Detailed explanation of the 2020 model of Kawasaki Z650, the cost-effective king of middleweight imported street cars

Due to the transition to Euro4 in 2017, Kawasaki relied on the good foundation of the ER-6 to create a more competitive Z650. Since the Z650 was released, it has been Kawasaki's best-selling model around the world and is the most cost-effective middleweight imported motorcycle in China. Last year, as Euro5 was approaching, the Z650 underwent a major upgrade. First, the redesigned LED headlights gave it a new front face. The full-color TFT instrument has a soaring sense of technology. The second-generation Dunlop Sportmax Roadsport tires have stronger overall performance. The passenger seat is thickened for improved comfort.

Appearance design

The latest Z series family design, the ultimate Sugomi style is more aggressive, its front headlight optical components have been used H2 machine like its big brother Z900 The core part has been redesigned, which is very similar to the front face of ZH2, with higher brightness and very exquisiteness. In addition, the engine crankcase is now painted black (previously aluminum) to make it more integrated, and other places have not changed much compared to the old model. The new model is available in three colors: green/black, black/green and white/black/green.

Instrument design

The instrument adopts the same model as the Z900? 2020 model, which is in sharp contrast with the instrument of the old model. The diagonal length of the new instrument is 10.9 cm, which provides a considerable viewing area and can display a lot of information. Depending on its auto-light feature, it can display either a white background or a black background, both of which are highly readable. On the other hand, this new instrument also supports the function of mobile phone interconnection, and various settings can be made on the mobile phone after being connected through the Rideology APP.

At the same time, it can also record all relevant information during the journey, record driving data, and send signals to the driver. And display notification messages and call text messages on the TFT instrument. This type of gauge has become almost commonplace these days, but personally, it's not really a criterion that influences a purchasing decision.

Ergonomics

The seat height of the new model is still very low at only 790mm. When the height exceeds 160cm, both feet can almost touch the ground, and the knees can even be slightly bent, which makes it easier for those with short stature. The knight was delighted. Foreign countries also provide an 820mm high-seat version as an option. The size of the rear seat can still only be used for emergency use due to design reasons.

The entire riding triangle is only slightly tilted forward, which is a typical comfortable street bike riding posture. The relatively upright riding posture can be used for longer riding journeys. It can be used for combat or comfort, and is suitable for It can also be used for short-distance commuting and long-distance motorcycle travel. This is the biggest advantage of street cars.

For two-person riding, the passenger footrests have been increased a bit in the middle and sides, and it's hard to say whether comfort has actually improved compared to the previous version. But one passenger told us it's not uncomfortable per se, and the lack of standard handles leaves rear-seat passengers with little more than a handhold on the tank or the driver, a situation that doesn't allow for long journeys to be contemplated.

Tires

The tire part is also difficult to compare with the previous version here. Kawasaki claims that Dunlop Sportmax Roadsport 2 tires use high-performance rubber to enhance handling and use DUNLOP’s new The technical two-layer tread structure and USF-JLB structure provide better grip and increase the service life by 43%, which is suitable for most street cars!

Suspension Braking

The suspension maintains the same specifications as the old model. The front shock absorber is a 41mm upright front fork, and the preload is adjustable mid-mounted horizontal multi-link rear shock absorber. Shockingly, the imported model's low upright front fork also appears on the rival model CB500F. This has been complained about for a long time. Although the new configuration has been upgraded, the front fork is still there.

The front brake is a semi-floating 300mm spray double disc and double piston Nissin caliper. The rear brake is a 220mm spray single disc single piston Nissin caliper. Both front and rear brakes have ABS anti-lock functions. Compared with Although the front fork is not kind, it is still sincere in terms of braking.

Engine

Kawasaki has upgraded and improved the fuel injection, air intake, catalyst (larger volume) and exhaust (shortened pipeline) in the engine to achieve a suitable Euro5 emission standards. The four-stroke dual overhead camshaft water-cooled parallel twin-cylinder engine with a displacement of 649cc has a maximum power of 46Kw/7,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 63Nm/6,500 rpm. It is also equipped with an auxiliary sliding clutch, making the power output smoother, that is, Suitable for beginners and experienced riders.

Competitors

The most direct competitor of the Kawasaki Z650 in China is still the Honda CB500F. Although the two cars are not in the same order of magnitude, they have a similar price of 500 -650-level imported street cars, these are the only two models currently on sale in China. The CB500F is priced at 66,800 yuan, and the Z650 is priced at 76,700 yuan. There is almost no difference in configuration. In terms of performance, the Z650 has 9kw more power and 18Nm more torque. The Z650's curb weight is 1Kg lighter than the CB500F. This shows that the Kawasaki Z650 Still has considerable advantages.

It can be said that after the upgrade of the Z650, the competitiveness has further increased, especially the more sinister front face and the more technological dashboard, making this car even more outstanding. If Kawasaki can Replace it with an inverted front fork and it will be truly perfect.

This article comes from the author of Autohome Chejiahao and does not represent the views and positions of Autohome.