Kawasaki Z650

The Kawasaki Z650 targets riders looking for a step up from entry level bikes without moving to a larger superbike. It has a two cylinder engine, a high seat and a low chassis. There are no large body panels around the engine, and the exposed mechanicals give it a cleaner look. 

Kawasaki lists the Z650 at Rs. 7.26 lakh (ex showroom) in India. It comes in only one standard variant in Metallic Matte Dark Gray and Metallic Spark Black. 

The engine is a 649cc, liquid cooled, parallel twin. It makes 67.31 bhp at 8,000 rpm and 64 Nm at 6,700 rpm. The rear wheel is driven by a six speed gearbox via a chain drive. This is enough for highway overtakes and rapid bursts when you need them.

As for mileage, the brand boasts about 27 kmpl. Consider it the benchmark, not a guarantee. The figure is constantly changing as a result of traffic, riding style, road conditions and maintenance. Longer trips will require the 15 litre tank, but your range will vary.

• The Z650 follows Kawasaki’s Sugomi design approach. Think sharp bodywork, a compact headlamp area and muscular proportions. It looks aggressive.
• Up front, there’s a sharp headlamp cowl, and the tank area has prominent shrouds. The exposed engine and short tail finish the naked look. LED lighting keeps it modern and the design clean.
• It measures 2,115 mm long, 765 mm wide and 1,065 mm tall. The 1,410 mm wheelbase is compact for a 649cc bike. That’s why it looks less bulky than other bigger bikes.
• You get 17 inch alloy wheels with tubeless tyres, a 120/70 ZR17 up front and a wider 160/60 ZR17 at the back. Kawasaki also lists Dunlop Sportmax Roadsport 2 tyres among the model’s updates.
• If you like an aggressive roadster more than a fully faired sports bike, this is your kind of bike. But looks are personal. Someone after a classic or understated bike won’t care for that sharp face.

• The 649cc parallel twin is the main reason to look at the Z650. It’s liquid cooled, four stroke, with eight valves run by a DOHC setup. DOHC is an acronym for Dual Overhead Camshaft, meaning that the engine has two overhead camshafts.
• Peak output is 67.31 bhp at 8,000 rpm, and peak torque is 64 Nm at 6,700 rpm. Its power delivery makes it ideal for those who love a responsive ride on open roads. 
• The six speed gearbox provides more ratios as speeds increase. Fuel delivery and throttle response are also controlled by the fuel injection system and dual throttle valves. It also gets an assist and slipper clutch, which reduces lever effort and limits rear wheel hopping during aggressive downshifts. 
• It’s a naked bike, so wind protection is minimal. At higher speeds, the wind pressure gets tiring, especially on long highway runs. If you tour often, ask yourself whether you’d rather have a bigger windscreen and more touring kit.
• Top speed is around 212 kmph. It makes it suitable for riders who want strong highway performance and quick overtaking. However, this speed should only be explored in controlled environments, such as a closed track.
• The 27 kmpl figure is useful for rough fuel cost maths. But a 649cc twin isn’t built to be cheap to run. Cover long distances daily? Count fuel, tyre replacement and scheduled maintenance before you book.
• My take: the engine is the best thing about this bike, and it’s the reason to buy it.

• The frame is a high tensile steel trellis. It keeps the structure compact while holding the engine and other parts. Kerb weight is 188 kg, and you should think about that before buying.
• The riding position suits everyday road riding, not a tucked in sports bike crouch. Seat height is 790 mm, which is fairly accessible for a middleweight. Seat width and your inseam also decide how easily your feet reach the ground. Test ride it.
• Suspension is a 41 mm telescopic fork up front and a horizontal back link unit at the rear. The front wheel has 125 mm of travel, and the rear has 130 mm. That’s how far the suspension can move to soak up bumps.
• Ground clearance is 130 mm. Check that if your route has tall speed breakers, steep ramps or broken roads. It doesn’t mean the bike will scrape, but approach angles and load change things in practice.
• Brakes are dual semi floating 300 mm front discs and a 220 mm rear disc. The front uses dual piston calipers, and the rear has a single piston caliper. Dual channel ABS stops the wheels from locking under hard braking. That’s a real safety net when grip changes suddenly.
• The 17 inch wheels and road tyres suit paved roads. This isn’t an adventure bike for rough trails. With 130 mm of clearance, be realistic about regular use on badly damaged surfaces. Honestly, I would be careful with this bike on bad roads.

• The Z650 gets a 4.3 inch full colour TFT display. It shows speed and gear position, among other things. TFT stands for thin film transistor, the tech behind many modern instrument panels.
• The display connects to your phone through Kawasaki’s RIDEOLOGY app. You get connected info and ride data, depending on the functions and settings available. Whether it’s useful comes down to how often you’ll use it.
• Then there’s Kawasaki Traction Control, or KTRC. It manages rear wheel slip when the tyre loses grip. There are two modes, and you can switch it off. It helps on slippery surfaces, but it won’t replace careful throttle use or decent tyres.
• The updated model also has LED lighting and revised styling around the headlamp. Kawasaki says changes to the intake and exhaust help meet BS6 emission norms while improving mid range torque. It also lists a thicker, wider rear seat meant to make life easier for your pillion.
• There’s no USB charging port. There are no selectable riding modes, either. Depend on phone charging, or want different engine maps? Think hard before you choose this bike.

The Z650 is a good choice if you want a middleweight naked with a strong twin, modern instruments and traction control. The 649cc engine makes 67.31 bhp and 64 Nm, and the six speed gearbox is what you’d expect here. A 790 mm seat height could also make it approachable if you’re moving up from a smaller bike.

The 4.3 inch TFT display, smartphone connectivity and dual channel ABS are good everyday additions. The 15 litre tank gives reasonable capacity for longer rides, though range depends on consumption. Road focused tyres and suspension suit paved roads better than rough trails.

There are compromises as well. At Rs. 7.26 lakh (ex showroom), you need a big budget before insurance and registration. The 188 kg kerb weight may feel heavy when you are pushing it around a tight parking spot. And the missing USB port and riding modes will bother some buyers.

Before booking, test ride it on roads like your daily route. Check clutch feel, low speed balance, seat comfort and braking response. Planning regular tours? Pay attention to wind pressure at highway speeds.

I would say the Z650 is for someone who wants a performance focused roadster, not a cheap daily commuter. Settle on comfort, running costs and whether the equipment covers what you need.