2017 KAWASAKI Z650 ABS TEST REVIEW

History:

The Kawasaki Z Model has been around since 1972 with the debut of the Z1 while the Super Naked series came about in 2003 with the Z1000. Its popularity never ceases proven by the fact of its existence for almost half a century now. This year, Kawasaki introduces its new middle weight model, the Z650 ABS as a replacement to the ER-6N.

Frame:

I am not a big fan of all the previous Z series (Z750, Z800, Z1000) mainly due to the corner handling. The chassis were rigid and the weight distribution is excessively to the front.

Kawasaki took the feedback and replaces the old frame to an all-new, high-tensile, lighter weight Trellis frame. This frame is similar to the premium H2 frame and it shed 17 kg off from the ER-6N, from 204 Kg to 187 Kg.

Handling has improved tremendously especially corner entry and exit with good feedback on the handle bar and the bike is much more predictable. True to its development concept, the Z650 ABS is indeed Light and Nimble.

Engine:

The 649 cm₃, DOHC, 8-Valves, Liquid-Cooled, Parallel Twin engine with fuel injection is smooth and responsive especially in low and medium rpm ranges. The power delivery is smooth below 3,000 rpm while power and torque rises without dropping above 6,000 rpm.

This power plant is the same as the Ninja 650 ABS with only a Ø2 mm smaller fuel injection system.

Brakes:

The front is fitted with dual semi-floating Ø300 mm petal discs with dual piston caliper and rear Ø220 mm petal disc with single-piston caliper complimented with K-ACT (Kawasaki Advanced Coactive-braking Technology) ABS gives a well balance brake feel and stopping response.

Suspension:

Ø41 mm Telescopic fork for the front and horizontal Back-Link with adjustable pre-load to the rear. It would be a great improvement for Kawasaki engineers to consider having an adjustable (pre-load, damping and compression, either one or all) front and rear suspension for its future Z series models seeing that riders these days are more sophisticated, well informed and sensitive to their individual riding style and suspension set-up.

Assist & Slipper Clutch:

The Assist & Slipper clutch uses two types of cams (an assist cam and a slipper cam) to either drive the clutch hub and operating plate together or apart. Under normal operation, the assist cam functions as a self-servo mechanism, pulling the clutch hub and operating plate together to compress the clutch plates. This allows the total clutch spring load to be reduced, resulting in a lighter clutch lever feel when operating the clutch. When excessive engine braking occurs – as a result of quick downshifts (or an accidental downshift) – the slipper cam comes into play, forcing the clutch hub and operating plate apart. This relieves pressure on the clutch plates to reduce back-torque and helps prevent the rear tires from hopping and skidding. Feels like a pro racer when you upshift the Z650 in high speed without using the clutch.

Dual Throttle Valves:

On most fuel injected motorcycles, their throttle bodies generally have only one throttle valve per cylinder. Problem occurs when the rider, especially new and inexperience ones, suddenly opens too much of the throttle resulting in the bike pulling an unintended wheelie and goes out of control. Kawasaki Engine Management technology on this Z650 ABS comes with dual throttle valves per cylinder. In addition to the main valves, which are physically linked to the throttle grip and controlled by the rider, a second set of valves, opened and closed by the ECU, precisely regulates the intake airflow to ensure natural, linear response. With the air passing through the throttle bodies becoming smoother, combustion efficiency is improved and so does the power delivery.

Instrument Panel:

This unimpressive looking panel fortunately comes with many useful gauges. Other than the usual temperature, 1 main and 2 trip meters, other important ones include the gear position, fuel and range indicators. Although the indicators are well lighted up both in daylight and night, the position and angle of the panel is a bit low and rider need to lower down their head away from front visual to read or see the gauge. This is rather dangerous even for split second if any vehicle were to suddenly stop or in any situation when there is a sudden obstruction in front of the rider.

Overall:

Sufficient power coupled with its light weight and nimbleness, this Sugomi design Z650 ABS is excellent for town and daily riding. Seat is comfortable and wind resistance is minimal even without a front screen. Some motor journalists were complaining about the heat coming out from the engine but yours truly here did not experience that and as a matter of fact, I find that the heat dispersion is so much better than the ER-6N.

The Kawasaki Z650 ABS is price at RM35,609.00 inclusive of GST. This model is available in Green and Titanium colour and is available in all Kawasaki Authorized Premium Dealers.