Z650 Ownership Experience Thread

[ayebot]

Re: Z650 Ownership Experience Thread

I have installed an SW Motech Tray 36 box on a Zana rack, attaching a pic for your reference. [ATTACH]244818[/ATTACH]

Thanks Preson. Couple of questions:

Can you share where you bought the rack and how much you paid for it? Cursory google search didn’t yield much.

Why did you go for the hard case? Basis your experience, would it be more comfortable for the pillion compared to waterproof sacks like the Enduristan tornado?

Lastly, I’ve been looking for a layer of protection for the silencer as I’ve already had a couple of speedbreaker scrapes. The diameter of most silencer rings is too large. Though not visible in the photo, have you figured anything out for this?

[ayebot]

Z650 Ownership Experience Thread

Installed a taller windscreen ordered from AliExpress https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/5MfyVL6. The package didn’t come with any instructions and the screw head wasn’t compatible with any Allen key in my set! After struggling for about an hour and scratching the screen a little I managed to install it. Haven’t been able to test it yet as I’ve injured my ankle.

One downside though is that the front number plate doesn’t fit anymore. Will need extended brackets for the same.

[Sam John]

Re: Z650 Ownership Experience Thread



Hi Guys,

Sorry, Been away from xbhp for quite some time. Just thought I'll share few pics of my rides to Yercaud, Valparai and Sriharikota.

The bike is easy to ride and live with. The only minus is the ground clearance. Have scraped it many times.

[Sam John]

Re: Z650 Ownership Experience Thread

Hi,

Has anyone changed the halogen headlight bulb to LED bulbs. Kindly share your experience and what are the positives and negatives.

[saorabbh]

Re: Z650 Ownership Experience Thread

Hi,

Has anyone changed the halogen headlight bulb to LED bulbs. Kindly share your experience and what are the positives and negatives.

Actually its not recommended to change halogen to LED setup. Beam pattern is not great. Also it depends on quality of LED bulb, sometimes LED seems faded against stock halogen.
I would recommend you to upgrade your halogen to higher power. That will be enough if you're looking for practical illumination. And if you're looking for white light just to show off. Then any LED will do the job [emoji1360]

[TheVaas]

Re: Z650 Ownership Experience Thread

I bought a pre-owned 2017 Z650 with about 3k kms on the ODO back in May 2018. I use the bike for city commuting (approx 60kms a day), highway rides over the weekends and intend to do a bit of touring as well. I ride with my wife as pillion (since we work closeby) - so the need for better pillion comfort was always on my mind. Getting the corbin seat shipped all the way here is an expensive affair. But then figured that there are a lot of aftermarket seat makers here who'd 'make' you what you're looking for.

- What I figured was that both the seats are quite flat (Without much cushioning) and that after a point makes your bottom sore (Especially when you're stuck in traffic and couple that with the quality of roads that we have here)
- The pillion seat is more of a triangular shape and lacks width - thereby compromising the comfort.

The practical solution was to raise both the seats by an inch using the existing seat as the base and increasing the width by adding 1inch to both left and right sides of the pillion seat (similar to the 2016 ER6n or Ninja 650 models) - so that it doesn't rely solely on the fibre panels for support.

Image below: Raising the base by 1.5 inch


Image below: Extending width by 1.5 inch



So off I went to a seat/cushion-maker in the neighbourhood and discussed with him what I had in mind.

I've attached before after pics for comparison. The foam was added atop the existing stock foam - so it locks into place just as stock. The cover was soft leather + resin material - that is water-resistant (for monsoon season) and doesn't get hard/brittle/crack under intense heat. The final seats (that you see in the pics) are sized at 1.5 inch height + existing seat (width remains at 1inch on either sides). The reason for the 0.5in addition was that the foam takes some time and riding to settle down and hence its a buffer that we decided to go with. It should ideally settle at 1.3inch+existing seat height. Also the 'puffiness' will be normalised over time.
Have travelled a further 200 kms post this mod and I'd like to say it is quite effective! Total cost was 1200 INR

Please note that this is not something I'd recommend for shorter riders (below 5ft 5; I'm 5'9" and is not an issue) since the rider seat is also increased which might make it difficult to flat foot.

PS: The foam used was 50-50 soft hard compound that would naturally become softer over time. In the pics, the foams aren't cut to size. They were used to check if the mould was a proper fix or not.

PPS: I've also changed the handlebar to the Versys X300. Will post about that experience too.

[bf1983]

Re: Z650 Ownership Experience Thread

Thanks for all the info on the bike. I just booked my z650. Can't wait till I can ride it.

My only concern with the bike was the ground clearance which will be an issue with me since I weigh a good 95 kgs.

You mentioned that the exhaust has been hit at times. Have you faced any issue so far from all the knocks?

Thanks

[TheVaas]

Re: Z650 Ownership Experience Thread

My only concern with the bike was the ground clearance which will be an issue with me since I weigh a good 95 kgs.

You mentioned that the exhaust has been hit at times. Have you faced any issue so far from all the knocks?

Thanks

If you're going to be riding solo, it shouldn't be an issue -on most speed breakers - even with your weight. But there are some speed breakers with height that are constructed beyond the permissible limits - there one should be careful and ride over carefully. One way to do is to reduce speed and tackle one tire at a time. That way the bike isn't 'flattening' against the bump. The other would be to try and glide over 'diagonally' over the speed breakers.

The latter part of the exhaust (towards the rear tire / directly below the rear shock / where the main box resides) is what usually scrapes (you'll become familiar with a 'thud' sound) but it will never 'break' or 'bend' unless you've hit the bump at a very high speed.

Apart from unruly speedbreakers, the ground clearance issue shouldn't bother you at all. I ride with a pillion most of the time, so have got used to spotting a speed breaker from miles ahead. Though the odd occassional ones that suddenly creep up - you have to swallow your pride

Most of the superbikes, like Z900, CBR650, Street Triple etc, have similar GC. One just needs to be aware of it (which you already are). So just exercise caution.

Finally, congrats on a great purchase and keep us updated

[Sam John]

Re: Z650 Ownership Experience Thread

Ride to Yelagiri last sunday

----consecutive posts auto-merged-----

Thanks for all the info on the bike. I just booked my z650. Can't wait till I can ride it.

My only concern with the bike was the ground clearance which will be an issue with me since I weigh a good 95 kgs.

You mentioned that the exhaust has been hit at times. Have you faced any issue so far from all the knocks?

Thanks

Not faced any issues as on date. Last week I adjusted the rear shock setting to 5 (the OE setting is 3) and made it a little bit more stiffer. The bike did not scrape the exhaust during my ride to Yelagiri (total distance of 450 kms). I think it works. The experts can put in their opinions in this regard.

[AbhiTK]

Re: Z650 Ownership Experience Thread

Hi all
I am not a z650 owner as of yet but I am looking to get one soon. I have a few questions before I make that leap.

1. I am upgrading from a 200cc more specifically a KTM RC 200..I've ridden it for a year and close to 7k KMS....so would the power of the z650 be too much for someone with my experience or would it be an appropriate upgrade?

2. Mileage is not an issue for me however I'm curious regarding how much the bike gives both in city and highway.

3. I'll be using this bike as a daily commuter for all purposes and I live in Bangalore....so if any Bangalore z650 owners would share their experience with the bike in Bangalore traffic it's much appreciated.

4. RC200 is the lightest in it's class and the z650 is a considerable bump when it comes to ergonomics and weight...so my last and final question is regarding the maneuverablity of the bike...as in does the bike feel heavy to ride in traffic or is it something one can get used to quick especially someone of my experience with a previously very light bike.

Any and all replies to my questions would be much appreciated as I don't have much time to make a decision.

Cheers!

[bf1983]

Re: Z650 Ownership Experience Thread

I am not the best person to reply since I don't actually own the bike but I am upgrading from a fz16 and when I did a test ride I had to go through some stop and go traffic. The Z650 no jokes felt like I was almost riding the fz16 in traffic albeit even smoother. It just felt so natural since it's also a naked bike like the fz and your duke. I also test rode the ninja 400 and that bike was a bit more difficult to navigate in traffic as I wasn't used to a faired bike.

I rode for 30 mins and the bike was in heavy traffic for 15 mins but didn't feel even a little heat. If your commute is longer then I don't know.

The bike is very very easy to ride. The throttle response is very smooth and well mannered. Its not twitchy like a duke 390 and I found it very easy to navigate in traffic. However the moment I found an open stretch of road and wrung the throttle the immediate surge in power is bloody intoxicating. I had a massive grin on my face as in a few seconds I was already at 120 kph when I was pottering around at 20 kph just a few seconds ago.

The weight didn't seem to bother me but it was a short ride so can't comment on that.

Of course the best thing would be for you to test ride the bike.

[TheVaas]

Re: Z650 Ownership Experience Thread

I've answered your queries below:

Hi all
I am not a z650 owner as of yet but I am looking to get one soon. I have a few questions before I make that leap.

1. I am upgrading from a 200cc more specifically a KTM RC 200..I've ridden it for a year and close to 7k KMS....so would the power of the z650 be too much for someone with my experience or would it be an appropriate upgrade?

- Appropriate upgrade. The throttle response is similar but more refined and 'controllable' (if you know what I mean!). Since the Z is naked sans fairing, you'd feel at home with the stance and rider position.

2. Mileage is not an issue for me however I'm curious regarding how much the bike gives both in city and highway.

- It depends on the way you ride. In city I get about 22/23 (considering the stop and go traffic in Mumbai) while on the highway its around 26kmpl. Eitherways, it is economical for the pocket!

3. I'll be using this bike as a daily commuter for all purposes and I live in Bangalore....so if any Bangalore z650 owners would share their experience with the bike in Bangalore traffic it's much appreciated.

- I am based in Mumbai. But I commute almost on a daily/alternate basis for about 50kms (two way) in peak, office going, stop-go traffic and snarls. And most of the times its with a pillion. And I haven't faced much issue in terms of heat or manoeuvrability (rest answered below).

4. RC200 is the lightest in it's class and the z650 is a considerable bump when it comes to ergonomics and weight...so my last and final question is regarding the maneuverablity of the bike...as in does the bike feel heavy to ride in traffic or is it something one can get used to quick especially someone of my experience with a previously very light bike.

- The weight is not a big factor in traffic - even with a pillion. Also, you'll get used to it once you start riding the bike. Since its sans fairing - it's a bit more manageable to manoeuvre in-between vehicles (not recommended, but sometimes you have to!). Ergonomics are spot on. It has a great clutch assist that helps you slot better. The brakes are great too. The heat management is excellent (better than the Z800 that you're also looking at). It has never over-heated even in the most densest of traffic jams.

Any and all replies to my questions would be much appreciated as I don't have much time to make a decision.

- Its quite an under-rated bike I must admit. With the discounts and stuff on offer, I'd say take a test ride and book it soon!

Cheers!

[jazzysaravana]

Re: Z650 Ownership Experience Thread

Hi,

Has anyone changed the halogen headlight bulb to LED bulbs. Kindly share your experience and what are the positives and negatives.

Hi, since you have Clear lens for Z650 you can go with Autobahn Technologies M3 CSP chip type LED. The seller is very friendly and understands our concerns and WhatsApp's with you directly before shipping. I got mine shipped to Chennai in less than 24 hours.

Link: https://autobahntechnologies.com/pro...12v30w2-bulbs/

For my Interceptor since it comes with old school translucent dispersion style lens I was suggested the S2 model based on COB type chip. It has improved tbe visibility really nicely and consumes less power too.

Cheers

[ankitipr]

Re: Z650 Ownership Experience Thread

Dear Fellow Xbhipans,
I am glad to share that I have booked 2019 Z650 at a good deal from Ahmedabad. I would be happy if you please share tips before taking delivery like inspection and basic accessories.

[bf1983]

Re: Z650 Ownership Experience Thread

Dear Fellow Xbhipans,
I am glad to share that I have booked 2019 Z650 at a good deal from Ahmedabad. I would be happy if you please share tips before taking delivery like inspection and basic accessories.

Congrats on the new bike !

Could you disclose how much you are getting it for ?

About accessories I am not the best person but safety is important so I am decided between frame sliders or an engine guard. Frame sliders are around 9k while the engine guard is about 18k

Other than that future upgrades are LED lighting by removing the stock headlight and replacing with LED and maybe add aux lights if I do lots of night riding.

Also on the list are bubble seats to see if they improve comfort.

Non bike accessories would be a puncture kit and getting all the riding gear from jacket, helmet, gloves, pants etc.