2020-on Kawasaki Z650 Review | a first 'big bike' to be proud of

The latest Kawasaki Z650 is an update to the naked motorbike first introduced for 2017 as a replacement for the ageing ER-6n series. It's Kawasaki’s latest answer to Suzuki’s dependable SV650 and Yamaha’s effervescent MT-07.

Aimed at both new riders looking for their first big bike, as well as experienced motorcyclists wanting something with useable power, it boasted a lighter steel trellis chassis, modern styling and greater refinement - plus updates to its onboard tech.

• Related: Check out Kawasaki's retro faired version the Kawasaki Z650RS review

For 2020, Kawasaki have given the bike its first major update; retaining the same striking frame, banana-styled swingarm and suspension components and pairing them with a Euro5-compliant engine, mature new bodywork, a TFT dash and more.

Lightweight and user-friendly, it’s a first 'big bike' to be proud of and a noticeable improvement on the outgoing model. Despite a gentle loss in peak torque in pursuit of emissions compliance, the charming twin-cylinder engine has lost none of its original character, with an enthusiastic bark capable of thrilling even the most experienced of riders.

Although an impressive package, it is slightly let down by its new Dunlop tyres and taller riders may find the standard riding position a little too cramped.

In early 2022 Kawasaki launched a new line of Z650s to celebrate 50 years of the Zed name.

Watch our 2020 Kawasaki Z650 video review below:

Where Kawasaki have updated other areas of the 2020 Z650, both the original chassis and suspension components remain. This is no bad thing though, with the bike capable of soaking up the majority of ruts and crevices found on the daily urban commute, as well as putting a grin on your face at the weekend along a backroad.

Built with new riders in mind, the 41mm non-adjustable front forks and pre-load adjustable rear shock are quite softly sprung, making the bike feel comfortable and forgiving for novices. There are no power modes, or traction control (not that it needs them), with ABS being the only electronic safety intervention.

Perfectly pleasant around town, it’s only when you want to really press on that you start to notice issues, with the basic forks diving noticeably during aggressive braking manoeuvres. What’s more, heavy applications of the front lever on bumpier country roads will soon see the ABS kick in – pumping back against your fingertips – which could deter more experienced riders.

Outside of aggressive grabs though, the brakes are impressive, with the dual front two-piston calipers and 300mm petal discs offering decent power and a good level of feel - perfect for normal everyday riding scenarios.

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That said, once into a corner, the bike feels planted and stable and will change direction quickly - making it a joy to behold on the many Spanish coastal switchbacks experienced at its launch.

Away from the suspension, Kawasaki have also swapped out the original bike’s Dunlop Sportmax D214 tyres for a set of Dunlop Sportmax Roadsport 2s.

Although providing enough grip in the dry for new riders and non-aggressive commuters, they offer very little feedback over wet tarmac, feeling vague on corner entry and occasionally braking traction at the rear under hard acceleration in the lower gears.

As the temperatures increased, so did my confidence, however they spoil what is an otherwise brilliantly handling motorcycle. This could be easily remedied with a new set of rubber though, with plenty of sport and road-focussed choices available for the standard 17in dimensions.

To comply with Euro5, Kawasaki have lightly tickled the 649cc parallel-twin engine; increasing the volume of the catalyser and altering the exhaust silencer layout for greater efficiency. They also claim to have improved midrange torque by altering the duct between the airbox and throttle bodies.

Peak power remains the same 67.1bhp as the first model, however peak torque is now down by 1.3ftlb. That said, it has lost none of its charm and remains an utter delight in both urban and rural settings; delivering a gravelly gurgle from tick-over all the way to its 10,000rpm redline and an addictive pop on the overrun.

For days when you don’t want to chase the rev counter, there’s also plenty of meat in the middle, allowing you to be lazy with the gears around town and during relaxed overtakes.

As well as being impressive in its full power setting, for just £31 plus labour, the Z650 can also be restricted to be A2-compliant. Producing 47bhp (35kW), full power can then be unlocked once on a full category A licence - delivering that big bike feel, without having to purchase another motorcycle.

Available with either a two-or-four-year warranty, the latest generation Z650 feels like a well-built, premium motorcycle, despite its competitive, wallet-friendly pricing. Our 2020 Kawasaki Z650 owners' reviews show no prevailing reliability issues.

What’s more, MCN owners' reviews of the previous model show nothing but praise for reliability. There are no reasons to believe it will be anything other than a dependable steed.

It’s time for us to hit the road on the 2020 @Kawasaki_News Z650. With revised styling, LED lighting, a TFT dash, mobile connectivity and more, the second generation Zed looks like a serious contender for middleweight naked supremacy. But how will it ride? Stick around for more! pic.twitter.com/rZGCrrZJyy

— Motor Cycle News (@MCNnews) January 17, 2020

The Z650 sports a premium look that wouldn’t seem out of place on a larger capacity machine, far outstretching its sub-seven-grand price tag. Alongside the equivalent Yamaha and Suzuki, it’s a breath of fresh air and you can’t help but steal glances of yourself in shopfronts as you glide by.

⏱️ Join @DanielJS46 for #60secondswith the 2020 Kawasaki Z650. Full review coming soon! pic.twitter.com/oel4dGBwIs

— Motor Cycle News (@MCNnews) January 17, 2020

With LED lighting at the front and rear, a more angular front cowling and greater pronounced radiator shrouds, practical revisions also include a new pillion perch, which is 5mm thicker in the middle and 10mm fatter at the sides for increased comfort.

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Although arguably better looking and better equipped than both the Suzuki SV650 and Yamaha MT-07 at its launch, the Kawasaki’s 2020 base price of £6649 was a whole £650 more than the V-Twin Suzuki, which, although more basic, produces slightly more power, at 74.9bhp.

For 2021, the SV climbs to £6599, with the Z650 starting at £6849. Yamaha also revealed a new £6902 MT-07 for this year - which is just under £50 cheaper than the Zed in its more premium colour schemes.

Watch a video review of the rival Yamaha MT-07 below:

Its worth considering when looking at the second hand Kawasaki bikes as the bike has been around for a few years, there are plenty of great examples out there. Grab yourself a bargain with a decent chunk off the new price by looking through MCN's classifieds.  Additionally, try MCN Compare for a competitive insurance quote.

Keen to appeal to younger tech-savvy riders looking for a first big bike, the Z650 now features a 4.3in colour TFT dash. The sophisticated unit displays all of the key information you want in a simplistic design that’s easy to read on the move in all light conditions.

Altering settings is also easily done at a standstill, thanks to an intuitive two-button operating system. Setting it apart from its LCD-clad direct competition, the device can also be paired to your mobile phone, via Bluetooth, using the brand’s Rideology app.

Recording details like your top speed, fuel gauge, odometer, servicing schedule and more, the device also allows for text and call alerts on the bike’s dashboard. What’s more, details shown on the dash can also be configured through the app, including units of measurements, dates and times. Whether or not you would continue to use it once the novelty had worn off remains to be seen…

As well as a fancy dash, you can also truly make the new Z650 your own, thanks to a raft of optional extra, ranging from soft luggage, to fly screens and from tank pads, to frame sliders. Those wanting the bike in either white or black will have to pay an additional £100 over the £6649 lime green base model, too.

Although we were unable to test many extras at the launch, we were able to sample the optional taller rider’s seat, which boosts the standard 790mm height by a further 30mm. Costing an additional £139.95, this is a worthwhile option for any rider taller than around 5ft4in, with the standard riding position feeling slightly cramped for even this 5ft6in tester.

Perched higher, you feel less like you’re sat inside the bike, with the extra leg room and cushioning for your backside making it a nicer place to be during longer stints in the saddle. What’s more, the cut of the optional seat, also forces you further over the bars, without putting any extra strain on your wrists – adding to the already engaging riding experience.

Kawasaki Z650 updated for 2021

• Related: 2021 Kawasaki model updates

Kawasaki announced minor colour changes to the Z650 back in October 2020. Available from December onwards, the first of these mimics a livery available for the 2021 four-cylinder Z900; finished in white with a lime green trellis chassis and wheels. Also available is a black and lime green option, plus a stealthy black alternative.