Yamaha R3 2025 vs. Kawasaki Ninja 650 2023

Yamaha R3 2025

Kawasaki Ninja 650 2023

Overview - Yamaha R3 2025 vs Kawasaki Ninja 650 2023

Yamaha R3 2025

Kawasaki Ninja 650 2023

Stylish and practical: PRO tank bags from SW-MOTECH

Simple attachment thanks to magnetic snap-in closure. For safe luggage transport.

Details

Technical Specifications Yamaha R3 2025 compared to Kawasaki Ninja 650 2023

Yamaha R3 2025

Kawasaki Ninja 650 2023

Yamaha R3 2025

Kawasaki Ninja 650 2023

Engine and Drive Train

Engine type	Engine type	In line	Engine type	In line
Bore	Bore	68 mm	Bore	83 mm
Stroke	Stroke	44.1 mm	Stroke	60 mm
Engine power	Engine power	42 HP	Engine power	68.2 HP
Rpm at Max. Power	Rpm at Max. Power	10,750 rpm	Rpm at Max. Power	8,000 rpm
Torque	Torque	29.5 Nm	Torque	65.7 Nm
Rpm at Torque	Rpm at Torque	9,000 rpm	Rpm at Torque	7,000 rpm
Compression Ratio	Compression Ratio	11.2	Compression Ratio	10.8
Fuel system	Fuel system	Injection	Fuel system	Injection
Starter	Starter	Electric	Starter	Electric
Clutch Type	Clutch Type	Multiplate in oil-bath	Clutch Type	Multiplate in oil-bath
Ignition	Ignition	Transistor	Ignition	Digital
Transmission	Transmission	Chain	Transmission	Chain
Number of gears	Number of gears	6	Number of gears	6
Cylinders	Cylinders	2	Cylinders	2
Strokes	Strokes	4-Stroke	Strokes	4-Stroke
Valves per cylinder	Valves per cylinder	4	Valves per cylinder	4
Valves	Valves	DOHC	Valves	DOHC
Cooling	Cooling	liquid	Cooling	liquid
Displacement	Displacement	321 ccm	Displacement	649 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspension	Front suspension	Upside-Down telescopic fork	Front suspension	Telescopic fork
Diameter	Diameter	37 mm	Diameter	41 mm
Travel	Travel	130 mm	Travel	125 mm

Suspension Rear

Suspension	Suspension	Swing arm	Suspension	Swing arm
Shock absorber	Shock absorber	Monoshock	Shock absorber	Monoshock
Travel	Travel	125 mm	Travel	130 mm

Chassis

Frame type	Frame type	Twin Tube	Frame type	Tubular
Rake	Rake	25 degree	Rake	65.5 degree
Trail	Trail	95 mm	Trail	100 mm

Brakes Front

Type	Type	Single disk	Type	Double disk
Diameter	Diameter	298 mm	Diameter	300 mm

Brakes Rear

Type	Type	Disc	Type	Disc
Diameter	Diameter	220 mm	Diameter	220 mm

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance Systems	Advanced Rider Assistance Systems	ABS	Advanced Rider Assistance Systems	ABS, Traction control

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre width	Front tyre width	110 mm	Front tyre width	120 mm
Front tyre height	Front tyre height	70 %	Front tyre height	70 %
Front tyre diameter	Front tyre diameter	17 inch	Front tyre diameter	17 inch
Rear tyre width	Rear tyre width	140 mm	Rear tyre width	160 mm
Rear tyre height	Rear tyre height	70 %	Rear tyre height	60 %
Rear tyre diameter	Rear tyre diameter	17 inch	Rear tyre diameter	17 inch
Length	Length	2,090 mm	Length	2,055 mm
Width	Width	735 mm	Width	740 mm
Height	Height	1,140 mm	Height	1,135 mm
Wheelbase	Wheelbase	1,380 mm	Wheelbase	1,410 mm
Seat Height	Seat Height	780 mm	Seat Height	790 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)	Kerb Weight (with ABS)	169 kg	Kerb Weight (with ABS)	193 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity	Fuel Tank Capacity	14 l	Fuel Tank Capacity	15 l
License compliancy	License compliancy	A2	License compliancy	A

Equipment

Equipment	Equipment	Connectivity, LED daytime running lights, LED-Headlights, USB socket	Equipment	LED daytime running lights, LED-Headlights, TFT display

Pros and Cons in comparison

Yamaha R3 2025

It's fun - that's how short and concise a summary can be. The new Yamaha R3 is a bike that doesn't overtax anyone and is still fun even for experienced riders. The engine has plenty of power and is well setup, the suspension is just the right size - the same applies to the brakes. This is how smooth and harmonious an A2 sports motorbike can be.

Good ergonomics - also for taller riders

good engine

quickshifter optionally available

easy handling

surprisingly good suspension

good features and very sporty look

high build quality

LCD display only, the little sister R125 already has a TFT dashboard

optional quickshifter could work more finely

Kawasaki Ninja 650 2023

To judge the Kawasaki Ninja 650 purely on its paper form would be a serious mistake. The two-day test showed once again that performance data carries more weight at the pub table than in the wild. Kawa's sports tourer does exactly what it is supposed to and, thanks to the constant revision and the new features added for 2023, is still an enrichment for the class. Only hobby racers should be warned, as the name Ninja still stirs up a certain expectation that the 650 does not fully meet.

suitable for touring

comfortable

safety package

very accessible

ergonomically versatile

typical Ninja look

Chassis and brakes only average

adjustment of the rear shock absorber laborious