rise this thing can hustle pretty damn well too,
but really its gutsy, flexible and comparatively
effortless mid-range is its greatest strength.
As well as having a great learner-oriented
engine, the Z650 is also a sharp handler with a
nimble easy feel, great accuracy and decent
stability at speed. It is great around town
78 KIWI RIDER
where it is quick and agile, easily able to go for
any gap in the traffic. The new trellis frame is
a big part of this, weighing only 15kg in total
and contributing to the low overall 187kg kerb
weight. On the open road it is plenty fast
enough for comfortably cruising well above
the legal limit... so be warned.