Kawasaki Z650 Comprehensive Review (Detailed Breakdown) 

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Does not matter what you YAMMIES say, I m in love with my Z650 2020.

A bike actually being plain, efficient and nothing special. Reeeeally sounds good to me

I love my Z650 precisely because it's so well behaved. I commute on it daily with no surprises. It's not emotionally demanding to get on it at 5 am to go to work or 10 pm coming back from a late shift. It's always nice to me, and more importantly, to my wife, who is a new rider. But it still has enough power to wake me up when I crack the throttle. It cruises at 80 mph all day, every day. Even with a passenger. And for me personally, it is the most comfortable bike I've ridden... by a significant margin. I've ridden nearly every naked bike in the class, and the narrow seat the Z has feels really well settled. It's nimble and light as well, it really feels at home navigating traffic in town and on the freeway. The Z650's greatest strength is that is predictable 24/7. It's the golden retriever of motorcycles, and that's just fine. That said, yes, the throttle totally sucks.

Heres the thing. often times If you talk to someone as experienced as Yammie about a beginner bike theyre going to have a lot of seemingly negative things to say. That isn't because the bike is actually inherently BAD or anything.... its just that a more versed rider notices the quirks on a bike far more easily, they've ridden enough bikes to know what they do and do not want. I own a 2020 Ninja 650 KRT (the full fairings version, not naked) and it's my first bike minus dirt bikes as a kid. I Watched tons of reviews on it before purchasing and I wasn't paying too much attention when people said "First gear is twitchy below 5k rpm" or "it just needs this... or that" and thats because I knew every SINGLE bike i wanted would have some caveat. Talk to 20 peope and each of them will tell you something different that they did or did not like about the same bike. Because it all comes down to preference. Thats why I cant stand the "10 reasons i HATE my (insert bike here)". It shapes a specific bike in a bad light and its not fair to impressionable buyers. Take EVERYTHING a reviewer says with a grain of salt. Fact is, most bikes are awesome. The Ninja 650 is no different . Find what works for you, what you do and dont like and Fuck what the reviews say because at the end of the day its YOU purchasing it with YOUR likes and dislikes. So dont let any review tell you what is and is not a good bike. Thats your choice to make. Many riders tell a beginner you need to look for this... or that in a first motorcycle. Other than controllable power and reliability every single other characteristic about a beginner motorcycle is up to preference . Don't be too picky on a first bike. Dont be stupid either. Do research. I feel like in typing this i've probably said the same thing a couple different ways and thats because I cant stress these points enough. Ride your ride. and remember : you look a lot cooler with skin. so wear your gear. ATGAT

Yammie now: The Z650 is fine. It's uninspiring. Yammie 3 months ago: Shockingly good!

Coming from a 2007 R6 and 2020 MT03, I really enjoy my 2020 Z650. Butter smooth transmission. Light and nimble on city roads. Plenty of power for the highway. Comfortable ergonomics for me.

It’s a motorcycle that does it all. And the Jack of all trades will lack something here and there but on the other hand you have something that will always be useful. When you understand the concept this is an excellent bike.

I absolutely LOVE my Z650 it is an amazing bike I’m a relatively beginner rider and I’m a 5’3 female it’s not that heavy and the seat height is not unreasonably tall

This video bothered me because the 650 class has always been a sweet spot for me, all the way back to the days of the 650 Bonneville. You get highway capability and way more than adequate performance in a lightweight, nimble, relatively inexpensive and comfortably upright package. So even if the Z650 is "worst in class", it's the worst of a group of motorcycles that for many riders are spot on - and that would have to include the air-cooled Enfield Interceptor.

Slap on "Triumph" logo and he'll tell a different story.

Give me a z650 on the street with traffic and I will show you how much character it has and you can bring any bike however powerful it is and I will smoke you out because the z650 is damn easy to ride and control on the street. A very practical bike.

Still want one, I'm a sucker for that green

This video confirms that everyone has different opinions about certain bikes, I’m 5’11 and started off on a duke 390 and then went for a 2018 z650. I loved the z650 and would recommend it. For those wondering I now ride an aprillia RSV4

I guess people are different and I'm glad that everybody has a choice on the matter. As a beginner, I bought myself 390 duke, mostly due to all the reviews. I've ridden it around 20km and I put it on sale. The bike just didn't click for me. But my bike school just got a new z650 and I absolutely love riding with that. It's lightweight, nimble and effortless to ride. I'm not looking for pushing donuts in a parking lot and to be honest riding a bike on it's own is already exciting enough for me.

Yammie did a lot of vlogs about Z650 and had to bag it how bad and how good and how bad and how good it is. How many vlogs are there on the MT07, not many. Subconsciencely he loves the Z650.

I like my z650. TFT is great. I'm a short rider and it fits me great.

I had an Z650 for a year and half and it was an excelent bike! With an akrapovic was a blast! The bike was realy fun if you know how to ride it! Now i have an Z900 and some times i miss the little Z650!

I like Yamaha, but I hate how they refuse to “update” the tech on their my-07 line.

Low seat height, great for short leg inseam riders. I did some riding on one of these, and whilst it may not stack up to you guys I found it a good experience. As I am only five foot four with a very short twenty six inch inseam, with its light weight and low seat height it inspired confidence in all areas of riding. It handled well, was a great commuter, frugal, cheap to insure, had enough grunt to get you out of trouble and cruised at 70mph all day....it did exactly what it said it would do on the tin... I would recommend any short rider to try one of these, if only to sharpen your slow speed skills where you can safely get both feet down in the event of a wobble, rather than having to pick up your taller bike because your ballerina tip too act was too unstable.

I was literally looking for reviews this morning. Yammie get out of my head bro!

I had a z650 last summer for all of a month before I got stolen. It was the first new motorcycle I ever bought and I miss it every day.

Props for saying the SV650 is a better ride than the Ducati Monster. Such truth.

I don't get this video. You had two other videos where the footage from this video comes from actually critiquing the z650 while you're riding it and you had a lot of good things to say about it. Another video did a naked bike middleweight comparison with the z650 placing pretty well. So why the change in tone?

Remember when Yam used to talk smack about Ninja 400s???

I love my z650 especially for commuting in Los Angeles traffic. I’m 5’3” and this bike is light, nimble and fun. It is quiet but my neighbors appreciate when I start it up early in the morning as opposed to my Harley. Yes, another bike you’re probably not a fan of but I love you anyway!

Say what you want, at 66 years old, I love my 2017 Z650. Being retired, it's a fun bike for backroads & secondary highways. I have owned everything from 125's to 1100's, I enjoy this bike more than any I have owned. It's not the fastest, but it's not slow either. I'm short, the low seat height is a plus. Any other bike in its class has at least another inch of seat height. Not into cruisers.

2020 black and green. I have fun everytime I get on this bike :)

I love my 2020 z650 🤷‍♂️ For a beginner bike, you cant beat the price. I get plenty of compliments, especially now with an exhaust. In my opinion it is the best looking 650, and I would be hard pressed to find a more nimble bike going in and out of traffic.

I test road a 2022 recently, I still have to compare it with the mt07 though but I did like the exhaust sound and the digital bluetooth instrument panel is great!

That was cool and positively entertaining!

Love my first bike the FZ07. Thanks Yammie!

I bought the 2020 Z650 over the MT-07 because it was more comfortable for me. I plan on doing some light touring and I didn't like the ergos on the yamaha. I am 6' tall.

I have a z400 as my begginer bike and I love it. I live in a small coastal town surrounded by forest and mountains. No speed limits in town above 40mph and 55 on hwy. I love the small motorcycle for small town riding.

The person who wins the Z650 after Papa Yams roasts it for 15min 😬

Im getting my riding training on these.

I like n respect your reviews n opinions . You're like a BOSS. Thank you

Bro make your mind up, in your video “so you want an MT07” you literally said the z650 was the better choice and that was only 8 months ago... can you at least make a video comparing the two? If not then at least say one thing and stick to it because I’m confused af

As long as its reliable and durable Im in.

RECONSIDER ( All on Point but none the less I am a Full Time Rider on a 2019z650 and I’d say it’s a Great bike any day of the week)💯💯

Rando thought but I think they should change the 650 platform to a triple cylinder. Would keep it’s good low end power but increase top end potential. Than and I think it would be fun for each bike in the class to gain an cylinder as you go up in size 😂. Z400= twin, Z650= triple, Z900= I4. Kinda like the MT 07, 09, and 10

The 2021 z650 is lovely, nice smile

This bike excels at one thing - fitting smaller riders. He's right that it doesn't have as much character as the competition but if you're the sort that is worried about tip toeing your bike at stops the z650 will give you that sure footed easy reach to the ground. Id say its the most ideal 650 for new riders under 5'6". The seat height might only be a hair shorter but its much narrower meaning your limited leg length can be spent going down to the ground instead of out to the sides. Remember a first bike doesn't have to be your last - so once you get use to balancing the weight you can move over to something with a little more zest later. The lil z has its merits.

ER in Er-6 stands for essential riding I believe, every bike derived from it feels this way, Er-6n, Er-6f, Ninja 650, Versys and now Z650. I think they are great first/second bikes for this very reason, just a standard reliable motorcycle, nothing to fall in love with, but you'll learn to ride and know what you want from your next one.

This guy flip flops more than fauci

This is the giveaway one I would like !

I enjoyed the 1 minute commercial Mr Sell Out

Have a z650. Spot on about the throttle. My biggest issue with it isn’t that though, I had to get new handlebars and I’m looking into different rear sets because the bike is wayyy too upright at freeway speeds with no windscreen, lol.

As my first bike, the z650 in the 35 kw wariant might just be what im looking for.

What is with some of the still images being pixelated? It looks like whoever was editing the video typed in bikes into google images and copy pasted the image that popped up in search results instead of opening up the full image in the link and copying that.

Damn yam. That was brutal on my baby Z.

Thought Yams gonna say "break it down" after the bars

Just got a 2022 and I like it for driving in my small town

When I bought my first bike last summer I hesitated between the Z650 and the MT-07... I'm glad that I went for the Yam!

From where I am even the Duke 390 is considered a big bike, most people start with a 100CC bike that makes 10Hp and going to a 650 Twin with 67 HP is a huge jump and here the 650's from Kawasaki is considered an entry level superbike, it's a dream for many. Even tho I ride an S1000RR and an ADV 390 I'm still considering buying a Versys 650 because of that 650 twin engine, so it depends on where you're from in the world

Watching your video after a long time thought you were dead.

- best look in the class - best brakes in the class - best transmission in the class - best riding comfort in the class - best fuel economy in the class

I own my first bike 2023 z650 it’s been one year now I have learned a lot she’s really good on the back roads I love it 💚

Cmon Yam! Do a Z900RS Cafe. I bought one in November and love it! It’s a blast to ride. It also had a very twitchy throttle. I had a PC5 put on it and a suspension adjust and it’s a whole new beast. I thought about a ECU flash, and it will remap all kinds of stuff, but Kawasaki told me it would void my warranty. Anything other than the Kawasaki map voids it. But the PC will not. So please get your hands on on one and let us know what you think. Again great video and keep em coming.👍

Did my lessons and exam on this bike i have zerooo complaints

Well, just found this video...I guess I got what I wanted...but I will always love my first bike - the ER6n. Your opinion makes me wonder what I've been missing 🤔

wtf i was so hyped to get a kawasai z650 just wanted a review and now watched this X_X

The original 4 cylinder bike air cooled with 2 valves per cylinder only had 64hp. And was 211-220kg so the new one looks good on paper.

I got z650 used for my first bike. I absolutely love it as a female rider, especially since I have the beautiful pearl color. It's a great bike for a smaller rider, I'm 5'5". Does it sound like a moped? Yes. But other than that it's a great bike to learn on with enough power to do what I want. You definitely will not yeet yourself to oblivion on this bike. I mostly commute, do a little touring, and cruise the twisty NH back roads on it. I do not want a full on crotch rocket sport bike. There was absolutely nothing on the market last summer for used bikes, of course I would have gotten an sv650 or mt07 given the option but I didn't have one! This bike was the only naked I could find north of Boston used but not a POS and it was mint with the best sport touring tires on it already. Definitely feels like I will outgrow it in a few years but for my first bike I absolutely cannot complain and definitely recommend it.

I love Yam-time with friends!

First bike I had skipped and ignored in this class before making a decision on the MT07 prior to the Tridents arrival

not the same horse... but my 2020 z900 has been a dream since I got her, especially after I spent a day tweaking the suspension!

Yammie-sensei, please do 701 Svartpilen in-depth review :D

Is it a step-up compared to a 2007 ER6-N?

I just bought a 2017 matt silver z650 as my first big bike in the UK and cant complain, working to get my dream bike s1000rr once insurance premium goes down lol

2021 Kawi Ninja 650. I have had 73 motorcycles of all kinds and the Ninja 650 is one of the best if not the best that I have had. Goldilocks, would choose this bike as it is just right for all occasions. Newbee's, experienced riders and old timers and returning riders will love it.

I like the green frame on the z650 and that's the reason I want to win it

i have a 2006 ninja 650r with a two bros exhaust and a power commander and i think it sounds great, idk if its just the newer gen's being lackluster or what.

Full respect and love Poppa ....700 miles and mostly smiles on my 21 z650. Gonna trade it on a z900 fo sho

Clearly this guy is a hater of z650. With a price point like this and features, it is certainly one of the best middle weights out there.

O hope one day lisent something about gsxs-750

Can't wait to see extra depreciated z650s on CL

For the kawasaki ninja 650, what tires would you recommend for wet roads

The Z650 is the swiss army knife of motorcycles. It does about everything, but at the end of the day, a stand-alone tool will always be better.

If you are going to keep filling half of the video with all kinds of advertisement i Will unsubscribe.

This was my Driving-School Motorcycle for my A2 License. Didn't really like it, mainly because it was just too small for me. (I'm 6'3 / 1,92m) Now I'm riding a 350 but at least it's not a naked bike xD

Just watched a video from a year before this one telling me to get the z650 now this is saying don't. Which do I do haha

love the BG orchestra music

I have the old er6f and yes I want a faster bike but I’ve been riding in the uk for 6 years and i do enjoy riding my bike even the old one is actually fun to ride . Yes the sv650 is a better engine but you can tune the ninja 650 more and it will still be reliable mine has had a full exhaust system and a remap for the throttle feel but it’s now got around 80bhp and is quite good fun on a uk circuit.I would love a new sports bike if I could afford tho .

HeyI have a question, is it possible to swap the engine from an mt07 to a z650?

Not even kidding I got one of these (first bike) a day before you uploaded this

I keep clicking on your channel. The truth is I find your channel to be very similar to a Kawasaki z650.

Any chance you could have a look at the CFMoto 650nk?

What's up with the SUPER grainy images used for some of the B-roll in this video? I thought it was my internet screwing up, but nope it's just low-resolution stills.

I went for the z650, as I felt it was the best looking, the only thing that I feel let's it down is the sound, pity it didn't have the trident engine in.

This is the bike the driving school makes us ride on here where i live, i like it, but not what i want

I ride a 75cc classic vespa, why do I watch this channel everyday 😂

This bike is my first bike because I get cheap insurance on it but i love it and will probably keep it around once I upgrade to a super duke 790

Just started my lessons on z650 feels fine but I’m just starting on bike bikes 🏍

I live in Australia, do I still qualify to enter the giveaway?

2018 z650 or 2012 yz8? Both 5k yamaha stock and the kawi has exhaust, power commander and 5 yr electronics warranty

wait i just watched the z650 vs sv650 and you guys said z650 is better out of the 2.. im confused now x.x

The part where he was driving on the bridge with the brown looking pillars is located in Austin, Texas specifically in the West Lake Hills area. I did some work for a millionaire there on his pool. 😁

Hopefully when I get a new ER6N, I'm going to swap the front light for the Z650 it looks better then the ER 😊