2017 Kawasaki Ninja 650L and Z650L launch review

There's a fair bit of underselling going on when the 2017 model Kawasaki Ninja 650L and Z650L are referred to as just "learners' bikes". Sure, as far as the law is concerned they fall under the Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme (LAMS) paradigms, adding even more choice for the local novice brigade, but the new and much lighter bikes from Kawasaki certainly impress across a far wider orbit and range of abilities than that.

Kawasaki has a huge LAMS presence in Australia, and the updated Ninja 650L and new Z650L (which replaces the ER-6n in the range) only add to an already imposing arsenal.

Both are now on sale locally, for $9699 plus on-road costs (Z650L) and $9999 plus on-road costs (Ninja 650L) respectively. There's also a Kawasaki Racing Team-liveried version of the Ninja 650L which retails for $10,299.

There's more, through! The Ninja 650 also comes in a full-powered 68hp/66Nm version, but for the media launch of the fully faired machine we only had the learner model at our disposal as we made a return trip from Kawasaki's Sydney headquarters to the popular Hawkesbury River settlement of Wisemans Ferry.

The gaggle of Ninja 650Ls was joined by a similar number of Z650Ls. The Z650L is aptly named as well – a far more 'family-orientated' moniker that makes sense alongside the other Z nakedbike offerings – Z125, Z250SL, Z300, Z800 (and soon to be Z900..) and Z1000. The ER-6n just didn't really fit in with the naming flow …

And it's fair to say it's been a long time between Z650 drinks in Australia! The last model on sale here was the Z650C in 1980, the in-line four-cylinder machine retailing new for $2640. Still fond of the original Z650? There are still a couple for sale on Bikesales.

The Z650L and Ninja 650L share the same chassis, engine and braking platform, and about the only major difference is the naked's 6kg lighter due to the absence of bodywork. The Z650L also has slightly more aggressive rake and trail.

The 790mm seat height for both bikes is right on the LAMS money, as well as other features like the beautifully soft slip-and-assist clutch, the wide 35-degree steering angle and sweet-shifting gearbox. And I like the way the rider's knees meld into the side of the tank, which really adds to the feeling of being as one with the bike – a boon for those who enjoy taking in a serpentine road or two.

And learners will also appreciate the adjustable levers and gear position indicator on the bikes, as well as the shift indicator on the dash, which can be set at increments (250rpm for the Ninja and 500rpm for the Z) between 5000rpm and 11,000rpm. That system can also be turned off.

The bikes look the part as well, with a really athletic and strong posture – for the Z650L that means being a part of Kawasaki's Sugomi "core performance and styling elements" for its Z models. Both bikes look incredibly impressive when you are riding next to them.

The 649cc parallel-twin six-speed engine produces 51hp (37.8kW) at 8000rpm, and 59Nm of torque at 6500rpm – the latter only marginally in arrears of the full-powered model. That's what really gives bikes that reside on or near the 660cc LAMS ceiling a real halo effect, because they practically feel like a full-biscuit model churning through city traffic thanks to higher levels of torque.

The engine is tremendously flexible, pulls out of bends with purpose, and packs a lot more muscle through the mid-range compared to the ER-6n. That flatter torque curve makes a huge difference at 'every day speeds', and the Z650L will let you happily sit at 70km/h in top gear without protesting.

That purring motion has the Z650L sitting well below 4000rpm, but above that marker there are a few vibes to put up with, but certainly not the kind that sully the occasion – far from it.

As slow-speed suburbia gave away to more open and twisty roads, it wasn't hard to work out what the 650s calling cards are – weight. Or lack thereof, as the Z650L tips the scales at 186kg compared to 206kg for the ER-6n, mostly down to the new trellis frame and also a lighter swingarm and wheels. Similarly, the 2017 Ninja 650L is 19kg lighter than the 2016 model.

Losing so much carriage has benefits just about everywhere, and when Kawasaki gave the assembled media throng some 'free time' late in the day it really became apparent. The Z650L and Ninja 650L are just sharper beasts across the board, and a lower unsprung weight has multiple advantages in terms of braking, steering and changes of direction. It's agile and sporting, with plenty of room for riders to move around the cabin. And the Dunlop Sportmax rubber is decent, too.

Exactly what I was getting at earlier about these bikes satisfying a large group of riders – certainly not just learners…

I am an unabashed nakedbike fan, and enjoyed the higher bars on the Z650L compared to the Ninja 650L's lower clip-ons. Mind you, the Ninja's seating position isn't a wrist- or back-straining affair at all, and I could happily ride both bikes for long stretches. Kawasaki claims miserly fuel consumption around the low 4.2lt/100km mark, too, and the bikes have 15-litre fuel tanks. You do the math…

The suspension on both bikes is fairly basic fare, with a non-adjustable 41mm telescopic fork and a horizontal shock with preload adjustment. The ride is supple, but there's enough juice left in the damping tank for a fun, sporty ride as well. If you're pushing much beyond that, it's probably getting outside the remit of the suspension. Mind you, the Kawasakis aren’t alone in that regard, as it's the same deal for their competition – bikes like the Benelli BN600S, Honda CB650F, Honda CBR650F, Suzuki GSX650F and CFMoto 650NK.

Anti-lock braking is standard on both bikes, thanks to Bosch. There are 300mm discs at the front, and a single 220mm disc at the rear. Stopping power is excellent, with a nice initial bite at the lever.

Unlike the Ninja 650L, which has an analogue tacho, the Z650L has all-digital instrumentation. It's also a more compact design, while the mirrors are a much easier reach than the Ninja 650L's! Both sets of mirrors work well, though, with only a little shoulder action to contend with.

The Z650L has a small windshield, while the Ninja 650L's is quite a bit larger, and has three-position adjustment covering a total range of 60mm.

Bolt-on accessories (ie no modifications required for the bodywork) include a wheel rim tape, U-lock, top case, radiator screen, frame sliders, tank pad, tank bag, taller screen and soft panniers. To start an accessories search, click here.

The Z650L and Ninja 650L are light and nimble middleweights that really don't put a foot wrong. They are excellent commuters, look primo, enjoy the twisty stuff and have the wherewithal to please a lot of people. They don't have the caffeine-charged full-blown repertoire of a supersport bike, but the enjoyment factor is still off the scale. Kawasaki's just made a huge leap forward.

SPECS: 2017 KAWASAKI Z650L AND NINJA 650L (NINJA 650 IN BRACKETS)
ENGINE
Type: Liquid-cooled, four-stroke DOHC, four-valve single
Capacity: 649cc
Bore x stroke: 83mm x 60mm
Compression ratio: 10.8:1
Engine management: Electronic fuel injection

PERFORMANCE
Claimed maximum power: 51hp (37.8kW) at 8000rpm (68hp at 8000rpm)
Claimed maximum torque: 59Nm at 6500rpm (66Nm at 6500rpm)

TRANSMISSION
Type: Six speed
Final drive: Chain
Clutch: Wet, multiplate

CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR
Frame: Steel trellis
Front suspension: 41mm fork, non-adjustable, 125mm travel
Rear suspension: Monoshock with adjustable preload, 130mm travel
Front brakes: 300mm discs with four-piston calipers
Rear brake: 220mm disc with twin-piston caliper
Tyres: Dunlop Sportmax, front 120/70-17, rear 160/60-17

DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES
Rake: Z650L 24 degrees, Ninja 650L 24.5 degrees
Trail: Z650L 100mm, Ninja 650L 110mm
Claimed kerb weight: Z650 186kg, Ninja 650L 192kg
Seat height: 790mm
Ground clearance: 130mm
Wheelbase: 1410mm
Fuel capacity: 15 litres

OTHER STUFF
Price: Z650L $9699, Ninja 650L $9999, Ninja 650L KRT Edition $10,299
Colours: Z650L white or black, Ninja 650L white or KRT replica
Test bike supplied by: Kawasaki Australia, www.kawasaki.com.au
Warranty: 24 months, unlimited kilometres