KAWASAKI Z650 vs 2024 Honda SCL500

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Scores, summary & seat (optional) Estimates and auto text from specs — open if you want them.

Technical score (estimate)

Weighted mix of power, torque, power-to-weight, top speed and lighter weight within this comparison only. Not a real-world verdict — riding style and roads matter.

Top on paper
KAWASAKI Z650
100 pts
2024 Honda SCL500
0 pts

Usage fit (estimate)

Rough scores for city riding, touring, sporty riding and new riders — mix of specs and bike category. Same caveats as the technical score: traffic, skill and tyres matter.

City / commute

KAWASAKI Z650
52.8 pts
Best fit here
2024 Honda SCL500
61.8 pts

Touring / long rides

Best fit here
KAWASAKI Z650
74.9 pts
2024 Honda SCL500
34.5 pts

Sporty riding

Best fit here
KAWASAKI Z650
93.8 pts
2024 Honda SCL500
19.8 pts

New rider friendly

KAWASAKI Z650
31.5 pts
Best fit here
2024 Honda SCL500
74.7 pts

Seat height (cm)

Figures are as in the database; boots, suspension sag and road surface change how tall the bike feels.

  • KAWASAKI Z650 79 cm Tallest seat here
  • 2024 Honda SCL500 78.9 cm Lowest seat here

Rough guide: comfortable flat-foot reach often needs inseam roughly in the same ballpark as seat height (varies a lot by ergonomics).

Auto summary from specs

Generated from the numbers in the comparison — not a review.

  • Power spans 46 hp (2024 Honda SCL500) up to 68 hp (KAWASAKI Z650).
  • Torque spans 43 Nm (2024 Honda SCL500) up to 64 Nm (KAWASAKI Z650).
  • Weight spans 188 kg (KAWASAKI Z650) to 191 kg (2024 Honda SCL500).
  • Displacement spans 500 cc (2024 Honda SCL500) to 650 cc (KAWASAKI Z650).
Specification KAWASAKI Z650 Honda SCL500
Brand KAWASAKI HONDA
Model KAWASAKI Z650 Honda SCL500
Engine size 650cc 500cc
Power 68hp 46hp
Torque 64nm. 43nm.
Cylinders / valves Twin cylinder, 8 valves Twin cylinder, 8 valves
Weight 188kg 191kg
Front brake 300 mm dual discs, dual-piston caliper Single 310mm disc with two-piston calipers; ABS
Rear brake 220 mm single disc, single-piston caliper Single 240mm disc, ABS
Seat height (cm) 79cm 78.9cm
Front tyre 120/70ZR17M/C (58W) 110/80-19
Rear tyre 160/60ZR17M/C (69W) 150/70-17
Cooling Liquid cooling Liquid cooling
Front suspension 41 mm telescopic fork 41mm fork; 5.9-inch travel
Rear suspension Horizontal back-link with preload adjustment Dual shocks with five-position spring-preload adjustability; 5.7-inch travel
Motorcycle type Naked Naked
Top speed 220km/h 158km/h
Fuel capacity / consumption 15 L – 4 L/100km 12 L – 4 L/100km
Service network
Service quality
Parts availability
Price $8149 $6799
Brand price lists View KAWASAKI price list View HONDA price list
Extra features

-Assist Slipper Clutch

-Economical Riding Indicator

-Dual Throttle Valves

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2023 KAWASAKI Z650 vs 2024 Honda SCL500: listed specifications

The 2023 KAWASAKI Z650 and 2024 Honda SCL500 are closely matched in weight, while the Z650 has more displacement, peak power and torque, and the higher listed top speed.

Engine displacement

Z650 has a clearly larger listed engine displacement (650 cc vs 500 cc).

Peak power

Z650 has a clear listed power advantage (68 hp vs 46 hp).

Torque

Z650 has a clear listed torque advantage (64 Nm vs 43 Nm).

Listed top speed

Z650 has a clear listed top-speed advantage (220 km/h vs 158 km/h).

Cooling

Both motorcycles are listed as liquid-cooled.

Weight and seat height

Z650 and SCL500 have very similar listed weights (188 kg vs 191 kg). Z650 and SCL500 have very similar seat heights (79 cm vs 78.9 cm).

Conclusion

The measurable differences are therefore concentrated in displacement, peak power, torque and listed top speed, while weight and seat height remain relatively close.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the top speed of KAWASAKI Z650 vs Honda SCL500?

KAWASAKI Z650 is listed at 220 km/h (137 mph) vs 158 km/h (98 mph) for Honda SCL500.

Which has more horsepower, KAWASAKI Z650 or Honda SCL500?

KAWASAKI Z650 has 68 hp compared with 46 hp on the Honda SCL500.

Which is lighter, KAWASAKI Z650 or Honda SCL500?

KAWASAKI Z650 is lighter at 188 kg vs 191 kg for Honda SCL500.

Which is better, KAWASAKI Z650 or Honda SCL500?

It depends on your riding style. Compare top speed, weight, fuel use and price in the table on this page, then vote for the bike you prefer.