Kawasaki Z650 mileage and running cost

Z650's claimed mileage is 27 kmpl, and unusually, owners and our own riding land right on it: expect 25–28 kmpl in everyday use. Few bikes get this close to their brochure figure.

Among the 123 sports bikes we have reviewed it ranks 71th for mileage, 5 kmpl below the group average of 32 kmpl.

At Delhi's petrol price of ₹94.80 a litre and a real-world 26.5 kmpl, the Z650 costs about ₹3.58 per km in fuel. Ride 30 km a day and that is roughly ₹2,790 a month, or ₹33,484 a year, before servicing.

The 15-litre tank gives a realistic range of about 398 km, so a 30 km commute means a fill-up every 2 weeks.

Spread over five years and 46,800 km, the Z650 works out to about ₹22.9 per km all-in, of which 16% is fuel and 78% is the purchase price itself. Resale value is not counted; expect roughly 50–60% of ex-showroom after five years for a well-kept example.

The Z650 makes its power high in the rev range, and that is exactly where mileage collapses. Owners who ride at half throttle and short-shift see the top of the real-world band; ride it as intended and expect the bottom.

Filling only to the first click and keeping the 15-litre tank above a quarter helps in two ways: fuel that sloshes out of a brimmed tank is wasted, and a near-empty tank on a hot day loses more to vapour. Realistic range is about 398 km, so on a 30 km commute you will fill up roughly every 2 weeks.

At 191 kg the Z650 feels a pillion more than a lighter bike does. Two-up in the city, budget for 4–6 kmpl less than the solo figure.