Having ridden both the Interceptor and the z650rs, I would take the Kawasaki every day and Sunday. The Kawi is more comfortable, lighter, has 20 more ponies, longer service intervals, tubeless tires and is better looking (in green, in my opinion). The only thing that would potentially sway me to the Royal Enfield is the sticker being about $2k lower. Great review!
Hello, my friend Wow! It's a video of me riding a motorcycle that gives me the most fun and moving I watch your video until the end because it's fun Have a lucky and comfortable day 👍👍👍
I recently discovered your channel. Being a fellow Suffolk mutterer I enjoy your relaxed presentation, not all shouty and over enthusiastic. Anyhow, great review of a bike that is potentially on my short list for next purchase. My years of flying around on 150 mph+ bikes are behind me now. Interested in your comment of the fit as I am 6’1” and found the base model Z650 very cramped with the sculpted tank. Others in the short list are Trident 660 and Street Twin. Keep up the good work. I’m hooked.
It was very interesting to go for a ride and hear your thoughts on the Kawasaki Z650RS. It has the two round clocks and 180 degree crank in common with the British classics. For something that is not a modern classic, my interest has moved on to the Suzuki SV650, which I suspect is a better bike at a better price. Suzuki have been making the 650 V twin for so long that it is a bit of a classic in its own way and there are plenty of aftermarket goodies available also.
Well, although an older video, I just didn't sense that you gelled w/ it? Functional, practical, good sound, generally good looks- certainly no glaring faults or issues. Even though it was OK over the bumpy roads, you slowed down quite a bit to afford that softer ride. The Mrs. is a NO & the local gendarmarie were getting excited by a renewed scofflaw about Suffolk, so- I'm glad you didn't fall head over heels on it. (Wish you'd get the Moto Guzzi V7 & the world will improve.)
cheers! I've got that bike in that colourway and I love it. not sure about chroming it up though; the black clocks etc work for me. thinking about a rad guard to keep the stones out but will probably go aftermarket and stick with black. the oem accessory one is silver. you're right about it wanting to be naughty; I'm getting on a bit now and am trying hard to just enjoy bimbling. the bike has a mind of it's own though. popeye
@@TAYM I've had to watch this again, as my dealer has had one on the floor for a long time. They've marked it down a bit. I don't think I'll grab it but I am tempted . I'd have to sell off a couple of other bikes. The Z650RS would be a fun round the town bike. I'd like to ride one on the US 50 "The Loneliest Road in America". See if I have trouble with fuel range on a couple of those long stretches without fuel. The more I look at this bike, I have to give in and agree with you on the chrome or stainless steel... that would look better on the clocks. I was wrong. lol
I get in trouble with the law on my Interceptor & at one stage only had 10pts left ony license but to be fair some of them tickets were in the car & NZ is strict with regulations. Bike rego is $560 a year for one bike here but you can put them on hold if not being used or you got multiple bikes.Over winter bikes go on hold if you have more than one & keep one for legal for winter.Auto insurance is expensive here too.Mate in USA insures all 4 of HIS bikes for the price of my one bike & he got Harley. Harley Davidson insurance is really expensive here.
Evening TAWM really good review you had me thinking about one until you mentioned the Interceptor and at the end you said the thing that really rubs me up the wrong way no Centre Stand ☹️
It's the motorcycle your head should want to buy it's a sensible midrange twin like the old Honda CB500 of a few years ago before you had to have the fastest bike on the road. But it looks so good you'll make the neighbours jealous instead of them laughing at your sensible Honda.
nice bike but too expensive for what it got !!! Honda Cb650R is cheaper here in Japan and it has better quality parts and better options build-in. Good video, thank's.
O piloto anda apertando o freio traseiro com os 4 dedos ou estou enganado? Essa moto tem o mesmo motor da Vulcan 650s que em minha opinião é uma excelente motocicleta 🏍. De toda forma, eu investiria um pouco mais e pegaria uma Z900rs, pois é uma 4 cilindros. Afinal 4 cilindros é 4 cilindros. Obrigado pelo vídeo.
I like the objectivity of your reviews and your honestly/dilemna when picking one motorcycle over another. Which would you pick - the T100 or Z650 given they produce roughly the same HP . . . albeit the T-100 does it at much lower rpm but the Z650RS does it for quite a lot less money? I just got back into motorcycling at the age of 60 after ~35 years away from motorcycles. I did my early motorcycling in the UK but moved to Canada in my 20's where I now live. I was a Yamaha RD400 hooligan when I was 18 but at this age I am no longer interested street racing. I bought a Kawasaki Ninja 400, as my son (who did the Canadian motorcycle course and license test with me at the same time) liked the sporty look of the Ninja 400. I bought that bike because it is powerful enough to have fun on but the power delivery is nice and progressive and you won't inadvertently get into trouble on it (or end up with the front wheel high in the air like an RD400 with a pillion rider). As much as I like the Ninja 400 (very light, quite quick, and handles well) I am looking for something that will not necessarily go faster but will putter long at 40 - 70 mph in a more "relaxed" manner and take a pillion (aka the wife) comfortably. I tend to prefer bikes that are light and good handling and my top picks for a large engined bike right now are 2022 models - Triumph T100, T120 & Speed Twin and the Kawasaki Z900 RS SE. My wife likes the luxe versions of the Honda Goldwings and the Harley Davidson Road Glides (armchair style rear seat versions!!!) . . but quite honestly I would not want to own one of those bikes just for the 2 weeks per year we may actually end up touring on them . . . . I would prefer to simply rent one for 2 weeks as needed. Thanks
Have you watched any of the later reviews I have done? I have some more coming which might be of interest and help with your decision making. The T100 is, in my opinion far more established motorcycle than the z650. I often talk more about the reviews in my general mutterings which might also help. Having owned a z900rs cafe I was disappointed with the z650rs. Hmm, I think I might mutter about your comment.
@@TAYM did you do a video on the Z900 RS Cafe - I was looking for it but I didn't find it. I like different bikes for different reasons. I think I would like something with the looks and smoothness of the T100 but with the power of the Speed Twin . . . but also a Z900 RS SE. I think once you've ridden a 4 cylinder Jap bike you simply find the 2 cylinder ones are just not as refined . . still okay (or even quite good) good but a 650 compared with a 900 . . . . mmmm
I own a Triumph Bonneville T120 2019 Euro 4 model and I'm thinking about swapping it. My shortlist comprises of 1. Triumph Street Twin, 2. Triumph Bonneville T100 and 3. Kawasaki z650rs. I've watched your review of them all therefore my question is :- Which one would you choose and why?
The price difference between the z650 and the street twin is only £800 and they both produce the same horse power but you would swear the street twin was far more powerful. The Street Twin is a much more accomplished motorcycle. The T100 his the bike I went for but that was only because I prefer the looks.
I suppose, if one wanted to stretch a point with these more modern retro bikes you could argue that, by modern standards, the 650cc engine is only a relatively small bike. Whereas, when I owned an original Z650 it was considered a relatively "big Bike" Then, if you wanted to push it a little further, the Z650RS, (when taken in comparison with modern engine sizes), would be more akin to the original 70's Z400, which of course, was a twin. It just takes a little imagination. That or drugs.
Similar to Interceptor 120kmh at 4800rpm once run in which is a bit better surprisingly to Kawasaki 650RS 120kmh at 5500rpm & both six speed.Kawa probably way more refined though you'd think anyway.
I would prefer XSR700 & nearly bought a learner approved one but couldn't get past the old school look of Interceptor.In NZ the 650RS comes as a learner approved bike. Should do video a full license Yamaha XSR700.
The 12 litre fuel tank is too small for long distance commuting,that’s a pity. You should be able to run at least 200 miles (300km) on one full fuel tank
As ever personal preference between the feisty Kawasaki with better brakes and suspension and low revving Interceptor with adequate brakes and suspension
I think the biggest problem for this bike is that the street twin is only £800 more and the trident £300 less. Whilst I need to ride the interceptor again I think I would go for the interceptor, it more real
@@TAYM Agree. In fact, in India the Interceptor is nearly half the price, so makes even less sense here. The other problem is that this bike suffers from an identity crisis. It is really a retro? Or is it pretending to be one....
If I had to sum it up in one word, whilst it is a good bike, I would say that in comparison it feels cheap. Not rubbish or anything just cheap. If they had put the same amount of effort into it as they have the w800, it would be amazing. I hope they haven’t scrimped on the new 400/4 😊
@@robertbrandywine no problem with the w800 and I don’t know if the cafe is any different to the roadster. I am also used to the classic 500 which has fixed pegs which educate you to spread 😂😂😂 the Z650 pegs are no problem at all 😊
I thought about this to replace my elderly Kawasaki ER-6F but when I saw it in the flesh I wasn't impressed. The radiator is hideous and looks vulnerable and the description of it as a "platform bike" is spot on. It's also too tall for my 29" inside leg and I refuse to pay extra for a lower seat. If I decide to go retro it will be the RE Interceptor. If I decide to stay with Kawasaki it will be the Ninja 650 which is mechanically very similar.
That's a pretty classic modern motorcycle, but I disppointed that it is only twin cylinder. Meanwhile, the Honda CB650R has 4 cylinder. The exhaust sound is different of course..the CB650R is more like eargasm.. lol..
I am disappointed that Kawasaki haven't given the 650 as much attention to detail as the 950. The exhaust and lack of cooling fins as an example. Kawasaki have been lazy with this one unfortunately
I wanted a z650 in the 70’s but this version sounds typical Japanese, bland and boring! It does nothing to excite me. At least my 650 Enfield has a bit of character.
