2018 Kawasaki Z 650 Specifications

Name: 2018 Kawasaki Z 650
Brand: Kawasaki

Naked bike • Specs last verified 13 July 2026

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2018 Kawasaki Z 650 Overview

The 2018 Kawasaki Z 650 is a naked bike motorcycle built around 649 cc of displacement. Under the tank sits a Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder. DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder engine, a compression ratio of 10.8:1. 2018 Kawasaki Z 650 delivers 50.2 kW @ 8500 rpm of peak power and 65.7 Nm @ 7000 rpm of torque. From a practical standpoint, the 2018 Z 650 tips the scales at 184 kg, carries a 15-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 785 mm and spans a 1410 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 17 kg lighter than the average naked bike in our database. Scroll down for the complete 2018 Kawasaki Z 650 spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.

2018 Kawasaki Z 650 compared with other bikes in the Naked bike category

Here is how the 2018 Kawasaki Z 650 stacks up against other bikes in the Naked bike category in our database. Each model counts once, using the model year closest to this one, and the comparison covers up to 1311 models.

Wet weight of 184 kg is lighter than that of 691 of the other 941 bikes in the Naked bike category.
Only 386 of the other 1310 bikes in the Naked bike category have a lower seat height than the 785 mm of the Z 650.
Narrowing the field to the 409 models within five model years of it, the wet weight of 184 kg is lighter than that of 296 of the other 408.

Versus the 2017 model

The figures we track are unchanged from the 2017 model: peak power, peak torque, wet weight, displacement and seat height all match.

2018 Z 650 - Pros & Cons

Strengths

Strong power output: 2018 Kawasaki Z 650 makes 50.2 kW @ 8500 rpm with 65.7 Nm @ 7000 rpm of torque - competitive figures for its class.
Strong front braking: The disc front brake gives excellent stopping power and responds well to aftermarket braided lines.

Considerations

Chain final drive upkeep: Chain final drive needs regular cleaning, lubrication and tension checks to get full life out of the sprockets.

Wear Points & Servicing Notes

Cooling system servicing

The Liquid cooled system on the Z 650 needs a coolant change roughly every two years (or per the service schedule) - skipping it lets the coolant turn acidic and corrode the aluminium water passages over time.

Brake disc and pad wear

The disc front brake gives strong, progressive stopping power. Disc thickness and pad depth are worth checking at every tyre change, since worn pads can score the disc surface.

Suspension condition on used examples

Up front, the Z 650 runs 41 mm hydraulic telescopic fork and Horizontal Back-link with adjustable preload at the rear. On a used example, check fork seals for weeping oil and test the rear linkage for play - seals are a relatively cheap fix but useful when negotiating price.

Final drive maintenance

Final drive is by chain - expect to clean and lube it every few hundred kilometres and check tension regularly; a neglected chain wears the sprockets faster than the chain itself.

Frame & chassis check

The frame is Semi-double cradle, high-tensile steel - worth a visual check for corrosion or impact damage around the head-stock and swingarm pivot on any used example, since frame damage is far costlier to fix than any service item.

Z 650 - Buying & Maintenance Guide

What to check before buying

When inspecting a used 2018 Kawasaki Z 650 with its 649 cc naked bike, start with the basics: check the service book for oil change frequency, inspect the drivetrain for wear, and look for oil seepage around the engine casings and rocker covers. This model runs chain final drive, so check chain slack and sprocket tooth profile specifically - a worn sprocket is a cheaper fix now than after it's chewed up the next chain. Now 8 years old, this naked bike is as likely to show age-related wear (perished rubber, seized fasteners, degraded seals) as mileage-related wear. A cold start test is invaluable - a well-maintained Z 650 should fire up cleanly and settle to a smooth idle within a few seconds.

Oil and filter changes

Regular oil changes are the single most important maintenance task for the Z 650's 649 cc four stroke, parallel twin cylinder. dohc, 4 valves per cylinder. Stick to the manufacturer's interval - typically every 6,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. With a 10.8:1 compression ratio, running the octane grade specified in the manual matters more than on a lower-compression engine. Always use the correct viscosity grade as specified in the owner's manual.

Carburetor upkeep

Keep the carburetors clean and free of deposits. If the Z 650 has been stored, strip and clean the carb float bowls before attempting to start it. Pilot jets are the first to block and the last to be checked - always include them in any carb rebuild.

2018 Kawasaki Z 650 - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 2018 Kawasaki Z 650 have?

The 2018 Kawasaki Z 650 uses a Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder. DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder engine with 649 cc of displacement. It is liquid cooled.

How much does the 2018 Kawasaki Z 650 weigh?

The 2018 Kawasaki Z 650 weighs 184 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.

How much power does the 2018 Kawasaki Z 650 make?

The 2018 Kawasaki Z 650 produces 50.2 kW @ 8500 rpm of power and 65.7 Nm @ 7000 rpm of torque. These are peak figures.

What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2018 Kawasaki Z 650?

The 2018 Kawasaki Z 650 has a 15-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 250-300 km between stops.

Is the 2018 Kawasaki Z 650 suitable for shorter riders?

The 2018 Kawasaki Z 650 has a seat height of 785 mm. This is a moderate seat height that suits a wide range of rider heights.

What brakes does the 2018 Kawasaki Z 650 have?

The 2018 Kawasaki Z 650 uses 2x 300mm discs 4 piston calipers at the front and single 220mm disc at the rear.

What tyre sizes does the 2018 Kawasaki Z 650 use?

The 2018 Kawasaki Z 650 runs 120/70 -17 front and 160/50 -17 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.

What gearbox does the 2018 Kawasaki Z 650 have?

The 2018 Kawasaki Z 650 is fitted with a 6 Speed transmission.

Kawasaki Z 650 Spec Evolution

The Kawasaki Z 650 was produced across 12 model years (1976-2023). The table below highlights the key specifications that changed across the production run - useful whether you are comparing years or tracking down a specific variant.

Specification	1976	1977	1978	1981	1983	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
Max Power	66 hp / 48.2 kW @ 8500 rpm	66 hp / 48.2 kW @ 8500 rpm	66 hp / 48.2 kW @ 8500 rpm	66 hp / 48.2 kW @ 8500 rpm	66 hp / 48.2 kW @ 8500 rpm	50.2 kW / 67.3 hp @ 8500 rpm	50.2 kW / 67.3 hp @ 8500 rpm	50.2 kW / 67.3 hp @ 8500 rpm	50.2 kW / 67.3 hp @ 8500 rpm	50.2 kW / 67.3 hp	50.2 kW / 67.3 hp	-
Wet Weight	220 kg / 485 lbs	220 kg / 485 lbs	220 kg / 485 lbs	220 kg / 485.0 lbs	237 kg / 522.4 lbs	184 kg / 406 lbs	184 kg / 406 lbs	184 kg / 406 lbs	184 kg / 406 lbs	187 kg / 412.3 lbs	187 kg / 412.3 lbs	187.0 kg / 412.3 lbs
Dry Weight	211 kg / 465 lbs	211 kg / 465 lbs	211 kg / 465 lbs	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Engine Detail	Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 2 valves per cylinder	Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 2 valves per cylinder	Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 2 valves per cylinder	Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 2 valves per cylinder	Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 2 valves per cylinder	Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder. DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder	Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder. DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder	Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder. DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder	Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder. DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder	Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder	Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder	Die-cast aluminium cylinder and lightweight coated pistons
Seat Height	800 mm / 31.5 in	800 mm / 31.5 in	800 mm / 31.5 in	800mm / 31.5 in	800mm / 31.5 in	785 mm / 30.9 in	785 mm / 30.9 in	785 mm / 30.9 in	785 mm / 30.9 in	790 mm / 31.1 in	790 mm / 31.1 in	790 mm / 31.1 in.
Fuel Capacity	16.5 Litres / 4.3 US gal	16.5 Litres / 4.3 US gal	16.5 Litres / 4.3 US gal	16.5 Litres / 4.3 US gal	16.5 Litres / 4.3 US gal	15 Litres / 4.0 US gal	15 Litres / 4.0 US gal	15 Litres / 4.0 US gal	15 Litres / 4.0 US gal	15 Litres / 4.0 US gal	15 Litres / 4.0 US gal	15.14 litres / 4.00 US gallons
Comments	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	Rideology the App Smartphone Connectivity	Smartphone Connectivity	Smartphone Connectivity.	Traction control. Smartphone Connectivity.
Frame Type	Steel twin loop cradle	Steel twin loop cradle	Steel twin loop cradle	Steel twin loop cradle	Steel twin loop cradle	Semi-double cradle, high-tensile steel	Semi-double cradle, high-tensile steel	Semi-double cradle, high-tensile steel	Semi-double cradle, high-tensile steel	Trellis, high-tensile steel	Trellis, high-tensile steel	Trellis, high-tensile steel

Key Specifications

Engine

Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder. DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder

Power

50.2 kW / 67.3 hp @ 8500 rpm

Torque

65.7 Nm / 48.4 lb-ft @ 7000 rpm

Top Speed

Not recorded

Weight

184 kg / 406 lbs

Fuel Capacity

15 Litres / 4.0 US gal

Full 2018 Kawasaki Z 650 Specifications

Year 2018

Make Model Kawasaki Z 650

Seat Height 785 mm / 30.9 in

Wheelbase 1410 mm / 55.5 in

Ground Clearance 130 mm / 5.1 in

Height 1080 mm / 42.5 in

Length 2055 mm / 80.9 in

Width 779 mm / 30.6 in

Fuel Capacity 15 Litres / 4.0 US gal

Wet Weight 184 kg / 406 lbs

Max Power 50.2 kW / 67.3 hp @ 8500 rpm

Max Torque 65.7 Nm / 48.4 lb-ft @ 7000 rpm

Displacement 649 cc / 39.65 cu-in

Engine Detail Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder. DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder

Bore x Stroke 83 x 60 mm

Compression Ratio 10.8:1

Cooling System Liquid cooled

Fuel Induction DFIØ with Keihin 36mm Keihin throttle bodies

Ignition TCBI with electronic advance

Lubrication Wet sump

Starter Electric

Clutch Wet multi-disc, manual

Final Drive Sealed chain

Gear Ratios 1st 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 / Drive 6 Speed

Frame Type Semi-double cradle, high-tensile steel

Suspension - Front 41 mm hydraulic telescopic fork

Suspension - Rear Horizontal Back-link with adjustable preload

Rake 24°

Trail 100 mm / 3.9 in

Wheel Travel - Front 125 mm / 4.9 in

Wheel Travel - Rear 130 mm / 5.1 in

Brakes - Front 2x 300mm discs 4 piston calipers

Brakes - Rear Single 220mm disc

ABS Optional

Tyres - Front 120/70 -17

Tyres - Rear 160/50 -17

Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis. Spot an error? Let us know.