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Say goodbye to the ER-6, here’s the Z650

Kawasaki Z650

Written by Ben Purvis , Date 3:15 PM

Just as the ER-6f has been replaced by the new Ninja 650 for 2017 there’s now a Z650 to replace the ER-6n.

The bike uses the familiar Kawasaki parallel twin from its predecessor, tweaked to meet the latest emissions rules. That means power is down a fraction, to 68hp, but as in the Ninja 650 it’s mounted in a much lighter steel trellis frame.

Kawasaki says the Z650 weighs an impressive 187.1kg, significantly less than the old ER-6n, and it’s a difference that should more than make up for any loss in peak power.

As with the new Z900, the frame is disguised with a faux-aluminium section near the swingarm pivot, but the green steel of the real chassis is visible behind it. There’s a new aluminium swingarm, though.

Other selling points include a low-ish 790mm seat that’s also narrow, making it easy for shorter riders to reach the ground. An assist and slipper clutch reduces lever pressure and helps prevent back wheel hopping on downchanges.

European versions will all come with Bosch 9.1M ABS, but don’t expect tonnes of electronic nannies – there’s no traction control, launch control, or cornering ABS here. It’s still an entry-level bike, despite the new name and redesign.

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