Text/photo: OAI
Quite similar to the Z 900 RS, but smaller, lighter and a lot of fun. Still undervalued in the market, unfortunately.
I’ve wanted to drive the Z 650 RS for a long time, but haven’t been able to do so until almost two years after it arrived. I personally think the model is beautiful, classic and well-proportioned, and I’ve been curious ever since it arrived. As a classic model, it has everything it should have, a nice headlight, cool analog instruments, which tie the entire front well together and give a solid visual impression of a beautiful classic motorcycle.
The color combinations are cool with a silver and racing green tank that goes very well with the chrome details.
The technical data
The 649 cc twin-cylinder engine (DOHC 8 valves) produces a good 68 hp and 64 Nm. The model has 17-inch wheels front and rear and a wheelbase of 1405 mm, a very good compromise for all types of riding. The wet weight is a low 187 kg and the bike is equipped with a trellis frame, an ordinary swingarm, 41 mm shock absorbers at the front and a monoshock with adjustable preload at the rear. The brakes are from Nissin and use double 300 mm discs at the front and a single 220 mm disc at the rear. These bite well and the braking is smooth. The seat height is 820 mm and is therefore well suited to drivers who are not so tall.
Technically, the Z 650 RS is a simple motorcycle and none of its components belong in the premium class. But that’s not necessary, Kawasaki knows how to build motorcycles and has the knowledge and experience to achieve more with smaller and less expensive components, which of course has a positive effect on quality and price.
The instrument is analog and I personally think this is absolutely brilliant. It’s so cool to ride with good, old-fashioned instruments that provide a very special experience of getting back on an authentic motorcycle.
Weight, balance and ergonomics are essential success criteria
The model’s relatively low weight, upright seating position and fine weight distribution make it very well suited as an urban classic.I simply feel cool when I drive around the city and I dig the cool finish of the seat and the transition to the rear light that picks up the colors of the tank, this is neat and completely in line with the design we find on the Z 900 RS.
The engine has a smooth and fine throttle response and is really lively. So lively, in fact, that I have to remind myself that a model like this shouldn’t be driven like a street fighter. This is where we’ll find calm, good flow and enjoy comfort in style. The gearbox is firm but soft and each gear change is followed by a noticeable clunk, which is exactly what I like. Also important to really experience that you are actually driving a classic model.
The steering geometry is nice, I have good contact with the front wheel and when we really rock in tight corner combinations, I feel that both front and rear wheels fit like a glove. The bike responds easily and quickly to steering signals and is therefore fun to ride. In and around the city, it’s absolutely great and it’s simply fun to ride to and from work.
No problem going on a long trip with the Z 650 RS
For me, it’s important to find and choose motorcycles that have a wide and good range of uses. That’s why I like to take the bikes out on a long trip to see how much range they actually have. I like to travel light and only use a 40 liter Kriega bag (OS40) as my travel companion. It lasts a long time for me and one of the advantages is that these small bags don’t degrade the driving characteristics to any significant degree. The steering geometry, throttle response and power delivery work brilliantly on long journeys, but as this is a classic naked model, it doesn’t thrive very well above 100 km/hour. But on a classic model, it’s just fine.
The Z 650 RS is sleek and offers a high level of comfort and driving pleasure. The swingarm and rear shock deliver very well and handle my e90 kg very well, even in sections with bumps and cracked asphalt.
A 30-mile day trip was no problem at all and the bike is so easy to handle that it’s easy to be a little curious and explore new hunting grounds.
In summary
The Kawasaki Z 659 RS is simply a great and stylish classic, of course at its best in urban environments, but also fantastic on long-distance rides. The design is elegant and has real character. All performance contributions from the frame, swingarm, dampers, engine and ergonomics are just right, and the low weight makes all handling easy. So the bike gets used more and more often. The instrumentation is almost the icing on the cake and elevates my whole experience of the bike. It’s just so cool that someone still uses analog instruments. Brakes and dampers deliver what they should, not the best but more than good enough. From my point of view, the Z 650 RS delivers beyond expectations and there’s little to fault. I just hope that people discover how good it is and how much you actually get for your money.