2021 Kawasaki Z 650 vs 2023 Suzuki GSX-8S

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2021 Kawasaki Z 650 2021 Kawasaki Z 650

Naked bike

Engine
Twin, four-stroke
Power
50.2 kW / 67.3 hp
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
412.3 pounds
2023 Suzuki GSX-8S 2023 Suzuki GSX-8S

Naked bike

Engine
Twin, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
445.3 pounds
Full Specifications
General
CommentsSmartphone ConnectivitySuzuki Intelligent Ride System.
Year2021-
ColoursPearl Blizzard White/Metallic Spark Black, Metallic Spark Black/Metallic Flat Spark BlackPearl Cosmic Blue, Pearl Tech White, Metallic Mat Black/Glass Sparkle Black
Make ModelKawasaki Z 650-
Warranty12 Month Limited Warranty12 month unlimited mileage limited warranty.
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)130 mm145 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)5.1 inches5.7 inches
Seat Height790 mm / 31.1 in810 mm / 31.9 in.
Wheelbase1410 mm / 55.5 in1465 mm / 57.7 in.
Ground Clearance130 mm / 5.1 in-
Height1064 mm / 41.9 in1105 mm / 43.5 in.
Length2065 mm / 81.3 in2115 mm / 83.3 in.
Width764.5 mm / 30.1 in775 mm / 30.5 in.
Weights & Capacities
Oil Capacity (Quarts)-4.12 US quarts
Oil Capacity (l)-3.90 litres
Fuel Capacity15 Litres / 4.0 US gal14.00 litres / 3.70 US gallons
Wet Weight187 kg / 412.3 lbs202.0 kg / 445.3 lbs
Performance
Maximum RPM12500-
Max Power50.2 kW / 67.3 hp-
Max Torque65.7 Nm / 48.5 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm-
Engine
CO2103.0 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)97.4 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Fuel ControlDouble Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Displacement (ci)-47.35 cubic inches
Displacement (cc)-776.0 cc
Bore x Stroke (mm)-84.0 x 70.0 mm
Bore x Stroke (in,)-3.3 x 2.8 inches
Engine TypeTwin, four-strokeTwin, four-stroke
Displacement649 cc / 39.65 cu-in-
Engine DetailFour stroke, parallel twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder270-degree crankshaft layout
Fuel SystemInjection. DFI® with Keihin 36mm Keihin throttle bodiesInjection
Bore x Stroke83 x 60 mm-
Compression Ratio10.8:112.8:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooled-
Engine LubricationForced lubrication, semi and #8209;dry sumpForced feed circulation, Wet sump
Fuel Consumption4.44 litres/100 km (22.5 km/l or 52.98 mpg)4.20 litres/100 km (23.8 km/l or 56.00 mpg)
Fuel InductionDFIØ with Keihin 36mm Keihin throttle bodies-
IgnitionTCBI with electronic advanceTransistorized
LubricationWet sump-
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System-4
Drivetrain
ClutchWet multi-disc, manualWet, multi-plate
Final DriveSealed chainChain   (final drive)
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)-
Gearbox6-speed6-speed
Primary DriveSealed chain-
Transmission / Drive6 Speed -
Chassis
Frame TypeTrellis, high-tensile steelSteel
Suspension - Front41 mm hydraulic telescopic forkKYB inverted front forks
Suspension - RearHorizontal Back-link with adjustable preload swingarmAdjustable KYB link-type
Rake24° 25.0°
Trail100 mm / 3.9 in104 mm / 4.1 in.
Wheel Travel - Front125 mm / 4.9 in130 mm / 5.1 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear130 mm / 5.1 in130 mm / 5.1 in.
Electrical Systems
InstrumentationTFT InstrumentationTFT LCD multifunction instrument panel
Lighting system-LED headlights
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2x 300mm petal-style discs, 2 piston calipersDouble disc. ABS
Brakes - RearSingle 220mm petal-style discSingle disc. ABS
ABSOptional-
RimsDunlop Sportmax Roadsport 2 tiresCast aluminum alloy
Tyres - Front120/70 ZR17120/70-ZR17
Tyres - Rear160/60 ZR7-

Verdict

Too close to call

The 2021 Kawasaki Z 650 and the 2023 Suzuki GSX-8S are evenly matched across the key measurable criteria. Your decision comes down to personal preference, riding style, and which brand's dealer network best suits your location.

Key Differences

2021 Kawasaki Z 650 - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 790 mm vs 810 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • Standard ABS: A meaningful safety advantage in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.

2023 Suzuki GSX-8S - 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.
  • More ground clearance: 145 mm vs 130 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.

2021 Kawasaki Z 650 vs 2023 Suzuki GSX-8S - FAQs

Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2021 Kawasaki Z 650 or the 2023 Suzuki GSX-8S?
The 2021 Kawasaki Z 650 has the lower seat at 790 mm, making it more accessible. The 2023 Suzuki GSX-8S sits higher at 810 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Does the 2021 Kawasaki Z 650 or 2023 Suzuki GSX-8S have ABS?
The 2021 Kawasaki Z 650 is listed with ABS as standard. The 2023 Suzuki GSX-8S does not list ABS. ABS provides a meaningful safety benefit in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
Which should I buy, the 2021 Kawasaki Z 650 or the 2023 Suzuki GSX-8S?
Both are strong choices. The 2021 Kawasaki Z 650 has the edge in lower seat height and liquid cooling, while the 2023 Suzuki GSX-8S 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.