Honda CB650R vs Kawasaki Z900: Photo Comparison Gallery

Check out the attention-to-detail in the two drop-dead gorgeous Japanese nakeds 

Honda has finally launched the 2021 Honda CB650R in India. The achingly gorgeous neo-retro naked comes at quite a premium, priced at Rs 8,67,275 (ex-showroom Gurugram). Thanks to Honda’s absurd pricing, the Honda CB650R is a whole Rs 48,275 dearer than the bigger engined Kawasaki Z900! Let’s take a look at the visual differences in these detailed images:

The Honda CB650R’s ‘Neo Sports Cafe’ themed styling is all about smooth design lines with just about the right amount of chiselled cuts. On the other hand, the Kawasaki Z900’s ‘Sugomi’-inspired design language gives it aggressive cuts and slashes all over. The trademark green-painted frame really brings out the sporty intent of the motorcycle.

The two motorcycles come with an all-LED lighting system. The circular headlamp on the Honda CB650R gives off quintessential retro vibes whereas the Kawasaki Z900’s unit looks the part of a predator.

Honda has equipped the CB650R with a minimalistic LCD instrument cluster that shows essential data, including real-time mileage and gear position, apart from the run-of-the-mill information. On the other hand, the Kawasaki Z900 comes with a proper TFT instrument cluster with smartphone connectivity. It shows vehicle information, average mileage, and last-parked location among other details.

The Honda CB650R gets a slightly more accessible 810mm single-piece seat, unlike the Z900’s sportier split seat setup with an 820mm tall rider’s seat. We reckon the pillion seat on the Honda may be a little more comfortable than the high-set one in the Kawasaki. And at 206kg kerb, the CB650R is just 6kg lighter than the Z900.

The two are proper four-cylinder motorcycles. That said, the Honda uses a smaller 648.72cc engine churning out 87PS and 57.5Nm. The Kawasaki Z900’s larger 948cc heart makes a healthy 125PS and 98.6Nm. Both engines are paired with a 6-speed transmission with an assist-and-slipper clutch.

Honda has equipped the CB650R with just a switchable traction control, whereas the Kawasaki Z900 is loaded with electronic aids such as Full Power or Low Power modes (the latter slashes the power output to 55 percent), a three-level traction control system, and a four-level riding mode including a manual setting. These additions make the Z900 a lot more versatile.

The Honda CB650R uses a premium 41mm Showa Showa Separate Function Big Piston fork. It isn’t adjustable, compared to the Kawasaki Z900’s 41mm upside-down unit with adjustable rebound damping and spring preload. The wheel is anchored by a pair of 310mm discs with Nissin radial calipers in the CB650R, as opposed to the slightly less premium 300mm petal discs with axial calipers in the Z900.

• Honda CB350RS: Road Test Review
• Honda H’Ness CB350 Price To Be Hiked Soon
• 2021 Honda CB500X First Ride: Hits & Misses

At the rear, the CB650R gets a 10-stage preload-adjustable monoshock. The Kawasaki uses a more sophisticated linked monoshock with rebound and preload adjustability. The Honda uses a Metzeler Roadtec 01 rubber whereas the Kawasaki rides on Dunlop Sportmax Roadsport 2 tyres.