Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200C Custom 2017 vs. Kawasaki Z650 2020

Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200C Custom 2017

Kawasaki Z650 2020

Overview - Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200C Custom 2017 vs Kawasaki Z650 2020

Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200C Custom 2017

Kawasaki Z650 2020

Stylish and practical: PRO tank bags from SW-MOTECH

Simple attachment thanks to magnetic snap-in closure. For safe luggage transport.

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50 Years Strong: One Brand – One Promise!

Perfect fit, premium quality – with Hepco&Becker accessories, your bike is ready for any adventure. Quality made in Germany.

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Technical Specifications Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200C Custom 2017 compared to Kawasaki Z650 2020

Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200C Custom 2017

Kawasaki Z650 2020

Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200C Custom 2017

Kawasaki Z650 2020

Engine and Drive Train

Bore	Bore	88.9 mm	Bore	83 mm
Stroke	Stroke	96.8 mm	Stroke	60 mm
Engine power	Engine power	68 HP	Engine power	68.2 HP
Rpm at Max. Power	Rpm at Max. Power	6,000 rpm	Rpm at Max. Power	8,000 rpm
Torque	Torque	96 Nm	Torque	65.7 Nm
Rpm at Torque	Rpm at Torque	3,500 rpm	Rpm at Torque	7,000 rpm
Compression Ratio	Compression Ratio	10	Compression Ratio	10.8
Fuel system	Fuel system	Injection	Fuel system	Injection
Starter	Starter	Electric	Starter	Electric
Clutch Type	Clutch Type	Multiplate in oil-bath	Clutch Type	Multiplate in oil-bath
Ignition	Ignition	Transistor	Ignition	Digital
Transmission	Transmission	Belt	Transmission	Chain
Transmission Type	Transmission Type	Gearshift	Transmission Type	Gearshift
Number of gears	Number of gears	5	Number of gears	6
Valves	Valves	OHV	Valves	DOHC
Cooling	Cooling	Air	Cooling	liquid
Displacement	Displacement	1,202 ccm	Displacement	649 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspension	Front suspension	Telescopic fork	Front suspension	Telescopic fork

Chassis

Frame	Frame	Steel	Frame	Steel
Frame type	Frame type	Double cradle	Frame type	Tubular
Rake	Rake	30 degree	Rake	65.5 degree
Trail	Trail	107 mm	Trail	100 mm

Brakes Front

Type	Type	Single disk	Type	Double disk
Piston	Piston	Double piston	Piston	Double piston
Shock mount	Shock mount	Floating caliper	Shock mount	Semi-Schwimmsattel

Brakes Rear

Type	Type	Disc	Type	Disc
Piston	Piston	Double piston	Piston	Single piston
Shock mount	Shock mount	Floating caliper	Shock mount	Floating caliper

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre width	Front tyre width	130 mm	Front tyre width	120 mm
Front tyre height	Front tyre height	90 %	Front tyre height	70 %
Front tyre diameter	Front tyre diameter	16 inch	Front tyre diameter	17 inch
Rear tyre width	Rear tyre width	150 mm	Rear tyre width	160 mm
Rear tyre height	Rear tyre height	80 %	Rear tyre height	60 %
Rear tyre diameter	Rear tyre diameter	16 inch	Rear tyre diameter	17 inch
Length	Length	2,225 mm	Length	2,055 mm
Wheelbase	Wheelbase	1,520 mm	Wheelbase	1,410 mm
Seat Height	Seat Height	710 mm	Seat Height	790 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)	Kerb Weight (with ABS)	265 kg	Kerb Weight (with ABS)	187.1 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

Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200C Custom 2017

Unfortunately, our editors did not test this model.

Kawasaki Z650 2020

It's simply marvellous what Kawasaki has put together in a complete package with the new Z650. The technical components may not knock your socks off individually, but in combination they make for a pleasantly neutral motorbike that everyone will enjoy. No bitchy idiosyncrasies - simply a naked bike that works really well on winding country roads. Of course, the TFT display, which we don't find in the competition at the moment, is a plus, as is the grown-up look, which is strongly oriented towards the larger Z models. Only the pressure point of the front brake could have been more clearly defined - but you can't have everything in this price range.

powerful two-cylinder engine

aggressive intake noise

compact dimensions

low seat height

stable chassis

TFT display with connectivity

grown-up look

Front brake pressure point

probably uncomfortable for tall riders

Rideology Appn och not 100% sophisticated.