2018 Kawasaki Z 650 vs 2016 BMW F 800R

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles

Differences only

2018 Kawasaki Z 650

Naked bike

Engine

Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder. DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder

Power

50.2 kW / 67.3 hp @ 8500 rpm

Top Speed

N/A

Weight

184 kg / 406 lbs

2016 BMW F 800R

Naked bike

Engine

Twin, four-stroke

Power

64 kW / 87 hp @ 8000 rpm

Top Speed

218 km/h / 135.5 mph

Weight

445.3 pounds

Full Specifications

Differs Same

General
Year	2018	2016
Colours	-	Racing Blue Metallic Matte/Light White, Light White, Black Satin Gloss/Light White, Racing Blue Metallic Matte/Black Satin Gloss
Make Model	Kawasaki Z 650	BMW F 800R
Dimensions
Seat Height	785 mm / 30.9 in	800 mm / 31.5 in. (low seat: 775 mm / 30.5 in., high seat: 825 mm / 32.5 in)
Wheelbase	1410 mm / 55.5 in	1,520 mm / 59.8 in.
Ground Clearance	130 mm / 5.1 in	-
Height	1080 mm / 42.5 in	1160 mm / 45.7 in (excl. mirrors)
Length	2055 mm / 80.9 in	2145 mm / 84.4 in.
Width	779 mm / 30.6 in	905 mm / 35.6 in. (incl. mirrors)
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight	-	177 kg / 390 lbs
Fuel Capacity	15 Litres / 4.0 US gal	16 Litres / 4.2 US gal
Wet Weight	184 kg / 406 lbs	199 kg / 439 lbs.
Performance
Top Speed	-	218 km/h / 135.5 mph
Max Power	50.2 kW / 67.3 hp @ 8500 rpm	64 kW / 87 hp @ 8000 rpm
Max Torque	65.7 Nm / 48.4 lb-ft @ 7000 rpm	86 Nm / 8.8 kgf-m / 63 lbs/ft @ 6000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio	-	0.5085 HP/kg
Standing Start ¼ Mile	-	12.0 sec
Engine
CO2	-	83.5 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Fuel Control	-	Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Engine Type	-	Twin, four-stroke
Displacement	649 cc / 39.65 cu-in	798 cc / 47.7 cub. in.
Engine Detail	Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder. DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder	Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel System	-	Injection. Electronic intake pipe injection / digital engine management (BMS-KP)
Bore x Stroke	83 x 60 mm	82 x 75.8 mm
Compression Ratio	10.8:1	12.0:1
Cooling System	Liquid cooled	Liquid cooled
Emissions	-	Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-3
Engine Lubrication	-	Dry sump
Exhaust	-	Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard
Fuel Consumption	-	6.1 L/100 km / 16.4 km/l / 38.6 US mpg
Fuel Induction	DFIØ with Keihin 36mm Keihin throttle bodies	Electronic injection, digital engine electronics (BMS-KP)
Fuel Reserve	-	3.00 litres / 0.79 gallons
Ignition	TCBI with electronic advance	Knock control and oxygen sensors.
Lubrication	Wet sump	Wet sump
Starter	Electric	Electric
Valve System	-	4
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity	-	12 V / 14 Ah, maintenance-free
Drivetrain
Clutch	Wet multi-disc, manual	Multi-plate clutch in oil bath, mechanically operated
Final Drive	Sealed chain	Chain
Gear Ratios	1st 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)	1st 2.462 / 2nd 1.750 / 3rd 1.381 / 4th 1.227 / 5th 1.130 / 6th 1.042: 1
Gearbox	-	6-speed
Primary Drive	-	O-ring chain with shock damping in rear wheel hub
Transmission / Drive	6 Speed	6 Speed
Chassis
Frame Type	Semi-double cradle, high-tensile steel	Bridge frame made aluminium, load-supporting engine
Suspension - Front	41 mm hydraulic telescopic fork	43mm Telescopic fork
Suspension - Rear	Horizontal Back-link with adjustable preload	Cast aluminium double-sided swing arm, central, suspension strut, spring pre-tension by means of hand
Rake	24°	25°
Trail	100 mm / 3.9 in	91 mm / 3.6 in.
Wheel Travel - Front	125 mm / 4.9 in	125 mm / 4.9 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear	130 mm / 5.1 in	125 mm / 4.9 in.
Electrical Systems
Alternator	-	Three-phase alternator 400 W
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)	-	12.6 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)	-	320 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)	-	10.4 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)	-	265 mm
Brakes - Front	2x 300mm discs 4 piston calipers	2 x 320mm discs, 4 piston calipers
Brakes - Rear	Single 220mm disc	Single 265mm disc, 1 piston caliper
ABS	Optional	-
Rims	-	Cast aluminium
Tyres - Front	120/70 -17	120/70 ZR17
Tyres - Rear	160/50 -17	180/55 ZR17
Wheels	-	Cast aluminium
Wheels - Front	-	3.50 x 17"
Wheels - Rear	-	5.50 x 17"

Verdict

Winner on specs

2016 BMW F 800R

The 2016 BMW F 800R edges out the 2018 Kawasaki Z 650 thanks to its fuel injection, dual front discs and larger displacement. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2018 Kawasaki Z 650 - Advantages

Lighter: 184 kg vs 199 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
Standard ABS: A meaningful safety advantage in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.

2016 BMW F 800R - Advantages

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.
Larger displacement: 798 cc vs 649 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.

2018 Kawasaki Z 650 vs 2016 BMW F 800R - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2018 Kawasaki Z 650 and 2016 BMW F 800R?

The 2018 Kawasaki Z 650 uses Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder. DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, while the 2016 BMW F 800R is powered by Twin, four-stroke.

Which is lighter, the 2018 Kawasaki Z 650 or the 2016 BMW F 800R?

The 2018 Kawasaki Z 650 is lighter at 184 kg compared to 199 kg for the 2016 BMW F 800R - a difference of 15 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.

Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2018 Kawasaki Z 650 or the 2016 BMW F 800R?

The 2018 Kawasaki Z 650 has the lower seat at 785 mm, making it more accessible. The 2016 BMW F 800R sits higher at 800 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.

Does the 2018 Kawasaki Z 650 or 2016 BMW F 800R have ABS?

The 2018 Kawasaki Z 650 is listed with ABS as standard. The 2016 BMW F 800R does not list ABS. ABS provides a meaningful safety benefit in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.

Which should I buy, the 2018 Kawasaki Z 650 or the 2016 BMW F 800R?

Both are strong choices. The 2018 Kawasaki Z 650 has the edge in lighter kerb weight and standard ABS, while the 2016 BMW F 800R stands out for fuel injection and dual front discs. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.

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