Glynis and Chris (currently mooching around South Australia on 2 Kawasaki Z650RSs) are motovlogging their rides near & far to encourage YOU to get out there and ride.
We've biked England, Scotland, Wales, Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Peru, Cyprus, Rajasthan (India) and a LOT of Australia.
Our aim: ride, rest, revive, repeat (keeping it real).
Plus the occasional international awesomeness to inspire you to get off your AR53.
Kick that comfort zone under the couch ;-/
About the bikes: we’ve had the ECUs on our Kawasaki Z650RSs modified (Kawasaki dealer supplied & fitted) using the Woolich flash / harness kit as they are learner only bikes in Australia (LAMS). This is “not” illegal as we’re 26/46 year motorbike riding veterans, but the bike must be returned to LAMs status if resold. With these bikes at full non learner levels now you can see how they perform on short and long adventures.
Interesting and thorough video, but I am curious about your take on vibration. What revolutions and or speeds do you get vibrations, how bad are they and how do you cope. Are there mods to help out for vibration? Also were you ever interested in the Vulcan S 650 since it is easier to approach and flat foot. Do you prefer your feet directly under you or would you consider having them forward as when on the Vulcan? Great handle Sticky Beak is! Thanks Ron From San Diego, Ca.
Hi, there is vibration through the pegs at 80kph in 5th on my bike. It’s noticeable after a long ride but doesn’t seem to be present at startup only once the engine gets really warmed up, say after an hour of riding. I’m not a fan of cruiser style motorcycles but liked the look of this retro styled cafe racer. My motorcycles so far have been tourers and all out sports bikes so sitting quite low with higher bars is not too comfortable for me. I can’t say I notice my legs in relation to the foot pegs. The only bike I really noticed the foot pegs were poorly positioned was the Royal Enfield Classic 500 and then the 410 Himalayan. They seemed to be totally “awkward” when putting feet down! I recently test rode a BMW F800 GS and can get the balls of my feet on the ground with a low seat but standard suspension. It’s not the first BMW I’ve ridden but certainly one of the best. I guess we keep gravitating to the styles we like best even when they’re slightly taller than we prefer. Safer riding and thank you for your thought provoking comment / question. All the best.
@@Sticky_BEAK Thanks for your speedy reply, my last bike was a Yamaha xs650 and the pegs were pretty much straight bellow and was comfortable, so I would instinctually align myself with the z650rs. After yours and many other 650 rs videos, I am gravitating toward that bike for my next purchase. I look forward to more of you adventurous videos!
It’s an amazing track but needs more events. They had Supercars but need something spectacular, even WSB would be a good start. Not right category for F1 yet, would need huge investment but given time it might get some traction (pun intended) 😂 thanks for your comment, appreciate it.
OEM tyres are made to a budget price. inorder to keep new bike prices down. If you buy the same Make/ name / model tyre it wil be superior to that fitted by the bike manufacturer. My Kawasaki SX 1000 front tyre was done by 2300 miles (3800kms). Most riders feel so let down by new bike tyres that they never use that make again. This is such a stupid way to do business but most of them do it.
We checked the replacement cost for the front tyre and it’s half the price of the Pirelli. In the end for our kind of roads we need longevity and durability. More than disappointing though the front degraded so incredibly fast. Anyway, safe riding and thank you for your comment, something everyone should think about.
You need to record video with one device and the sound with *another* device. Then, put both recordings in a software editing tool and *synchronize* video and sound (removing the sound source of the video, of course). You can see a how to in Schaaf YT Channel.
Howdy, thanks for the wonderful question. We were thinking of making a video on our kit. You’ll see us in a few outfits. In this video which you’ve commented on Chris is wearing a Resurgence Gear Ultra Light Summer Shirt (tartan lining) which has AAA Ghost armour in the back, shoulders and elbows. This was ordered direct from them in New Zealand BUT, Ridersline.com.au also stocks them now but that’s only useful if you’re in Australia. The size is 2XL and he has a 48” chest and long back and is 5’10” tall with a 29” inside leg. In some of the other videos Chris is wearing an RJAYS Voyager 5 (with fluoro yellow accents) jacket which has upgraded AA back, shoulder and elbow armour. That is also a 2XL. It was a cold day so he enjoyed the quilted inner liner. He’s wearing RST Tapered fit kevlar stretch jeans which have Level A armour in the knees and hips, but also owns a pair of RJAYS Voyager 5 waterproof pants to go with the same jacket. He’s wearing Rev-IT summer leather gloves. Glynis is wearing Bull-IT Fury 5 straight leg ultra stretch Kevlar jeans which have knee armour. Plus a Speed and Strength Speed Society Armoured shirt / jacket which has Vault back, shoulder and elbow protectors but the back pad is ok but not the best. Glynis is also wearing Speed & Strength leather summer gloves. Glynis’s winter wear is an RST Ava waterproof jacket and Oxford Dakota 2 waterproof pants. We are both wearing FORMA HYPER Motorbike boots which have a Drytek lining which keeps them dry in wet weather. We also own Alpinestars S-MX6 Road boots (Chris) and Alpinestars Supertech (Glynis) The helmet is made by FORCITE (Australian) and they’re both MK1S Carbon Matt black smart helmets. RJAYS is an Australian brand and gets hammered by some reviewers but to be honest they’re really good. Resurgence is New Zealand brand, is quite expensive but super well made with high tech fabrics. RST and Oxford are British good quality brand. Forma boots are made in Italy and extremely high quality but available everywhere. RevIT are Dutch but all over. Alpinestars speak for themselves.
Good Afternoon Glynis and Chris, A year ago I randomly found your channel and had commented on one of your Kawasaki Z650RS video expressing my desire to own one of those in the future (I deleted that account to focus more on studies so you surely won't find that comment today). For last year I couldn't consume any motorcycle content due to my ongoing exams. Today I went back to watch your other videos and found the Rajasthan motovlog. I am very sorry to know that you had a terrible accident. The views you mentioned in the video couldn't get more accurate. India is a country of chaos and no one really follows the law. Also the hygiene in hospitals is pathetic (government hospitals have it worse). I am writing this comment to apologies to you on behalf of my fellow Indians. Also please don't think that all of us Indians are same. Thank you.
Oh wow what a comment thank you. This was our second trip with the same tour company. The first one was 2018 when everything was just as hectic but amazing. We love the Indian people but of course are used to riding on westernised roads where people are regularly punished for breaking road rules. Having ridden a lot of South America we were used to chaotic roads and lawless people in all manner of vehicles and we managed to survive our first Indian adventure with near misses but no real incidents. This second trip however just took us by surprise. While it looks as though I could have avoided the Mahindra in real time I couldn’t. Plus I didn’t expect the driver to just keep on coming. What saddens me most is after days talking to the police and high commission who attended the hospital nothing came out of it, even though I gave them the video and they themselves identified the vehicles plate number. I think without any kind of retribution drivers will continue to treat other road users as fair game which is so sad given the sheer number of people on the road, a lot of which don’t wear helmets never mind protective clothing. It’s almost as though life is cheap when in fact it most certainly isn’t. Anyway, two years on I’ve still got my foot and I’m doing great thanks to the amazing work of the surgeons in the Jaipur private hospital. It was a relief to get back to Australia where they were convinced I would lose my foot but with intensive care and physio I’m still riding. Anyway I hope the studies are going well and you’ve passed everything. Take care and hope you do eventually take to the road on a motorbike. Ride safely though ❤️
@@Sticky_BEAK Thank you, but I am still 17 and will turn 18 next Feb (can't get license till 18). Really glad you are back on the road as I can understand what it would feel like to hear that you can't ride cause of some accident. As you said the truth hear, we Indians have "chalega kuch nahi hota" (it's ok, nothing will happen) attitude. The police doesn't really care about your case as, first, they are under paid, and second, there are numerous people in line waiting for their turn on filing complaint. Also if you think Delhi was chaotic then I would like to invite you to Mumbai (yeah it's more chaotic here). Now talking about motorcyling in India, motorcyle is still used to move from place A to place B, not just people but cargo as well because it is still cheaper than buying a car. Here people's mindset puts convenience above safety. They don't use helmet as they believe that they are invincible and have riding skills of marc marquez (they don't know who he is), forget about riding gear. Yesterday I told my parents that I am going to buy a helmet with atleast ECE rating costing 5,000 rupees (around 80 AUD here) and they started laughing, they asked why do I need helmet If I don't even have a motorcyle 😂 (my dad has a scooter so that would be it). On a serious note, I would really invite you to India once again but this time you should do Leh-Ladakh. Believe me you will never forget that experience ever. Thank you, take care, ride safe.
@@SoapyOHenrybest time to start riding is when you’re young. My son was on the back with me from aged 13 and is now a top motorcycle mechanic. It’s all about observance and avoidance. Every ride is a lesson learned for all of us. Good luck in your career and ride safe when you start.
G'day guys, and yes, am an aged ole fella...once avid motorcycle enthused over many years. But with retired (ex military) years ago I keep getting this urge to straddle again...Last beauty was a Moto Guzzi. Loved the heck out of it, except was somewhat a tad too heavy for me...but persevered and enjoyed once mobile..... The constant urge never leaves, and need to get out and away from this PC. Am a heavy short bloke, legs too short..ha ha , usual ailments. But did admire your protective clothing... How-When _Where is your recommendation for fitment and purchase. Now , after all that dribble, the test riding BMW 800 sure did excite me....yeah, doesn't take much nowadays..lol. And, after all that, must say did so much enjoy your segment today...thanks heaps....Cheers till next time...Thanks.👍
the engine its ok and the bike looks very good but the general size of the bike is too small only good for japanese riders and the seat its too small too to carry a pylon, same problem with the rs 900
We have a friend who. Is 6’ tall and carries his son on the back who is also tall. They’ve fitted a tail rack and pack to make it more comfortable which helps them. Yes the shaved rear seat is good for luggage. My husband is 5’10” and has no difficulties with the bike height. It is a small bike for those not used to them but not as small as my Ducati 748R which was tiny compared to an R1. But everyone likes different sized bikes and it’s what makes you comfortable that matters. All the best and thanks for your comment.
i always looking for high ride bikes the highest i know is the africa twin at 920mm ...im 5.11 ...i feel comfortable when i reach the floor with 1 foot o with the tips of both feet
Same Front Tyrewear on my Z 650. I Have a theory The Front Brakes are Really Good might be Wrong ..but I am Fanatic. About Tyre Pressure.. unusual on my Z 650. 33 psi Front 36 psi Rear Most Bikes 36 front 42 Rear
We’re fanatical about tyre wear. We have a full size compressor at home and double check them all of the time. Checking pressures isn’t easy so when the bikes are in for their new boots we’re having angle valves added.
Heya, I agree those stock tyres were terrible! they didn't last very long either and were slippery in the rain, (and in my opinion sometimes even in dry). Swapped to a nice set of sport touring tyres and the bike got a lot better at everything after that!
OMG thank goodness it’s not just my biking or my riding! I wonder how many people have serious problems with the Dunlop’s or is it just the combo of this bike with these tyres! Would love to hear how others have faired with these exact tyres.
@@Sticky_BEAK It's my first bike and I have it since this past May. After +3000kms I had a few rear tyre slips without doing nothing wrong, only having a cool tyre and it's scary. I think they need a lot of warm up to start working well.
@@XarlioG60that’s not good especially when it’s your first bike. Yes you’re right a lot to warm up and if you’re in a cold country that makes it even harder. Safe riding.
I did notice the big can on the side of the 900. The 650 doesn’t have the prettiest exhaust system but having it so low away from the rider means no heat coming up on the riders legs. That’s a massive bonus.
Long time I want exactly this bike, because of this retro modern looks and the analog Instrument. Also I want to stay below 100hp. Then I found out it has only 12l fuel capacity. Is this okay for you? Now is drive a trident 660 which have 14l. It's only a bit more, but more :X the bike itself is also a nice mix between retro and modern.
Hi thanks for your comment. Yes 12 litres is a challenge isn’t it and it’s definitely “not” a long distance tourer, or is it! We comfortably get 250 out of the tank before the fuel light starts flashing. This means there are 2 litres left in the tank so that’s a theoretical 300 kilometres in the tank although we have never run the tank dry to find out. So it’s a comfortable 280 kilometres with just over a litre left for a safety margin. That’s not bad is it? Our speed limit in Australia is 110kph so that’s about 2.5 hours of riding between fuel stops. We’re about to do a two week tour of Tasmania where we’ll really find out about touring on this bike. Hope you follow along x
Ciao and thank you for the throughout review. Can you tell me if the 2 cilinders vibrates a lot? Or if they start/stop vibrating in a certain speed range? I own a yamaha tracer 700, 2 cilinders, and when I'm riding at around 80km p/h, the vibrations become unbearable. Also, any comments about the heat coming from the engine? Mine cooks my knees and feet... 😢
Hi, thankyou for your comment. There is vibration through the pegs but it’s only noticeable after the engine has been working for hours and is considerably hotter than startup. I can ride the bike for an hour without feeling any kind of vibration at all. My husband on the same bike but the anniversary edition thinks there is a little more vibration in his pegs. I had an MT09 before this bike and there was considerably more vibration at the pegs all of the time which almost send my right foot numb on every ride. The seat on the Z650RS is not as comfortable as the MT and it’s very noticeable at the two hour mark with bum ache. There is no noticeable vibration at the handle bars. There is no issue with engine heat at all, and with the exhaust right at the bottom of the bike any heat from there clearly vents to the bottom and back of the bike not upwards. I ride in fairly think legging style armoured pants, so would definitely notice engine heat if there was any. I’m also shortish at 165cm 5’5”-5’6” so any buffeting does not affect me (if there is any) even with the completely naked front. My husband is 5’10” and doesn’t get buffeting either which is surprising for a naked bike. Being a lightweight bike though there is an effect for high side winds but that’s no different to any other bike, but unlike a lot of heavier bikes, it’s easier to roll with it. Hope that helps. If you need more info happy to answer or even test something when we’re out next.
@@Sticky_BEAK wow. Thank you soooo much!!!! This helps A LOT. I'm truly convinced now: as soon as i sell my Yamaha, I'll buy the Z650rs. ❤️ Cheers from Italy 🇮🇹 😙😙😙
Isn't a good idea use backpacs when riding a bike. The bust must be able to move freely, to balance and counterbalance the bike. Much better a tank bag👍
I wonder what the bike is like riding at 75 mph (120 kph?) for 2 hours straight with regards to vibrations. I have heard that bikes with a 180 degree crank (which this one has) vibrate a lot on the freeway when going 75 -80. Is it annoying? Do your hands go to sleep? Just wondering.
Great question but we’re restricted to 110kph here in Australia. I’m sure vibration exists the longer the rider sits on the bike. I’ve found after 2 hours the seat is a challenge but then my bum is bigger than most so maybe lighter riders don’t feel it. One thing for sure though it is not a tourer. It has a 12 litre tank which does 280kms without terrifying the rider its going to run dry. Plus two hours max is a good time to stop. It is an easy ride having no weight on the wrists or the feet. We’ll be doing a tour of Tasmania in October which means travelling from near Adelaide in South Australia to near Melbourne which is a 9-10 hours drive in a car! I’ll be doing multiple videos on that journey and experience. As for the hands, no definitely don’t go to sleep. ❤
Just found your channel...new Subscriber here! 👍 Was watching another one of your videos and am interested in the bike you ride. My question is, what is the wind like on this bike since there's no windscreen? It's beautiful! Really enjoy your videos!
Hello, welcome, and thank you for subscribing REALLY appreciate it. We ride 2022 Kawasaki Z650RS. They’re both the same except Farmer Chris has the 50th anniversary edition. I’m only 5’6” so the wind doesn’t affect me at all. The geometry of the bike is such at legal speed limits there isn’t an issue, although side winds are definitely noticed but not a problem. It’s a lightweight bike so a heavy side wind moves it around but not dangerously. There is a screen available for it from MRA which we’ve looked at but no decision as yet. I think it’s called a roadshield classic and comes in a few colours. It attaches to the indicator stalks on the Z650RS. In Australia the legal limit is 110kph (65mph) and the police are hot on speed traps. If you want to know anything just ask and you’ll get an honest answer - from my point of view which won’t necessarily be everyone’s view of course. X
@@WheelsNotHeelsFarmer Chris is 5’10” and the airflow goes over his head. We haven’t really experienced a full on headwind of immense proportions but regular conditions are AOK. But, the only bike I’ve had with a high screen is a mid 2000s Fazer (which only lasted a year then I traded it for a 748R), oh and a VFR800i which definitely had a big screen, everything since have been fairly naked, even the R1s. Anyway…. all the best x
I just bought a kawasaki 650rs. I like everything about the motorcycle except for the seat. It came with the low seat but I want the high seat. I am reluctant to pay $560 for a new factory seat. I'm looking for anyone with a high seat who would do a trade. I can only say the bike is quick should you crack the throttle a bit too much. Real quick 😮
😂 via Norfolk Virginia, Aberdeen Scotland, Lincoln England, Sheffield England and pretty much the rest of the world. Been Australian since 2007 surprised there’s anything left of the Durham twang. Thanks for watching the video.
Excellent review. For me the appearance of the bike is ruined by the radiator which I find hideous. How can BSA make such a neat, tidy job of the radiator on the Gold Star but Kawasaki make such an ugly mess on the Z650RS?
Nice bike. You didn't mention how it performed deristricted. $2k of gopros but you havent lowered front forks or put a rear lowering link in to match your height. ie Webike. ARCHI Lowdown Link Plate&Short side stands set Z650RS Aliexpress for 50% cheaper. UJC is the base product, you have to make them fit you. Personally I would put a turbo on it :) Sighned big brother
Yes you’re right. Cash is difficult where we are as the nearest bank is 25 minute ride away and the ATMs charge a fee to get cash out (another scam). Got cash now and will try and keep it on hand in future.
Thank you. Having done a lot of kms on it now I can say for certain it will comfortably get 280kms with 20kms left to get to fuel station. Ran it really low the other week and the refill took 11.2 litres at 279kms on the trip. We’re doing a longer trip in October to Tasmania so route planning and fuel stations will be a definite factor.x
@@Sticky_BEAK I'm sure it's fabulous for sure. I started riding as a kid in the 80's as a tail end of the "Wooden brakes, iron men" era. Damn I'm old. Lol. Keep that rubber side down brother and help if you can anyone that's on two wheels at the side of the road. Subscribed. I'm getting into ebiking now as a change of pace. Excellent reviews. First rate.
Oh wow would LOVE to know how you go with ebikes. Here in Australia very slow to get a grip on ebikes unless riding in cities as the rest of the country is fairly large so distance and charging is a problem. Cars started to pick up in sales but now dropped right back as the infrastructure is slow to be installed with Teslas sitting at the dock for over a year with no takers. Think we’re a bit backward down under but all watching with interest. Not many brands here but a bit of innovation. Chinese EVs selling at half price of Teslas is becoming a factor. Interesting times.
Good review of a Z650RS I own a 2019 ZR900B with R3 Nitron suspension front/rear. Some of your comments cross over to the Z900 Gears ratio is very close, but makes for an awesome road bike with plenty of torque..in any gear. I too, keep grinding the foot pegs/boots on the Z900
I used to ride to work in Sheffield in snow and ice with heated gloves (on my R1) every work day of the year. Standing in service stations with my soaking wet gloves under the hand dryers. Putting plastic carrier bags in my boots to stop my socks from totally getting soaked. Ah those were the days. One MotoGP we stood on the bank at Donnington in the drenching rain wearing bin liners over leathers but everything ran in to our boots. Had to tip a bath full of water out before riding home with soaking wet feet. Took a week to dry the boots out! Somehow the cold here (coming off the Antarctic) seems “different”. We don’t have the dampness the uk has so cold without humidity seems a lot colder. I know when my son comes out (he’s a bike mechanic in Lincoln) he is wearing a t-shirt and we’re in fleeces!!!!! Think we’ve gone soft with all the sun 😂
@@aidencoder when I think back I must have been mad or just addicted! The 2004 R1 was way too comfy to be called a total sports bike and was a great tourer. But having said that I never took much luggage.
I had to admit when I first saw it I was wondering about which after market to fit but it has a surprisingly good “note” to it especially when rolling through the 7000rpm level. The problem is the Euro 5 requirement for a catalytic converter which makes up the huge box sitting under the bike. Like many bike buyers I wanted to ditch this in the first weeks but to be honest, I really don’t notice it now except when having to clean chain lube off it. It is odd though not having a can running along the side of the bike or up under the seat. X
beautiful bike & a sweet loving owner. can you tell your inseam height ? unf im only able to do balls f feet...on 1000cc firebird juuuuust tiptoes with a 835mm but it's quite narrow
I loved the firebird when it came out with its gorgeous seat but yes pretty tall 😬 I have a 30” inseam. They used to say women had wider hips for child bearing but I reckon men have wider hips so as not to squash things. My hubby has a 29” inseam and can get both feet flat on ground. Or…… are his boots thicker on the sole! I guess a way to solve the problem is some built up soles on the boots!!!!! X
@@Sticky_BEAK haha yes agreed! the firebird under seat dream exhaust ... but a bit too wild for reality esp. in city stop go or 5km highway but with speed limits. maybe i should lower or soften spring
A number of reviewers complain about the vibrations as the revs increase. Some say things improve as it breaks in. What are your experience with vibrations in all the wrong places and numb bits.
Hi there thanks for your comment. We have two of these bikes. Mine is the green version and the hubby has the anniversary edition. We both have experience of the vibrations but only in the foot pegs and it isn’t very much but it is there. We are wondering if the reason we’re not getting the vibrations others have reported is because the ECU has been flashed and remapped. We are both very experienced riders and this bike only comes in the learner friendly version in Australia. A company called Woollich do the harness kits to be installed by a Kawasaki dealer (to maintain the warranty) and is of course only legal if a rider can prove they have the licence category to ride the modified bike. So on long rides where we’re maybe on a straight road for quite a few kilometres it is noticeable in the pegs but it seriously isn’t a lot. I do tend to ride though on the balls of my feet rather than the arch of my foot so don’t know if that makes any difference either. The hubby also reports minor vibration. Neither of us feel it when riding bends and twisties probably because we’re concentrating on the road more. I know that probably doesn’t answer your question but maybe ask around for info from those with the restricted version as opposed to the unrestricted! All the best.
@Sticky_BEAK no, that's great. I had a 2015 versys 650 which had a rubber mounted engine and had some vibes in spots but never numbing. It was buttery smooth in other spots.
