1966 AJS Model 31 650 vs 2023 Kawasaki Z 650RS

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
1966 AJS Model 31 650 1966 AJS Model 31 650

Classic

Engine
Four stroke, pushrod parallel twin, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder,
Power
31,4 kW / 43 hp @ 6000 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
176 kg / 388 lbs
2023 Kawasaki Z 650RS 2023 Kawasaki Z 650RS

Classic

Engine
Twin, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
412.3 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Comments-Smartphone Connectivity.
Year1957 - 66-
Colours-Metallic Moondust Gray/Ebony
Make ModelAJS Model 31 650-
Warranty-12 Month Limited Warranty
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (in.)-4.9 inches
Ground Clearance (mm)-124 mm
Seat Height-800 mm / 31.5 in.
Wheelbase-1405 mm / 55.3 in.
Height-1115 mm / 43.9 in.
Length-2065 mm / 81.3 in.
Width-765 mm / 30.1 in.
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight176 kg / 388 lbs-
Fuel Capacity16 L / 4.2 US gal15.14 litres / 4.00 US gallons
Wet Weight-187.0 kg / 412.3 lbs
Performance
Maximum RPM-12500
Max Power31,4 kW / 43 hp @ 6000 rpm-
Max Torque-65.7 Nm (6.7 kgf-m or 48.5 ft.lbs) @ 6500 Revolutions
Engine
CO2-103.0 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Bore x Stroke (mm)-83.0 x 60.0 mm
Bore x Stroke (in,)-3.3 x 2.4 inches
Displacement (ci)-39.60 cubic inches
Engine Type-Twin, four-stroke
Fuel Control-Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Displacement (cc)-649.0 cc
Displacement646 cc / 39.4 cu in-
Engine DetailFour stroke, pushrod parallel twin, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder,Die-cast aluminium cylinder and lightweight coated pistons
Fuel System-Injection. DFI® with Keihin 36mm Keihin throttle bodies
Bore x Stroke72 x 79.3 mm-
Compression Ratio7.5 : 110.8:1
Cooling SystemAir cooled-
Engine Lubrication-Forced lubrication, semi dry sump
Fuel Consumption-4.44 litres/100 km (22.5 km/l or 52.98 mpg)
Fuel InductionCarburetor-
Ignition6 V (After 1964 12 V) Magnet (Lucas K2F) TCBI with electronic advance
StarterKickElectric
Drivetrain
ClutchMulti Plate (dry, Burman)Assist and Slipper Clutch
Final DriveChainChain   (final drive)
Gearbox-6-speed
Primary Drive-Sealed chain
Transmission / Drive4 Speed-
Chassis
Frame TypeSingle cradleTrellis, high-tensile steel
Suspension - FrontHydraulic telescopic fork41 mm telescopic fork
Suspension - RearDual chocksHorizontal Back-link with preload adjustment
Rake-24.0°
Trail-100 mm / 3.9 in.
Wheel Travel - Front-124 mm / 4.9 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear-130 mm / 5.1 in.
Electrical Systems
Instrumentation-Dual-dial instrumentation with multi-function LCD screen
Lighting system-Round LED headlight
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - FrontDrumDouble disc. Petal-type rotors with two-piston calipers. ABS.
Brakes - RearDrumSingle disc. Petal disc. Single-piston. ABS.
Rims-Spoke-style cast wheels. Dunlop Sportmax Roadsport 2 tires
Tyres - Front3.25 -19120/70-ZR17
Tyres - Rear3.50 -19-
WheelsSteel, wire spokes-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2023 Kawasaki Z 650RS

The 2023 Kawasaki Z 650RS edges out the 1966 AJS Model 31 650 thanks to its 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

1966 AJS Model 31 650 - Advantages

  • Competitive all-round: The 1966 AJS Model 31 650 matches or exceeds its rival across all measured criteria.

2023 Kawasaki Z 650RS - 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.

1966 AJS Model 31 650 vs 2023 Kawasaki Z 650RS - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 1966 AJS Model 31 650 and 2023 Kawasaki Z 650RS?
The 1966 AJS Model 31 650 uses Four stroke, pushrod parallel twin, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder,, while the 2023 Kawasaki Z 650RS is powered by Twin, four-stroke.
Which should I buy, the 1966 AJS Model 31 650 or the 2023 Kawasaki Z 650RS?
Both are strong choices. The 1966 AJS Model 31 650 has its own strengths, while the 2023 Kawasaki Z 650RS 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.