buy the bike that you like - take a good look in person, sit on it, ride it (like you did) and choose carefully

MT25 and Z650 are very mature platforms, so both should not go wrong

many ppl go out search bike, and find the one that love at first sight
some ppl did research, bought a bike, and regret
depends which type person u are

engine CC is a small factor in deciding what you buy
250cc is overstressed for high performance given the components that is used
the 650cc is built to last and the this year model is bike of the year for some people back then - https://www.motorcycledaily.com/2017/12/md-...-and-ninja-650/

given your experience, the 650cc will be more suitable as workhorse
but, it's underpowered compared to peers - this may mean better reliability and more suitable for riding into areas with lower quality fuel

also, the 650 engine has different vibration character, diff bikes vibrate at diff RPM even for the same model. Some don't vibrate at all because the vibration range is spread out evenly. this is something u cannot fix.

maintenance wise, some ppl live with no fuss for both models, but some ppl kena issues like F1 team sponsor. YMMV, which is why I say the most important is getting the bike that you like and be able to fix it along the way. you can't have patience for something you don't like

but, of course, I hope no one gets into bad situation with a bike they get

in my case, I kena few issues - some that is common, some no one even heard before

First thing to do:
- voltmeter - charging voltage and cranking smoothness can show battery condition, do not hesitate to change a battery. It is more expensive to change stator coil and rectifier.

- do not cheap on oil and maintenance - good oil cools parts more effectively, especially valves along the way. A cooler valve elongate faster than a hotter valve, so think valve clearance, top end hancur, and cost of disaster. Oil is not just for lubrication.

- do not pressure wash the bike, only splash wash, mild brush, and rinse.

Premium for sum insured RM25k is >RM1200?? Fuyohh!

Do you hv NCD?

In comparison, I'm paying RM1500 I think for first pty coverage for sum insured RM60k (888cc capacity) at max NCD.

The cost is easily justifiable to me coz I whack the bike to work since it is offset by the savings I make by not paying for expensive diesel & toll if I were to drive my SUV instead. It would be more diff to justify paying for that amount for a show bike / weekend toy. But that's just me lah.

If you buy the bike in cash, you can opt for 3rd pty insurance which costs a hell lot less... if u can stomach the risk.

.

My TNT600 daily driver was also on 3rd pty insurance during the last year I owned it. I knew I was a careful rider, but life taught me otherwise - it went up in flames when the workshop burned down after I sent it in to hv its shock absorber replaced in 2019. Could not claim anything for shit, fortunately the workshop owner was willing to reimburse me for my loss.

Lesson learned.

Nowadays, hearing horror stories of Brembo calipers being stolen I don't dare to rely on 3rd pty insurance for my current bike even though I paid for it in cash also.

I use z650 for my daily commute of around 100km (30/70 city/highway). Lane filtering is ok and have sufficient power for overtaking at highway speed. Other parts like maintenance have been covered by sifus up there so I'll just share my experience with it.

The recent appointments of kawi sc is good to hear as we got more options (post EMOS acquisition). My only issues with my ride is the faulty abs, got it reset once but it lights up again. Need to get the sc to investigate further on what is the root cause.

But overall it's a good newbie bike and daily warrior. I know i can push the fc better but usually go for refuel after 300km. 130kmh is still eco mode so it's good for less throttle heavy user.

as a fellow naked bike rider, i can confirm that a taller windscreen will help. as long as u can get the wind directed above ur chest, u wont get pushed back as much.

Also, choice of helmet matters as well. some helmets cuts through the air better than others. this will help reduce neck fatigue on longer riders.

because of this tered, i kena racun with the z650 by you TS

Dont know why people dont wear proper footwear and gloves when on the bike.

the 2 most easily fucked up parts other than your head even in a slow speed crash. Even so on a big bike. you jatuh bodoh at a stop light also can end up crushing your legs and foot.

isnt that good? then you wont be sweating under all that gear right? but i still sweat bollocks tho

Friend of mine recently found a gem, 2017 registered 2018 with only 1,817km genuine on clock.

Owned by an avid bike enthusiast with a few bikes including X-ADV750, XMax.

Friend celebrating this gem and his dream bike finally came true!