BMW F 850 GS versus Kawasaki Z 650

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
BMW

BMW F 850 GS

Adventure
Kawasaki

Kawasaki Z 650

Naked
Much more grown-up and not far from the big boxer sister.
The manufacturer BMW is obviously convinced of its F 850 GS and recommends the machine... "... People for whom no destination is too far and no distance too remote. Experience the world with a companion that is so reliable, robust and powerful that it can even work with your... weiter
BMW F 850 GS
Gallery
Is 48 hp enough? Differences between the 2020 model and its predecessor
The Kawasaki Z650 has been one of the best-selling motorcycles in Germany for years. For the 2020 model year, Kawasaki has given the mid-range naked bike a few updates. What these are and how the current model differs from its predecessor... weiter
Kawasaki Z650 - Test der A2-Version mit 48 PS
Gallery

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2018 bis 2023
Built von 2017 bis 2024~
RRP 13.000 €
RRP 7.645 €
Ausführliches Test-Video von Motorradtest.de
Ausführliches Test-Video von Motorradtest.de
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Competitors

Pros:
  • raised seating position
  • good handling on and off-road
  • Wide range of extras and accessories
  • successful appearance
Pros:
Cons:
  • Windscreen could be slightly larger
  • Price skyrockets with extras
  • not quite as manoeuvrable
Cons:

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.593 mm
Length : 2.305 mm Height : 1.356 mm
Seat : 860 mm until : 880 mm
Weight : 229 (max: 445 ) kg
Wheelbase: 1.410 mm
Length : 2.055 mm Height : 1.080 mm
Seat : 790 mm
Weight : 187 kg

Engine

Motor design: Number 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 853 ccm
Hub: 77 mm
Hole: 84 mm
Cooling: wassergekühlt
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6
Motor design: Number 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 649 ccm
Hub: 60 mm
Hole: 83 mm
Cooling: flüssigkeitsgekühlt
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6

Performance

Maximum speed: 204 km/h
Performance: 95 HP at 8.250 U/Min
Torque: 92 NM bei 6.250 U/Min
Tank contents: 15 Litre
Consumption: 4 l
Reach: 341 km
Maximum speed: 200 km/h
Performance: 68 HP at 8.000 U/Min
Torque: 66 NM bei 6.500 U/Min
Tank contents: 15 Litre
Consumption: 4 l
Reach: 357 km

Chassis

Frame type:
 Steel bridge frame in shell construction (steel)
Front suspension:
 Upside-down fork, Ø 43 mm (travel 204 mm)
Rear suspension:
 Mono strut (travel 219 mm)
Rear suspension:
 Two-arm swingarm
Tyres at the front: 90/90 21
Rear tyres: 150/70 R17
Frame type:
 Lattice tube (steel)
Front suspension:
 41 mm telescopic fork (travel 125 mm)
Rear suspension:
 Mono strut (travel 130 mm)
Rear suspension:
 Two-arm swingarm
Tyres at the front: 120/70ZR17M/C (58W)
Rear tyres: 160/60ZR17M/C (69W)

Brakes

Front brake
 Double disc (∅ 305 mm) Rear brake
 Disc (∅ 265 mm)
Front brake
 Double disc (∅ 300 mm) Rear brake
 Disc (∅ 220 mm)

Conclusion - what gets stuck

The Kawasaki Z650 vintage 2020 is a simple but well-made motorcycle. This can be seen .B the conventional telefork or the lack of technical features, which are now standard from the upper middle class (Z900). But it is also a lot cheaper.
 
The Z650 is a rather small machine. Pilots from 1.85m may feel out of place, which is an individual thing. We recommend a seat test for larger drivers. For smaller riders, however, the Z650 is a feast and highly recommended. But two of them get a bit tight, but that's similar with competitor bikes. The passenger has no handles, only a holding strap. Ergo: It's enough to get to the Baggersee, but from Hamburg to Munich it's exhausting for two.
 
Overall, the new Z650 is a successful machine. The updates have done the motorcycle well, it looks fresher and rides fast and agile and conveys enormous driving fun. The test machine was provided to us by Heller & Soltau in St. Michaelisdonn.

Price/Availability/Colours/Years of Construction

  • Price: 7,000€
  • Used (3 years old): 5,000€
  • Availability: since 2017
  • Colours: white, black, black-green