STICKY BEAK (aka Glynis and Chris Taylor) is currently mooching around South Australia riding twin Kawasaki Z650RS. Some call them cafe racers, we call them stunning.
We’ve had the ECUs 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.
We've biked England, Scotland, Wales, Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Peru, Rajasthan (India) and a LOT of Australia.
Motorbike trips, everyday rides, kit, tips, hints, reviews and a dash of life.
Our aim? To encourage YOU to get out and ride local, or ride FAR.
Plus the occasional international awesomeness to inspire you to get off your AR53.
Kick that comfort zone under the couch kids ;-/
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Excellent review, thanks! Really appreciate the thorough rundown and the practical nuggets of riding wisdom sprinkled in. Cheers from Sweden!
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
Very good presentation
Thank you ❤
Thank you very much. I'm looking to getting this bike.
Enjoy 🎉❤
Great review. Very informative. I’m hoping to head to the dealership this weekend to take a look at one and try it for size.
Hi, hope it’s a good fit for you, brilliant bike and real good fun. Enjoy xx
motto for the day ‘Cash in hand better than app’ ;)
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.
@@Sticky_BEAK it’s a double scam because they are all charging 1.5ish % on eftpos now as well….. thanks for the videos.
It’s lovely…..
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
Is it better than my 1982 kz650?
Sadly this is my first Kawasaki so recommend you get a hold of one to test ride and let me know how it compares ❤
@@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.
Great video with useful information. Thanks a lot!
Thank you 🙏
This is the bike that might tempt me back on to two wheels after 30 yrs 👌
I can recommend it. Easy ride with slipper clutch and amazing torque. At least test ride one ❤️
@@Sticky_BEAK thanks, I will.for sure.
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
Thanks for watching and for your comments. This is my first Kawasaki and I love it. Enjoy your riding and stay upright (well except on hot corners) 😀
We are ALL trying to make technology work. that there is no need for.
Holy crap theres always someone out there to rip us off
In the most unexpected places as well. Thinking the tech is foolproof then finding it most certainly isn’t. Might have to go back to good old cash!
@@Sticky_BEAK That is not what the globalists are planning.
Super vid, thank you so much. I am thinking of buying one of these bikes. I just love it. It looks so beautiful.
Thanks for your comment, it’s a stunning bike and so easy to ride. X
14 degrees, that’s positively tropical for the UK 😂😂
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 😂
Pretty bike but what the feck is going on with that exhaust. Somebody got some pipe benders for Christmas 😂
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.
Very good review. Subscribed.
Thanks for the sub really really appreciate it.
Good solid info especially from the female perspective.
Thankyou. It’s a fantastic all rounder and forgiving for those of us who are short x
Wonder if anyone will try to shoehorn the original 4 cylinder engine into this frame……😊
I think it would be a tight fit !
Thanks, lots of really good information. Easy to listen to you explain the bike.
Thank you ❤️❤️❤️❤️ really appreciate your comments.
Great review girl! All the best from an ancient New Zealand automotorbicycle rider ;)
Thankyou ❤️ for your comment and remember, age is just a number. Ride safe and stay upright x
I was considering this bike last year when I got my license, but that engine pushed me away from it, it sound horrible, no matter what you do to it. Thanks for the review though!
Thanks for your comment. When it revs up beyond 7000k it howls and sounds awesome but is a bit quiet below that as a result of the pain in the neck cat added to meet standards. There are aftermarket exhausts for people who like a baffle out howl. The worst engine/exhaust note I ever had was a VFR800i which sounded like a sewing machine, and the best were twin termignoni exhausts on a Ducati 748R. I’m too old now to kind of worry about riding a growler but hope you find a bike sound you love. All the best.
@@Sticky_BEAK Yes, I did :) . I got an Suzuki Sv 650, it sounds really nice, and looks great with some aftermarket bits on it. It does not look as good as a z650rs, but I love the sound of it :D. Ride safe !
My very first bike was an SV650S, great bike.
Great video. I love your explanation of seat height. You are so very correct in your analogy of how different seat height statistics can be. I agree, one must actually sit on the bike to get an accurate assessment.
Thank you x
Dead right about the seat height and the width of the seat, all important for the fit
Thank you x
Great review. Is it legal to derestrict a bike in Australia?
Any motorcycle can be “tuned” in Australia as long as it doesn’t invalidate the warranty, unless the owner isn’t concerned about the warranty. Where people fall foul is flashing an ECU or tuning a bike when they have a restricted licence. In Australia that would be any kind of learner licence or probationary class of licence. I’ve been riding for 26 years with continuous motorcycle ownership throughout. If I were a learner I would be riding a modified motorcycle unsuitable for my type of licence. All this means to me is when I sell this motorcycle, I must check the class of licence of the buyer OR have the dealership remove the harness and return the motorcycle to its factory ECU settings. Hope that helps.
Sorry you had such a frustrating and tough time in our stretch of the river, but lovely to keep following your adventures!
I think some of it as well was my mindset as the journey went on. It was never purely a pleasure trip as it had a very real cause hanging off its success so anything which was a “challenge” kind of of became amplified as the weeks went by ❤
Loved the lock footage.
And the lock keepers were very knowledgeable and nearly all wished me a safe journey.
Am loving seeing more of your personality coming out as this series progresses! Those burnt arms and face look painful!
Thank you so much for watching. Yes the sunburn scar is permanent. It was an unbelievable challenge but the cause meant everything to me xxx
Pretty little guy. 🐦
Ladies an Gentleman who care for their vehicles get my vote! Both cleanliness and maintenance. Cars, trucks, motorcycles... All sorts of equipment too. They work darn hard to help us to get from A to B and get stuff done. Well maintained, last long time. Nice Z650!
Darn bugs... 😊
And they get everywhere 😂
Your review helped made up my mind to purchase this bike. Not too costly, yet sufficient agilty and torque for the roads in Singapore here.
Brilliant x enjoy your bike it’s an amazing machine.
Mine didn’t come with sun visor I really wanted that one but they told me for USA it doesn’t come with it it
Oh what! Well that is a big shame because it moves up and down easily and solves the problem of no dark visor in low light or at night. But, hope you’re enjoying it all the same. Great helmet.
It's simply amazing just how close they got to the original 70s Z650 and Z900 with their respective retro remakes. My father had a pair of '76 Zeds, a 900 and a 650. The Z900 got sold last year to a restorer somewhere on the east, can't remember if Sydney or Melbourne and hasn't found a home for the Z650 yet, so I know the reference points for these are very closely remade with just enough modernity
Thanks for your comment. It’s a stunning bike in looks, style and the modern tweak. It’s also a fabulous ride.
They got it spot on with the 900. The exhaust is wrong on the 650 and spoils the retro look imo.
@@paolodechipiece1027 There are some nice aftermarket offerings, stock exhausts on modern bikes rarely look right to me
Hi . Subscribed to your channel. Bought the same bike here in the uk, black colour. As a new rider,60 yrs old, didnt realise how much wind there is at 60mph. Do you think a small windshield would help or create more problems than it solves? I rarely do above 65 mph. Also spoils the look of the bike. Notice you haven’t got a screen. Any reason why? Thanks
Hi, thanks for commenting and thankyou very much for subscribing really appreciate it. Hmmm the grand screen debate. Ok at a risk of sounding boring here goes. I’m 5’6” so fairly short. My hubby on the Jaffa version is 5’10” and neither of us experience any kind of issue with wind from the front and we live in a seriously windy location. We do feel the effects of wind coming from the sides and when being passed by large trucks which is often living in Australia which is truck heaven. Are you tall? Or are you simply just not used to feeling the effects of wind? I remember my first bike which was an SV650S which had a half fairing and a screen. When it was windy commuting around Aberdeen I was terrified I’d get blown in to a ditch. 26 years later I feel the wind but it no longer worries me. The affects of wind are felt differently on different bikes. The big heavy tourers such as the VFR seem to feel the effects of wind due to their mass and large fairings yet light bikes, such as the Z seems to be just as bad even with no fairings at all. I guess when thinking about it a big heavy car feels the wind effect so a small motorcycle which is a sixth of the weight is bound to be affected as well. Here in Aus we have a 110kph limit on faster roads, 100kph on rural roads and 80 down to 50 through townships. 110 is about 68mph so that’s around the speed you are feeling it. How’s your riding position? I find being close to the tank, keeping my body upright but elbow nicely bent gives me plenty of freedom to control the handle bars when I do experience wind buffeting. As for a screen, personally on this bike, I love the looks of it as it is and I’m not sure I’d like a screen disrupting the retro feel. But a mini screen such as something from Puig might help to send the airflow over your helmet. Maybe give it a go and see if it makes a difference for you. As for being a new rider at 60, that’s fantastic, I’m so pleased you found motorcycle riding, it’s a glorious way to be in nature. Heightened senses and pure joy. Have a fantastic time on your bike and let me know if your screen does make a difference. All the best - Glynis
Thanks for the detailed reply glynis. I'm 5.6 same as you funny enough. Actually think I'm just not used to the wind, I live in windy Worthing, West Sussex. Sometimes read a screen can bring different problems so I think I'll leave it a while and get a few more miles under my belt. Rarely go above 65 mph anyway. On a side note, was contemplating buying a 20mm kawasaki lower seat to reach the ground easier but was advised to put a higher insole in my boot and that has made a big difference as well as saving me £280 !
I think I’m lucky in the leg length department with a 31” inside leg but a shorter torso whereas my hubby is 5’10” but only a 29” inside leg and long torso! I find moving my hips right in to the tank can help to get feet closer to flat on the ground especially when doing slow speed work in traffic, where frequent feet on the ground can be needed. The problem with a shaved down seat is less padding and I think this seat is already on the limit for comfort. I think riding for the first year opens the eyes to the challenges of drivers and pedestrians who don’t pay attention, road rage because you’re a rider on a faster machine, and the elements. I would commute in every kind of weather and season and learned a lot about drying gloves using service station hand dryers, wearing plastic bags over socks inside “waterproof” boots, and always have the best grade waterproof jacket I could afford. It’s also worth finding an “advanced rider course” or what used to be called the “police rider course”. I learned a lot about road position, counter steering, straight line braking, resisting slamming on the front brake in corners, and how to get out of trouble after making a “challenging” decision. Not telling you how to ride or what to do at all so hope you take my comments in good faith. I just know what is was like in the first year of riding and remembering how easy it was to drop the bike although it was a Suzuki and it was nowhere near as technically capable as your bike is. Anyway ….. happy riding.
I also have the same bike and recently passed full license at 57, I added a-small screen, but it is just for the looks and keeping the instrumentation bug free, I have only ever ridden naked bikes so know no difference and have ridden slightly above the uk national speed limit and don’t find the wind blast a problem.
@@slobones7618 Brilliant. Well done. Where did you get your small screen and is it any good. Love to see a pic of it on your bike. Also I'm a bit wary of adjusting the chain regularly. Never done it before and need to buy some tools. Do you do it yourself or take it to the garage?
The tank looks like the original from 78 kinda, and sharp looks comfy for long range.
Very similar tank. We saw an original 900 recently in a motor museum and the “look” is very similar especially the tail end. The seat is comfy but could be better. About 200kms and start to feel pressure on butt bones but then I’ve got a fat a-e so maybe that’s just me.
I've got one in grey with a splash of orange; was torn between the two premium colours but have no regrets at all....both look stunning. It is a top bike, I love it. I came off a 2019 Ninja 650 (loved that too) but the RS suits my ageing bones better and whilst still very nippy doesn't encourage me to push on quite so much. I'm more than happy with the well-proven parallel twin; it's a fine engine and suits the character of the bike. It's a modern take on the original whilst not trying to be the original. Yep, a smashing reliable bike and well worth a look. Cheers, Popeye.
Thanks for your comments. It’s a fantastic bike with a reliable engine. I just love it.
Lobethal lights back in the days were the best everyone had so many different stalls out had such good times back then
It’s still worth seeing but yes a lot more scaled down now.
Hiya Ozzy! I am in Onterrible and it is wicked cold here! Just got back from a short coffee run on my bycycle! The music takes away rom your tour... cheers!
Stay warm out there. My problem is the H1n microphone is the best I can get in my helmet. I’ve tried so many different ways to record the ride, road noise, engine noise and all I get is wind even with the mic now behind the cheek pad. The helmet records excellent POV video, well it has to because my GoPro 11 is the worse piece of tech I’ve ever owned, but the mic in the helmet (part of the Forcite helmet not the standalone) just doesn’t work at all so I’m stuck with wind noise. I just thought having wind blast and muted exhaust notes was too much to listen to. The other problem is the time it takes to find good quality music tracks and I guess everyone’s taste is different. Once the bike gets over 80kph I’m competing with wind noise over speaking. I could do voice overs but then that’s not “live”. Just trying to make content everyone wants to watch. Also trying to show Australia (in particular South Australia) isn’t just bland dessert and tumbleweed rolling down the streets. Anyway thanks for watching. What is it over there -20°!
Sounds like a faulty sd card, with the repeated repair options. Time to visit OfficeWorks for a brand name, good new card, me thinks. :)
55Kw - 73.7HP.
In Australia this bike is restricted to make it learner legal. When we purchased them we had the dealer flash the ECU with a Woolich harness specifically designed to remap for top performance. This took the output up by 10+hp. Without putting it on a dyno can’t get an exact figure but performance is excellent.
Well done, love the effort put in here. I just got this helmet but I haven't tried it out as of yet. The music quality sounds solid but how do you find voice clarity whilst riding around at 100 clicks and did you also find an improvement in that regard with the new set in?
Hi thanks for your comment. I can not get the phone to work properly at all. Can’t hear people who phone and the microphone doesn’t pick hardly any sound up when I’m video recording, so I bought and use a seperate stand alone microphone (H1n zoom). I’ve tried reinstalling software, having sound up full blast nothing works. It “could” be interference from Bluetooth or something else but that’s a pure guess.
Very blunt but very good review
🎉❤ thank you ❤🎉
Really enjoying your videos. I told my wife that if I get a new better paying job that I will get a G650RS.
Hope your dream come true x
Gorgeous bike. Good mix of modern tech and classic looks. Excellent review, thanks.
Thankyou ❤
I like this bike great vid thanks
Thankyou. It’s a really good bike. 300kms from a 12 litre tank. Lightweight with grunt. Great for learners but also for those who prefer playing with twisty roads rather than long straight highways.
"Promosm"
Wow Bloody good effort , Well done ! and thank you for going to all the effort for charity . as the comment below says . @rustycage6993 11 months ago Just incredible. Thank you for taking us along one hell of a journey
Thank you 🎉