MotoSpecs

2018 Kawasaki Z 650 vs 2015 MV Agusta Rivale 800

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2018 Kawasaki Z 650 2018 Kawasaki Z 650

Naked bike

Engine
Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder. DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Power
50.2 kW / 67.3 hp @ 8500 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
184 kg / 406 lbs
2015 MV Agusta Rivale 800 2015 MV Agusta Rivale 800

Naked bike

Engine
Four stroke, transverse three cylinder. DOHC, 4 Valve per cylinder,
Power
92 kW / 125 hp @ 11600 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
178 kg / 392.4 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year20182014 - 15
Make ModelKawasaki Z 650MV Agusta Rivale 800
Dimensions
Seat Height785 mm / 30.9 in881 mm / 34.6 in
Wheelbase1410 mm / 55.5 in1410 mm / 55,5 in
Ground Clearance130 mm / 5.1 in142 mm / 5.5 in
Height1080 mm / 42.5 in-
Length2055 mm / 80.9 in2070 mm / 81.5 in
Width779 mm / 30.6 in885 mm / 34,8 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight-178 kg / 392.4 lbs
Fuel Capacity15 Litres / 4.0 US gal16.6 Litres / 4.3 US gal
Wet Weight184 kg / 406 lbs-
Performance
Max Power50.2 kW / 67.3 hp @ 8500 rpm92 kW / 125 hp @ 11600 rpm
Max Torque65.7 Nm / 48.4 lb-ft @ 7000 rpm81 Nm / 8.25 kgf-m @ 9600 rpm.
Engine
Displacement649 cc / 39.65 cu-in798 cc / 48.7 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, parallel twin cylinder. DOHC, 4 valves per cylinderFour stroke, transverse three cylinder. DOHC, 4 Valve per cylinder,
Bore x Stroke83 x 60 mm79 x 54.3 mm
Compression Ratio10.8:113.3:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledLiquid Cooled
Fuel InductionDFIØ with Keihin 36mm Keihin throttle bodiesIntegrated ignition - injection system MVICS (Motor & Vehicle Integrated Control System) with three injectors Engine control unit Eldor EM2.0, throttle body full drive by wire Mikuni, pencil-coil with ion-sensing technology, control of detonation and misfire Torque control with four maps, Traction Control with eight levels of intervention
IgnitionTCBI with electronic advanceMultipoint electronic injection
LubricationWet sump-
StarterElectricElectric
Drivetrain
ClutchWet multi-disc, manualWet, multi-disc with mechanical drive Cassette style
Final DriveSealed chainChain
Final Drive Ratio-16/41
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)1st: 13/37 2nd 16/34 3rd 18/32 4th 19/30 5th 21/30 6th 22/29
Transmission / Drive6 Speed 6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeSemi-double cradle, high-tensile steelALS Steel tubular trellis Aluminium alloy
Suspension - Front41 mm hydraulic telescopic fork43mm Marzocchi "UPSIDE DOWN" telescopic hydraulic fork with rebound-compression damping and spring preload external and separate adjustment
Suspension - RearHorizontal Back-link with adjustable preloadProgressive Sachs, single shock absorber with rebound and compression damping and spring preload adjustment Single sided swing arm material Aluminium alloy
Rake24° -
Trail100 mm / 3.9 in104,5 mm / 4.1 in
Wheel Travel - Front125 mm / 4.9 in150 mm / 5.91in
Wheel Travel - Rear130 mm / 5.1 in130 mm / 5.1 in
Electrical Systems
Alternator-350 Wat 5000 r.p.m. 12V-8.6Ah
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2x 300mm discs 4 piston calipers2x 320mm floating discs, Brembo radial-type, with 4 pistons calipers
Brakes - RearSingle 220mm discSingle 220mm floating disc Brembo with 2 pistons calipers
ABSOptional-
Tyres - Front120/70 -17120/70 - ZR 17 M/C (58 W)
Tyres - Rear160/50 -17180/55 - ZR 17 M/C (73 W)

Verdict

Winner on specs

2015 MV Agusta Rivale 800

The 2015 MV Agusta Rivale 800 edges out the 2018 Kawasaki Z 650 thanks to its fuel injection, greater ground clearance, higher front wheel travel and larger displacement. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2018 Kawasaki Z 650 - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 785 mm vs 881 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Standard ABS: A meaningful safety advantage in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.

2015 MV Agusta Rivale 800 - Advantages

  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.
  • Larger displacement: 798 cc vs 649 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.
  • More ground clearance: 142 mm vs 130 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.
  • More front wheel travel: 150 mm vs 125 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2018 Kawasaki Z 650 vs 2015 MV Agusta Rivale 800 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2018 Kawasaki Z 650 and 2015 MV Agusta Rivale 800?
The 2018 Kawasaki Z 650 uses Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder. DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, while the 2015 MV Agusta Rivale 800 is powered by Four stroke, transverse three cylinder. DOHC, 4 Valve per cylinder,.
Which is lighter, the 2018 Kawasaki Z 650 or the 2015 MV Agusta Rivale 800?
The 2015 MV Agusta Rivale 800 is lighter at 178 kg compared to 184 kg for the 2018 Kawasaki Z 650 - a difference of 6 kg. This is a small difference unlikely to be a deciding factor in everyday riding.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2018 Kawasaki Z 650 or the 2015 MV Agusta Rivale 800?
The 2018 Kawasaki Z 650 has the lower seat at 785 mm, making it more accessible. The 2015 MV Agusta Rivale 800 sits higher at 881 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Does the 2018 Kawasaki Z 650 or 2015 MV Agusta Rivale 800 have ABS?
The 2018 Kawasaki Z 650 is listed with ABS as standard. The 2015 MV Agusta Rivale 800 does not list ABS. ABS provides a meaningful safety benefit in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
Which should I buy, the 2018 Kawasaki Z 650 or the 2015 MV Agusta Rivale 800?
Both are strong choices. The 2018 Kawasaki Z 650 has the edge in lower seat height and standard ABS, while the 2015 MV Agusta Rivale 800 stands out for fuel injection and greater ground clearance. 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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