Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018 vs. Kawasaki Z650 2021

Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018

Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018

Kawasaki Z650 2021

Kawasaki Z650 2021

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Overview - Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018 vs Kawasaki Z650 2021

The Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018 and the Kawasaki Z650 2021 are both naked bikes from Kawasaki, but they have some key differences in terms of specifications and strengths.

Starting with the Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018, it is equipped with a powerful in-line four-cylinder engine that produces 111 HP of power and 98.6 Nm of torque. This engine delivers smooth and consistent power, making it a joy to ride. The bike also features advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, Ride by Wire, and traction control, which enhance safety and control. The Z900 RS has a steel tubular frame, which provides stability and durability. It has a front suspension with upside-down telescopic forks and a rear suspension with a swing arm and monoshock. The bike has a wheelbase of 1470 mm and a seat height of 835 mm. It weighs 215 kg (with ABS) and has a fuel tank capacity of 17 liters.

The strengths of the Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018 include its powerful and smooth engine, attractive design, comfortable seating position, and balanced handling. The bike is easy to ride and offers a stable and controlled riding experience. It is not overly aggressive or heavy, striking a good balance between performance and comfort.

Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018

Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018

However, the Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018 does have some weaknesses. It lacks a shift assistant, which can be a drawback for riders who prefer quick and seamless gear shifts. The bike is also heavier than other retro bikes in its class, which can affect maneuverability. Additionally, the seat may be too soft for some riders on long tours, and there is no wind protection, which can be a disadvantage during high-speed rides.

Moving on to the Kawasaki Z650 2021, it is equipped with an in-line twin-cylinder engine that produces 68.2 HP of power and 65.7 Nm of torque. While it may not have the same power as the Z900 RS, it still offers a responsive and accessible riding experience. The bike features ABS as an advanced rider assistance system. It has a steel tubular frame and a front suspension with telescopic forks and a rear suspension with a swing arm and monoshock. The Z650 has a wheelbase of 1410 mm and a seat height of 790 mm. It weighs 187.1 kg (with ABS) and has a fuel tank capacity of 15 liters.

Kawasaki Z650 2021

Kawasaki Z650 2021

The strengths of the Kawasaki Z650 2021 include its compact dimensions, low seat height, stable chassis, and a TFT display with connectivity. The bike is designed to be accessible and easy to handle, making it suitable for riders of all skill levels. It has a grown-up look, which can appeal to riders who prefer a more mature aesthetic.

However, the Kawasaki Z650 2021 does have some weaknesses. It may not be as comfortable for tall riders due to its compact dimensions and lower seat height. Additionally, the adrenaline level in the saddle may be lower compared to its competition, which could be a drawback for riders seeking a more exhilarating riding experience.

In conclusion, the Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018 and the Kawasaki Z650 2021 are both capable naked bikes with their own strengths and weaknesses. The Z900 RS offers a more powerful engine and a comfortable riding position, while the Z650 provides a more accessible and compact option. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018 compared to Kawasaki Z650 2021

Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018
Kawasaki Z650 2021

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeIn line
BoreBore73.4 mmBore83 mm
StrokeStroke56 mmStroke60 mm
Engine powerEngine power111 HPEngine power68.2 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power8,500 rpmRpm at Max. Power8,000 rpm
TorqueTorque98.6 NmTorque65.7 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,500 rpmRpm at Torque7,000 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio10.8 Compression Ratio10.8
Fuel systemFuel systemInjectionFuel systemInjection
Throttle BoreThrottle Bore36 mmThrottle Bore36 mm
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
IgnitionIgnitionDigitalIgnitionDigital
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
Transmission TypeTransmission TypeGearshiftTransmission TypeGearshift
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders4Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder4
ValvesValvesDOHCValvesDOHC
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement948 ccmDisplacement649 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionTelescopic fork
DiameterDiameter41 mmDiameter41 mm
TravelTravel120 mmTravel125 mm

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
TravelTravel140 mmTravel130 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreload, ReboundAdjustmentPreload

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameSteel
Frame typeFrame typeTubularFrame typeTubular
RakeRake65 degreeRake65.5 degree
TrailTrail98 mmTrail100 mm

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter300 mmDiameter300 mm
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonDouble piston
Shock mountShock mountFixed caliperShock mountSemi-Schwimmsattel

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter250 mmDiameter220 mm
PistonPistonSingle pistonPistonSingle piston

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Ride by Wire, Traction controlAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width120 mmFront tyre width120 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height70 %Front tyre height70 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter17 inchFront tyre diameter17 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width180 mmRear tyre width160 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height55 %Rear tyre height60 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
LengthLength2,100 mmLength2,055 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,470 mmWheelbase1,410 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height835 mmSeat Height790 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)215 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)187.1 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity17 lFuel Tank Capacity15 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018

Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018

Its four-cylinder is silky smooth while delivering enough power to make you grin under your helmet. It is also very easy to move, which should make it a great commuter bike in everyday life and serve as an iconic fun bike at the weekend. The looks find the perfect straddle of classic design and modern details to form a coherent retro package that is also a worthy tribute to Kawasaki history. It's a great naked bike with a snazzy look.

Powerful and smooth engine

good looks

comfortable seating position

easy to ride

balanced handling. Not nervous and not ponderous

no shift assistant

heavier than other retro bikes in this class

seat a little too soft on long tours

no wind protection

Kawasaki Z650 2021

Kawasaki Z650 2021

Even in 2021, the Kawasaki Z 650 stands for easy riding with great looks and good equipment. Both seat height and engine are very accessible and will give both experienced riders and newcomers a lot of pleasure. If you are looking for an honest naked bike without any big surprises, this is the bike for you. Due to its compact dimensions, however, you should try it out before buying and perhaps go for the raised seat.

accessible two-cylinder

compact dimensions

low seat height

stable chassis

TFT display with connectivity

grown-up look

Probably uncomfortable for tall riders

adrenaline level in the saddle lower than with the competition

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price Kawasaki Z900 RS vs Kawasaki Z650

There are a few key differences between a Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018 and a Kawasaki Z650 2021. In terms of price, the actual average price of a Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018 is about 83% higher. Compared to Kawasaki Z650 2021 there are more Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 28 compared to 25. It takes less time to sell a Kawasaki Z650 with 106 days compared to 154 days for the Kawasaki Z900 RS. Since model year 2018 1000PS.de editors have written 26 reviews for the Kawasaki Z900 RS and 31 reviews for the Kawasaki Z650 since model year 2017. The first review for the Kawasaki Z900 RS was published on 9/6/2017 and now has more than 63,700 views. This compares to more than 25,000 views for the first review on Kawasaki Z650 published on 11/8/2016.

Price Kawasaki Z900 RS

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Kawasaki Z650

Model year
Current average market prices

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