Kawasaki Z650 vs Yamaha XSR700
The Yamaha XSR700 is more powerful, while the Kawasaki Z650 has the lower seat; they are very close in specifications. The Yamaha XSR700 delivers 72 hp (54 kW), while the Kawasaki Z650's seat stands at 785 mm. Their wet weights are equal, so the clearest distinction here is the lower seat on the Kawasaki versus the Yamaha's larger engine capacity. Both offer a straightforward choice based on which of those differences matters more to your riding position and preference.
Kawasaki Z650 vs Yamaha XSR700: specifications
| Specifications side by side | Kawasaki Z650Model year 2026 | Yamaha XSR700Model year 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine capacity | 649 cm³ | 689 cm³ |
| Power | 67 hp (50 kW) | 72 hp (54 kW) — Favorable value |
| Wet weight | 186 kg | 186 kg |
| Seat height | 785 mm | 836 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 15.1 L — Favorable value | 14 L |
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 XSR700Model year 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine capacity | 649 cm³ | 689 cm³ |
| Power | 67 hp (50 kW) | 72 hp (54 kW) — Favorable value |
| Torque | 65.7 Nm — Favorable value | 6.9 Nm |
| Engine type | Parallel Twin, four-stroke | Parallel Twin, four-stroke |
| Bore × stroke | 83.0 x 60.0 mm | 80.0 x 68.6 mm |
| 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 | Yamaha XSR700Model year 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Gearbox | Manual 6-speed | Manual 6-speed |
| Clutch | Wet multi-disc, manual | Wet, multiplate |
| Final drive | Chain | Chain |
Dimensions and weight
| Specifications side by side | Kawasaki Z650Model year 2026 | Yamaha XSR700Model year 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Wet weight | 186 kg | 186 kg |
| Seat height | 785 mm | 836 mm |
| Length | 2,065 mm | 2,075 mm |
| Width | 775 mm | 820 mm |
| Height | 1,080 mm | 1,130 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,410 mm | 1,405 mm |
| Ground clearance | 130 mm | 140 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 15.1 L — Favorable value | 14 L |
Chassis
| Specifications side by side | Kawasaki Z650Model year 2026 | Yamaha XSR700Model year 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Frame | Trellis, high-tensile steel | Diamond |
| Front suspension | 41 mm telescopic fork | 41mm telescopic fork |
| Rear suspension | Horizontal Back-link with preload adjustment | Single shock, adjustable preload |
| Front wheel travel | 124 mm | 130 mm |
| Rear wheel travel | 130 mm | 130 mm |
| Rake | 24.0° | 25.0° |
| Trail | 100 mm | 89 mm |
Brakes
| Specifications side by side | Kawasaki Z650Model year 2026 | Yamaha XSR700Model year 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Front brakes | Double disc. ABS. Petal-type rotors with two-piston calipers | Double disc. Hydraulic. ABS. |
| Rear brakes | Single disc. ABS | Single disc. Hydraulic. ABS. |
| Front brake diameter | 300 mm | 282 mm |
| Rear brake diameter | 220 mm | 245 mm |
| Front tire | 120/70-ZR17 | 120/70-ZR17 |
| Rear tire | 160/60-ZR17 | 180/55-ZR17 |
| ABS | Yes | Yes |
Key differences
This comparison uses Kawasaki Z650 from 2026 and Yamaha XSR700 from 2026.
Power
Kawasaki Z650
67 hp (50 kW)
Yamaha XSR700
72 hp (54 kW)
Highlighted valueWet weight
Kawasaki Z650
186 kg
Yamaha XSR700
186 kg
Engine capacity
Kawasaki Z650
649 cm³
Yamaha XSR700
689 cm³
Highlighted valueTorque
Kawasaki Z650
65.7 Nm
Highlighted valueYamaha XSR700
6.9 Nm
Seat height
Kawasaki Z650
785 mm
Highlighted valueYamaha XSR700
836 mm
Kawasaki Z650 vs Yamaha XSR700: which one to choose?
These models are very close in specifications.
- The Kawasaki Z650 has a 51 mm lower seat than the Yamaha XSR700.
- The Yamaha XSR700 has a larger 689 cm³ engine capacity than the Kawasaki Z650.
FAQ
- Which motorcycle has more power?
- The Yamaha XSR700 has more power: 72 hp (54 kW) versus 67 hp (50 kW).
- How do the comparable weights differ?
- Comparable weights are very close: Kawasaki Z650 186 kg; Yamaha XSR700 186 kg.
- Which motorcycle has the lower seat?
- The Kawasaki Z650 has the lower seat, at 785 mm compared with the Yamaha XSR700's 836 mm.