Honda CB500 Hornet 2026 vs. Kawasaki Z650 S 2026

Honda CB500 Hornet 2026

Honda CB500 Hornet 2026

Kawasaki Z650 S 2026

Kawasaki Z650 S 2026

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Technical Specifications Honda CB500 Hornet 2026 compared to Kawasaki Z650 S 2026

Honda CB500 Hornet 2026
Kawasaki Z650 S 2026

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeIn line
BoreBore67 mmBore83 mm
StrokeStroke66.8 mmStroke60 mm
Engine powerEngine power48 HPEngine power68 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power8,500 rpmRpm at Max. Power8,000 rpm
TorqueTorque43 NmTorque64 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,500 rpmRpm at Torque6,700 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio10.7 Compression Ratio10.8
Fuel systemFuel systemInjectionFuel systemInjection
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath, Antihopping, Clutch systemsClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
IgnitionIgnitionDigital, TransistorIgnitionDigital
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
DisplacementDisplacement471 ccmDisplacement649 ccm

Suspension Front

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

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
Shock mountShock mountPro-LinkShock mountDeflection
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreloadAdjustmentPreload

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameSteel
Frame typeFrame typeTwin TubeFrame typeTubular
RakeRake25.5 degreeRake24 degree
TrailTrail102 mmTrail100 mm

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter296 mmDiameter300 mm
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonDouble piston
TechnologyTechnologyradialTechnologyPetal

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter240 mmDiameter220 mm
PistonPistonSingle pistonPistonSingle piston

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Traction controlAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, 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 width160 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height60 %Rear tyre height60 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
LengthLength2,080 mmLength2,055 mm
WidthWidth800 mmWidth805 mm
HeightHeight1,060 mmHeight1,080 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,410 mmWheelbase1,410 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height785 mmSeat Height805 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)188 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)190 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity17.1 lFuel Tank Capacity15 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyA2License compliancyA2, A
Ground clearanceGround clearance145 mmGround clearance130 mm

Equipment

EquipmentEquipmentConnectivity, LED-Headlights, TFT display, Modern electronics, LightingEquipmentLED daytime running lights, LED-Headlights, TFT display, Modern electronics, Lighting

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Honda CB500 Hornet 2026

Honda CB500 Hornet 2026

The Honda CB500 Hornet proves to be a mature and well-balanced naked bike that is an excellent choice in the A2 class.

Smooth but really sufficient engine power

good revvvy even at low engine speeds

precise and smooth clutch and gearstick

vibration-free riding performance

stable and pleasant chassis damping

excellent turning-in behaviour

powerful brakes with double disk front brakes

high build quality

clear and informative display

good handling and agility, user-friendly electronic Advanced Rider Assistance Systems

comfortable seating position

good balance between riding pleasure and safety.

higher weight compared to some competitors could be annoying for very light riders

suspension can be overloaded with a sporty riding style or higher rider weight

possibly less comfortable for taller riders

Kawasaki Z650 S 2026

Kawasaki Z650 S 2026

The Kawasaki Z650 S 2026 is exactly the further development that many have been hoping for. Without changing the proven basic concept, Kawasaki has made the right adjustments. The new ergonomics in particular make a noticeable difference and take the bike to a new level - both for taller riders and for everyday use. The bottom line is that the Z650 S is not a spectacular bike, but an extremely harmonious one - and that is exactly what makes it so successful. In this class, that's all you really need.

Very accessible, smoothly responding engine

Strong performance in the low and medium speed range

Significantly improved ergonomics, also suitable for taller riders

Very light, playful handling

Height everyday comfort and ease of use

Easily controllable clutch, ideal for city traffic

Modern features with TFT display and traction control

Attractive price-performance ratio

Engine not very emotional, hardly any increase in performance at the top

Price Comparison Average Market Price Honda CB500 Hornet vs Kawasaki Z650 S

Price Honda CB500 Hornet

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Kawasaki Z650 S

Model year
Current average market prices

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