Performance, styling, and value: z650 vs ninja 650 head-to-head
What To Know
- The Ninja 650 is also a good handling bike, but it is not quite as agile as the Z650.
- The Z650 is a great choice for riders who want a versatile and affordable bike that is fun to ride in the city or on the highway.
- The Ninja 650 is a better choice for riders who want a more track-focused bike that is still comfortable for everyday riding.
The 2017 Kawasaki Z650 and Ninja 650 are two of the most popular motorcycles in their respective classes. The Z650 is a naked street fighter, while the Ninja 650 is a fully-faired sportbike. Both bikes share the same basic engine and platform, but they offer very different riding experiences. In this article, we’ll compare the two bikes in detail and help you decide which one is right for you.
Design
The Z650 is a naked street fighter, which means that it has no fairings. This gives it a more aggressive and muscular look than the Ninja 650. The Z650 also has a more upright riding position, which is more comfortable for everyday riding.
The Ninja 650, on the other hand, is a fully-faired sportbike. This gives it a more aerodynamic and streamlined look. The Ninja 650 also has a more aggressive riding position, which is more suited for track riding or spirited street riding.
Engine and Performance
Both the Z650 and Ninja 650 are powered by the same basic engine: a 649cc parallel-twin. However, the engines are tuned differently to suit the different riding styles of the two bikes.
The Z650’s engine is tuned for low-end torque, which makes it ideal for city riding and commuting. The Ninja 650’s engine, on the other hand, is tuned for more top-end power, which makes it better suited for highway riding and track days.
Handling
The Z650 is a very agile and maneuverable bike. It has a short wheelbase and a light weight, which makes it easy to flick through corners. The Ninja 650 is also a good handling bike, but it is not quite as agile as the Z650. The Ninja 650 has a longer wheelbase and a heavier weight, which makes it more stable at high speeds.
Brakes
Both the Z650 and Ninja 650 have excellent brakes. The Z650 has dual 300mm discs up front and a single 220mm disc in the rear. The Ninja 650 has dual 310mm discs up front and a single 250mm disc in the rear.
Suspension
The Z650 has a non-adjustable front fork and a preload-adjustable rear shock. The Ninja 650 has a fully-adjustable front fork and a preload- and rebound-adjustable rear shock.
Features
The Z650 has a number of features that are not available on the Ninja 650. These features include a digital instrument cluster, a gear indicator, and a fuel gauge. The Ninja 650 does have some features that are not available on the Z650, such as a slipper clutch and a quickshifter.
Price
The 2017 Kawasaki Z650 has a starting price of $6,999. The 2017 Kawasaki Ninja 650 has a starting price of $7,999.
Which Bike is Right for You?
The 2017 Kawasaki Z650 and Ninja 650 are both excellent motorcycles. The Z650 is a great choice for riders who want a versatile and affordable bike that is fun to ride in the city or on the highway. The Ninja 650 is a better choice for riders who want a more track-focused bike that is still comfortable for everyday riding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which bike is faster, the Z650 or the Ninja 650?
A: The Ninja 650 is faster than the Z650. It has a more powerful engine and a more aerodynamic design.
Q: Which bike is more comfortable, the Z650 or the Ninja 650?
A: The Z650 is more comfortable than the Ninja 650. It has a more upright riding position and a softer suspension.
Q: Which bike is better for commuting, the Z650 or the Ninja 650?
A: The Z650 is better for commuting than the Ninja 650. It is more agile and maneuverable, and it has a more comfortable riding position.