Kawasaki Z650 vs Suzuki SV650
very close in specifications: Suzuki SV650 is more powerful at 75 hp (56 kW) than Kawasaki Z650, while Kawasaki Z650 has the lower seat. Suzuki SV650 also has a larger tank, but tank capacity alone does not establish riding range. These specifications show a clear seat-height distinction and a separate difference in fuel capacity; they do not establish a range advantage. The models’ different weight bases also make a direct weight comparison unsuitable, so neither should be described as lighter on these figures.
Data for different model years: Kawasaki Z650 — 2026; Suzuki SV650 — 2009.
Kawasaki Z650 vs Suzuki SV650: specifications
| Specifications side by side | Kawasaki Z650Model year 2026 | Suzuki SV650Model year 2009 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine capacity | 649 cm³ | 645 cm³ |
| Power | 67 hp (50 kW) | 75 hp (56 kW) — Favorable value |
| Wet weight | 186 kg | — |
| Dry weight | — | 172 kg |
| Seat height | 785 mm | 800 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 15.1 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 Z650Model year 2026 | 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 | 10.8:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Cooling | Liquid | Liquid |
| Fuel system | Injection | Injection |
| Starting | Electric | Electric |
Transmission
| Specifications side by side | Kawasaki Z650Model year 2026 | Suzuki SV650Model year 2009 |
|---|---|---|
| Gearbox | Manual 6-speed | Manual 6-speed |
| Final drive | Chain | Chain |
Dimensions and weight
| Specifications side by side | Kawasaki Z650Model year 2026 | Suzuki SV650Model year 2009 |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 785 mm | 800 mm |
| Length | 2,065 mm | 2,085 mm |
| Width | 775 mm | 730 mm |
| Height | 1,080 mm | 1,170 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,410 mm | 1,425 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 15.1 L | 17 L — Favorable value |
Chassis
| Specifications side by side | Kawasaki Z650Model year 2026 | Suzuki SV650Model year 2009 |
|---|---|---|
| Front suspension | 41 mm telescopic fork | Telescopic, coil spring, oil damped |
| Rear suspension | Horizontal Back-link with preload adjustment | Link, type, coil spring, oil damped |
Brakes
| Specifications side by side | Kawasaki Z650Model year 2026 | Suzuki SV650Model year 2009 |
|---|---|---|
| Front brakes | Double disc. ABS. Petal-type rotors with two-piston calipers | Double disc |
| Rear brakes | Single disc. ABS | Single disc |
| Front tire | 120/70-ZR17 | 120/60-ZR17 |
| Rear tire | 160/60-ZR17 | 160/60-ZR17 |
Key differences
This comparison uses Kawasaki Z650 from 2026 and Suzuki SV650 from 2009.
Power
Kawasaki Z650
67 hp (50 kW)
Suzuki SV650
75 hp (56 kW)
Highlighted valueEngine capacity
Kawasaki Z650
649 cm³
Suzuki SV650
645 cm³
Seat height
Kawasaki Z650
785 mm
Highlighted valueSuzuki SV650
800 mm
Kawasaki Z650 vs Suzuki SV650: which one to choose?
very close in specifications
- Choose Kawasaki Z650 if a lower seat is important; its seat is lower by 15 mm.
- Suzuki SV650 has the larger tank, at 17 L.
FAQ
- Which motorcycle has more power?
- Suzuki SV650 has more power: 75 hp (56 kW), compared with 67 hp (50 kW) for Kawasaki Z650.
- Which motorcycle has the lower seat?
- Kawasaki Z650 has the lower seat at 785 mm; Suzuki SV650 is 800 mm.
- Which motorcycle has the larger tank?
- Suzuki SV650 has the larger tank at 17 L, versus 15.1 L for Kawasaki Z650.