserved for the only rear light in 2017 – Z-shaped which means Zed! -, Electro-Luminescent Diodes lighting is becoming more widespread in 2020: headlights, daytime running lights, license plate lighting are now LED. Not "Full LED" however on the Z650, whose indicators retain their traditional bulb. Oh…
Like the Z900, the Z650 receives a facelift: the front optics and its trim, the radiator scoops are redesigned. The "Sugomi" touch is intended to be more pronounced, more aggressive. So more attractive? Site lets you judge … and comment !
Note to complete this part (-cycle!) That the clutch and brake levers are always adjustable to five positions. No adjustable saddle for giants – green, hohoho -, but a saddle 30 mm higher is available as an accessory, strongly recommended by MNC for more than 1.70 m.
Instrumentation
As in 2017, the 2020 Z650 and Z900 share the same instrumentation … which goes completely digital, via a 4.3-inch screen (10.9 cm diagonal, or a compact smartphone), TFT and colors. Kawasaki is pleased to be the first to supply a 650 with such an instrument … although another "Very Modern Constructor" offers it on its 390 and 125 since 2017 !
The amount of information delivered by the new "Zed" is impressive. MNC readers in a bit of a hurry will remember that the only thing missing is the outside temperature. Interested MNC readers will find below the list of information that can be consulted using the two buttons on the dashboard.
Speed, engine speed, gear indicator, shift-light (adjustable), fuel gauge, odometer and partial trips A / B, instantaneous and average consumption, remaining range, average speed, travel time, coolant temperature , clock, battery voltage, next service reminder (dealer managed), oil change reminder (owner manageable), drive modes, call signal and email alert, bluetooth indicator, driving light eco … What more, if not controls on the handlebars ?
Thanks to the Bluetooth connection, the Kawasaki "Rideology The App" application combines the information collected by the smartphone and the motorcycle: GPS coordinates are paired with speeds, engine speeds, gears engaged, fuel consumption, etc..
Conversely, the screen "can also display, by means of an icon, whether a telephone call or an e-mail has been received". Practical to keep in touch with his fellow travelers: "really sorry, I had a new pillow failure, we meet directly in Dampierre for an andouillette-frites"…
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