Kawasaki Z650 RS 2022 vs. Moto Guzzi V7 Special 2021

Kawasaki Z650 RS 2022

Kawasaki Z650 RS 2022

Moto Guzzi V7 Special 2021

Moto Guzzi V7 Special 2021

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Overview - Kawasaki Z650 RS 2022 vs Moto Guzzi V7 Special 2021

The Kawasaki Z650 RS 2022 and the Moto Guzzi V7 Special 2021 are both naked bikes that offer unique features and characteristics.

Starting with the Kawasaki Z650 RS 2022, it boasts a perfectly realized retro design that is sure to turn heads. The bike features analogue displays, which add to its classic appeal. The engine is lively, providing a thrilling riding experience, and it delivers a respectable 68.2 horsepower and 65.7 Nm of torque. The fuel system is injection-based, ensuring efficient and reliable performance. The bike is equipped with a 2-cylinder engine and utilizes liquid cooling to maintain optimal operating temperatures. With a displacement of 649cc, the Z650 RS offers a good balance of power and maneuverability.

In terms of suspension, the Z650 RS features a telescopic fork at the front and a swing arm suspension with a monoshock at the rear. This setup provides a comfortable ride while maintaining stability and control. The frame of the bike is made of steel, specifically a tubular frame, which offers durability and rigidity. The braking system consists of double disk brakes at the front with a diameter of 300mm and double pistons, ensuring powerful and reliable stopping power. The Z650 RS also comes equipped with ABS, an advanced rider assistance system that enhances safety.

Kawasaki Z650 RS 2022

Kawasaki Z650 RS 2022

Moving on to the Moto Guzzi V7 Special 2021, this bike offers a wonderful pleasure riding experience. It features a new 850cc engine, providing 25% more power compared to its predecessor. The engine is a V-twin configuration, which adds to the bike's unique character. With 65 horsepower and 73 Nm of torque, the V7 Special delivers a satisfying performance. Similar to the Z650 RS, the fuel system is injection-based, ensuring efficient fuel delivery. The V7 Special also utilizes a 2-cylinder engine, but it employs oil-air cooling instead of liquid cooling. This cooling system is known for its reliability and simplicity. With a displacement of 853cc, the V7 Special offers ample power for various riding situations.

The suspension setup of the V7 Special consists of a telescopic fork at the front and a swing arm suspension with dual shocks at the rear. This combination provides a comfortable and smooth ride, while the dual shocks add to the bike's classic appeal. The frame of the V7 Special is made of steel, specifically a double cradle frame, which offers stability and strength. The braking system features a single disk brake at the front with a diameter of 320mm and four pistons, ensuring strong and reliable stopping power. In addition to ABS, the V7 Special is equipped with traction control, further enhancing safety.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the Z650 RS has a front tire width of 120mm and a diameter of 17 inches, while the rear tire has a width of 160mm and a diameter of 17 inches. On the other hand, the V7 Special has a front tire width of 100mm and a diameter of 18 inches, with the rear tire having a width of 150mm and a diameter of 17 inches.

Moto Guzzi V7 Special 2021

Moto Guzzi V7 Special 2021

Now, let's discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each bike. The Kawasaki Z650 RS 2022 excels in its perfectly realized retro design, with analogue displays that add to its classic appeal. The engine is lively and delivers a thrilling riding experience, while the accessible handling and powerful brakes ensure a confident ride. The bike also offers comfortable ergonomics and adjustable levers, allowing riders to find their preferred riding position. Additionally, the Z650 RS is a real eye-catcher, attracting attention wherever it goes. However, one weakness of the Z650 RS is its slightly softer sound, which may not appeal to riders seeking a more aggressive exhaust note.

On the other hand, the Moto Guzzi V7 Special 2021 shines as a wonderful pleasure bike. The new 850cc engine brings 25% more power, providing a satisfying performance. The bike features a beautiful design that is true to Moto Guzzi's heritage, and its virtues remain unchanged. The relaxed riding position and crisp gearbox contribute to a comfortable and enjoyable ride. However, the V7 Special may not be suitable for riders seeking a sportier riding experience, as it is designed more for leisurely cruising. Additionally, some riders may prefer a LED headlamp, which is not included as standard on the V7 Special but is available on the standard V7 model.

In conclusion, both the Kawasaki Z650 RS 2022 and the Moto Guzzi V7 Special 2021 offer unique features and strengths. The Z650 RS impresses with its retro design, lively engine, and accessible handling, while the V7 Special stands out with its new 850cc engine, beautiful design, and relaxed riding position. Ultimately, the choice between these two bikes will depend on the rider's preferences and intended use.

Technical Specifications Kawasaki Z650 RS 2022 compared to Moto Guzzi V7 Special 2021

Kawasaki Z650 RS 2022
Moto Guzzi V7 Special 2021

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeV
BoreBore83 mmBore84 mm
StrokeStroke60 mmStroke77 mm
Engine powerEngine power68.2 HPEngine power65 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power8,000 rpmRpm at Max. Power6,800 rpm
TorqueTorque65.7 NmTorque73 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque7,000 rpmRpm at Torque5,000 rpm
Fuel systemFuel systemInjectionFuel systemInjection
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeToughened
IgnitionIgnitionDigitalIgnitionDigital
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionProp shaft
Transmission TypeTransmission TypeGearshiftTransmission TypeGearshift
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder2
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingOil-air
DisplacementDisplacement649 ccmDisplacement853 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionTelescopic forkFront suspensionTelescopic fork

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberDual Shock

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameSteel
Frame typeFrame typeTubularFrame typeDouble cradle

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeSingle disk
DiameterDiameter300 mmDiameter320 mm
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonFour pistons
Shock mountShock mountSemi-SchwimmsattelShock mountFloating caliper

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter200 mmDiameter260 mm
PistonPistonSingle pistonPistonDouble piston
Shock mountShock mountFloating caliperShock mountFloating caliper

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABSAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Traction control

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width120 mmFront tyre width100 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height70 %Front tyre height90 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter17 inchFront tyre diameter18 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width160 mmRear tyre width150 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height60 %Rear tyre height70 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Kawasaki Z650 RS 2022

Kawasaki Z650 RS 2022

With the RS, Kawasaki proves that it has mastered the art of retro bikes. You immediately forget that underneath the pretty dress is the normal Z650, because thanks to the right details, the retro design has been convincingly implemented. In the saddle, you enjoy the accessibility that you know from the technical sister. A retro bike that both beginners and experienced bikers will really enjoy!

perfectly realised retro design

analogue displays

lively engine,accessible handling

powerful brakes

comfortable ergonomics

adjustable levers

real eye-catcher

slightly softer sound

Moto Guzzi V7 Special 2021

Moto Guzzi V7 Special 2021

The Moto Guzzi V7 remains true to itself in 2021 and despite the new engine. With its 65 hp, the V7 Special 850 is significantly more powerful than its predecessor, but remains the same motorbike of pleasure with lots of Italian emotion and a mighty dollop of coolness. If you like classic style elements and decelerated riding dynamics, the Moto Guzzi V7 is probably one of the most authentic retro motorbikes on the market.

Wonderful pleasure bike

New 850cc engine brings 25% more power

Beautiful design

Guzzi virtues unchanged

Relaxed riding position

Crisp gearbox

Not suitable for sporty heaters

LED headlamp from standard V7 would fit in

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price Kawasaki Z650 RS vs Moto Guzzi V7 Special

There are a few key differences between a Kawasaki Z650 RS 2022 and a Moto Guzzi V7 Special 2021. There are the same number of bikes of both models available on the 1000PS.de marketplace, specifically 34. It takes less time to sell a Moto Guzzi V7 Special with 109 days compared to 146 days for the Kawasaki Z650 RS. Since model year 2022 1000PS.de editors have written 12 reviews for the Kawasaki Z650 RS and 4 reviews for the Moto Guzzi V7 Special since model year 2021. The first review for the Kawasaki Z650 RS was published on 27/09/2021 and now has more than 39,300 views. This compares to more than 72,300 views for the first review on Moto Guzzi V7 Special published on 14/12/2020.

Price Kawasaki Z650 RS

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Moto Guzzi V7 Special

Model year
Current average market prices

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