2017 Kawasaki Ninja 650 vs 2015 Triumph Street Triple R

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2017 Kawasaki Ninja 650 2017 Kawasaki Ninja 650

Sport

Engine
Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder. DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Power
50.2 kW / 67.3 hp @ 8,500 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
193 kg / 425.5 lbs
2015 Triumph Street Triple R 2015 Triumph Street Triple R

Sport

Engine
Four stroke, in-line 3-cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder.
Power
79 kW / 106 hp @ 11850 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
183 kg / 403 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year20172015
Make ModelKawasaki Ninja 650Triumph Street Triple R
Dimensions
Seat Height790 mm / 31.1 in820 mm / 32.3 in
Wheelbase1410 mm / 55.5 in.1410 mm / 55.5 in
Ground Clearance130 mm / 5.1 in-
Height1135 mm / 44.6 in1110 mm / 43.7 in (without mirrors)
Length2055 mm / 80.9 in.2055 mm / 80.9 in
Width740 mm / 29.1 in.740 mm / 29.1 in (handlebars)
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight-168 kg / 370 lbs
Fuel Capacity15 Litres / 3.9 US gal17.4 Litres / 4.6 US gal / 3.8 Imp gal
Oil Capacity-3.4 Litres / 3.6 US qt / 3.0 Imp qt
Wet Weight193 kg / 425.5 lbs183 kg / 403 lbs
Performance
Max Power50.2 kW / 67.3 hp @ 8,500 rpm79 kW / 106 hp @ 11850 rpm
Max Torque65.7 Nm / 48.4 lb-ft @ 7000 rpm68 Nm / 6.9 kgf-m / 50 ft/lb @ 9750 rpm
Engine
Displacement649 cc / 39.65 cu /in675 cc / 41.2 cub in.
Engine DetailFour stroke, parallel twin cylinder. DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.Four stroke, in-line 3-cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder.
Bore x Stroke83 x 60 mm74 x 52.3 mm
Compression Ratio10.8:1-
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledLiquid-cooled
Exhaust-Stainless steel 3 into 1 system low single sided stainless steel silencer
Fuel InductionDFIØ with Keihin 36mm Keihin throttle bodiesMultipoint sequential electronic fuel injection with SAI
IgnitionTCBI with electronic advanceDigital - inductive type
LubricationWet sumpWet sump
StarterElectricElectric
Drivetrain
ClutchWet multi-disc, manualWet, multi-plate
Final DriveO-ring chainChain
Gear Ratios1st 2.438 (39/16) 2nd 1.714 (36/21) 3rd 1.333 (32/24) 4th 1.111 (30/27) 5th 0.966 (28/29) 6th 0.852 (23/27)-
Transmission / Drive6 Speed 6 Speed, close ratio
Chassis
Frame TypeSemi-double cradle, high-tensile steelAluminium beam twin spar. Rear - 2 piece high pressure die cast swingarm Braced, twin-sided, cast aluminium alloy
Suspension - Front41 mm hydraulic telescopic forkKayaba 41mm upside down forks with adjustable preload, rebound and compression damping
Suspension - RearHorizontal Back-link with adjustable preloadKayaba monoshock with piggy back reservoir adjustable for rebound and compression damping
Rake-23.4°
Trail100 mm / 3.9 in95 mm / 3.7 in
Wheel Travel - Front125 mm / 4.9 in115 mm / 4.5 in
Wheel Travel - Rear130 mm / 5.1 in135 mm / 5.3 in
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2x 300mm discs 2 piston calipers2 x 310 mm floating discs, Nissen 4 piston radial calipers, ABS
Brakes - RearSingle 220mm discSingle 220 mm disc, Brembo 1 piston caliper, ABS
Tyres - Front120/70 -17120/70 ZR 17
Tyres - Rear160/50 -17180/55 ZR 17
Wheels - Front-Cast aluminium alloy 5-spoke 17 x 3.5 in
Wheels - Rear-Cast aluminium alloy 5-spoke 17 x 5.5 in

Verdict

Winner on specs

2015 Triumph Street Triple R

The 2015 Triumph Street Triple R edges out the 2017 Kawasaki Ninja 650 thanks to its lighter kerb weight, fuel injection and dual front discs. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2017 Kawasaki Ninja 650 - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 790 mm vs 820 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • More front wheel travel: 125 mm vs 115 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2015 Triumph Street Triple R - Advantages

  • Lighter: 183 kg vs 193 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.
  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.

2017 Kawasaki Ninja 650 vs 2015 Triumph Street Triple R - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2017 Kawasaki Ninja 650 and 2015 Triumph Street Triple R?
The 2017 Kawasaki Ninja 650 uses Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder. DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder., while the 2015 Triumph Street Triple R is powered by Four stroke, in-line 3-cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder..
Which is lighter, the 2017 Kawasaki Ninja 650 or the 2015 Triumph Street Triple R?
The 2015 Triumph Street Triple R is lighter at 183 kg compared to 193 kg for the 2017 Kawasaki Ninja 650 - a difference of 10 kg. This is a small difference unlikely to be a deciding factor in everyday riding.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2017 Kawasaki Ninja 650 or the 2015 Triumph Street Triple R?
The 2017 Kawasaki Ninja 650 has the lower seat at 790 mm, making it more accessible. The 2015 Triumph Street Triple R sits higher at 820 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2017 Kawasaki Ninja 650 or the 2015 Triumph Street Triple R?
Both are strong choices. The 2017 Kawasaki Ninja 650 has the edge in lower seat height and higher front wheel travel, while the 2015 Triumph Street Triple R stands out for lighter kerb weight and fuel injection. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.