Kawasaki Z650 2017 vs. Suzuki GSX-8S 2023

Kawasaki Z650 2017

Kawasaki Z650 2017

Suzuki GSX-8S 2023

Suzuki GSX-8S 2023

Loading...

Overview - Kawasaki Z650 2017 vs Suzuki GSX-8S 2023

The Kawasaki Z650 2017 and the Suzuki GSX-8S 2023 are both naked bikes with similar engine types, fuel systems, and cooling systems. However, there are several key differences between the two models.

In terms of engine power, the Suzuki GSX-8S 2023 has a clear advantage with 83 HP compared to the Kawasaki Z650 2017's 68.2 HP. The Suzuki also has a higher torque of 78 Nm compared to the Kawasaki's 65.7 Nm. This means that the Suzuki will likely have better acceleration and overall performance.

Both bikes have two cylinders and a liquid cooling system, which helps to prevent overheating during long rides. The Suzuki has a larger displacement of 776 ccm compared to the Kawasaki's 649 ccm, which may contribute to its higher power output.

Kawasaki Z650 2017

Kawasaki Z650 2017

In terms of suspension, both bikes have a swing arm rear suspension with a monoshock absorber and preload adjustment. However, the Suzuki GSX-8S 2023 has an upside-down telescopic fork front suspension, which is generally considered to be more advanced and provides better handling and stability.

Both bikes have a steel frame, which provides a good balance between strength and weight. The braking systems are also similar, with double disk brakes at the front. However, the Suzuki has larger diameter front brakes (310 mm compared to 300 mm) and four-piston calipers, which may result in better braking performance.

In terms of advanced rider assistance systems, both bikes have ABS. However, the Suzuki GSX-8S 2023 offers additional features such as riding modes, ride by wire, a shift assistant with blipper, and traction control. These features enhance the overall riding experience and provide better control and safety.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the Suzuki GSX-8S 2023 has a slightly larger wheelbase (1465 mm compared to 1410 mm) and a higher seat height (810 mm compared to 790 mm). The Suzuki is also slightly heavier, weighing 202 kg compared to the Kawasaki's 187.1 kg. However, the fuel tank capacity of the Suzuki is slightly smaller at 14 liters compared to the Kawasaki's 15 liters.

Suzuki GSX-8S 2023

Suzuki GSX-8S 2023

In terms of strengths, the Kawasaki Z650 2017 is praised for its even power delivery, sporty chassis, compact dimensions, and negative display. On the other hand, the Suzuki GSX-8S 2023 is praised for its full-grown and high-quality overall concept, high-torque engine, stable handling, and good ergonomics. The Suzuki also offers advanced features such as a quickshifter and a high-quality display.

In terms of weaknesses, the Kawasaki Z650 2017 is criticized for being a little too small for tall people. The Suzuki GSX-8S 2023, on the other hand, is criticized for its quickshifter and gearstick requiring more operating force than usual, being slightly heavier than other bikes in its class, and its ABS controls being defensively. Additionally, the engine of the Suzuki has no rev reserves upwards.

Overall, the Suzuki GSX-8S 2023 offers a more powerful and advanced riding experience compared to the Kawasaki Z650 2017. However, it is important to consider personal preferences and priorities when choosing between the two models.

Technical Specifications Kawasaki Z650 2017 compared to Suzuki GSX-8S 2023

Kawasaki Z650 2017
Suzuki GSX-8S 2023

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeIn line crankpin offset
BoreBore83 mmBore84 mm
StrokeStroke60 mmStroke70 mm
Engine powerEngine power68.2 HPEngine power83 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power8,000 rpmRpm at Max. Power8,500 rpm
TorqueTorque65.7 NmTorque78 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque7,000 rpmRpm at Torque6,800 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio10.8 Compression Ratio12.8
Fuel systemFuel systemInjectionFuel systemInjection
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
Transmission TypeTransmission TypeGearshiftTransmission TypeGearshift
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder4
ValvesValvesDOHCValvesDOHC
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement649 ccmDisplacement776 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionTelescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
TravelTravel125 mmTravel130 mm

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreloadAdjustmentPreload

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameSteel
RakeRake65.5 degreeRake65 degree
TrailTrail100 mmTrail104 mm

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter300 mmDiameter310 mm
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonFour pistons
TechnologyTechnologyPetalTechnologyradial

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABSAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Riding modes, Ride by Wire, Shift assistant with blipper, Traction control

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 width160 mmRear tyre width180 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height60 %Rear tyre height55 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
LengthLength2,055 mmLength2,115 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,410 mmWheelbase1,465 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height790 mmSeat Height810 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)187.1 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)202 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity15 lFuel Tank Capacity14 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA2, A

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Kawasaki Z650 2017

Kawasaki Z650 2017

The Kawasaki Z 650 is the tip of the middle class for small male and female riders. On its compact dimensions, you probably won't feel comfortable as a giant. Heart-warming feelings, however, come from the engine, which delights with a very smooth pull. On the chassis side, a Kawasaki-typical tight set-up was chosen, which finds a great compromise in everyday use. The negative display is very easy to read and is reminiscent of its predecessor, the ER-6n - very nice!

Even power delivery

sporty chassis

compact dimensions

negative display

a little too small for tall people

Suzuki GSX-8S 2023

Suzuki GSX-8S 2023

For years, Suzuki was the brand that offered nice bikes at a good price/performance ratio. With the Suzuki GSX-8S, the brand is much more self-confident. It presents itself as high-quality, mature and places itself at the top of a hard-fought class. The unspectacular performance data and the relatively high weight tarnish the picture only briefly. During the test rides, the Suzuki was completely convincing. A really good motorbike.

Full-grown and high-quality overall concept

high-torque engine

first-class running culture, stable handling, overall very high-quality impression

Very good seat

Great nakedbike riding position

Good and precise quickshifter

high-quality controls

very good display

Suspension offers reserves for a wide range of uses despite lack of adjustment options

Good ergonomics

Quickshifter and gearstick require a little more operating force than usual

Motorbike somewhat heavier than other bikes in this class

ABS controls very defensively

Engine has no rev reserves upwards

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price Kawasaki Z650 vs Suzuki GSX-8S

There are a few key differences between a Kawasaki Z650 2017 and a Suzuki GSX-8S 2023. In terms of price, the actual average price of a Suzuki GSX-8S 2023 is about 32% higher. Compared to Suzuki GSX-8S 2023 there are less Kawasaki Z650 2017 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 11 compared to 173. It takes less time to sell a Suzuki GSX-8S with 59 days compared to 76 days for the Kawasaki Z650. Since model year 2017 1000PS.de editors have written 31 reviews for the Kawasaki Z650 and 13 reviews for the Suzuki GSX-8S since model year 2023. The first review for the Kawasaki Z650 was published on 11/8/2016 and now has more than 25,000 views. This compares to more than 47,300 views for the first review on Suzuki GSX-8S published on 11/8/2022.

Price Kawasaki Z650

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Suzuki GSX-8S

Model year
Current average market prices

Alternative Comparisons

1000PS Partner

ChigeeContinental MotorradreifenMotorex AGcalimoto GmbH