2022 Kawasaki Z650RS

[peterbaron]

OK, here is my 2017 Z650 tester with 44K km and neglected with service , and I believe so identical twin engine, frame, wheels but different seat arrangement, so it felt bit too short as I couldn't move my bum any further back..ergonomics. The RS has a very comfy, one piece seat = no complaints.





Got this bike today and already clocked over 100 miles.
First impression:
1. city, when started, it idles like a sewing machine, or like a CB misfiring on 1-2 cylinders, the handlebar is kind of short
2*. taking off from first gear and I noticed jerky clutch, changing gears no problems, cluch cable bitt too stiff and kind of rough/notchy, definitely needs some lube or replacement
3*. the chain has way too much slack of 2 - 2-1/2" while specs calls for an inch
The chain double slack definitely has jerky influence, especially when riding in lower gears, changing gears, speed, acc & decc, city ridden
The front suspension was very "stiff", it had 38 psi while spec is 32 psi.
When got home, I set proper tire pressure and lube the chain before tomorrow's longer ride...may do chain slack as well??
For sure the new Z650RS won't have 1* & 2* problems, so we clarified this issues as no Z650RS fault.

This bike does not like 3000 or lower rpm when cruising in any gear, however is easy doable in 6th gear at 60 km/h and 3000 rpm but 2 cylinder vibration is noticeable.
Totally different animal when it reaches 4K rpm, very good throttle response/acceleration, and I was pleasantly impressed with its engine performance, especially from 4000+ rpm, at which the engine becomes very smooth as if it were a little I-4 CB
The Z650 feels much lighter then the CB.
I compared RS and CB 1/4 mile and 0-60 mile test and the Z650RS is only 0.2 - 0.3 sec behind our CB, not bad.
In my opinion, the Z650 is definitely not a mule.

Today's judgement: I start liking this bike and I know I have to accept its two-cylinder idling as normality.
I also wish I had the RS as a tester.
One more thing, If I buy it, I have to install the 2013 model L hand switches on my '14 DLX to mach Kawi arrangement, otherwise will get nuts when switching bikes.

Tomorrow is test #2..