hello CBR650 F, just burbling in the low to mid-range it is gentle, sneak it over 6k rpm and the claws come out and you know it wants to be let loose. It is incredibly flickable through the countryside, purrs and growls happily and so far handles everything the roads of Kent can throw at it, or should I say remove from its path …damn potholes and missing road surfaces.

Standard setup it is not as hard a ride as the Z800. Having done the same route on both bikes the CBR handled it brilliantly and was more comfy over the distance and at speed the wind not trying to rip you off and ripping open the throttle, well not to aggressive, still breaking it in. It does not whip you back like the Zed, takes a bit longer to get to the same speeds but as I said was taking it smooth but when it got there I know the CBR is going to go faster, top end the CBR is going to be so much easier to ride.

If it was the wilds the Z800 would be the male and the CBR650F the mamma lion, or guns; a 45 versus a 9mm. The Zed has incredible low down torque and the power is instant and sublimely brutal smooth in delivery. Gear change on the Z800 can be clunky when you not riding it like you stole it, I have not found that on the CBR650F, so far the gear change I find smooth as silk. Maybe cause I am just getting used to it and been spoiled by the Zed but I have found the lower rev range to be a bit twitchy, but then it could have just been me getting used to, it was my first ride, and I am not sure about the right engine cover touching the leg when the feet are down.

So far I find the CBR is smooth, and there is more on tap and it pulls no matter what gear you are in and there is always more to give. It is slick and effortless to ride, responds when required and it is gets more mpg. The Zed break in is keep rpm at 4500 for 500 miles then 6500 for the next 500, the CBR650 wins this contest..300 miles conservatively, no harsh throttle action and engine breaking, happy days.
The Zed ride stance is aggressive and you feel it at speed, and the mirrors are for show and the rear brake is really only good for sliding into the bends. So CBR wins on mirrors and brakes, I cannot fault the Z800s stopping power the front breaks are phenomenal but they not ABS. It is my commute bike, B road twisties and commuter rat run, handles both effortlessly. I suspect when I use the CBR to do the same run it will be just as much fun.

The zed does 0- 70 mph in first in like 3.5 seconds, going to take a lot to beat that smile, you up through the gears in no time, riding it like you stole it and that’s what it wants. It is sedate enough to ride conservatively but it brute power and that’s where it shines, light and easy to move when riding a heavy brute when pushing it around. Want a in your face, get out the way power instantly, brutal acceleration ride, I go with the zed.

Got distance to cover? The CBR is designed for it and is a more all-round package.
These are two completely different experiences and ride styles, my personal opinion; Want a in your face, get out the way brutal exhilarating hooligan, go with the zed. Got distance to cover, want to go at speed and stay there, not worry about fuel consumption, sports like thrill get the CBR650F is designed for it and is a perfect all-round package.