Kawasaki Z 650

Built:2017-2420172018201920202021202220232024

 
The Kawasaki Z650 has been one of the best-selling motorcycles in Germany for years. For the 2020 model year, Kawasaki has given the mid-range Nakedbike a few updates. This test explains which ones are and how the current model differs from its predecessor. We also describe the difference it makes when you choose the A2 version, which is throttled to 48 hp.

This is how it stands

Kawasaki not only upgraded the Z650 technically, but also improved visually. The differences are not serious, but the new one seems fresher and sharper on us. The innovations of the Sugomi style are particularly visible on the tank and front section. The machine is available in three colours: white, black and black-green. With the exception of the black version, the frame is painted green, the Z650 is immediately recognizable as Kawasaki. If you put the Z900 next to it, you would have to look twice to see the differences. The same applies to the older Z650, which looks a bit more boring right from the start.

This is how she drives herself

Then let's start, we start the row twin with 48 hp. The machine sounds surprisingly bassy and a bit V2-like. Already at the first meters you notice: Here you drive a very light and extremely manoeuvrable machine. Low weight and short wheelbase have a positive effect: Magnificent how the Z650 can be placed in the curves and how easy it is to turn and rank. This should be a big plus for drivers who are not so strong. The chassis is balanced, so neither particularly sporty nor particularly comfortable - rather the golden middle. This does not matter that the fork is not adjustable and the strut is only in the preload. So that fits the way Kawasaki delivers the motorcycle.

 

Then let's gas and see how the revamped Euro 5 engine does its job. Kawasaki itself says that the engine should have more schmackes in the lower and middle speed range than its predecessor. Since we are testing the A2 variant here, we can only check this to a limited extent, but one thing is clear: the Z650 is moving forward quickly. Especially the low weight plays into the cards of the bike when accelerating and passing through. We only need 5.3 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h and 4.2 sec from 60 to 100 km/h in 5th gear. By comparison, the open Z650 with 68 hp takes 4.1 seconds for the sprint to 100 and 3.7 seconds for the pass. So there is already a difference between the A2 and the open variant, but it is smaller than expected.
 
Now A2 machines are not rockets by nature and the Kawasaki Z650 is no exception. This can be felt especially when you switch from a Z900 to the Z650 .B - and A2 drivers usually don't do that. On the other hand, those who climb from a Z125 to the Z650 will feel like they are in the 7th heaven. The bike rides extremely sporty and is so handy that the fun factor soar. Gearboxes and brakes are standard in the class, with the anti-hopping clutch and the very low clutch force making shifting a pleasure. Who needs a QuickShifter? In any case, we do not.