Motorcycle specifications KawasakiZ650 1980

In the late 1960s, Japanese manufacturers made a splash in the world of large-displacement four-stroke motorcycles with the Honda CB750K. Until then, high-displacement valve-equipped bikes had been the exclusive domain of European brands (British, German, and Italian). Within a few years, Honda and Kawasaki dominated the high-end market with upgrades to the CB750K and the Z900A. The British industry struggled to find its place between the Japanese models under 500cc and those over 750cc.

The final blow came in 1976 with the unveiling of the surprising Z650. Released in 1977, this model joined the ranks of the larger Z models (900 and later 1000). The mission of this midsize bike, designed by Gyoichi Inamura, was to offer solid road and sport handling while being more fuel-efficient than the famous H1 and H2 two-strokes (the oil crisis having taken its toll). The specifications could be summarized as follows: the Z650 must be neither too heavy nor too fuel-hungry, possess a sporty character while still allowing for long-distance riding without tiring the rider.

The engine was modern for its time: a 4-cylinder, 4-stroke, air-cooled design equipped with a double overhead camshaft, though it had only two valves per cylinder. It produced 64 horsepower in its first version and proved reliable and durable from the start.

The chassis is sound and fairly agile, but it is not a model of perfection either. Although equipped with a disc brake from the first year, the braking system leaves room for improvement. Thus, while the base engine wasn’t truly revised until 1981 (67 horsepower, then 69 in 1983), each model year saw minor modifications to the braking system: a second front disc, then a rear disc replacing the drum, perforated discs for better braking in the rain, and so on.

The design, however, is a success. The understated style, blended with a touch of sportiness, gives it a timeless look. This would allow it to stand the test of time without looking dated; at most, it would be given a facelift with alloy wheels.

The Z650 was updated in 1979 and underwent a slight facelift with the SR version. The differences weren’t striking, and the “SR” didn’t leave much of an impression. A Z is still a Z, whether it has a wide handlebar or not.

While it played a major role in the decline of British motorcycles, one has to admit that you can’t really blame the Z650. Many riders got their start on a big bike with this easy-to-handle, fun machine. It bowed out in 1984 to make way for the ultra-modern GPZ 550cc and later 600cc models, but it still retains, even today, a friendly image and unforgettable memories for the old-timers.