Motorsports News | Bike Reviews | Gadget Reviews
  • Home
  • Bike Reviews
  • Car Reviews
  • Product Reviews
  • Motorsports News
    • Isle of Man TT

      • Isle of Man TT 2020
      • Isle of Man TT 2022
    • MotoGP

      • MotoGP 2020
      • MotoGP 2021
      • MotoGP 2022
    • WSBK

      • WSBK 2020
      • WSBK 2021
      • WSBK 2022
    • Dakar

      • Dakar 2020
      • Dakar 2021
      • Dakar 2022
    • WRC

      • WRC 2020
      • WRC 2021
      • WRC 2022
    • Asian Le Mans Series

      • Asian Le Mans Series 2019
      • Asian Le Mans Series 2020/2021
      • Asian Le Mans Series 2022
  • Press Releases
    • Press Releases
    • PR Newswire
  • Others
    • Biker Profiles
    • Launches
  • Contact Us
  • Search
  • Menu Menu
You are here: Home1 / MotorBugs Blog2 / Bike Reviews3 / 2017 KAWASAKI Z650 ABS TEST REVIEW

2017 KAWASAKI Z650 ABS TEST REVIEW

IMG_0441

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.

KAWASAKI Z650 ABS
ENGINE
TYPE LIQUID-COOLED, 4 STROKE PARALLEL TWIN, DOHC
COMPRESSION RATIO 10.8:1
VALVE SYSTEM 8 VALVES
BORE & STROKE 83.0 mm X 60.0 mm
DISPLACEMENT 649 CMᵌ
FUEL SYSTEM FUEL INJECTION. Ø36 mm X 2 WITH DUAL THROTTLE VALVES
STARTING SYSTEM ELECTRIC
BRAKE & SUSPENSION
FRONT DUAL SEMI-FLOATING Ø300 mm PETAL DISCS.
CALIPER DUAL PISTON
REAR SINGLE Ø220 mm PETAL DISC.
CALIPER SINGLE PISTON
SUSPENSION
FRONT Ø41 mm TELESCOPIC FORK
REAR HORIZONTAL BACK-LINK WITH ADJUSTABLE PRELOAD.
PERFORMANCE
MAXIMUM TORQUE 65.7 Nm {6.7 kgf.m} / 6,500 rpm
MAXIMUM POWER 50.2 Kw {68 PS} / 8,000 rpm
TRANSMISSION 6-SPEED RETURN
CLUTCH WET MULTI DISC, MANUAL
FINAL DRIVE CHAIN
WHEELS & TYRES
FRONT 125 mm 120/70ZR17M/C (58W)
REAR 130 mm 160/60ZR17M/C (69W)
DIMENSION
L X W X H 2,115 mm X 775 mm X 1,080 mm
WHEELBASE 1,410 mm
GROUND CLEARANCE 130 mm
SEAT HEIGHT 790 mm
CURB MASS 187 Kg.
FUEL CAPACITY 15 LITRES

Check Out Our Instagram Feed

motorbugs

Automotive reviews & Fun stuff.

Motorbugs
Launching of Petronas Grand Prix of Malaysia 2022. Launching of Petronas Grand Prix of Malaysia 2022.
#petronasgrandprix2022
#petronasgrandprix
#motorbugs
#sepanginternationalcircuit
#motogp
#sic
The only tool u will ever need... #bikeporn #beta The only tool u will ever need...

#bikeporn #betatoolsmalaysia #betatools #motorbugs 

@betatoolsmalaysia 
@ducati_my
So what do you guys think about Ducati motogp late So what do you guys think about Ducati motogp latest rear aero wings?
#motorbugs
Some of the beautiful looking models Mazda have cr Some of the beautiful looking models Mazda have created. Can you identify the models and year it came out?
#mazda #mazdasg #mazdamy #motorbugs
#instacar #igcars
Game mode on.... #carporn #r8 #r8v10 #audir8 #aud Game mode on....

#carporn #r8 #r8v10 #audir8 #audi #v10 #motorbugs #speedhunters 
#ps5 #audi
@audimalaysia 
@audicentreglenmarie
Subaru GL Wagon..... how insane is this??? #subar Subaru GL Wagon..... how insane is this???

#subaru #4wheeldrive #downforce #gymkhana 

*all credit goes to the owner of this video 

@subaruasia 
@subarumotorsportsusa 
@subaru__wrx.sti @subaru.tecnica.international
Here are the race results for RD 1 Malaysia Superb Here are the race results for RD 1 Malaysia Superbike Championship at Sepang Circuit.

Race Results:
Top 4 Winners – MSBK1000 A Class

1.  Kasma Daniel Kasmayuddin, YAMAHA GEN BLU RACING TEAM, 21’31:844s
2.  Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman, HORIZON RACING TEAM, 21’42:494s
3.  Ahmad Daniel Haiqal, 22’03:443s
4.  Rajini Krishnan, RACR CASTROL POWER 1 ULTIMATE, 22’44:163s

Top 5 – MSBK1000 B Class

1.  Khoo Chee Yen, MOBILUB SUZUKI RACING TEAM, 23’18:273s
2.  Muhd Syukri Mat Zoki, ESRA RACING TEAM, 23’29:484s
3.  Raja Nazeem Iskandar, 23’33:297s
4.  Tee Wee Jin, MOBILUB SUZUKI RACING TEAM, 23’27:360s
5.  Micheal Luke Stone, ESRA RACING TEAM, 23’39:855s

Top 5 Winners – MSBK600 Class

1.  Khairul Idham Pawi, BOON SIEW HONDA RACING TEAM, 21’53:773s
2.  Azroy Hakeem Anuar, BOON SIEW HONDA RACING TEAM, 21’53:852s
3.  Muhd Ibrahim Mohd Norrodin, SIC RACING TEAM, 21’58:191
4.  M. Danial Syahmi A. Shahril, SIC RACING TEAM, 22’06:956s
5.  Muhd Syarifudin Azman, SIC RACING TEAM, 22’19:907sc

Top 5 Winners - MSBK250 A Class

1.  Muhammad Farish Hafiy Farid Sezli, SIC RACING, 20’18:539s
2.  Farres Putra Mohd Fadhill, SIC RACING, 20’19:498s
3.  Emir Idzhar Ezuan, SIC RACING, 20’19:568s
4.  Muhd Zakir Naqiuddin, BTECH RACING TEAM, 21’07:663s
5.  Muhd Irfan Haykal Amidi, BOON SIEW HONDA RACING, 21’45:372s

Top 5 – MSBK250 B Class

1.  Muhammad Fauzi Hasan, 21’51:936s
2.  Ahmad Fariz Zafri, 21’54:328s
3.  Muhd Nur Haikal M. Nur Fikri, 22’37:423s
4.  Saidatul Zakirah Zairin, BTECH RACING TEAM, 22’42:260s
5.  Siti Norsyafiyah Alia, BTECH RACING TEAM, 22’59:731s

Top 5 Winners – Yamalube Yamaha Y16ZR Race MasterClass

1.  Muhd Adie Putra Sukarno, TME MOTORSPORTS, 17’49:383s
2.  Ahmad Syukran Aizzat Yusoff, ADVANCE VERTEX RACING, 17’49: 446s
3.  M. Norhakim Norhafizullah, TAKONG RACING, 17’49:592s
4.  Danial Johan, HOCK LIONG MOTOR RACING, 17’49:642s
5.  Muhd Fareez Afeez A. Rahman, SINGDECA RACING, 17’49:730s

#msbk #sepangcircuit #motorBugs
@malaysiasbk
@31_racing @sepangcircuit @msiancubprix @yamahamotormy @hondamotorcycle.my
Eyes candy at @muttmotorcycles.sg A home away from Eyes candy at @muttmotorcycles.sg A home away from home. Great people sharing the same passion.
#motorbugs #muttmotorcycles_sg #muttmotorcycles #instamotorcycle #instabikes
Finally they have come to an agreement... @motogp Finally they have come to an agreement... @motogp
A short try out on the new Yamaha R15M. Agile. Sli A short try out on the new Yamaha R15M. Agile. Slim. Looks great like a smaller version of the M1. Will be doing a full review soon.
#hongleongyamahamotor #hongleongyamaha #motorbugs #yamahar15m #r15m #instamotorcycle #instabike
Off road jungle driving requires a totally differe Off road jungle driving requires a totally different driving skill sets. But absolutely rewarding
#seaadventureteam #motorbugs #offroaddriving #4x4 #4x4life #instacars #insta4x4 #jungledriving #camping
The new Yamaha R15 M. A replica of Yamaha M1 with The new Yamaha R15 M. A replica of Yamaha M1 with a fraction of a price. Would you get one for your man cave or garage?
#hongleongyamahamotor #hongleongyamaha #motorbugs #yamahar15m #yamahamotor
Yamaha latest R15M from Hong Leong Yamaha Motor Sd Yamaha latest R15M from Hong Leong Yamaha Motor Sdn Bhd. Going at below MYR15K.
#hongleongyamaha #hongleongyamahamotor #motorbugs #yamahar15m
It's always a competition with #seaadventureteam 😂
#motorbugs #4x4offroad #4x4life #mahendrascorpio #toyotalandcruiser
Always encouraging & happy to see Malaysia drift a Always encouraging & happy to see Malaysia drift and race queen @leonachin taking part in races, both local and abroad. Hope to see more ladies taking part in both 2-wheel & 4-wheel races. We wish @leona_my the best for 2022 and beyond
#malaysiachampionshipseries
#motorbugs
#leonachin
#womeninmotorsport
#instaracer
Malaysian Championship Series (MCS) round 2. 17th Malaysian Championship Series (MCS) round 2. 17th - 19th June 2022. TP, SP1 & 2 & MTC classes
#sepangcircuit #sepanginternationalcircuit
#hirev @leona_my
#motorbugs @leonachin #mcs #malaysianchampionshipseries
Catch the Malaysian Championship Series happening Catch the Malaysian Championship Series happening from 17th to 19th June 2022 @sepangcircuit with an interesting group of entries.
@petron_malaysia #bulumotorsports #msamotorsports #wargawawasan #srtmotorsports  #superGP.net #thelawnsg  #yokohama  #skgarage #motul #bankbjb #deltagarage #sparklingkingautospa #tunegarage #empireracing #ftuneracingsuspension #ahsguard #estrada #deentertainment #hirev #stwangan #dreamchaser #kenomotorsport #jebonglobaltrading #thebiggroup #dixeladvancebraketechnology #dixel #moty's #winghin #winghinmotorsports  #motorbugs
Ducati Malaysia launches 6 new models to capture t Ducati Malaysia launches 6 new models to capture the premium market for almost all the categories of bikers.
#ducatimalaysia
#ducati
#ducati2022
#motorbugs
#ducatipaningale
#ducatimultistrada
#ducatiscrambler
#ducatistreetfighter
#instamotorcycle
#instabikes
6 models launched today by Ducati Malaysia with it 6 models launched today by Ducati Malaysia with its very own financing.
What are you guys waiting for? Take your pick.
#ducatimalaysia
#motorbugs
#ducati
@juliewoon
Ducati 2022 premiere. Ducati 2022 premiere.
Load More Follow on Instagram

Check Out Our Facebook Feed

MotorBugs

MotorBugs

499

The Latest Happenings in the World of Motorsports.

MotorBugs

2 weeks ago

MotorBugs
So what do you guys think about Ducati motogp latest rear aero wings?#motorBugs ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

MotorBugs

2 weeks ago

MotorBugs
Some of the beautiful looking models Mazda have created. Can you identify the models and year it came out?#Mazda #mazdasg #mazdamy #motorBugs#instacar #igcars ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

MotorBugs

3 weeks ago

MotorBugs
Here are the race results for RD 1 Malaysia Superbike Championship at Sepang Circuit.After a long awaited come back a good show of strength among the participants. Race Results:Top 4 Winners – MSBK1000 A Class1. Kasma Daniel Kasmayuddin, YAMAHA GEN BLU RACING TEAM, 21’31:844s2. Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman, HORIZON RACING TEAM, 21’42:494s3. Ahmad Daniel Haiqal, 22’03:443s4. Rajini Krishnan, RACR CASTROL POWER 1 ULTIMATE, 22’44:163sTop 5 – MSBK1000 B Class1. Khoo Chee Yen, MOBILUB SUZUKI RACING TEAM, 23’18:273s2. Muhd Syukri Mat Zoki, ESRA RACING TEAM, 23’29:484s3. Raja Nazeem Iskandar, 23’33:297s4. Tee Wee Jin, MOBILUB SUZUKI RACING TEAM, 23’27:360s5. Micheal Luke Stone, ESRA RACING TEAM, 23’39:855sTop 5 Winners – MSBK600 Class1. Khairul Idham Pawi, BOON SIEW HONDA RACING TEAM, 21’53:773s2. Azroy Hakeem Anuar, BOON SIEW HONDA RACING TEAM, 21’53:852s3. Muhd Ibrahim Mohd Norrodin, SIC RACING TEAM, 21’58:1914. M. Danial Syahmi A. Shahril, SIC RACING TEAM, 22’06:956s5. Muhd Syarifudin Azman, SIC RACING TEAM, 22’19:907scTop 5 Winners - MSBK250 A Class1. Muhammad Farish Hafiy Farid Sezli, SIC RACING, 20’18:539s2. Farres Putra Mohd Fadhill, SIC RACING, 20’19:498s3. Emir Idzhar Ezuan, SIC RACING, 20’19:568s4. Muhd Zakir Naqiuddin, BTECH RACING TEAM, 21’07:663s5. Muhd Irfan Haykal Amidi, BOON SIEW HONDA RACING, 21’45:372sTop 5 – MSBK250 B Class1. Muhammad Fauzi Hasan, 21’51:936s2. Ahmad Fariz Zafri, 21’54:328s3. Muhd Nur Haikal M. Nur Fikri, 22’37:423s4. Saidatul Zakirah Zairin, BTECH RACING TEAM, 22’42:260s5. Siti Norsyafiyah Alia, BTECH RACING TEAM, 22’59:731sTop 5 Winners – Yamalube Yamaha Y16ZR Race MasterClass1. Muhd Adie Putra Sukarno, TME MOTORSPORTS, 17’49:383s2. Ahmad Syukran Aizzat Yusoff, ADVANCE VERTEX RACING, 17’49: 446s3. M. Norhakim Norhafizullah, TAKONG RACING, 17’49:592s4. Danial Johan, HOCK LIONG MOTOR RACING, 17’49:642s5. Muhd Fareez Afeez A. Rahman, SINGDECA RACING, 17’49:730s#msbk #sepangcircuit #motorBugs ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

MotorBugs updated their status.

3 weeks ago

MotorBugs
View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

MotorBugs

1 month ago

MotorBugs
Eyes candy at @muttmotorcycles.sg A home away from home. Great people sharing the same passion.#motorBugs #muttmotorcycles_sg #muttmotorcycles #instamotorcycle #InstaBikes ... See MoreSee Less

Video

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Recent Motorbugs News

  • SIC REVS UP TO WELCOME FANS BACK TO PETRONAS GRAND PRIX OF MALAYSIA
  • FIA World Rally Championship: Secto Rally Finland – Ott Tänak resists Kalle Rovanperä’s Saturday charge.
  • FIA World Rally Championship: Secto Rally Finland – Ott Tänak clings onto slender lead as Lappi ups tempo.
  • Super excitement as super Suzuka returns to EWC schedule.
  • WorldSBK: Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK) wins three-way battle in Most.
Copyright © 2020 Motorbugs
Web Solutions by Phlocode Web Solutions
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
IAN HUTCHINSON AND MICHAEL DUNLOP RESUME RIVALRY ON OPENING NIGHT OF QUALIFYING... FRUSTRATING QUALIFYING SESSION AT 2017 ISLE OF MAN TT RACES FUELLED BY MONSTER...
Scroll to top