Motorcycle tests at motorradtest.de

Kawasaki Z650 (Baujahr 2019)

The perfect all-rounder

The Kawasaki Z 650 is the representative of the Greens in the hard-fought middle class. She's doing well there. Although it is ranked 4th in the registration statistics, behind Yamaha's mt-07 (place 2), the Kawa has its own qualities. Which ones are, the test clarifies.

Neatly lighter

The Z 650 is the direct successor to a successful model: it replaced the Kawasaki ER-6, which is also considered to be the typical, completely all-round riding school bike. Two things immediately stand out when you look at the data: the Kawa rolls off the yard with the unusual horsepower number of 68, which is due to compliance with the Euro 4 emission standard. Secondly, however, it has left a lot of weight behind. Compared to its predecessor, it has actually gained 19 kilos. The total driving weight is only 188 kilos.

Otherwise it is a classic Naked Bike. Means: Windprotection is not available due to concept, unfortunately also little socius comfort, as a look at the very narrow bench at the back shows. This is the same with the competition, but it does not make things any better.

After all, it is short, which can at least be considered a sensible excuse for the lack of space on the back seat. The test drive clarifies whether she implements this in a manual way. The Kawa is cheap, which should explain its success with the customer. For 6,695 euros you get a well-equipped bike, also the modern Bosch ABS is on board.

Then put on it and go.

How selflink is she about curves

The sitting position will suit most people. Even smaller people are safely in stand thanks to the seat height of only 785 millimeters. Only one of our test team - the one with the shortest legs - came up with the lower bead of the tank as he climbed up. The cockpit is clear and does not present the driver with any problems. In general, the Kawasaki Z 650 is one of these bikes, where a glance at the user manual is completely unnecessary – it explains everything by itself.

Already at the first meters it is noticeable how manoeuvrable it appears thanks to its low weight and can shine with an excellent handiness. This interpretation directly creates confidence. The low weight helps to accelerate despite the only 68 hp, whereby one must not forget the short translation. The engine turns up, but its true strength is in the middle and bottom. From 8,000 revolutions it doesn't get tough, but higher speeds don't bring any more thrust.

Mature rather 1b ...

In short, the Kawa works simply, nothing distracts here. It is made for those who place less the machine itself as the driving experience in the foreground. With one caveat: The standard tyres (Dunlop D 214) can be run over too quickly. Especially with a machine as nimble as the Z 650, one would have expected more adhesive material. During the film and photo shoots for our video, she slipped away slightly at the back despite rather moderate inclinations.

The brake is gripping and easy to dose, the ABS regulates inconspicuously. It is hardly surprising that the driving comfort is perfectly fine, with a tendency to switch.

Conclusion - the companion for every day

Thus, the success of the Kawa in the market is many small causes that come together to form the big picture: The Kawasaki Z 650 does not annoy. In everyday life, she is always a pleasant companion who has no real weaknesses.

If you like riding a motorcycle but have no affinity for brands or a particular design – voila, here's your motorcycle. The Kawasaki allows the driver to concentrate on what he wants: to drive, watch and enjoy without having to worry about profane things like technology. He doesn't have to do something or adjust to something, that's what the Kawa does.

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