I've watched heaps of these reviews and yours is the most concise and thorough. Great work

Nice review. I have to point out that you exposed a lot of details that are crucial for a really good review. Thanks.

Love the video Kris, thanks for sharing!

GD day Kris, I just bought one but the manual they me is the 2019 model, which has no information about the TFT. Now I don't know how to pair my smart phone in its Bluetooth, how you may help me.

Hey mate, can you review the cb 650r in comparison with the z650? Thanks and ride safe..

Hi Kris, Great review as always. This looks like a great machine. Would you recommend this for completely new rider who just got their L plate or Z400 is better option in this case?

@MotoJournoKris

3 жыл бұрын

If you're looking at restricted versions like the Z650L we get here in Australia, which is limited to 35kW, I'd say there's less of an outright power difference, however you've still got to contend with the extra weight, and it does feel like a more serious machine, where you can really throw the little Z400 around a lot. I normally recommend the 400 (or similar) for new riders, as I think starting smaller has a lot of benefits, but I don't think you should be afraid of going for the Z650L if that's what you want. How confident did you feel doing the pre-learner course? Plenty of trepidation is normal, but if everything felt really natural and you felt like you were picking it all up quite quickly, as far as bike balance and using the clutch, maybe consider the 650. If it was more terrifying than exciting and you're a bit nervous, and didn't feel like it came as naturally the 400 may be a better option. I don't think the 400s lack power either, so don't feel like you need to go larger on that account, there's more torque in the 650s, but the 400 is a missile as well.

Hi Kris! Is it possible for you to get your hands on the supercharged Z H2 and do a review on it? I am dreaming to get that bike. But before making any ‘big’ commitment/mistake to a 1000cc naked bike, I want to hear how you find on that Z H2. Your reviews will mean a lot to me for we both are riding Ninja 400, which is a fantastic machine. Pls share your views on the wind protection (comfort issue) of the naked bike compared with what we used to a full fairing bike at high speed. Thank you!

@MotoJournoKris

4 жыл бұрын

That's definitely the plan, Moto Hub have let me know they'll have one available for test ride, and I'm really looking forward to checking it out!

What about this or ninja 400 if you are a returning rider? Or? In Houston I am unable to get test rides on Japanese bikes. Or z400 or Mt-97 or?

@MotoJournoKris

4 жыл бұрын

The Ninja 400 or Z400 are ideal alternatives in that lower capacity and price range, I think they are very good options if you'll be happy with around 50 horsepower and feel at home as far as general fit and feel of the bikes. The Z400 is a bit more compact than the Ninja. If you're looking in the same price range the MT-07 is a great alternative to the Z650, I've got a video up doing a quick comparison of the two, and one comparing the Ninja 400 and MT-07.

Do you know if Rideology App indicates lean angle for this model? Does it have sensor for this?

@MotoJournoKris

3 жыл бұрын

Good question, I didn't have time to do a deep dive into the app, so I'm not sure. I would have thought that required the IMU that is required for cornering ABS and cornering TC, so I'm assuming not. Some of the earlier apps from other companies collected that data off the phone (which obviously is less accurate as the phone can move around) but I don't think that's the case here, with the Versys 1000 it was collecting data from the bike.

I'm a newbie planning to purchase a bike soon and Z650 is on top of my list. Quick question: Is there a massive difference from a performance/ergonomics perspective for the 2019 v 2020 model?

@MotoJournoKris

4 жыл бұрын

No, they haven't changed much as far as the performance and ergos, so if you spot a 2019 for a good price, it's probably worth considering!

I'm in the market. Want a midweight / mid displacement, mostly unfaired, Japanese, and new. I've owned an FZ6R and an SV650S (among other bikes earlier). I enjoyed the SV650S -- mine had suspension and brake upgrades, a full exhaust system + jet kit (it was the old rounded frame carbed model), but overall my bone stock FZ6R was a more balanced, more reliable, more 'does everything pretty well' bike for me. So, I've pretty much excluded the SV650 / SV650X from my consideration, and after some thinking I've also excluded the MT-07 and the XSR700. I'm also not looking for a more faired bike like the CBR650R or the Ninja 650. That basically leaves the CB650R and this Z650. It would be lovely to ride both back to back and decide, but that isn't going to happen around here. So it comes down to the chuggy parallel twin vs. the revvy inline four for me. I know there are other elements, like the dash readout (better on Kawi), brakes and suspension (probably a bit better on the Honda), looks, etc. But I'm kinda leaning toward the Z650 for more in-town poke and because I've (recently) had an inline four (FZ6R) and an L-twin (SV650S) so why not try a different configuration? I love the looks of both bikes but the Z650 I think is just a bit more buttoned up whereas the CB is more glamorous and shiny. The Z gets me just a bit more. Better display, cheaper price, 160 tire, nice low weight... I'm leaning toward the Z650.

@MotoJournoKris

3 жыл бұрын

It's definitely worth checking out the different engine configurations, and the 650 parallel-twin in the Kawasakis is a great powerplant, with a nice revvy, smooth nature that I would say sits somewhere between the L or V-Twins and the in-line fours, with more torque down low but not quite as punchy as the other (V or L) twins, but still having that revvy nature. People like to diss the parallel-twins, but there's a good reason they are so popular. Plus I think listening to your gut on which bike really appeals to you is important too, you want to walk into your garage every time you go for a ride and be really happy with the bike you see in there. Both are great machines at the end of the day though, so I don't think you can go wrong with the Honda or Kawasaki, it's just a matter of which will tick all the boxes as your next machine, which can come down to some tiny differences, or just styling, or even a single styling element, or price.

Would yo7 buy one for your yourself? Or?

I super looking forward to buy a z650 for myself. But there’s three models like z650, z650l and z650l se, and honestly I can’t tell the difference expect coloring

@MotoJournoKris

2 жыл бұрын

L versions are normally LAMS or restricted, SE tends to be a special edition colour that costs a little more, like the KRT editions of some bikes. No L should be a full power version!

Bought my Z900 from Motohub. Good mob. And lol i know where that test was.

I was thinking getting a learners riders license. Do I need to buy this bike first or does riders training centre provide the bikes?

@MotoJournoKris

3 жыл бұрын

As far as I know all the pre-learners courses should provide bikes, and a helmet, as obviously you can't bring your own bike!

Is it possible to change the headlight on 2019 bike with a 2020?

@MotoJournoKris

4 жыл бұрын

I'm not sure to be honest, I would think it should be possible though, as we haven't seen enormous changes to the bike.

What do you think of buying a bike with high km ? There is a z650l with about 50000km for sale and I'm looking.

@MotoJournoKris

2 жыл бұрын

I think if the specific bike model has a good history of being really reliable and getting high mileage, and there's a service record which shows it's been taken care of, alongside the bike actually looking like it's been taken care of, I'd definitely consider it. Naturally I'd want it cheaper than a lower mileage comparable model, and I'd try and make sure there's no big servicing or consumables coming up, which can make a good deal end up being more expensive in the long run. I'd say it very much just comes down to the individual bike.

Kawasaki Australia website is offering 2021 model already. Is there any difference between 2020 and 2021 model other than paint?

@MotoJournoKris

3 жыл бұрын

There hasn't been updates announced, which isn't surprising with the recent update, so it just looks like those will be the new colours (plus the SE variant). Interestingly it looks like the base RRP before delivery and on-roads on the 2021 has dropped by $200, so it's slightly cheaper according to the Kawasaki Australia website - at least for my post code in Sydney. The SE model is the same price as the standard 2020 Z650L though.

@abhishekgawande7714

3 жыл бұрын

@@MotoJournoKris Thanks for your reply Kris. Appreciate it! At one of the dealers 2020 demonstrator model is available at $10,800 whereas 2021 model ride away price is $11,600. As difference between two model is only paint scheme, does it make sense to buy 2021 model over 2020? Does model year have a significant impact while trading in ?

@MotoJournoKris

3 жыл бұрын

@@abhishekgawande7714 That makes sense as they tend to discount the outgoing year model in dealers. Them both being the new updated version means there'll be less difference, as like you said they are essentially the same except colour, it can be a bigger difference if you're talking the previous generation vs an updated model with features people specifically want. One being a later year model may help the resale or trade-in value slightly, but I think you'd generally more than make up for that with the initial savings, especially with that kind of discount generally speaking.

Damn this one looks wayyyy better than the 2017 model

@MotoJournoKris

4 жыл бұрын

Yep, with that headlight it looks amazing now!

@marcusgeorge1825

4 жыл бұрын

Yes it does. But. The 2017 version is basically the same bike (minus the led lights and fancy two screen). Bang for bucks would be to buy a 2017 and stick an Acrapovic full system which will reduce weight, give a performance increase and deliver an incredible sound track!

@marcusgeorge1825

4 жыл бұрын

Head light? If you’re only taking it out for a Sunday ride on the twisties then who really cares about a headlight?

@prometheus5218

3 жыл бұрын

@@marcusgeorge1825 you are that kind of person who doesn't have enough money so he sticks with the 2017 model and sees the new version as a useless improve. I think the old model looks a bit low budget, also I really like the stock exhaust tbh

@marcusgeorge1825

3 жыл бұрын

@@prometheus5218 Excuse me? You don’t know me at all (if you did then that’s a particular type that I am not). A rather stupid statement if you think about it. The only significant upgrade is the headlight and dash. If you add an exhaust to the older model and spend money on say upgrading the below par tyres that both models offer then the old model would end up costing about the same as the new one (and be better). I won’t lower myself and give you my opinion on you! You’ve clearly missed my point as it has nothing at all to do with money! Have a great day!

Zeedd!!

Would you purchase the Yamaha my-07 over this bike?

@MotoJournoKris

4 жыл бұрын

Someone else asked a similar question and to be honest if I had to choose I'd probably go with the bike I could get the better deal on if I was looking for a first bike in the 650cc segment and looking between those two machines. There's features which stand out on each of the bikes, but there's not one which I'd say enormously stands above the other to me overall. If you've got really strong feelings about the looks of one over the other though, that may make it an easier choice.

Hi Kris, if you had to pick one out of the three bikes you have mentioned for yourself to buy. Which would it be?

@MotoJournoKris

4 жыл бұрын

It would come down to which of the Z650 and MT-07 I could get a better deal on for me, I prefer the styling of the Z650 and the TFT display and slip/assist clutch are bonuses, where the MT-07 has that raw factor thanks to the cross plane engine. As good as the SV650 is, and despite being able to appreciate a good V-twin, it's not a big buying factor for me (personally), whereas I'd probably consider the GSX-S750 as an experienced rider if I was looking at the Suzuki line-up. I know for some the V-twin factor is a huge draw card though, and I can see why...

@marcusgeorge1825

4 жыл бұрын

Moto Journo Kris thanks Kris. I owned a road going GSXR-750 in the mid nineties and raced around the country two RGV-250’s. Home track for competition racing was PI. I was however luckily enough to race a works WSB version of the Suzuki version, amongst others. In the 90’s (same comments for today), if you could go around Phillip Island in under 2 minutes (regardless of bike) you knew how to ride. The lap record back then for a road 250 was much less (RGV-250). Which, stupidity were learner Approved at the time! Hence why none exist anymore more. For the readers out there I have a 95 model with less than 5k on the clock. Hasn’t been ridden in over 20 years and I’ve already had offers up to $25k for it. $6.5k brand new... love your channel and mindful insights to riding. Keep up the great work! 👍😎

@MotoJournoKris

4 жыл бұрын

@@marcusgeorge1825 You must have some amazing stories under your belt, especially having ridden that WSB machine! It is crazy some of those machines that were allowed - they are so sought after now, and it's sad that happened really. Both for the riders and the bikes. That's a piece of history you have there! I remember drooling over the Aprilia RS250, which fell on the other side of the LAMS scheme as not allowed. They were crazy cheap when I first wanted a bike, while the CBR250RRs were $10k grey import, and by the time I had my full licence people had realised and their price had jumped dramatically. The FZX250 I started on was absolutely gutless, but definitely a good learning experience. Certainly not collectable though!

@marcusgeorge1825

4 жыл бұрын

Moto Journo Kris the Aprilia RS actually had the exact same Suzuki 250 two-stroke engine in it as the RGV..... Just for the record

Kawasaki zx 25r new please a video

@MotoJournoKris

4 жыл бұрын

I'd love to, I just haven't been able to get my hands on a press kit with images and the full info to base the video on. I'll give it another crack tracking that down though.

Please Kawasaki Please bring the ZX25R into Australia and make it LAMS Approved

@MotoJournoKris

4 жыл бұрын

I asked Kawasaki about it at the last motorcycle show in Wollongong and at the time they said there was no plan to bring them in. There's a lot of interest around them though, and they are clearly designed for racing in the Asian markets where 250s are still huge, so it'll be interesting to see if that changes. I think the issue would be pricing, in India there's been the suggestion they'd be cheaper than the Ninja 400 on the showroom, which seems unlikely with more modest estimates being around the same, while I'd guess they'd have to start in a similar region to the Z650L here (maybe around 12k ride-away) being really wishful but possibly commanding a premium even over that. If they were 14k you wonder if anyone would still be interested...

@florme6494

4 жыл бұрын

It’s funny you mention it. I was looking at one of these the other day on KZread and got really excited. Love the idea of a high revving 250cc light weight bike with 45 horsepower. Sounds like the ultimate fun bike for street use. But Kris you are right... I think if it’s over 8 to 9k they will miss out on the young LAMS market.

@MotoJournoKris

4 жыл бұрын

@@florme6494 Yep, I mean I see it more for the discerning older rider who remembers the amazing 250-4s and wants a modern version. It might be a hard sell to add to the model line in markets where the Ninja 400 is doing well. The production cost has to be way higher, but some of these niche machines do surprisingly well.

@grumpybraincells6612

4 жыл бұрын

@@florme6494 for those riders who are on their restricted license, the most powerful bike they could get are probably ninja 650 mt07 and cbr650, which are all some what a big bike(in terms of weight and other things). the way I see the zx25r is it's a much premium version of a ninja 400 an R3 or the rc390, it has nice brakes quick shifter rider modes all those goodies. If they sell this thing at the price range of 8000~9000 AUD, I think a lot of riders would choose this over the ninja 400 or the r3.

@grumpybraincells6612

4 жыл бұрын

@@MotoJournoKris so true, if they are below 9k, I'm gonna say nobody is going to buy another ninja 400 anymore, especially there's some many goodies on this little bike that the 400 and 650 don't even offer, quick shifter rider mode. if they price this at around 12k~14k, I think people will just turn around and go with the cbr650r, if it's over 14k, I just don't think beginners will want to learn on something this expensive, which means the customers are probably not restricted by their license. above all that with a few more grand you can get the zx6r or the R6, I can see why they wouldn't bring this bike into australia.

Stunner bike however the engine is a bit of let down for me, vibrates like crazy and doesn't the shove the MT07 has. Shame coz I really think it's the best looking 650cc in the market today.

Stop talking people into replacing exhausts. Encourage them to take extra courses instead! That's a better investment.

@MotoJournoKris

4 жыл бұрын

It's not mutually exclusive, but investing in your riding skills is certainly something that will always pay dividends. I'll see if I can work it into the review next time.

"Zed"?? Seriously?

@MotoJournoKris

4 жыл бұрын

"It's not just the British that pronounce “z” as “zed”. The vast majority of the English speaking world does this. The primary exception, of course, is in the United States where “z” is pronounced “zee”." Luckily I didn't have to mention any aluminium features...