Yamaha R1 2021 vs. Kawasaki Ninja 650 2023

Yamaha R1 2021

Kawasaki Ninja 650 2023

Overview - Yamaha R1 2021 vs Kawasaki Ninja 650 2023

Yamaha R1 2021

Kawasaki Ninja 650 2023

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Technical Specifications Yamaha R1 2021 compared to Kawasaki Ninja 650 2023

Yamaha R1 2021

Kawasaki Ninja 650 2023

Yamaha R1 2021

Kawasaki Ninja 650 2023

Engine and Drive Train

Bore	Bore	79 mm	Bore	83 mm
Stroke	Stroke	50.9 mm	Stroke	60 mm
Engine power	Engine power	200 HP	Engine power	68.2 HP
Rpm at Max. Power	Rpm at Max. Power	13,500 rpm	Rpm at Max. Power	8,000 rpm
Torque	Torque	112.4 Nm	Torque	65.7 Nm
Rpm at Torque	Rpm at Torque	11,500 rpm	Rpm at Torque	7,000 rpm
Compression Ratio	Compression Ratio	13	Compression Ratio	10.8
Clutch Type	Clutch Type	Multiplate in oil-bath	Clutch Type	Multiplate in oil-bath
Transmission	Transmission	Chain	Transmission	Chain
Number of gears	Number of gears	6	Number of gears	6
Cylinders	Cylinders	4	Cylinders	2
Strokes	Strokes	4-Stroke	Strokes	4-Stroke
Valves per cylinder	Valves per cylinder	4	Valves per cylinder	4
Valves	Valves	DOHC	Valves	DOHC
Cooling	Cooling	liquid	Cooling	liquid
Displacement	Displacement	998 ccm	Displacement	649 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspension	Front suspension	Upside-Down telescopic fork	Front suspension	Telescopic fork

Chassis

Frame	Frame	Aluminium	Frame	Steel
Frame type	Frame type	Deltabox	Frame type	Tubular

Brakes Front

Type	Type	Double disk	Type	Double disk

Brakes Rear

Type	Type	Disc	Type	Disc

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance Systems	Advanced Rider Assistance Systems	Launch-Control, Traction control	Advanced Rider Assistance Systems	ABS, Traction control

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre width	Front tyre width	120 mm	Front tyre width	120 mm
Front tyre height	Front tyre height	70 %	Front tyre height	70 %
Front tyre diameter	Front tyre diameter	17 inch	Front tyre diameter	17 inch
Rear tyre width	Rear tyre width	190 mm	Rear tyre width	160 mm
Rear tyre height	Rear tyre height	55 %	Rear tyre height	60 %
Rear tyre diameter	Rear tyre diameter	17 inch	Rear tyre diameter	17 inch
Length	Length	2,055 mm	Length	2,055 mm
Width	Width	690 mm	Width	740 mm
Height	Height	1,150 mm	Height	1,135 mm
Wheelbase	Wheelbase	1,405 mm	Wheelbase	1,410 mm
Seat Height	Seat Height	855 mm	Seat Height	790 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)	Kerb Weight (with ABS)	199 kg	Kerb Weight (with ABS)	193 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity	Fuel Tank Capacity	17 l	Fuel Tank Capacity	15 l
License compliancy	License compliancy	A	License compliancy	A

Pros and Cons in comparison

Yamaha R1 2021

The Yamaha YZF-R1 is mature and makes countless racetrack pilots happy. The engine shines with lightness and agility, the seating position surprises positively and the handling is radical but still "suitable for the masses". The machine immediately stands out visually and also because of the heart-warming sound. Especially on the country road, the bike scores with its well-known strengths: great engine, great electronics, great package! A real pleasure to ride!

powerful engine

clean response

great but not intrusive sound

stable chassis

high-quality electronics

wonderfully noble overall impression

Brake not 100 per cent satisfactory on the race track

Kawasaki Ninja 650 2023

To judge the Kawasaki Ninja 650 purely on its paper form would be a serious mistake. The two-day test showed once again that performance data carries more weight at the pub table than in the wild. Kawa's sports tourer does exactly what it is supposed to and, thanks to the constant revision and the new features added for 2023, is still an enrichment for the class. Only hobby racers should be warned, as the name Ninja still stirs up a certain expectation that the 650 does not fully meet.

suitable for touring

comfortable

safety package

very accessible

ergonomically versatile

typical Ninja look

Chassis and brakes only average

adjustment of the rear shock absorber laborious