By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Retro Classic
Triumph Speed Twin 900 (MY2025) vs Kawasaki Z650 RS (MY2022)
Triumph Speed Twin 900 vs Kawasaki Z650 RS: style matters. So does everything underneath.
Out of a tight bend, the Triumph Speed Twin 900 doesn't need revs to pull hard. Aboard the Kawasaki Z650 RS, the fun's in the turning itself. It flicks in light and changes line on a nudge.
So which one do you buy?
The Speed Twin 900 has the edge if…
Character, looks and sound
By a nose: Speed Twin 900
On character, the Speed Twin 900 edges it. Most of that is more retro style and more distinctive styling. Your eyes get the final say.
Keeping running costs low
Narrow edge: Speed Twin 900
Over a year of riding, the Speed Twin 900 noses ahead on running costs. A neglected example would wipe that out.
The Z650 RS has the edge if…
Sporty riding on twisty roads
Edges it: Z650 RS
Back-road fun leans slightly toward the Z650 RS. Credit stronger brakes. It's a narrow call, so trust your test ride.
Which one's the smarter buy
No clear winner on value
The price gap doesn't produce a clear winner. Neither bike is the clear better buy for the money.
What makes each one tick
Speed Twin 900
There's a back-road streak in the Speed Twin 900, thanks to its shorter wheelbase and Marzocchi suspension. Into a corner, the bar doesn't fight you as the bike tips in. At a stop, the pavement's within easy reach of the 30.7 in (780 mm) seat.
Z650 RS
The Z650 RS's twin has a mechanical, slightly lumpy edge that's right at home behind the teardrop tank. The brake lever builds its bite progressively, and there's plenty of stopping power behind it. The clutch lever's almost weightless.
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The Speed Twin 900 has the lower seat: 30.7 in (780 mm) vs 31.5 in (800 mm).
- The Z650 RS has the lower wet weight: 412 lb (187 kg) vs 476 lb (216 kg).
- The Speed Twin 900 makes more peak torque: 59 lb-ft (80 Nm) vs 49 lb-ft (66 Nm).
Which one for the way you ride
Comfortable long-distance riding
Neither one fits
Both of these get tiring on a long day. A proper tourer will treat you better on big miles.
These two run dead level on commuting. 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
Speed Twin 900
What owners say
Strengths
- Sleeker, more dynamic styling
- Approachable with friendly characteristics and low seat height
- Enough engine pep to drive out corners
- Genuine sporting capability from upgraded chassis
Z650 RS
What owners say
Strengths
- Lightweight and agile handling
- Comfortable and relaxed ergonomics
- Elegant retro styling with authentic details
- Good braking performance with standard ABS
- Soulful parallel-twin with strong mid-range
Known problems to check before you buy
Speed Twin 900
- Rear turn signal non‑compliance recall (SRAN630 / 25V141) Recall 25V141000 The red rear turn signals were installed too close to the tail light, failing to meet FMVSS 108. Dealers will replace them with amber signals free of charge. Affects all 2025 Speed Twin 900, 1200, and 1200 RS models.
- Hard starting when cold A 2025 owner reports the engine requires two start attempts and occasionally sputters or dies when cold; ambient temperature not believed to be a factor.
- Fork noise when cold A knocking or rattling noise may be heard from the front forks under compression over uneven road surfaces, particularly when cold.
Z650 RS
- Clunky gearbox Shifts can feel notchy or require extra effort, particularly between first and second gear, especially when the engine is cold. While generally reliable, the transmission lacks the refinement of some competitors.
- Abrupt low-speed throttle / lean surging At small throttle openings in first or second gear, the engine can feel jerky or hesitant, making smooth low-speed riding challenging. Often attributed to lean OEM mapping to meet emissions.
What they cost used
These prices compare a 1-year-old Speed Twin 900 with a 1-year-old Z650 RS.
- Speed Twin 900
- $9,000
- Z650 RS
- $7,200
At one year old, the Triumph Speed Twin 900 sits around $9,000 while the Kawasaki Z650 RS lands near $7,200. That's an $1,800 gap in the Z650 RS's favor. These are recorded figures from the used market, not live listings.
What they share
- Engine
- Parallel twin
- Cooling
- Liquid-cooled
- Fuel capacity
- 3.2 US gal (12 L)
- Final drive
- Chain
Where the spec sheets split
| Speed Twin 900 | Z650 RS | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 30.7 in (780 mm) | 31.5 in (800 mm) |
| Wet weight | 476 lb (216 kg) | 412 lb (187 kg) |
| Speed Twin 900 | Z650 RS | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 900 cc | 649 cc |
| Power | 64 hp (48 kW) | 68 hp (50 kW) |
| Peak power at | 7,500 rpm | 8,000 rpm |
| Torque | 59 lb-ft (80 Nm) | 49 lb-ft (66 Nm) |
| Peak torque at | 3,800 rpm | 6,700 rpm |
| Speed Twin 900 | Z650 RS | |
|---|---|---|
| Gearbox | 5-speed | 6-speed |
| Fork | Upside-down (USD) | Telescopic |
| Front tire | 100/90-18 | 120/70-17 |
| Rear tire | 150/70-17 | 160/60-17 |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| Speed Twin 900 | Z650 RS | |
|---|---|---|
| Traction Control | Standard | Not offered |
| Ride Modes | Standard | Not offered |
| Cruise Control | Option | Not offered |
| Smartphone Connectivity | Option | Not offered |
| USB Charging Port | Standard | Option |
| Heated Grips | Option | Not offered |
| Luggage System | Option | Not offered |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
