Kawasaki Z650 Review

Used Buyer Review

The Z650 sits in a sweet spot that Kawasaki nailed almost immediately — it's a middleweight naked that doesn't punish you for not being a professional racer. The 649cc parallel-twin pulls cleanly from low revs and doesn't run out of breath until well past legal speeds. It's genuinely flickable in traffic, and that trellis frame feels confidence-inspiring without being nervous. Used examples are everywhere, which tells you something about how many people bought them. Watch for bikes that lived a hard life as learner machines — check the bar ends, footpegs, and tank for scrapes. The suspension is the weak link on stock setups, particularly the rear shock which goes soft surprisingly quickly on heavier riders. Pre-2020 bikes miss out on the revised slipper clutch and slightly smoother fueling, so I'd target those newer examples if budget allows. Brake disc wear is worth checking too, as urban commuters chew through them faster than you'd expect.