The Kawasaki Z650 Arrow Performance offers the same accomplished middleweight naked bike with an Arrow full system exhaust, for riders who want the sound and the weight saving without the fuller accessory package. It is the more focused of the two Performance editions and the cleaner starting point if you intend to specify the rest of the bike yourself.
At its core is the 649cc liquid cooled parallel twin that has made the Z650 such a consistent seller. Its appeal is the shape of the delivery: strong drive from low revs, a flexible midrange that removes the need for constant gear changes, and enough top end to make a fast road genuinely entertaining. The six speed gearbox is well matched, and the Arrow full system, homologated to Euro 5+, is both lighter than standard and considerably more vocal, giving the twin a deep, resonant tone that builds as the revs rise.
Handling follows the same practical philosophy. Dual semi floating 300mm petal discs with two piston calipers provide reliable, progressive braking, and the suspension prioritises staying settled over rough tarmac, which is what actually builds confidence on a British back road. The upright naked stance and wide handlebars make the bike light to steer and easy to place, and the aggressive Sugomi styling gives it a presence that belies its accessible nature. LED lighting and a colour TFT display keep the equipment level current.
The numbers behind it are 50.2kW, or 68PS, at 8,000rpm and 64Nm at 6,700rpm, with 188kg kerb weight, a 790mm seat height and a 15 litre tank. An assist and slipper clutch keeps the lever light and the rear stable on downshifts. This edition adds a single seat cover, giving the tail the stripped back single seat look that suits the Z650’s lines particularly well. It is a bike for the rider who values the exhaust note and the way the machine looks in a lay by, and who would rather add their own touches than pay for someone else’s choices. See it at GT Motorcycles in Plymouth, supporting Kawasaki riders throughout Devon and Cornwall, where finance is available and a test ride can be booked at your convenience.
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