By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Naked Bike
Kawasaki Z750 (MY2004) vs Suzuki SV650 (MY1999)
Kawasaki Z750 vs Suzuki SV650: no fairing, no excuses. Here's how to pick.
Turn into a bend on the Kawasaki Z750 and it's tipping in almost before you've asked, quick at the bars over a stiff frame. The Suzuki SV650 feels feather-light as it tips in, and the steering goes exactly where you point it. It stays forgiving if you misjudge the entry.
What makes each one tick
Z750
Superbike roots run through the Z750's inline-four, and it loves to rev. There's strong pull the instant the throttle opens in the middle of the revs. The soft fork and harsh rear shock don't settle once the pace climbs. The four's still pulling up top.
SV650
From low in the revs, the SV650's V-twin picks up cleanly, and it's still rushing hard at the top. The brake lever hauls down a bike that weighs 408 lb (185 kg) wet. The fork soaks up broken pavement.
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The SV650 has the lower seat: 31.5 in (800 mm) vs 32.1 in (815 mm).
- The SV650 has the lower wet weight: 408 lb (185 kg) vs 481 lb (218 kg).
- The Z750 makes more peak power: 110 hp (81 kW) vs 71 hp (52 kW).
Which one for the way you ride
Comfortable long-distance riding
Neither is a natural fit
Big miles aren't where either one shines. You'll be watching for the next rest stop.
A confidence-building first motorcycle
No verdict: Z750
Too much motor for a beginner: the Z750 sits this one out.
Traveling with luggage
Both miss here
Both of these make awkward travel bikes. Pack light and keep the trips short.
These two run dead level on commuting and twisty roads. Sit on both in the showroom and trust what your body says.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
Z750
What owners say
Strengths
- Rev-happy, superbike-derived engine
- Outstanding value for performance
Trade-offs
- Budget suspension lacks composure
- Adequate but wooden front brakes
- Prone to cosmetic corrosion
- Uncomfortable seat for longer trips
SV650
What owners say
Strengths
- Charismatic V-twin engine
- Sweet, neutral handling
- Exceptional value for money
Trade-offs
- Soft, budget suspension
Known problems to check before you buy
Z750
No confirmed faults on file yet. That's not the same as fault-free.
SV650
- Clutch cover gasket leak The clutch cover gasket can seep oil over time.
What they share
- Cooling
- Liquid-cooled
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Final drive
- Chain
- Fork
- Telescopic
Where the spec sheets split
| Z750 | SV650 | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 32.1 in (815 mm) | 31.5 in (800 mm) |
| Wet weight | 481 lb (218 kg) | 408 lb (185 kg) |
| Z750 | SV650 | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 748 cc | 645 cc |
| Engine | Inline-four | 90° V-twin |
| Power | 110 hp (81 kW) | 71 hp (52 kW) |
| Peak power at | 10,500 rpm | 8,500 rpm |
| Torque | 55 lb-ft (75 Nm) | 46 lb-ft (62 Nm) |
| Peak torque at | 8,200 rpm | 7,200 rpm |
| Top speed | 138 mph (222 km/h) | 123 mph (198 km/h) |
| Z750 | SV650 | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy | 35 mpg (US) / 6.73 L/100 km | 33 mpg (US) / 7.1 L/100 km |
| Fuel capacity | 4.8 US gal (18 L) | 4.2 US gal (16 L) |
| Z750 | SV650 | |
|---|---|---|
| Front brake | 300 mm | 290 mm |
| Front tire | 120/70-17 | 120/60-17 |
| Rear tire | 180/55-17 | 160/60-17 |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
