BMW G 650 GS versus Kawasaki Z 650 RS

BMW G 650 GS

Adventure

Kawasaki Z 650 RS

Retro

Used test of the small single-cylinder GS from 2012

We test a used BMW G 650 GS from 2012 and show you in this video what strengths and weaknesses the "little GS" has. With test drive, acceleration, technology and pros & cons etc. Test categories: 02:40 - Dimensions of the BMW G 650GS 03:49 - Cockpit... weiter

BMW G 650 GS im Test

Gallery

Test of the deadly chic two-cylinder retro bike from Kawasaki

With the new Z 650 RS, Kawasaki is expanding its "Modern Classic" segment this year with an inexpensive machine. The Z650RS is, so to speak, the little sister of the successful Z900RS and meets retro fans thanks to the look of the 70s... weiter

Kawasaki Z 650 RS im Test

Gallery

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2011 bis 2016

Built von 2022 bis 2024~

RRP

RRP 8.345 €

Ausführliches Test-Video von Motorradtest.de

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Competitors

Pros:

light and manoeuvrable
uncomplicated
favorable consumption
solid workmanship
enough space for passenger

Pros:

Optics & classical round instruments
Weight & Handling
good brakes at the front
comfortable sitting position
adjustable levers

Cons:

radiates little emotion

Cons:

small tank
some features not 100% retro

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.477 mm
Length : 2.165 mm
Seat : 780 mm
Weight : 192 kg

Wheelbase: 1.405 mm
Length : 2.065 mm Height : 1.115 mm
Seat : 820 mm
Weight : 187 kg

Engine

Motor type unknown 1 Cylinder
Displacement: 652 ccm
Hub: 83 mm
Hole: 100 mm
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 5

Motor design: Liquid-cooled four-stroke in-line two-cylinder 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 649 ccm
Hub: 60 mm
Hole: 83 mm
Cooling: flüssigkeitsgekühlt
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6

Performance

Maximum speed: 170 km/h
Performance: 48 HP at 6.500 U/Min
Torque: 60 NM bei 5.000 U/Min

Tank contents: 14 Litre

Maximum speed: 200 km/h
Performance: 68 HP at 8.000 U/Min
Torque: 64 NM bei 6.700 U/Min

Tank contents: 12 Litre
Consumption: 5 l
Reach: 357 km

Chassis

Frame type:
Bridges (steel)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm

Frame type:
Lattice tube (steel)

Front suspension:
41 mm telescopic fork (travel 125 mm)

Rear suspension:
Horizontal back-link gas pressure shock absorber with adjustable spring base (travel 130 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm

Tyres at the front: 120/70ZR17M/C (58W)
Rear tyres: 160/60ZR17M/C (69W)

Brakes

Rear brake
Disk

Front brake
Double disc Semi-floating 300 mm double brake discs. Double piston brake caliper (∅ 300 mm) Rear brake
Single brake disc. Single piston brake caliper (∅ 220 mm)

Conclusion - what sticks

The Kawasaki Z 650 RS actually drove straight into our hearts. Nice that Kawasaki now offers the retro theme in a 2-cylinder with manageable performance at a fair price. So even novice drivers and lighter pilots will like to approach the topic of retro. But this does not mean that the Z650RS is not for old hands - on the contrary! There will definitely be many experienced bikers out there who are only too happy to get off their 250+ kilo monster and get on this light and really nice bike to ride.

The test bike was kindly provided by Heller & Soltau in St. Michaelisdonn. If you want to take a test drive or are interested in another Kawasaki (or Husqvarna), you should definitely consider a small trip to Dithmarschen. Beautiful country roads and a good coffee (!) await you.