2015 Kawasaki KLR 650 vs 2016 Honda NC750X

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2015 Kawasaki KLR 650 2015 Kawasaki KLR 650

Super motard

Engine
Single cylinder, four-stroke
Power
42.1 hp / 31 kW @ 7000 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
432.0 pounds
2016 Honda NC750X 2016 Honda NC750X

Super motard

Engine
Twin, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
482.8 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Year2015-
ColoursCandy Lime Green/Ebony, Metallic Flat Raw Graystone/Ebony, Pearl Stardust White/EbonyBlack, Red, white, grey
Make ModelKawasaki KLR 650-
Warranty12 Months-
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)211 mm165 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)8.3 inches6.5 inches
Seat Height889 mm / 35 in830 mm / 32.7 in.
Wheelbase1480 mm / 58.3 in1,540 mm / 60.6 in.
Ground Clearance210 mm / 8.3 in-
Height1350 mm / 53.1 in1,285 mm / 50.6 in.
Length2295 mm / 90.4 in2,210 mm / 87.0 in.
Width960 mm / 37.8 in840 mm / 33.1 in.
Weights & Capacities
Oil Capacity (l)-3.70 litres
Oil Capacity (Quarts)-0.24 quarts
Fuel Capacity23 Litres / 5.8 gal.14.10 litres / 3.73 gallons
Wet Weight194 kg / 432 lbs219.0 kg / 482.8 lbs
Performance
Max Power42.1 hp / 31 kW @ 7000 rpm-
Max Torque47 Nm / 4.7 kgf-m @ 5000 rpm68.00 Nm (6.9 kgf-m or 50.2 ft.lbs) @ 4750 Revolutions
Engine
Bore x Stroke (in,)-3.0 x 3.1 inches
Bore x Stroke (mm)-77.0 x 80.0 mm
Displacement (cc)-745.00 cc
Displacement (ci)-45.46 cubic inches
Fuel ControlDouble Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)-
Engine TypeSingle cylinder, four-strokeTwin, four-stroke
Displacement651 cc / 39.7 cu-in-
Engine DetailFour stroke, single cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder-
Fuel SystemCarburettor. Keihin CVK40Injection
Bore x Stroke100 x 83 mm.-
Compression Ratio9.8:110.7:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooled-
Fuel InductionKeihin CVK40-
IgnitionTransistorizedABS
Lubrication Forced lubrication (wet sump)-
StarterElectricElectric
Drivetrain
Clutch Wet multi-disc, cable operationWet multiplate hydraulic clutch (DCT:Wet multiplate hydraulic 2-clutch)
Final DriveSealed ChainChain
Final Drive Ratio 2.867 (43/15)-
Gear Ratios1st 2.266 (34/15) 2nd 1.444 (26/18) 3rd 1.136 (25/22) 4th 0.954 (21/22) 5th 0.791 (19/24)-
Gearbox5-speed6-speed
Primary Drive Ratios 2.272 / 75/33-
Transmission / Drive5 Speed -
Chassis
Frame TypeSemi-double Cradle Made of high-tech, round-section, high-tensile steelDiamond; steel pipe
Suspension - Front41mm Air-adjustable forks,Showa “dual-bending valve” front fork
Suspension - RearUni-Trak® linkage, 5-way preload shock absorber with 4way rebound damping.Monoshock damper, Pro-Link swingarm
Rake 28.0°27.0°
Trail112 mm / 4.4 in110 mm / 4.3 in.
Wheel Travel - Front200 mm / 7.8 in-
Wheel Travel - Rear185 mm / 7.2 in-
Electrical Systems
Lighting system-LED lights front and rear
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)-240 mm
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)280 mm320 mm
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)11.0 inches12.6 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)-9.4 inches
Brakes - FrontSingle 280mm disc 2 piston caliperSingle disc. Hydraulic. Two-piston calipers.
Brakes - RearSingle 203mm disc 1 piston caliperSingle disc. Hydraulic. Single-piston caliper.
Rims-17M/C x MT4.50
Tyres - Front90/90 -21120/70-ZR17
Tyres - Rear130/80 -17160/60-ZR17

Verdict

Too close to call

The 2015 Kawasaki KLR 650 and the 2016 Honda NC750X 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

2015 Kawasaki KLR 650 - Advantages

  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • More ground clearance: 210 mm vs 165 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.

2016 Honda NC750X - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 830 mm vs 889 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.

2015 Kawasaki KLR 650 vs 2016 Honda NC750X - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2015 Kawasaki KLR 650 and 2016 Honda NC750X?
The 2015 Kawasaki KLR 650 uses Single cylinder, four-stroke, while the 2016 Honda NC750X is powered by Twin, four-stroke.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2015 Kawasaki KLR 650 or the 2016 Honda NC750X?
The 2016 Honda NC750X has the lower seat at 830 mm, making it more accessible. The 2015 Kawasaki KLR 650 sits higher at 889 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2015 Kawasaki KLR 650 or the 2016 Honda NC750X?
Both are strong choices. The 2015 Kawasaki KLR 650 has the edge in liquid cooling and greater ground clearance, while the 2016 Honda NC750X stands out for lower seat height 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.