Kawasaki Ninja 650 vs Suzuki SV650
The Suzuki SV650 is more powerful, while the Kawasaki Ninja 650 has the lower seat; they are very close in specifications. The Suzuki SV650 has 75 hp (56 kW), and the Kawasaki Ninja 650's seat is 10 mm lower. The tank capacities do not establish a longer riding range, and the two weight figures use different bases, so they do not support a fair weight comparison. The choice centers on whether the lower seat or stronger output matters more to you.


Kawasaki Ninja 650 vs Suzuki SV650: specifications
| Specifications side by side | Kawasaki Ninja 650Model year 2009 | Suzuki SV650Model year 2009 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine capacity | 649 cm³ | 645 cm³ |
| Power | 67 hp (50 kW) | 75 hp (56 kW) — Favorable value |
| Wet weight | 200 kg | — |
| Dry weight | — | 172 kg |
| Seat height | 790 mm | 800 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 15.5 L | 17 L — Favorable value |
Percentages use the second model as the baseline. Highlighting applies only to comparable power, torque, mass and fuel capacity; it does not predict handling or acceleration.
Engine
| Specifications side by side | Kawasaki Ninja 650Model year 2009 | Suzuki SV650Model year 2009 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine capacity | 649 cm³ | 645 cm³ |
| Power | 67 hp (50 kW) | 75 hp (56 kW) — Favorable value |
| Engine type | Parallel Twin, four-stroke | V-Twin, four-stroke |
| Compression ratio | 11.3:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Cooling | Liquid | Liquid |
| Fuel system | Injection | Injection |
| Starting | Electric | Electric |
Transmission
| Specifications side by side | Kawasaki Ninja 650Model year 2009 | Suzuki SV650Model year 2009 |
|---|---|---|
| Gearbox | Manual 6-speed | Manual 6-speed |
| Final drive | Chain | Chain |
Dimensions and weight
| Specifications side by side | Kawasaki Ninja 650Model year 2009 | Suzuki SV650Model year 2009 |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 790 mm | 800 mm |
| Length | 2,106 mm | 2,085 mm |
| Width | 759 mm | 730 mm |
| Height | 1,270 mm | 1,170 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,410 mm | 1,425 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 15.5 L | 17 L — Favorable value |
Chassis
| Specifications side by side | Kawasaki Ninja 650Model year 2009 | Suzuki SV650Model year 2009 |
|---|---|---|
| Front suspension | 41mm hydraulic telescopic fork / 4.7 in. | Telescopic, coil spring, oil damped |
| Rear suspension | Single offset laydown shock with adjustable spring preload / 4.9 in. | Link, type, coil spring, oil damped |
Brakes
| Specifications side by side | Kawasaki Ninja 650Model year 2009 | Suzuki SV650Model year 2009 |
|---|---|---|
| Front brakes | Double disc | Double disc |
| Rear brakes | Single disc | Single disc |
| Front tire | 120/70-17 | 120/60-ZR17 |
| Rear tire | 160/60-17 | 160/60-ZR17 |
Key differences
This comparison uses Kawasaki Ninja 650 from 2009 and Suzuki SV650 from 2009.
Power
Kawasaki Ninja 650
67 hp (50 kW)
Suzuki SV650
75 hp (56 kW)
Highlighted valueEngine capacity
Kawasaki Ninja 650
649 cm³
Suzuki SV650
645 cm³
Seat height
Kawasaki Ninja 650
790 mm
Highlighted valueSuzuki SV650
800 mm
Kawasaki Ninja 650 vs Suzuki SV650: which one to choose?
very close in specifications
- The Kawasaki Ninja 650 has a seat 10 mm lower than the Suzuki SV650's.
- The Suzuki SV650 has a 17 L tank; the Kawasaki Ninja 650's tank is smaller.
FAQ
- Which motorcycle has more power?
- The Suzuki SV650 is more powerful, with 75 hp (56 kW) versus 67 hp (50 kW) for the Kawasaki Ninja 650.
- Which motorcycle has the lower seat?
- The Kawasaki Ninja 650 has the lower seat at 790 mm, compared with 800 mm for the Suzuki SV650.
- Which motorcycle has the larger fuel tank?
- The Suzuki SV650 has the larger tank at 17 L; the Kawasaki Ninja 650 has a 15.5 L tank.