Urban warriors: kawasaki z650 vs. benelli 600i for city dominance

The middleweight motorcycle segment is a fiercely competitive arena, with numerous manufacturers vying for market share. Two of the most popular offerings in this category are the Kawasaki Z650 and the Benelli 600i. Both motorcycles boast impressive performance, stylish designs, and competitive price tags. In this comprehensive guide, we pit the Kawasaki Z650 against the Benelli 600i, examining their key features, specifications, and capabilities to determine which one emerges as the superior choice for discerning riders.

Design and Styling

The Kawasaki Z650 exudes an aggressive and muscular stance, with sharp lines and a compact profile. Its “Sugomi” design language, inspired by Japanese samurai warriors, conveys a sense of power and intimidation. The Benelli 600i, on the other hand, adopts a more refined and sophisticated appearance, featuring flowing curves and a sleek silhouette. Its Italian heritage is evident in its elegant design and attention to detail.

Engine and Performance

Under the hood, the Kawasaki Z650 boasts a liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine displacing 649cc. This powerplant generates a peak output of 68 horsepower and 50 lb-ft of torque, providing ample power for both urban commuting and spirited weekend rides. The Benelli 600i, in contrast, employs a liquid-cooled, inline-four engine with a displacement of 599cc. This engine produces a maximum power of 80 horsepower and 45 lb-ft of torque, offering a slightly higher level of performance than the Z650.

Handling and Suspension

The Kawasaki Z650’s handling is characterized by its agility and responsiveness. Its lightweight frame and nimble steering geometry make it a joy to maneuver through city streets and navigate winding roads. The Benelli 600i, while not as nimble as its Japanese rival, still provides a well-balanced and stable ride. Its longer wheelbase and more relaxed steering angle contribute to its stability at higher speeds.

In terms of suspension, the Z650 features a conventional telescopic front fork with 41mm stanchions and a rear monoshock with adjustable preload. The Benelli 600i, on the other hand, boasts an upside-down front fork with 50mm stanchions and a rear monoshock with preload and rebound adjustability. Both motorcycles offer a comfortable ride quality, with the Benelli 600i providing slightly better bump absorption over rough road surfaces.

Braking and Safety

Both the Kawasaki Z650 and Benelli 600i come equipped with a comprehensive suite of braking and safety features. The Z650 utilizes dual 300mm front discs with Nissin calipers and a single 220mm rear disc with a single-piston caliper. The Benelli 600i, on the other hand, employs dual 320mm front discs with Brembo calipers and a single 260mm rear disc with a two-piston caliper. Both motorcycles feature ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as standard, which enhances braking performance and prevents wheel lock-ups under hard braking.

Features and Technology

The Kawasaki Z650 comes equipped with a basic LCD instrument cluster that displays essential information such as speed, rpm, fuel level, and gear position. The Benelli 600i, however, offers a more advanced TFT (Thin-Film Transistor) instrument panel that provides a wider range of information, including a tachometer, fuel gauge, trip computer, and Bluetooth connectivity. Additionally, the Benelli 600i features LED lighting throughout, while the Z650 only has LED headlights.

Price and Value

The Kawasaki Z650 has a starting price of around $7,500, while the Benelli 600i retails for approximately $6,000. Both motorcycles offer excellent value for money, considering their performance, features, and build quality. However, the Benelli 600i’s slightly lower price point and more comprehensive features may give it a slight edge in terms of value proposition.

Final Note

The Kawasaki Z650 and Benelli 600i are both exceptional middleweight motorcycles that offer a compelling blend of performance, style, and affordability. While the Z650 excels in terms of handling and agility, the Benelli 600i counters with a more powerful engine and a more advanced TFT instrument panel. Ultimately, the best choice between these two motorcycles depends on the individual rider’s preferences and priorities. Those seeking a nimble and responsive machine with a proven track record will likely gravitate towards the Kawasaki Z650, while riders who value power, features, and Italian styling may prefer the Benelli 600i.

Top Questions Asked

1. Which motorcycle is faster, the Kawasaki Z650 or the Benelli 600i?
The Benelli 600i produces slightly more horsepower than the Kawasaki Z650, resulting in a higher top speed.

2. Which motorcycle has a better suspension system?
The Benelli 600i features a more advanced suspension system with an upside-down front fork and preload and rebound adjustable rear monoshock, providing slightly better bump absorption than the Z650.

3. Which motorcycle is more comfortable for long rides?
Both motorcycles offer a comfortable ride quality, but the Benelli 600i’s slightly longer wheelbase and more relaxed steering angle may make it more suitable for extended journeys.

4. Which motorcycle is more fuel-efficient?
The Kawasaki Z650 is generally considered to be more fuel-efficient than the Benelli 600i, due to its smaller engine displacement.

5. Which motorcycle has a better resale value?
The Kawasaki Z650 typically holds its value better than the Benelli 600i, due to its strong reputation and established presence in the market.