KAWASAKI Z650 (2017 - 2019) Review

It's a decent all rounder bike except for the luggage (can add GIVI or SHAD top box or panniers) & pillion carrying part (rear seat is like a afterthought to Kawasaki) Good road commuting, but not exciting compared to the MT-07 (lack of fun exhaust note & power revving it doesn't feel that fun)Ride quality is a bit mushy, suspension is a bit too soft, brakes are too soft from factory, changing this 2 will significantly improve ride quality.

It's main achilles heel, the classic 180' P2 crank, not that torquey, doesn't feel that powerful, doesn't have a nice or interesting sound & makes loads of annoying vibrations at mid rpm revs.There's alot of cons for this crank, hence everybody using the 270' crank in P2 engines, it's just better in everyway.But, despite it's cons, it's a very reliable engine, and servicing it is easy as a lot of mechanic know about this platform. You can access the most of the engine without taking the fuel tank off except big servicing like plugs change etc.

It's a very well build bike, plastics pretty high quality, no corrosions on the frame and it seems to hold itself very well after 5 years of daily commute. It's build like a semi tank, you can depend on it to do hard work.It's a easy bike to work/service as everything is exposed except removing the plastics, they are a pain and pulling them wrong can break the tabs (the side plastic beside the fuel tank & the 2 rear panels). Regular basic servicing keeps it running problem free.Also mine is black in color so cleaning it weekly is needed, but if you put hydrophobic coating (meguier quik detail) on it, the plastics seem to look better and water just beads right off.

I recommend one do the following to make it more economical to run:- Change the stock gearing (15F 46R) to (16F 43R) to reduce rpm during highway commute (about 2k rpms drop), saves fuel and engine wear. - Change stock tires to touring ones (I use Bridgestone t32s) they last about 30-40k km for my last pair, long usage rate. (Tires are expensive lol)I also send my bike to Kawasaki dealer to do major servicing (valves etc), paying higher rate but i have a piece of mind (mechanic there has 20-30 years experience).

The bike comes absolutely bones dry standard, no additional equipment's or electronics to play around. Mods I added that made the bike better for my use:- GB Racing engine covers - Kawasaki radiator guard (I opt for that) - SHAD pannier rack system (SH 36) - X grip phone mount - A cheap front windscreen - Tail tidy from online (took me 4 hours to install properly) - Puig crash bars - 2 decent chinese Aux lights (yellow & white lens), very bright.

Brakes feel to good for the power sometimes

After a wash sometimes check engine light comes on for some sensor

Poor handling have changed springs front and rear to hyperpro progressive springs ,a great help ,brakes are fine

Good power but not smooth delivery added rapid fuel module akropovich from new ,sprint filter --- more power fantastic throttle control and more economical now

Water pump housing paint peeled off ,exhaust collar disintegrated ,chain rusted and links seizing ,footpeg rubber worn out.suspension poor handling ,dives on braking and changes direction when hitting a bump ,throttle snatch at low speeds.took extra years guarantee but nothing is covered so far ,waste of time

Local garage used dealer too expensive

Good basic package but poor quality components.have added shorty levers for easier control ,rapid fuel module ,progressive springs and metal footpegs need new chain despite proper mtce now corroded and links stiff

I've only covered 100 miles on mixed roads, however, the bike coped with everything well. It's comfy and I had no scares. It's predictable and reassuring.

Small physically (as is the bike), smooth, torquey and economical. It beats cars from traffic lights.

None yet as the bike is new, but my daughter's has had no problems in 2 years. Seems well built and painted nicely.

DIY usually and can get fully synth oil and filter for £30. If it needs plugs and air filter, brakes etc. the all-in cost is less than £150.

Not used to having no screen at all (could have bought a faired version). I've ordered a taller screen but haven't fitted it yet. It should help on the motorway.

Is a little spongy but stops very quickly even at high speeds.

Very good has some weird vibration in the mid range comes threw the handlebars and foot pegs occasionally.

No issues installed Scottoiler and needs led upgrade kit as standard bulbs are very poor

Cheap to service and most parts are cheap. Mines a 66 plate and works perfectly easy to do most yourself.

Comes with abs. Standard clocks and a gear indicator.