MotoSpecs

2017 Kawasaki Ninja 650 vs 2018 Yamaha YZF 600 R6

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2017 Kawasaki Ninja 650 2017 Kawasaki Ninja 650

Sport

Engine
Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder. DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Power
50.2 kW / 67.3 hp @ 8,500 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
193 kg / 425.5 lbs
2018 Yamaha YZF 600 R6 2018 Yamaha YZF 600 R6

Sport

Engine
Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Power
87.1 kW / 116.7 hp @ 14500 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
190 kg / 419 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year20172018
Make ModelKawasaki Ninja 650Yamaha YZF 600 R6
Dimensions
Seat Height790 mm / 31.1 in850 mm / 33.5 in
Wheelbase1410 mm / 55.5 in.1375 mm / 54.1 in
Ground Clearance130 mm / 5.1 in130 mm / 5.1 in
Height1135 mm / 44.6 in1095 mm / 43.1 in
Length2055 mm / 80.9 in.2040 mm / 80.3 in
Width740 mm / 29.1 in.706 mm / 27.8 in
Weights & Capacities
Fuel Capacity15 Litres / 3.9 US gal17.5 Litres / 4.5 US gal
Wet Weight193 kg / 425.5 lbs190 kg / 419 lbs
Performance
Max Power50.2 kW / 67.3 hp @ 8,500 rpm87.1 kW / 116.7 hp @ 14500 rpm
Max Torque65.7 Nm / 48.4 lb-ft @ 7000 rpm61.7 Nm / 45.5 lb-ft @ 10500 rpm
Engine
Displacement649 cc / 39.65 cu /in599 cc / 36.5 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, parallel twin cylinder. DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Bore x Stroke83 x 60 mm67 x 42.5 mm
Compression Ratio10.8:113.1;1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledLiquid cooled
Fuel InductionDFIØ with Keihin 36mm Keihin throttle bodiesFuel injection with YCC-T and YCC-I
IgnitionTCBI with electronic advanceTCI: Transistor Controlled Ignition
LubricationWet sumpWet sump
StarterElectricElectric
Drivetrain
ClutchWet multi-disc, manualMulti-plate slipper clutch
Final DriveO-ring chainO-ring chain
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)-
Transmission / Drive6 Speed 6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeSemi-double cradle, high-tensile steelDeltabox aluminium frame with revised rigidity balance
Suspension - Front41 mm hydraulic telescopic fork43mm KYB telescopic forks
Suspension - RearHorizontal Back-link with adjustable preloadKYB® piggyback shock, 4-way adjustable
Rake-24°
Trail100 mm / 3.9 in97mm / 3.8 in
Wheel Travel - Front125 mm / 4.9 in120 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear130 mm / 5.1 in120 mm / 4.7 in
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2x 300mm discs 2 piston calipers2x 320mm discs 4 piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle 220mm discSingle 220mm disc 1 piston caliper
Tyres - Front120/70 -17120/70 ZR17
Tyres - Rear160/50 -17180/55 ZR17

Verdict

Winner on specs

2017 Kawasaki Ninja 650

The 2017 Kawasaki Ninja 650 edges out the 2018 Yamaha YZF 600 R6 thanks to its lower seat height, higher rear wheel travel and larger displacement. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2017 Kawasaki Ninja 650 - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 790 mm vs 850 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Larger displacement: 649 cc vs 599 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.
  • More rear wheel travel: 130 mm vs 120 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.

2018 Yamaha YZF 600 R6 - Advantages

  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.

2017 Kawasaki Ninja 650 vs 2018 Yamaha YZF 600 R6 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2017 Kawasaki Ninja 650 and 2018 Yamaha YZF 600 R6?
The 2017 Kawasaki Ninja 650 uses Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder. DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder., while the 2018 Yamaha YZF 600 R6 is powered by Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder..
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2017 Kawasaki Ninja 650 or the 2018 Yamaha YZF 600 R6?
The 2017 Kawasaki Ninja 650 has the lower seat at 790 mm, making it more accessible. The 2018 Yamaha YZF 600 R6 sits higher at 850 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2017 Kawasaki Ninja 650 or the 2018 Yamaha YZF 600 R6?
Both are strong choices. The 2017 Kawasaki Ninja 650 has the edge in lower seat height and higher rear wheel travel, while the 2018 Yamaha YZF 600 R6 stands out for fuel injection. 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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