cycle world comparison
http://www.cycleworld.com/kawasaki-z650-vs...comparison-test
quote from the article...
" Fit and finish is admirable, though the Z650’s look never really caught the eye of our testers, who were drawn to the less-aggressive lines of the SV650 or more modern-looking FZ-07. Personal opinion, yes, but as a whole, that kind of sums up the Z650. It attempts to strike a middle ground between the straightforward and classic SV650 and sportier FZ-07. Only, in doing so, it fails to be better than either bike. The engine has more midrange grunt than Kawasaki twins of yesteryear thanks to the new throttle bodies, but past 4,500 rpm, it also generates enough vibration in the seat, handlebar, and footpegs that any amount of commuting seems laborious. Overall gearing feels short, and the bike produces the least power of the trio (59.9 hp at 7,960 rpm).
Our test riders covered the height gamut, but none could come to grips with the Z’s ergonomics. This is spoiled by a seat that feels even lower than it is (seat height is an admirable 30.6 inches), an overly narrow handlebar that feels high by comparison, and a tank that widens where your knees rest. A 41mm KYB fork and preload-adjustable shock have a smoother action than the suspension on the SV650 or FZ-07, though overall handling is heavier than the FZ and front-end feel is limited at corner entry. At 414 pounds (wet, with ABS), Kawasaki has done a good job of keeping the bike light, but it’s still no less than 10 pounds more than an FZ-07.
In a category where bikes are so closely matched, you can’t afford to give anything up. With its awkward ergos and extra vibration, the Z650 quickly fell behind the SV650 and FZ-07 and by midday was the bike we were least excited to climb back on. "
This post has been edited by basilisk: May 16 2017, 11:02 PM 
May 13 2017, 05:30 PM
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