Kawasaki Z650 vs Honda CB650R
Specs side by side, plus our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.
The Kawasaki Z650 and Honda CB650R are among the most cross-shopped naked bikes of 2026. The Kawasaki Z650 undercuts the Honda CB650R by about $2,150, so value is squarely on the table. On paper the Honda CB650R leads on power with 94 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 pickKawasaki
Kawasaki Z650
Honda
Honda CB650RThe verdict
The Kawasaki Z650 edges it overall at 7.8/10, but the Honda CB650R wins on most exciting, so let how you ride decide.
Kawasaki Z650
A2-legal, 68 hp, forgiving to learn on.
Honda CB650R
94 hp and 0.46 hp/kg, the strongest here.
Kawasaki Z650
Our 7.8/10 at $7,249, the most bike per dollar.
Kawasaki Z650
187 kg with an 790 mm seat, the easiest to throw around.
Kawasaki Z650
Our top score in this matchup at 7.8/10.
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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Kawasaki Z650 vs Honda CB650R: your questions answered
Which is faster, the Kawasaki Z650 or the Honda CB650R?
The Honda CB650R makes the most power at 94 hp and 63 Nm, giving it the edge on outright performance.
Which is cheaper, the Kawasaki Z650 or the Honda CB650R?
The Kawasaki Z650 is the most affordable here with an MSRP around $7,249.
Which is lighter, the Kawasaki Z650 or the Honda CB650R?
The Kawasaki Z650 is the lightest at 187 kg, which makes it the easiest to manage at low speed and in the bends.
Which is better for a beginner, the Kawasaki Z650 or the Honda CB650R?
For a new rider we'd point to the Kawasaki Z650: A2-legal, 68 hp and 187 kg make it the most approachable of the group.
