Kawasaki Z650: The one I've been waiting for

[Ulvetanna_imp]

New Kawi Z650, 412 lbs with ABS, twin disks with four-piston calipers, all-new H2-inspired trellis frame, should be about 65-70 HP.

Chassis specifications are virtually identical to the 1988 FZR400, even the weight and wheel/tire sizes. That means it should handle incredibly well.

$7399.00
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[the Ferret]

So, Beemer out, Kwacker in? Or are you getting one of each?

[redbirds_imp]

Can't say that I'm impressed by the styling but the specs are another matter. It's a few pounds lighter than Suzuki's "new" 650 and has a similar frame. For sure the bike mags will be doing their comparison tests soon. Kawasaki will sell a lot of these.

[Ulvetanna_imp]

So, Beemer out, Kwacker in? Or are you getting one of each?

Yep, once I saw the Kawi, I thought it was just right. Don't know much about the BMW G310 yet, but I was told the price is pretty low, $4799. Cycle World had a really good road test on the Z650.

Can't say that I'm impressed by the styling but the specs are another matter. It's a few pounds lighter than Suzuki's "new" 650 and has a similar frame. For sure the bike mags will be doing their comparison tests soon. Kawasaki will sell a lot of these.

I think so. That styling is just what we've got these days: angular, digital, aggressive. My Hawk GT was very traditional, round headlight (but single-sided swingarm) but still handled well. Long as it works!

[offroadfx4_imp]

I'd have the same problem with this one as I did the CB1000r I test rode before I bought the CB1100....

old man's fat belly needs some room that big puffed up gas tank just doesn't give

....my tank bag does and is much more useful ;-)

[url=http://s1280.photobucket.com/user/offroadfx4/media/2014-Honda-CB1000R2_zpsiukrzlnt.jpg.html]

[Ulvetanna_imp]

G 310R is $4750 MSRP.

I think that's going to be the one after looking at both the Kawi and BMW. Love to get one of each but that is not practical. They are both really good bikes from what I've learned but the BMW is very light and that 34 HP should hustle it along real well.

[kballowe_imp]

I picked up a leftover 2014 Versys 650 ABS (parallel twin, approx 65 hp, upright riding position) this year for
$4,500. I had to pay sales tax and license on top of that - but a good deal, I think.

AND - ya gotta love Kawasaki green !
.
.

[Ulvetanna_imp]

I picked up a leftover 2014 Versys 650 ABS (parallel twin, approx 65 hp, upright riding position) this year for
$4,500. I had to pay sales tax and license on top of that - but a good deal, I think.

AND - ya gotta love Kawasaki green !
.
.

Those are great, the new Versys also shares (I believe) the basic chassis and many components with the new Z650 series, which includes of course the Ninja 650 as well.

The parallel twin is a very good engine in a motorcycle, probably the best overall choice for efficiency and balance and control.

[dirt road_imp]

I'd have the same problem with this one as I did the CB1000r I test rode before I bought the CB1100....

old man's fat belly needs some room that big puffed up gas tank just doesn't give

....my tank bag does and is much more useful ;-)

[url=http://s1280.photobucket.com/user/offroadfx4/media/2014-Honda-CB1000R2_zpsiukrzlnt.jpg.html]

I LOVE that big tank , and the single sided swingarm. Unfortunately I rode the CB1000R AFTER I got my CB1100. The R is awesome. I am now hunting a proper CB1000R.

[DAC]

If you get the CB1000R, consider trading out the rear wheel for a 6th Gen VFR rear. I've never warmed up to that swirly thing.