Honda CB300R vs Kawasaki Z650
Specs side by side, plus our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.
The Honda CB300R and Kawasaki Z650 are among the most cross-shopped naked bikes of 2026. The Honda CB300R undercuts the Kawasaki Z650 by about $2,100, so value is squarely on the table. On paper the Kawasaki Z650 leads on power with 68 hp. Below we put them head to head on price, performance, weight and seat height, then give our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.
Our pickHonda
Honda CB300R
Kawasaki
Kawasaki Z650The verdict
The Honda CB300R edges it overall at 7.8/10, but the Kawasaki Z650 wins on most exciting, so let how you ride decide.
Honda CB300R
A2-legal, 31 hp, forgiving to learn on.
Kawasaki Z650
68 hp and 0.36 hp/kg, the strongest here.
Honda CB300R
Our 7.8/10 at $5,149, the most bike per dollar.
Honda CB300R
143 kg with an 803 mm seat, the easiest to throw around.
Cyan marks the best figure in each row. Specs are the most-cited for the current model; verify before relying on them.
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Honda CB300R vs Kawasaki Z650: your questions answered
Which is faster, the Honda CB300R or the Kawasaki Z650?
The Kawasaki Z650 makes the most power at 68 hp and 64 Nm, giving it the edge on outright performance.
Which is cheaper, the Honda CB300R or the Kawasaki Z650?
The Honda CB300R is the most affordable here with an MSRP around $5,149.
Which is lighter, the Honda CB300R or the Kawasaki Z650?
The Honda CB300R is the lightest at 143 kg, which makes it the easiest to manage at low speed and in the bends.
Which is better for a beginner, the Honda CB300R or the Kawasaki Z650?
For a new rider we'd point to the Honda CB300R: A2-legal, 31 hp and 143 kg make it the most approachable of the group.
