I can tell you as an owner of a 2023 Z 650 ABS which I like however after riding the Suzuki GSX 8S on a demo ride my bike is a moped compared to the Suzuki. I have mention in past Kawasaki must get busy the Z 650 is in the stone ages and now that Yamaha did those upgrades for the MT 07 this bike is fading to black. Sorry to all the Kawi guys which I am one it's the cold truth.
Not everyone wants more power. Also, after 750cc insurance rates go up. The kawi engine is also bulletproof which someone buying their first bike might want (the susuki is good too, it just isn't time tested like this engine.) I find the 650 an amazing amount of power for city riding. Lastly looks. Imo the gsx 8s is ugly compared to the kawi. I'm not saying this bike is better than susukis, but there are many other reasons why someone might want one.
don't forget seat height. it has a really short seat height even compared to other nakeds/sport bikes of the 250/400 class. Mt07 is higher, gsx8s is even higher by an extra 5mm i think. it might seem small but it's significant. this and the ninja 650 are much shorter and it's what makes them a great option for us shorties
I think the needed updates other than the look, including: ride by wire to have ride modes, which also enables optional quick shifter and cruise control; better control of the settings, you can see how much Peter struggled in this video, its abs counter-intuitive to use; a 270 crank to fix the boring sound; a traditional side mounted muffler for aftermarket slip on options only for the ninja; slipper clutch for the versys. Yes it would be nice to have slightly bigger engine ie 699cc to keep up with other competition, but the bike does not need more torque, but rather extend-ability ie an extra 1000rpm maybe.
Your knee seemed to be folded fairly tightly when you were sitting on the bike. I visited the Kawasaki web site and found that they offer an optional seat that sits an inch higher. It's good to see than the manufacturers are taking the opportunity to generate extra sales by offering this sort of option while at the same time making the bike attractive to a larger group of buyers. Not too many years ago optional comfort seats were only available on the top end models.
They already have the 636. New profile cams and a few other mods to give 80bhp and better midrange torque would be cheap and easy to do. Better than the CB650r.
Nice review. I hope Kawasaki offers a wider range of color choices in the future for new bikes. What are your thoughts on the type of Parallel engines, like the Ninja 650's 180 degree, versus the newer 270 degree crank shafts that is said to have more balance for less vibration if true? Or is 285 degrees ideal but more expensive to produce? Regardless I'm happy with the Ninja 650's engine for my riding style. Great bike and reliable engine.
I can tell you as an owner of a 2023 Z 650 ABS which I like however after riding the Suzuki GSX 8S on a demo ride my bike is a moped compared to the Suzuki. I have mention in past Kawasaki must get busy the Z 650 is in the stone ages and now that Yamaha did those upgrades for the MT 07 this bike is fading to black. Sorry to all the Kawi guys which I am one it's the cold truth.
Not everyone wants more power. Also, after 750cc insurance rates go up. The kawi engine is also bulletproof which someone buying their first bike might want (the susuki is good too, it just isn't time tested like this engine.) I find the 650 an amazing amount of power for city riding. Lastly looks. Imo the gsx 8s is ugly compared to the kawi. I'm not saying this bike is better than susukis, but there are many other reasons why someone might want one.
@@thejaysunabsolutely true and that’s why I own one, that Being said Kawasaki still needs to up their game.
É Vero!
@@thejaysun Where do insurance rates go up after 750cc? The world is huge
don't forget seat height. it has a really short seat height even compared to other nakeds/sport bikes of the 250/400 class. Mt07 is higher, gsx8s is even higher by an extra 5mm i think. it might seem small but it's significant. this and the ninja 650 are much shorter and it's what makes them a great option for us shorties
I think the needed updates other than the look, including: ride by wire to have ride modes, which also enables optional quick shifter and cruise control; better control of the settings, you can see how much Peter struggled in this video, its abs counter-intuitive to use; a 270 crank to fix the boring sound; a traditional side mounted muffler for aftermarket slip on options only for the ninja; slipper clutch for the versys.
Yes it would be nice to have slightly bigger engine ie 699cc to keep up with other competition, but the bike does not need more torque, but rather extend-ability ie an extra 1000rpm maybe.
This combination of colors for 2025 looks so beautiful!
Yeah. It looks great in person!
Your knee seemed to be folded fairly tightly when you were sitting on the bike. I visited the Kawasaki web site and found that they offer an optional seat that sits an inch higher. It's good to see than the manufacturers are taking the opportunity to generate extra sales by offering this sort of option while at the same time making the bike attractive to a larger group of buyers. Not too many years ago optional comfort seats were only available on the top end models.
Time to upgrade the engine
Sure, but to what? 270 degree crank? Does it need marginally more power? What are you looking for in an upgrade? and why?
@@PeterLoweOne yes i was thinking in the 270 crank also make it more hp and the engine sound would love to be a bit better
@@PeterLoweOnelooking forward to a legendary inline-4 😎
Suspension, quick shift 👍🏻
They already have the 636. New profile cams and a few other mods to give 80bhp and better midrange torque would be cheap and easy to do. Better than the CB650r.
Looks great. Put a 270 crank in it please.
Essa moto apesar da tecnologia, está mais que ultrapassado, aqui no Brasil 🇧🇷 tanto este como o Z650RS, vendem ,quase nada!
Nice review. I hope Kawasaki offers a wider range of color choices in the future for new bikes. What are your thoughts on the type of Parallel engines, like the Ninja 650's 180 degree, versus the newer 270 degree crank shafts that is said to have more balance for less vibration if true? Or is 285 degrees ideal but more expensive to produce? Regardless I'm happy with the Ninja 650's engine for my riding style. Great bike and reliable engine.
I was very surprised to read that the Z650 was the best selling bike of 2024 in the US.
I recently got an MT07. I think this class of bike, Z650, SV650 or MT07, is a motorcycle that one can ride for their entire riding career.
This is an awesome class, for sure!
Dont forget about the Trident 660
@@anthonyfanella6523 I knew I was forgetting one! I wish I could have gotten a Trident. A bit out of my price range. But the MT is a fun bike to ride.
Hi Peter. Looks like a nice machine.