Suzuki SV 650 versus Kawasaki Z 650

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
Suzuki

Suzuki SV 650

Naked
Kawasaki

Kawasaki Z 650

Naked

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2005 bis 2024~
Built von 2017 bis 2024~
RRP 6.950 €
RRP 7.645 €
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Pros:
  • Price
  • real V2
  • Harmonious overall impression
  • Pillion suitability in comparison
Pros:
Cons:
  • Material
Cons:

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.445 mm
Length :
2.140 mm Height : 1.090 mm
Seat :
785 mm
Weight :
197 (max: 420 ) kg
Wheelbase: 1.410 mm
Length :
2.055 mm Height : 1.080 mm
Seat :
790 mm
Weight :
187 kg

Engine

Motor design: V 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 645 ccm
Hub: 63 mm
Hole: 81 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6
Motor design: Number 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 649 ccm
Hub: 60 mm
Hole: 83 mm
Cooling: flüssigkeitsgekühlt
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6

Performance

Maximum speed: 205 km/h
Performance: 73 HP at 8.500 U/Min
Torque: 64 NM bei 8.100 U/Min
Tank contents: 14 Litre
Consumption:
4 l
Reach:
363 km
Maximum speed: 200 km/h
Performance: 68 HP at 8.000 U/Min
Torque: 66 NM bei 6.500 U/Min
Tank contents: 15 Litre
Consumption:
4 l
Reach:
357 km

Chassis

Frame type:
Tubular space (tubular frame steel)
Front suspension:
Telescopic fork 41 mm (travel 125 mm)
Rear suspension:
Central strut (travel 130 mm)
Rear suspension:
Box swing
Tyres at the front: 17 M/C x MT 3.50 120/70ZR17 M/C (58W)
Rear tyres: 17 M/C x MT 5.00 160/60ZR17 M/C (69W)
Frame type:
Lattice tube (steel)
Front suspension:
41 mm telescopic fork (travel 125 mm)
Rear suspension:
Mono strut (travel 130 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm
Tyres at the front: 120/70ZR17M/C (58W)
Rear tyres: 160/60ZR17M/C (69W)

Brakes

Front brake
Double disc ( 290 mm) Rear brake
Disc ( 240 mm)
Front brake
Double disc ( 300 mm) Rear brake
Disc ( 220 mm)

Conclusion - what gets stuck

For the everyday life of most motorcyclists, a Suzuki SV 650 is always enough. It meets the needs of motorcycling without great conspicuousness, the beautiful V2 engine is available as a unique selling point. Of course, the material quality could sometimes be better, especially the carbon replicas on the tank.

But: For 6,595 euros you can still invest in windscreen, suitcase or the chassis – or in everything or nothing. At its core, the Suzuki remains the unproblematic companion for every day. If you like it, you can spend more money: The V2 is of course also included in the "X" version of the SV, which is 7,300 instead of 6,595 euros expensive. There is a classy quilted bench, metallic lacquer, a small fairing and retro look.

The test bike was provided to us by zweirad-Technik Schielmann in Hamburg.

Price / Availability / Colours / Years of Construction

  • Price: 6.590€
  • Used (3 years old): 4,300€
  • Years built: 1999 to 2010, again since 2016
  • Availability: very good
  • Colours: black, grey, white

Conclusion - what gets stuck

The Kawasaki Z650 vintage 2020 is a simple but well-made motorcycle. This can be seen .B the conventional telefork or the lack of technical features, which are now standard from the upper middle class (Z900). But it is also a lot cheaper.
 
The Z650 is a rather small machine. Pilots from 1.85m may feel out of place, which is an individual thing. We recommend a seat test for larger drivers. For smaller riders, however, the Z650 is a feast and highly recommended. But two of them get a bit tight, but that's similar with competitor bikes. The passenger has no handles, only a holding strap. Ergo: It's enough to get to the Baggersee, but from Hamburg to Munich it's exhausting for two.
 
Overall, the new Z650 is a successful machine. The updates have done the motorcycle well, it looks fresher and rides fast and agile and conveys enormous driving fun. The test machine was provided to us by Heller & Soltau in St. Michaelisdonn.

Price/Availability/Colours/Years of Construction

  • Price: 7,000€
  • Used (3 years old): 5,000€
  • Availability: since 2017
  • Colours: white, black, black-green