Kawasaki Z650 vs Yamaha XJ 6 Diversion
The Kawasaki Z650 is lighter than the Yamaha XJ 6 Diversion, while the Yamaha is more powerful at 77 hp (58 kW); they are very close in specifications, with a 25 kg wet-weight difference. That leaves a clear contrast between the Kawasaki’s lower mass and the Yamaha’s stronger output. Their engine capacities also differ, but the practical choice should rest on which stated characteristics matter more to you, rather than on assumptions about comfort, speed, or intended use.
Data for different model years: Kawasaki Z650 — 2026; Yamaha XJ 6 Diversion — 2015.
Kawasaki Z650 vs Yamaha XJ 6 Diversion: specifications
| Specifications side by side | Kawasaki Z650Model year 2026 | Yamaha XJ 6 DiversionModel year 2015 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine capacity | 649 cm³ | 600 cm³ |
| Power | 67 hp (50 kW) | 77 hp (58 kW) — Favorable value |
| Wet weight | 186 kg — Favorable value | 211 kg |
| Seat height | 785 mm | 785 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 | Yamaha XJ 6 DiversionModel year 2015 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine capacity | 649 cm³ | 600 cm³ |
| Power | 67 hp (50 kW) | 77 hp (58 kW) — Favorable value |
| Torque | 65.7 Nm — Favorable value | 59.7 Nm |
| Engine type | Parallel Twin, four-stroke | In-line four, four-stroke |
| Bore × stroke | 83.0 x 60.0 mm | 65.5 x 44.5 mm |
| Compression ratio | 10.8:1 | 12.2:1 |
| Cooling | Liquid | Liquid |
| Fuel system | Injection | Injection |
| Starting | Electric | Electric |
Transmission
| Specifications side by side | Kawasaki Z650Model year 2026 | Yamaha XJ 6 DiversionModel year 2015 |
|---|---|---|
| Gearbox | Manual 6-speed | Manual 6-speed |
| Clutch | Wet multi-disc, manual | Wet, Multiple Disc |
| Final drive | Chain | Chain |
Dimensions and weight
| Specifications side by side | Kawasaki Z650Model year 2026 | Yamaha XJ 6 DiversionModel year 2015 |
|---|---|---|
| Wet weight | 186 kg — Favorable value | 211 kg |
| Seat height | 785 mm | 785 mm |
| Length | 2,065 mm | 2,120 mm |
| Width | 775 mm | 770 mm |
| Height | 1,080 mm | 1,210 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,410 mm | 1,440 mm |
| Ground clearance | 130 mm | 140 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 15.1 L | 17 L — Favorable value |
Chassis
| Specifications side by side | Kawasaki Z650Model year 2026 | Yamaha XJ 6 DiversionModel year 2015 |
|---|---|---|
| Frame | Trellis, high-tensile steel | Steel, Diamond Shaped |
| Front suspension | 41 mm telescopic fork | Telescopic forks |
| Rear suspension | Horizontal Back-link with preload adjustment | Linked monoshock with spring preload adjustment |
| Front wheel travel | 124 mm | 130 mm |
| Rear wheel travel | 130 mm | 130 mm |
| Rake | 24.0° | 26.0° |
| Trail | 100 mm | 103 mm |
Brakes
| Specifications side by side | Kawasaki Z650Model year 2026 | Yamaha XJ 6 DiversionModel year 2015 |
|---|---|---|
| Front brakes | Double disc. ABS. Petal-type rotors with two-piston calipers | Double disc. Hydraulic |
| Rear brakes | Single disc. ABS | Single disc. Hydraulic |
| Front brake diameter | 300 mm | 298 mm |
| Rear brake diameter | 220 mm | 245 mm |
| Front tire | 120/70-ZR17 | 120/70-ZR17 |
| Rear tire | 160/60-ZR17 | 160/60-ZR17 |
Key differences
This comparison uses Kawasaki Z650 from 2026 and Yamaha XJ 6 Diversion from 2015.
Power
Kawasaki Z650
67 hp (50 kW)
Yamaha XJ 6 Diversion
77 hp (58 kW)
Highlighted valueWet weight
Kawasaki Z650
186 kg
Highlighted valueYamaha XJ 6 Diversion
211 kg
Engine capacity
Kawasaki Z650
649 cm³
Highlighted valueYamaha XJ 6 Diversion
600 cm³
Torque
Kawasaki Z650
65.7 Nm
Highlighted valueYamaha XJ 6 Diversion
59.7 Nm
Seat height
Kawasaki Z650
785 mm
Yamaha XJ 6 Diversion
785 mm
Kawasaki Z650 vs Yamaha XJ 6 Diversion: which one to choose?
These models are very close in specifications.
- The Kawasaki Z650 is 25 kg lighter in comparable wet-weight figures.
- The Kawasaki Z650’s 649 cm³ capacity is lower than the Yamaha XJ 6 Diversion’s.
FAQ
- Which motorcycle has more power?
- The Yamaha XJ 6 Diversion has more power, with 77 hp (58 kW) versus 67 hp (50 kW) for the Kawasaki Z650.
- Are their seat heights different?
- No, both motorcycles have a 785 mm seat height.
- Which has the larger fuel tank?
- The Yamaha XJ 6 Diversion has the larger tank: 17 L versus 15.1 L in the Kawasaki Z650.