Replacing the ER-6n, the Kawasaki Z650 is all new. A naked street bike, the Z650 flaunts a no-nonsense and don’t-mess-with-me look. Looking like a shrunk version of the Z900, the Kawasaki Z650 is quite compact in its build. So compact it is that it hardly feels like a 650cc machine.
Much more manageable and agile, the new bike, unlike the Ninja 650, flaunts a conventional handle bar. This arrangement makes for a more upright and relaxed riding position. Easier to ride in the city, the Z650, when compared to the Ninja 650, has a lower saddle height by 15mm.
The fuel tank is more compact. Instrumentation is all-digital, and may not work to the liking of all. The 68bhp 649cc parallel-twin engine is snuggly fitted into the frame. Power is fed to the rear wheel via a six-speed gearbox that comes with a slipper clutch.
Textured seat cover
Sporting a textured seat cover over the Ninja’s smooth seat cover, the Z650 rider will experience more grip. If the high tensile strength of the new frame has a positive effect on dynamics, a new swing arm and lighter alloy wheels lead to weight saving. The Z650 is roughly 20kg lighter than the ER-6n. Also contributing to the dynamic ability of the bike is the brand new rear suspension; it is a back-link monoshock. The front suspension is made up of 41mm dia fork tubes, and is not upside down. A carryover from the ER-6n, the engine has been tweaked to include longer headers, 36mm throttle bodies and redesigned inlet and exhaust cams. Power peaks at a slightly lower 8000 rpm and there’s a slight increase in torque.
Good thrust in mid range
Settling into a coarse note upon waking up, the engine helps in the bike generating good thrust. The short first and second cog ensure quick progress to three-digit speeds. A meaty pull in the mid-range arrives at close to 4000rpm, and has the bike catapulting ahead. Pulling cleanly all the way up to 10000rpm, the Z650 does tend to lose some of its power at high revs. The best place to be in therefore is the mid-range. Not only does it support corner exits, but also results in an exhaust note that has a muffled roar. Vibrations are evident at the handle bar at part-throttle, but quickly disappear after the throttle is pulled. Displaying a good ability to keep cool, the Z650 makes quick progress also because of the gearbox which has precise shifts.
Slow down at big humps
The tyres exert good grip but could do with some more to boost mid-corner confidence. Grip levels are not the best. That said, surface irregularities are tackled well, but the rear experiences some mid-corner bumpiness. After riding for a while the nature of the suspension becomes clear — it is taut. Big undulations like humps may make it worthy of slowing down.
The brakes, twin 300mm petal discs at front and a 250mm disc at the rear, inspire confidence. They exert a strong bite to shed speed and stop. The Bosch 9.1M ABS works well and an adjustable brake lever is a thoughtful touch.
Verdict
Not very punchy at low revs, the Z650 is comfortable to ride. The compact dimensions make it agile and the low seat height helps. The engine does not heat up even in crawling city traffic. But the steering could have been a bit lighter. Averaging 25kmpl under a mix of city and highway riding, the Z650, at Rs 5.19 lakh, ex-showroom, Delhi, makes good value for money.
Pros: Good value, light, compact, agile, good performance, does not heat up
Cons: Tyres could do with more grip
