Kawasaki Z650 RS 2022 vs. Suzuki GSX-8S 2023

Kawasaki Z650 RS 2022

Kawasaki Z650 RS 2022

Suzuki GSX-8S 2023

Suzuki GSX-8S 2023

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Overview - Kawasaki Z650 RS 2022 vs Suzuki GSX-8S 2023

The Kawasaki Z650 RS 2022 and the Suzuki GSX-8S 2023 are both naked bikes that offer a thrilling riding experience. However, there are some notable differences between the two models.

Starting with the engine specifications, the Kawasaki Z650 RS 2022 is equipped with an inline, liquid-cooled engine with a displacement of 649cc. It produces a power output of 68.2 HP and a torque of 65.7 Nm. On the other hand, the Suzuki GSX-8S 2023 also features an inline, liquid-cooled engine but with a larger displacement of 776cc. It delivers a higher power output of 83 HP and a torque of 78 Nm. This indicates that the Suzuki GSX-8S 2023 has a more powerful engine compared to the Kawasaki Z650 RS 2022.

In terms of suspension, both bikes have a swing arm rear suspension with a monoshock absorber and preload adjustment. However, the Kawasaki Z650 RS 2022 is equipped with a telescopic fork front suspension, while the Suzuki GSX-8S 2023 features an upside-down telescopic fork front suspension. The upside-down telescopic fork provides better stability and performance during aggressive riding.

Kawasaki Z650 RS 2022

Kawasaki Z650 RS 2022

When it comes to braking, both bikes have double disc brakes at the front. However, the Suzuki GSX-8S 2023 has larger diameter discs (310mm) compared to the Kawasaki Z650 RS 2022 (300mm). Additionally, the Suzuki GSX-8S 2023 has four-piston front brake calipers, while the Kawasaki Z650 RS 2022 has double-piston calipers. The Suzuki GSX-8S 2023 also utilizes radial brake technology, which enhances braking performance and provides better control.

In terms of advanced rider assistance systems, both bikes are equipped with ABS. However, the Suzuki GSX-8S 2023 offers additional features such as riding modes, ride by wire, shift assistant with blipper, and traction control. These features enhance the overall riding experience and provide more control and customization options.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the Suzuki GSX-8S 2023 has a slightly larger wheelbase (1465mm) compared to the Kawasaki Z650 RS 2022 (1410mm). The seat height of the Suzuki GSX-8S 2023 is also slightly lower (810mm) compared to the Kawasaki Z650 RS 2022 (820mm). However, the Suzuki GSX-8S 2023 is slightly heavier with a kerb weight of 202kg, while the Kawasaki Z650 RS 2022 weighs 187.1kg.

Both bikes come with LED daytime running lights, LED headlights, and TFT displays, providing modern and stylish features.

Suzuki GSX-8S 2023

Suzuki GSX-8S 2023

In terms of strengths, the Kawasaki Z650 RS 2022 offers a perfectly realized retro design, lively engine, accessible handling, powerful brakes, comfortable ergonomics, adjustable levers, and is a real eye-catcher. On the other hand, the Suzuki GSX-8S 2023 boasts a full-grown and high-quality overall concept, high-torque engine, stable handling, great riding position, good and precise quickshifter, high-quality controls, and a very good display.

As for weaknesses, the Kawasaki Z650 RS 2022 has a slightly softer sound, while the Suzuki GSX-8S 2023 requires a little more operating force for the quickshifter and gearstick. Additionally, the Suzuki GSX-8S 2023 is heavier than other bikes in its class and the ABS controls are defensively set. The engine of the Suzuki GSX-8S 2023 also lacks rev reserves upwards.

In conclusion, both the Kawasaki Z650 RS 2022 and the Suzuki GSX-8S 2023 are impressive naked bikes with their own strengths and weaknesses. The Suzuki GSX-8S 2023 offers a more powerful engine, advanced rider assistance systems, and additional features, while the Kawasaki Z650 RS 2022 provides a retro design and comfortable ergonomics. Ultimately, the choice between the two models will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications Kawasaki Z650 RS 2022 compared to Suzuki GSX-8S 2023

Kawasaki Z650 RS 2022
Suzuki GSX-8S 2023

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeIn line crankpin offset
BoreBore83 mmBore84 mm
StrokeStroke60 mmStroke70 mm
Engine powerEngine power68.2 HPEngine power83 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power8,000 rpmRpm at Max. Power8,500 rpm
TorqueTorque65.7 NmTorque78 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque7,000 rpmRpm at Torque6,800 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio10.8 Compression Ratio12.8
Fuel systemFuel systemInjectionFuel systemInjection
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
Transmission TypeTransmission TypeGearshiftTransmission TypeGearshift
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder4
ValvesValvesDOHCValvesDOHC
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement649 ccmDisplacement776 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionTelescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
TravelTravel125 mmTravel130 mm

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreloadAdjustmentPreload

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameSteel
RakeRake65.5 degreeRake65 degree
TrailTrail100 mmTrail104 mm

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter300 mmDiameter310 mm
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonFour pistons
TechnologyTechnologyPetalTechnologyradial

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABSAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Riding modes, Ride by Wire, Shift assistant with blipper, Traction control

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width120 mmFront tyre width120 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height70 %Front tyre height70 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter17 inchFront tyre diameter17 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width160 mmRear tyre width180 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height60 %Rear tyre height55 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
LengthLength2,055 mmLength2,115 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,410 mmWheelbase1,465 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height820 mmSeat Height810 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)187.1 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)202 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity15 lFuel Tank Capacity14 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA2, A

Equipment

EquipmentEquipmentLED daytime running lights, LED-Headlights, TFT displayEquipmentLED daytime running lights, LED-Headlights, TFT display

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

Suzuki GSX-8S 2023

Suzuki GSX-8S 2023

For years, Suzuki was the brand that offered nice bikes at a good price/performance ratio. With the Suzuki GSX-8S, the brand is much more self-confident. It presents itself as high-quality, mature and places itself at the top of a hard-fought class. The unspectacular performance data and the relatively high weight tarnish the picture only briefly. During the test rides, the Suzuki was completely convincing. A really good motorbike.

Full-grown and high-quality overall concept

high-torque engine

first-class running culture, stable handling, overall very high-quality impression

Very good seat

Great nakedbike riding position

Good and precise quickshifter

high-quality controls

very good display

Suspension offers reserves for a wide range of uses despite lack of adjustment options

Good ergonomics

Quickshifter and gearstick require a little more operating force than usual

Motorbike somewhat heavier than other bikes in this class

ABS controls very defensively

Engine has no rev reserves upwards

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price Kawasaki Z650 RS vs Suzuki GSX-8S

There are a few key differences between a Kawasaki Z650 RS 2022 and a Suzuki GSX-8S 2023. In terms of price, the actual average prices of both motorbikes are almost the same. Compared to Suzuki GSX-8S 2023 there are less Kawasaki Z650 RS 2022 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 34 compared to 173. It takes less time to sell a Suzuki GSX-8S with 59 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 13 reviews for the Suzuki GSX-8S since model year 2023. The first review for the Kawasaki Z650 RS was published on 9/27/2021 and now has more than 39,300 views. This compares to more than 47,300 views for the first review on Suzuki GSX-8S published on 11/8/2022.

Price Kawasaki Z650 RS

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Suzuki GSX-8S

Model year
Current average market prices

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