Motorcycle specifications KawasakiZ650 1980

At the end of the 60s, the Japanese made a remarkable entry into the world of big 4-strokes with the Honda CB750K. Until then, large-valve models had been the preserve of European brands (English, German and Italian). In the space of a few years, Honda and Kawasaki monopolized the top end of the market with evolutions of the CB750K and the Z900A. The British industry struggled to find its place between the sub-500cc and the over-750cc Japanese models.

The coup de grâce came in 1976 with the presentation of the surprising Z650, marketed in 1977 to support the larger Z models (900 and 1000). The mission of this midsize model, designed by Gyoichi Inamura, was to offer good road-holding and sporting qualities, while being more fuel-efficient than the famous 2-stroke H1 and H2 (the oil crisis having had its way). The specifications could be summed up as follows: the Z650 must be neither too heavy nor too greedy, and have a sporty temperament that allows it to cover long distances without tiring its rider.

The engine was modern for its time: 4-cylinder, 4-stroke, air-cooled and equipped with a double overhead camshaft, but with only 2 valves per cylinder. In its first version, it developed 64 hp and proved to be reliable and long-lasting from the outset.

The chassis is sound and fairly agile, but not a model of perfection either. Although equipped with a disc brake from the very first year, braking could still be improved. So, while the engine base was only really tweaked in 1981 (67 hp, then 69 in 1983), each vintage saw its own little modifications in terms of braking: a second disc at the front, then a disc at the rear to replace the drum, drilled discs for better braking in the rain, etc, etc, etc....

As for the styling, it's a success. Sober styling with a hint of sportiness gives it a timeless look. In fact, it'll last for years without ever taking on a new look, thanks to alloy wheels.

The Z650 will be declined in 1979 and will be slightly chopperized with the SR version. The differences weren't glaring, and the "SR" didn't make much of an impression. A Z remains a Z, whether it has large handlebars or not.

The Z650 may have played a major role in the decline of the British motorcycle, but it's fair to say that we can't hold it against the Z650. Many motorcyclists got their first taste of the big cube with this easy, playful bike. It bowed out in 1984, to be replaced by the hyper-modern GPZ 550cc and then 600cc models, but still retains a friendly image and unforgettable memories for old-timers.