Motorcycle specifications KawasakiZ 650 2021 Handlebar pop-rock

You grope, you wonder, you hesitate, you gauge, and when you've just got your license, you often come back to a final hesitation: Z 650 or MT-07? And not necessarily when you're a new biker. If these two roadsters spend their years in the top 5 sales charts, it's because they manage to appeal to a wide audience.

In 2020, the mid-size Z has undergone a few changes in an attempt to catch up with the Yamaha in terms of sales. Sometimes, it's all about the engine character or the fun of the chassis; sometimes, all it takes is a little something extra to tip the scales. Well, the Z 650 offers some nice little extras to keep the potential mate.

We're taking it easy on the alterations. They mainly concern the face, still guided by the Sugomi ideology, with the impregnation of the new Kawa roadster identity. A move initiated by the Z 400, giving the 650 a more venomous approach. That's where the seduction comes in, because after that, it's all about the details. Reworked side panels, redesigned radiator scoops, a few black-painted housings and trim pieces, and a new windscreen subtly characterize the redesigns.

As for the chassis, nothing has changed. The tubular steel frame, suspension, wheels and brakes are all the same, carried over from the previous model. Kawasaki has worked in other areas. Firstly, to improve ground contact by fitting Dunlop Roadsport 2 tires. Secondly, passenger comfort has been improved by giving the seat more consistency. The second-level seat is 5 mm thicker in the center, and 10 mm thicker on the sides.
Thirdly, the engine needs a little overhaul. A few tweaks to the intake and exhaust make for a cleaner, Euro 5-compliant exhaust note, without affecting power and with more mid-range torque. On the other hand, the maximum power output loses a little 0.2 mkg.

where the Z 650 really comes into its own is on the high-tech side. Everybody.... a lot of people are connected now. There's the LCD pad and welcome to 4.3-inch TFT instrumentation. It's the same 10.9 cm color window installed on the Ninja 650. The display is frankly nicer than on the old Z and offers more possibilities. Including Bluetooth connectivity for the Rideology app. With it installed on your smartphone, you can adjust certain instrument settings, get maintenance information, track your itinerary by GPS, be alerted to a call, SMS or e-mail directly on the dashboard, and more... If the black background doesn't suit you, you can reverse it with a more expressive white.

Let's not forget to mention the new LED lighting, before letting everyone get impatient to start their twin. Its 68 horsepower are ideal for mid-range players, while the featherweight 188 kilos will let themselves be exhilarated by the joy of this fun and easy machine. The chassis relies on simple yet homogeneous components, calibrated just for the machine. The tubular steel frame holds a standard 41 mm fork and a preload-adjustable shock absorber. Two 300 mm brake discs and double-piston calipers are used for braking. The face-off with the Yamaha MT-07 promises to be even hotter. In Z's opinion, being an entry-level roadster is not a bottom-of-the-range affair.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos