@DailyRider - it would be both helpful in pulling the trigger on a purchase (or not), & brilliantly entertaining to see the Z650RS' big brother, the Z900RS, make an appearance as a guest on the "Daily Rider" show! Please 🙏 make it happen, guys! Thanks in advance if you're able to bring that video to life!
Zack, for future videos can you can snap a profile picture of you sitting on each of the daily rider bikes, so we can see the human to bike ratio and ergonomics? Gracias mi amigo!
Just passed 400 miles on my 23 model. Everything you said is spot on! It’s just all around good. To have no disappointments or regrets at all is a rare thing.
Great review! Side bar: Even if RevZilla didn't have the industries best selection, pricing and customer service on motorcycle gear, I would still be tempted to buy from them to because of their excellent videos, reviews, reviewers, podcasts and Common Tread articles.
It lacks a voice. I like Kawasaki bikes. I noticed their are a couple of styling tidbits from the Triumph Bonneville. Put a small wind screen on it and a couple of canvas saddle bags and away we gooo! Vaughn
Agree! It might sound cheesy, but based on their video content - especially the extended trips with Zach and Ari - I’m proud to be a Revzilla customer and to help support them.
I often feel like a lousy motorcyclist because I can’t wheelie or back it in. But Zack has been riding his whole life and I’ve only been riding a year and a half. The main thing is we all enjoy it. I was deciding between this bike and the Bonneville T100. If Kawasaki kept the green gas tank and offered the red gas tank as a regular option I most likely would have gotten this one. But I ended up with the Bonnie. And honestly I think the Bonneville is much better for my skill level. Really good fueling (not herky jerky at all) and a lot milder of a riding experience. As Zack would say, very approachable.
Wheelies can be hard but honestly backing it in is pretty simple you just smash the rear break lmao. If you find your letting the rear end out too much or not stopping fast enough just supplement with front break.
If I was younger that would be my set of wheels, had the ZRX 1100 a few years back, miracle I didn’t kill my self on it, so fast, like a drug with so much power. Loved that machine even after some 10 day road trips. Had Kawasaki’s on and off for over 50 years, every one left their mark. Great bikes. 😎
I got this as my first bike last year and, despite some of the downsides Zach talks about--which I agree with--I feel like I could have done much worse for a pick. The biggest downsides in my experience are the fuel tank size because in west Texas towns are few and far between, the lack of cruise control can be annoying on the highway, and the throttle jerkiness, which--when paired with my lack of experience--has been problematic in the city. It's definitely like a 8/10 or 9/10 to me.
My Vulcan S, which shares this motor, greatly benefited from a Booster Plug! I never got a power commander but I’m sure that would help the fueling issue even further! Enjoy the bike
My first bike was a Rebel 1100 but I did my motorcycle license courses and exam o a Z650. I also think they are a bit jerky, particularly when you're new, but I think they you can get used to it.
I owned the ancestor, the ER6-F, 2006. Somewhat boring, but so good. It works, and damn well at that. The one "big" bike (full European license) that I kept more than a year. Thanks for the good video!
I own a Versys 650 (2020) with the same engine. It's kind of boring when you just cruise around at 4k rpm (the gearbox is louder than the engine) but it makes a lot of fun at 5-6k and above. The intake sound is great and it works absolutely fine in every situation that are legal on publich streets. The only thing, that annoys me, is the throttle response...as Zack already mentioned. But beside that..everything is great :)
Why are street bikes so damn heavy? Yamaha WR450F is 112kg, KTM 690 Enduro is 139kg, Honda Montesa 4Ride is 81kg (all wet, no fuel). Saying that why are dirt bikes so heavy. Give me a 30kg push bike with beefed up frame and wheels and a 250 engine 😂
@@gmc3578 I don’t think there is a difference here. What little additional redline you might gain won’t matter as you are already well past the HP peak by then.
I think it's a common thing among bikers to dislike 180 degree twins, they sound utilitarian and from another era, and not in a good way. And to be quite honest, I think it's well beyond overpriced given the hardware, which feels dated. It's not an intrinsically bad bike, and some of it just looks downright magnificent, like that curve from the tank to the tail...
It's a nice looking styling exercise but by the time you add the radiator covers the chrome grab rail and green o And gold paint scheme the price is crazy for a 650 twin with low horsepower for the class, and a real small petrol tank.
Buy what you want vs what you think your friends want you to want. We have so many bikes and cars as many different types of people looking for different things that they purchase. Everything is reliable today with warranties. Specs do not always tell the whole story. You do not need a 200 horsepower bike where most the power is unuseable on the street.
I wish we paid the same as in the U.S. Same bike here in Australia is $13,500 - 13,700 depending on what colour your after. I know it works out the same in USD but still lol
Why don't you guys like reasonably well powered single cylinder bikes as dailies? They are just as tractable and capable at speeds under 70-80 mph. Not to mention a whole lot cheaper to buy, insure and maintain- think you should recommend those as well. Examples- Duke 390, Triumph 400s, RE 650s (parallel twin but cheap), BMW 310s- likelihood of getting more folks into biking is easier with such bikes.
I would love it if you made a mention of headlight effectiveness in your ride... My "daily ride" often starts in the dark, on rural roads, and a good headlight is very important on my commuter moto... As always, great work on this piece. Thanks for the hard work you put in to keeping us all informed, and entertained.
I've also made this comment in many motorcycle reviews. I used to commute to work 45 miles over a mountain road before dawn and lighting was critical for my safety. I don't know why ALL these guys NEVER mention lighting. My 2004 BMW K1200RS had horrible lights. You'd think that all these guys only ride during daylight hours. Maybe that's it.
i own this bike and often have early morning or late evening commutes. The headlight is VERY good, and grerat coverage of the road with both low and high beams. Its LED, so its nice and birhgt. Also adjustable vertically if you need it.
I believe that MOST of the “it’s so boring” comments come from people who don’t actually ride. If you can’t have fun with a z650 because the engine is slightly less peppy than an MT07, you’re doing something wrong.
All parallel twins are boring IMO, doesnt really matter what style of the bike is or anything else about it. V twin? cool. Inline 3, funky and cool! Inline 4, great! Lightweight single cylinder? Nice! You can still have fun on one sure, but parallel twins are about as boring as it gets.
A good looking bike with a solid if uninteresting engine. But, my eyes keep getting drawn to that ugly ass radiator cap.😂 And thats a beautiful 66 Chevelle at 13:23.
Does look awful. The sell some overpriced covers that fit on the side. But it just looks attached on the a few bolts never belonged there. The cap is horrible and the pipes just join on like they added it after it was forgotten.
Yeah it’s a bummer. 5 years ago I got an almost brand new SV650 for under 5,000. The ergos were too sporty for me but it was otherwise a fantastic bike.
About the upright seating position, I've found that a slightly more forward leaning position is more comfortable on a long journey because an upright back takes the full brunt of gravity and the bumps on the road.
That’s a sharp-looking bike. Too bad it’s let down by a jerky throttle and buzziness. My Vulcan S has those same two shortcomings; annoying, to be sure, but I bought the bike anyway. Go figure. The Kawasaki 650 engine is an excellent powerplant otherwise. Boring it isn’t, at least not in my book. The Z650RS looks like an excellent daily rider. Thanks for presenting this video.
@@sdpicturecard6858 That's too bad. I didn't notice any change in fuel economy with the RE, and it runs like a completely different bike. Like it was sick before.
It took that poor, broken-down old pallet 3 days to make it that far across the road, and then along comes Zack, riding around like Johnny Blueskies, and puts the pallet RIGHT back where it started from... Two sides to every story.
I feel like I literally wished this bike into existence. I loved how z900rs looked, but it was out of my price range. Even when I bought my previous Kawasaki I was asking the dealership will they make 650 version of z900rs. I've owned z650rs for over a year and I still get excited when seeing, or riding it. I love it. Btw I have a green/gold color way.
They just want so much for them to me you wait 5 years you get it for 8k instead of 14k. These z650s also cost a lot. 10k is a lot thats like used indian scout money for the scout 60.
Awesome review really appreciate that you put these up on Saturday, I can't think of anything else I like better than eating breakfast drinking some coffee and watching the next daily rider experience !! 😊 happy boy
Would love to see Zach review a Moto Guzzi V7 or V8. I wanted air cooled retro as a 2nd bike and ended up with a V7. Build quality is questionable but full of character and handles great even with the rear dual shocks
He did the V85 a few years ago, but wasn't too enthusiastic about the Guzzi quality and character, it seems. But I agree, would love Zach to do another run on a V7!
I have this bike and got it as soon as it was announced, yes based solely on the looks! 100% form over function! I know the Z650 is reliable and got fine power for me, and with this bike’s sweet looks I was sold! People say the engine and set up is boring, and that usually dominates the reviews, “why doesn’t it have a different firing order like the Yamaha” etc etc etc, really there are so many bikes with the trendy 270 crank that a 180 is almost interesting! I love the bike! Confirmation bias? Convincing myself of the purchase? To a degree… Absolutely! Where I live we have no Royal Enfields, and Triumph are twice as expensive as in other markets, so it makes this bike a better purchase! I do wish that it had a better looking exhaust like the Z900RS, and the it’s beyond me why they didn’t put fake cooling fins on the engine, the same engine on the 650 Vulcan S has them, and the Z900RS has them. Not sure how long this bike will be for this world, with Yamaha, and now Honda and even Suzuki with more modern and trendy engine platforms, maybe Kawasaki will go the same way with their 650 platform.
The fuel range/economy being about double and weather protection alone make the 500X a more suitable commuter or "daily rider" for sure, but I think he puts fun factor and style high in the evaluation.
Just get the z900rs instead, owned one for a couple years and it’s so much better and not that more money. Bigger tank, better mpgs, more power and looks more filled in.
Daily Rider is some of the best motorcycle content on the internet. Thank you for producing this kind of content. It is nice to see different bikes being run through the same course and compared using similar situations. Keep it up!
used to love the smaller c.c. bikes with 4 cylinders, 500;s 750s heck even the old kawi 350/3 cylinder` many if not all being replaced by twins = boring. and 9g for a econo twin 650... naaaa. now if it had a fuel injected 650/4,, but nope. 9g ? lol.
No, thank you Zack for answering my question! And yes i did came to this conclusion, it's not 35% less bike, but the 900 (yes i do own one) is worth the extra price (if that makes sense)!
Great bike - had one as my first bike which I had for 14 months and did about 14000km. Bullet proof, fun, and more than adequate even on freeways and the track.
Since kawasaki "standarized" all of their dash with that tft unit one, I grew to prefer the z900rs and z650rs dash at least they have some kind of character to it.
Not just character. The tft display doesn't age well. 40 year old needles still look great. Early screens now are painful. I would rather have no screen than an old screen with hardly any features. Seen a 12 year old car with built in satnav ?
I'm struggling to see why someone would choose that bike at that price over an SV650 or the new parallel twins from Suzuki or Honda. But personally I'd spend a bit more and buy an MT09.
Boring engine? Certainly, it doesn't have a deep sound, and the fact that the Akra exhaust costs a fortune is a real shame. However, noise aside, between 5,000 and 9,000 RPM it pushes hard, definitely more than a Triumph 900. In any case, it's sufficient for many, like myself, who use the bike for commuting during the week and for enjoying a ride on Sunday mornings through the hills of northern Italy.
So the tractor has gone retro :D I really like the combination analog gauges with a digital gear indicator. P.S. How are the chances to see the Honda CB 650 R joining the comparison?
Another awesome review Zach it’s hard to knock off the sv 650 … I just want you to know your daily rider and you reviews are undeniably the best and I swear you better then a professional actor your personality and the video quality is hands down the best and I trust all of your opinions with all the knowledge you have and experience!!!
Very cool to see this review. I assume the US spec is the full power version and not the A2 compliant spec we have in Australia. I know looks are very subjective and a matter of personal taste, for me, z650rs is so far ahead of the sv650 it’s not even a real comparison. Just not a fan of how they sound with stock exhaust, but having heard ninja 650s with a decent slip on, I’m sure it would be a easy fix
“Is there such a thing as too much style?” Well, yes, there are a entire brands that have for decades been sacrificing performance for style and “heritage” but with the right marketing, people will line up to pay too much for them.
As a daily rider the cb500x trumps the z650 in versatility, wind protection, price, fuel range and operating cost plus it is a fun bike to ride in spite of the little 471 cc mill's 178 cc disadvantage. The z costs too much like a iceberg wedge that was served without enough bacon bits and tomatoes.
I had prejudice against this 180 parallel twin until I rented a Ninja 650 and rode Angeles Crest…when you have that engine in the upper power band, it really sings
Still the best bike reviews out there. Love it. A for the bike... The astounding Z900rs ergos, quality and looks get my vote, even with the big bump in price.
Kawasaki would be so much more competitive with Yamaha if they would update the 650 engine. Imagine an updated 700 twin more similar to the CP2. The Versys, Ninja, and Z 650 would all be so much better they would sell like crazy.
I don't think they need to make it any bigger or more powerful, but a 270 degree crank for the better sound would be awesome. I love the Vulcan S and the Z650RS but they are let down by their sound.
Plan and share your rides with REVER! rvz.la/3N0mn72
Read more about the Kawasaki Z650RS on Common Tread rvz.la/3WFcmPZ
Hey Lads, Any plans to get a hold of the Suzuki GSX-8S anytime soon?
@DailyRider - it would be both helpful in pulling the trigger on a purchase (or not), & brilliantly entertaining to see the Z650RS' big brother, the Z900RS, make an appearance as a guest on the "Daily Rider" show!
Please 🙏 make it happen, guys!
Thanks in advance if you're able to bring that video to life!
Zack, for future videos can you can snap a profile picture of you sitting on each of the daily rider bikes, so we can see the human to bike ratio and ergonomics? Gracias mi amigo!
This
Humans come in all shapes and sizes though; we’re not all over 6’
Yeah this is a great idea!!
@@alexwilsonpottery3733If you’re under 6’ you can just buy the bike that Zack looks LEAST comfortable on
@@alexwilsonpottery3733jealous?
Just passed 400 miles on my 23 model. Everything you said is spot on! It’s just all around good. To have no disappointments or regrets at all is a rare thing.
400 isn't many , it's not even broken in lol. I am jealous though this is a sweet bike i'm sure.
Great review!
Side bar:
Even if RevZilla didn't have the industries best selection, pricing and customer service on motorcycle gear, I would still be tempted to buy from them to because of their excellent videos, reviews, reviewers, podcasts and Common Tread articles.
did you ask chatgpt to make a marketing spiel lmao
@@thechampofwhatever funny
It lacks a voice. I like Kawasaki bikes. I noticed their are a couple of styling tidbits from the Triumph Bonneville. Put a small wind screen on it and a couple of canvas saddle bags and away we gooo! Vaughn
Agree! It might sound cheesy, but based on their video content - especially the extended trips with Zach and Ari - I’m proud to be a Revzilla customer and to help support them.
I often feel like a lousy motorcyclist because I can’t wheelie or back it in. But Zack has been riding his whole life and I’ve only been riding a year and a half. The main thing is we all enjoy it.
I was deciding between this bike and the Bonneville T100. If Kawasaki kept the green gas tank and offered the red gas tank as a regular option I most likely would have gotten this one. But I ended up with the Bonnie. And honestly I think the Bonneville is much better for my skill level. Really good fueling (not herky jerky at all) and a lot milder of a riding experience. As Zack would say, very approachable.
Wheelies can be hard but honestly backing it in is pretty simple you just smash the rear break lmao.
If you find your letting the rear end out too much or not stopping fast enough just supplement with front break.
I've been riding for 15 years and I still struggle to wheelie so don't beat yourself up. The Bonneville is a great bike too.
If I was younger that would be my set of wheels, had the ZRX 1100 a few years back, miracle I didn’t kill my self on it, so fast, like a drug with so much power. Loved that machine even after some 10 day road trips. Had Kawasaki’s on and off for over 50 years, every one left their mark. Great bikes. 😎
I wish they put the Ninja 636 inline 4 in this . That would be a winner. I rode a 1978 KZ 650 for 31 years and loved it and it never let me down.
kz650 IS the always under-rated trooper of the vintage bike world...own and have owned several Love 'em
I got this as my first bike last year and, despite some of the downsides Zach talks about--which I agree with--I feel like I could have done much worse for a pick.
The biggest downsides in my experience are the fuel tank size because in west Texas towns are few and far between, the lack of cruise control can be annoying on the highway, and the throttle jerkiness, which--when paired with my lack of experience--has been problematic in the city.
It's definitely like a 8/10 or 9/10 to me.
My Vulcan S, which shares this motor, greatly benefited from a Booster Plug! I never got a power commander but I’m sure that would help the fueling issue even further! Enjoy the bike
My first bike was a Rebel 1100 but I did my motorcycle license courses and exam o a Z650. I also think they are a bit jerky, particularly when you're new, but I think they you can get used to it.
As an owner of a Versys 650 I can relate to the snatchy throttle. I do appreciate the Versys’s 5.5 gallon fuel capacity though.
Getting the ECU flashed from people like Ivan's solves that throttle jerk
I have the 23 Z 650 for the money it’s a nice bike, so it the RS 👍🏻
I owned the ancestor, the ER6-F, 2006. Somewhat boring, but so good. It works, and damn well at that. The one "big" bike (full European license) that I kept more than a year.
Thanks for the good video!
Also, is it just me, or is Zack's riding getting better every video?
I own a Versys 650 (2020) with the same engine.
It's kind of boring when you just cruise around at 4k rpm (the gearbox is louder than the engine) but it makes a lot of fun at 5-6k and above.
The intake sound is great and it works absolutely fine in every situation that are legal on publich streets.
The only thing, that annoys me, is the throttle response...as Zack already mentioned.
But beside that..everything is great :)
I absolutely love my w650 as a beginner. Now I'm pretty curious about this z650rs
Would you be able to make a daily rider review for the Husqvarna Vitpilen 401?
Why are street bikes so damn heavy? Yamaha WR450F is 112kg, KTM 690 Enduro is 139kg, Honda Montesa 4Ride is 81kg (all wet, no fuel). Saying that why are dirt bikes so heavy. Give me a 30kg push bike with beefed up frame and wheels and a 250 engine 😂
those 180 crank motors make a little more power than the comparable 270 crank competition! if you can live with the differences! seems to me!
Why? I see no reason why the crank configuration is going to affect HP output.
Yeah, but they make less low end torque, and torque is what you want on a street motorcycle
@@LTVoyager because the crank can be a little lighter for more top end power... I believe it's a little better at "primary balance" of the engine
@@gmc3578 I don’t think there is a difference here. What little additional redline you might gain won’t matter as you are already well past the HP peak by then.
I think it's a common thing among bikers to dislike 180 degree twins, they sound utilitarian and from another era, and not in a good way. And to be quite honest, I think it's well beyond overpriced given the hardware, which feels dated. It's not an intrinsically bad bike, and some of it just looks downright magnificent, like that curve from the tank to the tail...
It's a nice looking styling exercise but by the time you add the radiator covers the chrome grab rail and green o
And gold paint scheme the price is crazy for a 650 twin with low horsepower for the class, and a real small petrol tank.
Imho it needs full adjustable suspension, the Vulcan S engine styling and a 270 degree firing order for the vtwin'ish sound and it would be purrrfect!
Buy what you want vs what you think your friends want you to want. We have so many bikes and cars as many different types of people looking for different things that they purchase. Everything is reliable today with warranties. Specs do not always tell the whole story. You do not need a 200 horsepower bike where most the power is unuseable on the street.
Zack could sell ice cream on the North Pole.Really like the looks of this bike.
When can we except the Z900SE and ZH2SE to appear on DR?
I wish we paid the same as in the U.S.
Same bike here in Australia is $13,500 - 13,700 depending on what colour your after.
I know it works out the same in USD but still lol
Looking forward to a Suzuki gsx-8s review
The style fits the ride
Do the 2023 Ducati Scramblers, please!
I really like watching Linus talk about motorcycles.
The only problem with this bike is how it stacks up against the triumph trident
i gotta say that is one good looking bike
Nice Jacket! Where’d you find that?😉
Please do a daily rider on the Honda CB650r! would love to see it :)
the only thing i dont like is the radiator cap. id need a sharpie to make it black. great review.
Hey Zack, waiting for your review on the Vulcan s. Contemplating between the Vulcan s and sv 650.
Awesome bike! Love it. Very good to ride and looks great. Low consumption. But we have led signal lights in europe as standard!
Why don't you guys like reasonably well powered single cylinder bikes as dailies? They are just as tractable and capable at speeds under 70-80 mph. Not to mention a whole lot cheaper to buy, insure and maintain- think you should recommend those as well.
Examples- Duke 390, Triumph 400s, RE 650s (parallel twin but cheap), BMW 310s- likelihood of getting more folks into biking is easier with such bikes.
Great bike but its too expensive for me. The RE int. Is about 1 / 3 less expensive and I think looks much better
Wish Suzuki would do this with the GS 750
For the money kawasaki w800 is the retro. This has better performance but the w800 has the character
That feels like a lot of money for what this bike offers. I cant really think of why someone would choose this over competitors.
Looks
True. For that price, I'd rather get a Triumph Speed Twin.
Being a little too generous with that bike imo. Second place, really? I’d take the Ninja anyday or the Hayabusa.
The best! Thanks.
What’s the dealer charge for the valve inspection service and also what’s the interval?
Does rever not work in other countries. I am from India and booted it up, it has been saying it failed to determine my location
yeah I like this bike
This competes more with the XSR700 though, right?
I'm new to biking,what was the reason for all the stop sign stops, what was it that was being tested?
Zack, Is this better than the sv650?
I will never get tired of Zack's "I've done something a bit silly" laugh. It's pure joy and I hope he never changes.
Makes me smile too . Bart has a little laugh like that as well but it’s rarer
Yeah, contagious and males me smirk every time,,
I would love it if you made a mention of headlight effectiveness in your ride... My "daily ride" often starts in the dark, on rural roads, and a good headlight is very important on my commuter moto... As always, great work on this piece. Thanks for the hard work you put in to keeping us all informed, and entertained.
Agreed! I've asked this over and over in the comments on Daily Rider, sadly it doesn't seem to get picked up :(
I've also made this comment in many motorcycle reviews. I used to commute to work 45 miles over a mountain road before dawn and lighting was critical for my safety. I don't know why ALL these guys NEVER mention lighting. My 2004 BMW K1200RS had horrible lights. You'd think that all these guys only ride during daylight hours. Maybe that's it.
i own this bike and often have early morning or late evening commutes. The headlight is VERY good, and grerat coverage of the road with both low and high beams. Its LED, so its nice and birhgt. Also adjustable vertically if you need it.
I believe that MOST of the “it’s so boring” comments come from people who don’t actually ride.
If you can’t have fun with a z650 because the engine is slightly less peppy than an MT07, you’re doing something wrong.
They are the people that drive in straight lines
@@matt59fire You're a person who talks about "driving" a motorcycle
@aluisious I'm the type of person who doesn't correct people on small changes in speech like a 🤓🤡. Should I say "ride" to make you calm down?
All parallel twins are boring IMO, doesnt really matter what style of the bike is or anything else about it. V twin? cool. Inline 3, funky and cool! Inline 4, great! Lightweight single cylinder? Nice!
You can still have fun on one sure, but parallel twins are about as boring as it gets.
@@jth_printed_designsso ktm, aprilia rs660, triumph street twin, gsx8s and so on are all boring bikes with boring inline 2 cyl motors?!
A good looking bike with a solid if uninteresting engine. But, my eyes keep getting drawn to that ugly ass radiator cap.😂 And thats a beautiful 66 Chevelle at 13:23.
That radiator looks like an afterthought and was just thrown on there.
Does look awful. The sell some overpriced covers that fit on the side. But it just looks attached on the a few bolts never belonged there. The cap is horrible and the pipes just join on like they added it after it was forgotten.
Cooling? Who needs cooling,
I love this bike, great review. Just mind boggling how 600-700 class bikes are now $10k out the door.
It's inflation great?
@@krunchie101 ???
Isn’t greed great
Yeah it’s a bummer. 5 years ago I got an almost brand new SV650 for under 5,000. The ergos were too sporty for me but it was otherwise a fantastic bike.
The pricing sucks.
Best looking motorcycle to go on Daily Rider. Was hoping Zac would do the Z900RS.
You read my mind! 👍
Yes, agree, that would be so interesting!
I've emailed them about doing. Retro naked episode. Everyone seems to of ire the poor Z900rs. I absolutely love mine.
About the upright seating position, I've found that a slightly more forward leaning position is more comfortable on a long journey because an upright back takes the full brunt of gravity and the bumps on the road.
Oh yeah... my back kills on straight upright bikes.
That’s a sharp-looking bike. Too bad it’s let down by a jerky throttle and buzziness. My Vulcan S has those same two shortcomings; annoying, to be sure, but I bought the bike anyway. Go figure. The Kawasaki 650 engine is an excellent powerplant otherwise. Boring it isn’t, at least not in my book. The Z650RS looks like an excellent daily rider. Thanks for presenting this video.
iirc remap can remove the jerky throttle
Can't really blame the manufacturers. The Euro compliance thing is such a hassle. ECU flash is the way to go
Idk if this is pretty universal, but I fixed a jerky throttle response on my royal Enfield 650 with a booster plug. Super easy.
@@derp195 I tried a Booster Plug in my Vulcan. It had little to no positive effect, and I noticed a drop in fuel economy. I removed it.
@@sdpicturecard6858 That's too bad. I didn't notice any change in fuel economy with the RE, and it runs like a completely different bike. Like it was sick before.
It took that poor, broken-down old pallet 3 days to make it that far across the road, and then along comes Zack, riding around like Johnny Blueskies, and puts the pallet RIGHT back where it started from...
Two sides to every story.
I feel like I literally wished this bike into existence. I loved how z900rs looked, but it was out of my price range.
Even when I bought my previous Kawasaki I was asking the dealership will they make 650 version of z900rs.
I've owned z650rs for over a year and I still get excited when seeing, or riding it. I love it.
Btw I have a green/gold color way.
These Z650RS's will be selling used for less than $6K in 2 years. Already seeing the Z900RS for less than $8K used.
Even the 650rs seems to be out of a lot of people's price range. I'm thinking a z400rs could be cool
The color of the bike you got is absolutely amazing!!! Enjoy the ride fren!!!
So you like your 650RS? I am considering one. Thanks Brian
Zack, Ya gotta get your hands on the 900RS for the daily ride. Instant leaderboard topper for sure!
They just want so much for them to me you wait 5 years you get it for 8k instead of 14k. These z650s also cost a lot. 10k is a lot thats like used indian scout money for the scout 60.
Praise the Lord.
There is a God.
It did not beat the SV650....phew...
I can't wait until Kawasaki comes out with 400cc version of this, perhaps a zx-400RR-RS. I would find that amazing.😄
Yeah that would be sick
I just bought a 2024 Kawasaki Eliminator 450. Super fun and comfortable bike that I think would fit what you're looking for.
Awesome review really appreciate that you put these up on Saturday, I can't think of anything else I like better than eating breakfast drinking some coffee and watching the next daily rider experience !! 😊 happy boy
Would love to see Zach review a Moto Guzzi V7 or V8. I wanted air cooled retro as a 2nd bike and ended up with a V7. Build quality is questionable but full of character and handles great even with the rear dual shocks
He did the V85 a few years ago, but wasn't too enthusiastic about the Guzzi quality and character, it seems. But I agree, would love Zach to do another run on a V7!
I have this bike and got it as soon as it was announced, yes based solely on the looks! 100% form over function! I know the Z650 is reliable and got fine power for me, and with this bike’s sweet looks I was sold! People say the engine and set up is boring, and that usually dominates the reviews, “why doesn’t it have a different firing order like the Yamaha” etc etc etc, really there are so many bikes with the trendy 270 crank that a 180 is almost interesting! I love the bike! Confirmation bias? Convincing myself of the purchase? To a degree… Absolutely! Where I live we have no Royal Enfields, and Triumph are twice as expensive as in other markets, so it makes this bike a better purchase! I do wish that it had a better looking exhaust like the Z900RS, and the it’s beyond me why they didn’t put fake cooling fins on the engine, the same engine on the 650 Vulcan S has them, and the Z900RS has them. Not sure how long this bike will be for this world, with Yamaha, and now Honda and even Suzuki with more modern and trendy engine platforms, maybe Kawasaki will go the same way with their 650 platform.
9K seems like a lot for that bike. I don't think I paid much more for my Z900rs...
Shocked this went above CB500X. But I’m just more practical and don’t practice wheelies.
The fuel range/economy being about double and weather protection alone make the 500X a more suitable commuter or "daily rider" for sure, but I think he puts fun factor and style high in the evaluation.
Just get the z900rs instead, owned one for a couple years and it’s so much better and not that more money. Bigger tank, better mpgs, more power and looks more filled in.
When Zack says, “I have high expectations …” the chance of a footless stop fudge-up becomes a) 100% b) 101% c) 102%
Daily Rider is some of the best motorcycle content on the internet. Thank you for producing this kind of content. It is nice to see different bikes being run through the same course and compared using similar situations. Keep it up!
used to love the smaller c.c. bikes with 4 cylinders, 500;s 750s heck even the old kawi 350/3 cylinder` many if not all being replaced by twins
= boring. and 9g for a econo twin 650... naaaa. now if it had a fuel injected 650/4,, but nope. 9g ? lol.
No, thank you Zack for answering my question! And yes i did came to this conclusion, it's not 35% less bike, but the 900 (yes i do own one) is worth the extra price (if that makes sense)!
You hit the nail on the head. It’s overpriced. Parts looks cheap. Looks good, 7,995 all day long
Pushing $10k+ OTD. About $2k too much. :-)
Analog cluster ❤❤❤
How refreshing 😊
For a little less money I’d get a Moto Guzzi V7 and get more character …
My wife has 10,000 miles on hers and it’s never missed a beat.
I love everything about it except the price. It's bad overpriced.
The SV650 is what I'm learning to ride on at lessons.
Great bike - had one as my first bike which I had for 14 months and did about 14000km. Bullet proof, fun, and more than adequate even on freeways and the track.
Rather get the SV650 imho...
Since kawasaki "standarized" all of their dash with that tft unit one, I grew to prefer the z900rs and z650rs dash
at least they have some kind of character to it.
Not just character. The tft display doesn't age well. 40 year old needles still look great. Early screens now are painful. I would rather have no screen than an old screen with hardly any features. Seen a 12 year old car with built in satnav ?
Really hoping for a Z400RS.
You want a 650
@@TheAnnoyingBoss I'd love to see a 400 next
W800 for a true wheelie challenge.
I'm struggling to see why someone would choose that bike at that price over an SV650 or the new parallel twins from Suzuki or Honda. But personally I'd spend a bit more and buy an MT09.
Because the Z650RS looks better to many people including myself
As someone who currently owns a Kawasaki, I would opt for the z900RS. Same retro platform and styling with the larger engine and added perks.
The price is very strange. For a little more, you can get the 900.
The 500X just doesn't have enough oomph for me...I was disappointed on the freeway - the 650 is much better, no power issues
Boring engine? Certainly, it doesn't have a deep sound, and the fact that the Akra exhaust costs a fortune is a real shame. However, noise aside, between 5,000 and 9,000 RPM it pushes hard, definitely more than a Triumph 900. In any case, it's sufficient for many, like myself, who use the bike for commuting during the week and for enjoying a ride on Sunday mornings through the hills of northern Italy.
And... forgot to mention... it handles as light as a Vespa!
So the tractor has gone retro :D I really like the combination analog gauges with a digital gear indicator.
P.S. How are the chances to see the Honda CB 650 R joining the comparison?
Tractor 😂
My friends that had old er6, says its handle like tractor and throttle really hard to control
It is an exceptionally pretty bike.
I miss the jump. 😢
Pricey for not having fully adjustable suspension or rider modes.
Zach can you make a video on the Honda GB350S/CB350RS
No, because we don't have it in the states .
Another awesome review Zach it’s hard to knock off the sv 650 … I just want you to know your daily rider and you reviews are undeniably the best and I swear you better then a professional actor your personality and the video quality is hands down the best and I trust all of your opinions with all the knowledge you have and experience!!!
Very cool to see this review. I assume the US spec is the full power version and not the A2 compliant spec we have in Australia. I know looks are very subjective and a matter of personal taste, for me, z650rs is so far ahead of the sv650 it’s not even a real comparison. Just not a fan of how they sound with stock exhaust, but having heard ninja 650s with a decent slip on, I’m sure it would be a easy fix
I’d love to see you review a W800!!
“Is there such a thing as too much style?” Well, yes, there are a entire brands that have for decades been sacrificing performance for style and “heritage” but with the right marketing, people will line up to pay too much for them.
Man, that bike looked like a ton of fun‼️
Great ride & review Zack!💪🏾
As a daily rider the cb500x trumps the z650 in versatility, wind protection, price, fuel range and operating cost plus it is a fun bike to ride in spite of the little 471 cc
mill's 178 cc disadvantage. The z costs too much like a iceberg wedge that was served without enough bacon bits and tomatoes.
I’m gonna go ahead and say this is probably about the perfect “beginner” bike…except the price.
I had prejudice against this 180 parallel twin until I rented a Ninja 650 and rode Angeles Crest…when you have that engine in the upper power band, it really sings
Hmm seems expensive for what it offers even with retro styling.
I have a Suzuki TU250X and was wanting a step up with the same style but the fuel tank size is a big red flag for me.
Still the best bike reviews out there. Love it. A for the bike... The astounding Z900rs ergos, quality and looks get my vote, even with the big bump in price.
Kawasaki would be so much more competitive with Yamaha if they would update the 650 engine. Imagine an updated 700 twin more similar to the CP2. The Versys, Ninja, and Z 650 would all be so much better they would sell like crazy.
I don't think they need to make it any bigger or more powerful, but a 270 degree crank for the better sound would be awesome. I love the Vulcan S and the Z650RS but they are let down by their sound.