1981 BMW R 65 vs 2023 Kawasaki Z 650RS
Full specifications comparison •
2 motorcycles
Full Specifications
Differs
Same
| General |
| Comments | - | Smartphone Connectivity. |
| Colours | - | Metallic Moondust Gray/Ebony |
| 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 |
| Fuel Capacity | 22.00 litres / 5.81 gallons | 15.14 litres / 4.00 US gallons |
| Wet Weight | 204.0 kg / 449.7 lbs | 187.0 kg / 412.3 lbs |
| Performance |
| Maximum RPM | - | 12500 |
| Top Speed | 175.0 km/h / 108.7 mph | - |
| Max Torque | - | 65.7 Nm (6.7 kgf-m or 48.5 ft.lbs) @ 6500 Revolutions |
| Engine |
| Bore x Stroke (in,) | 3.2 x 2.4 inches | 3.3 x 2.4 inches |
| CO2 | - | 103.0 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission) |
| Bore x Stroke (mm) | 82.0 x 61.5 mm | 83.0 x 60.0 mm |
| Displacement (cc) | 649.00 cc | 649.0 cc |
| Displacement (ci) | 39.60 cubic inches | 39.60 cubic inches |
| Engine Type | Two cylinder boxer | Twin, four-stroke |
| Stroke | 4 | - |
| Fuel Control | OHV | Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC) |
| Engine Detail | - | Die-cast aluminium cylinder and lightweight coated pistons |
| Fuel System | - | Injection. DFI® with Keihin 36mm Keihin throttle bodies |
| Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Engine Lubrication | - | Forced lubrication, semi dry sump |
| Fuel Consumption | - | 4.44 litres/100 km (22.5 km/l or 52.98 mpg) |
| Ignition | - | TCBI with electronic advance |
| Starter | - | Electric |
| Valve System | 2 | - |
| Drivetrain |
| Clutch | - | Assist and Slipper Clutch |
| Final Drive | Shaft drive (cardan) | Chain (final drive) |
| Gearbox | 5-speed | 6-speed |
| Primary Drive | - | Sealed chain |
| Chassis |
| Frame Type | - | Trellis, high-tensile steel |
| Suspension - Front | - | 41 mm telescopic fork |
| Suspension - Rear | - | Horizontal 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 - Front | Single disc | Double disc. Petal-type rotors with two-piston calipers. ABS. |
| Brakes - Rear | Expanding brake | Single disc. Petal disc. Single-piston. ABS. |
| Rims | - | Spoke-style cast wheels. Dunlop Sportmax Roadsport 2 tires |
| Tyres - Front | 3.25-18 | 120/70-ZR17 |
| Tyres - Rear | 4.00-18 | - |
Verdict
🏆
Winner on specs
2023 Kawasaki Z 650RS
The 2023 Kawasaki Z 650RS edges out the 1981 BMW R 65 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
1981 BMW R 65 - Advantages
- ✓Competitive all-round: The 1981 BMW R 65 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.
1981 BMW R 65 vs 2023 Kawasaki Z 650RS - FAQs
What are the engine differences between the 1981 BMW R 65 and 2023 Kawasaki Z 650RS?
The 1981 BMW R 65 uses Two cylinder boxer, while the 2023 Kawasaki Z 650RS is powered by Twin, four-stroke.
Which should I buy, the 1981 BMW R 65 or the 2023 Kawasaki Z 650RS?
Both are strong choices. The 1981 BMW R 65 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.