2021 Kawasaki Z 650 Specifications

Name: 2021 Kawasaki Z 650
Brand: Kawasaki

Naked bike • Specs last verified 13 July 2026

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2021 Kawasaki Z 650 Overview

The 2021 Kawasaki Z 650 is a naked bike motorcycle built around 649 cc of displacement. Under the tank sits a Twin, four-stroke engine running Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC) valve actuation, a compression ratio of 10.8:1. 2021 Kawasaki Z 650 delivers 50.2 kW of peak power and 65.7 Nm @ 6500 rpm of torque. From a practical standpoint, the 2021 Z 650 tips the scales at 187 kg, carries a 15-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 790 mm and spans a 1410 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 21.5 kg lighter than the average naked bike motorcycle in our database. Scroll down for the complete 2021 Kawasaki Z 650 spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.

2021 Z 650 - Pros & Cons

Strengths

Strong power output: 2021 Kawasaki Z 650 makes 50.2 kW with 65.7 Nm @ 6500 rpm of torque - competitive figures for its class.

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.

Valve clearance checks

Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC) valve actuation on the Z 650 means clearances should be checked at the manufacturer's specified interval - they can tighten as mileage accumulates, and a light top-end tick is usually the first sign.

Brake disc and pad wear

The 2x 300mm petal-style discs, 2 piston calipers 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 swingarm 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 Trellis, 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 2021 Kawasaki Z 650, start with the basics: check the service book for oil change frequency, inspect the chain and sprockets for wear, and look for oil seepage around the engine casings and rocker covers. 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 on any Z 650. Stick to the manufacturer's interval - typically every 6,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. 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.

Valve clearance service

Check that valve clearances have been adjusted at the correct intervals on any used Z 650. A bike with clearances out of spec doesn't always feel obviously wrong - but tight clearances accelerate valve seat wear. Ask for service documentation proving it's been done.

2021 Kawasaki Z 650 - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 2021 Kawasaki Z 650 have?

The 2021 Kawasaki Z 650 uses a Twin, four-stroke engine with 649 cc of displacement. It is liquid cooled.

How much does the 2021 Kawasaki Z 650 weigh?

The 2021 Kawasaki Z 650 weighs 187 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.

How much power does the 2021 Kawasaki Z 650 make?

The 2021 Kawasaki Z 650 produces 50.2 kW of power and 65.7 Nm @ 6500 rpm of torque. These are peak figures.

What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2021 Kawasaki Z 650?

The 2021 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 2021 Kawasaki Z 650 suitable for shorter riders?

The 2021 Kawasaki Z 650 has a seat height of 790 mm. This is a moderate seat height that suits a wide range of rider heights.

What brakes does the 2021 Kawasaki Z 650 have?

The 2021 Kawasaki Z 650 uses 2x 300mm petal-style discs, 2 piston calipers at the front and Single 220mm petal-style disc at the rear.

What tyre sizes does the 2021 Kawasaki Z 650 use?

The 2021 Kawasaki Z 650 runs 120/70 ZR17 front and 160/60 ZR7 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.

What gearbox does the 2021 Kawasaki Z 650 have?

The 2021 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

Twin, four-stroke

Power

50.2 kW / 67.3 hp

Torque

65.7 Nm / 48.5 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm

Top Speed

Not published by manufacturer

Weight

187 kg / 412.3 lbs

Fuel Capacity

15 Litres / 4.0 US gal

Full 2021 Kawasaki Z 650 Specifications

Comments Smartphone Connectivity

Year 2021

Colours Pearl Blizzard White/Metallic Spark Black, Metallic Spark Black/Metallic Flat Spark Black

Make Model Kawasaki Z 650

Warranty 12 Month Limited Warranty

Ground Clearance (mm) 130 mm

Ground Clearance (in.) 5.1 inches

Seat Height 790 mm / 31.1 in

Wheelbase 1410 mm / 55.5 in

Ground Clearance 130 mm / 5.1 in

Height 1064 mm / 41.9 in

Length 2065 mm / 81.3 in

Width 764.5 mm / 30.1 in

Fuel Capacity 15 Litres / 4.0 US gal

Wet Weight 187 kg / 412.3 lbs

Maximum RPM 12500

Max Power 50.2 kW / 67.3 hp

Max Torque 65.7 Nm / 48.5 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm

CO2 103.0 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)

Engine Type Twin, four-stroke

Fuel Control Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)

Displacement 649 cc / 39.65 cu-in

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

Fuel System Injection. DFI® with Keihin 36mm Keihin throttle bodies

Bore x Stroke 83 x 60 mm

Compression Ratio 10.8:1

Cooling System Liquid cooled

Engine Lubrication Forced lubrication, semi and #8209;dry sump

Fuel Consumption 4.44 litres/100 km (22.5 km/l or 52.98 mpg)

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)

Gearbox 6-speed

Primary Drive Sealed chain

Transmission / Drive 6 Speed

Frame Type Trellis, high-tensile steel

Suspension - Front 41 mm hydraulic telescopic fork

Suspension - Rear Horizontal Back-link with adjustable preload swingarm

Rake 24°

Trail 100 mm / 3.9 in

Wheel Travel - Front 125 mm / 4.9 in

Wheel Travel - Rear 130 mm / 5.1 in

Instrumentation TFT Instrumentation

Brakes - Front 2x 300mm petal-style discs, 2 piston calipers

Brakes - Rear Single 220mm petal-style disc

ABS Optional

Rims Dunlop Sportmax Roadsport 2 tires

Tyres - Front 120/70 ZR17

Tyres - Rear 160/60 ZR7

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