[Kenny Sagawa: Webike news editor chief]
As we mentioned in the last week's topic that a hot model "CB650R" from Honda will be released on March 15, Prior to this, on March 1, Kawasaki announced that"Z650" release. I want to read and understand the seasonal "Sixfifty" which shows excitement, including predictions of serious confrontation.
Middl class motorcycle representing traditional series
Z650 appears as a new lightweight super naked with a new design of the engine and motorcycle body based on ER-6n in 2017. It is easy to handle and excellent sports performance is cheap.
▲Z650
One CB650R is an evolved version of the conventional model CB650F. It completely reviews the engine and motorcycle body and strengthens suspension such as suspension and brake. It is characterized by having a retro-modern design that is common to the new generation CB series while introducing a new control system.
▲CB650R
As for Z650, this time it is only graphics and color change, but it seems to be optimal as a comparison target with new type CB650R as displacement and standing position. Because both CB and Z are series model with a full lineup of unified images up from 125cc down to liter class. Among them, both are positioned as a world-class middle class.
A power match CB, in the daily zone Z
First of all, it is an engine, but CB is a water-cooled four-stroke parallel 4-cylinder DOHC 4 valve 648cc to a maximum output 95 ps / 1,200 rpm, the Z650 is 68 ps / 8,000 rpm from a water-cooled 4-st parallel two-cylinder DOHC 4 valve 649cc, It is overwhelming. However, this is a matter, of course, that multi-cylinder output is advantageous if the displacement is the same. Rather, I would like to pay attention to the maximum torque, where CB is 6.5 kgf-m / 8,500 rpm, and Z is 6.6 kgf-m / 6,500 rpm, demonstrating more powerful torque from a low rotation.
In other words, it is Z that exceeds the instantaneous power such as the start dash and demonstrates its ability in the daily range such as town riding. On the other hand, CB of high revolution and high output type will lead on expressway etc. with an extended feeling of acceleration like 4 cylinders.
Spartan CB and Flexible Z
Regarding the motorcycle body, both frames are steel, but CB is a twin spar type consisting of two thick side beam, whereas Z is a trellis type that KAWASAKI likes and uses recently. In addition, while the suspension is a combination of inverted fork and linkless type mono shock, C adopts an upright fork and link type horizontal back type.
Although it is the impression seen from the structure to the last, including the making around the swing arm and the pivot, CB is handling which was fairly rigid with a high sense of rigidity, whereas Z is expected to aim for a more flexible ride.
▲Z650
▲CB650R
Regarding the brakes, both adopt double discs on the front, whereas Z is a standard type of single piston, while CB employs a 4 piston radial mount caliper. In addition to the power difference to the 202kg weight of CB, Z must be 187kg and 15kg as lightweight must be considered, and for Z it is necessary equipment.
Surely both of them should be light enough and agile running, but CB is more powerful and responsive handling that stops and it is anticipated that Z will run more lightly with lighter handling. It is low seat height of 810mm for CB and 790mm for Z. It should have good feet ability by taking advantage of the slim body of 2 cylinders.
Price difference is less than 200,000 yen
In addition, concerning electronic control, CB is fulfilling such as equipped with "emergency stop signal" which flashes the hazard lamp at high speed in conjunction with ABS at the time of truck control or sudden braking. Both ABS and slipper & assist clutch are standard equipment.
And, although it is an interesting price, the difference between the 960,000 1,200 yen of CB650R and the Z650 782,0240 yen (including 8% consumption tax together) opened slightly less than 200,000 yen.
Two units with different aims
I think that if you read it so far, I think that it is the price of conviction that it is as expected, but the point is that the aims of both are different. Speaking to a single word, CB is medium-class super naked with the performance that also challenges the upper class, and Z is a place like a friendly lightweight sport that you can feel free to ride from every day. After that, there are no mistakes if you choose according to the preference of the design.
