Honda Cbx 550 vs Kawasaki W650
Side-by-side comparison for used motorcycle buyers
Honda Cbx 550 vs Kawasaki W650. Honda Cbx 550: 50 hp @ 9,500 rpm hp, 209 kg (wet/curb weight) weight, top speed 185 km/h, Motoryk rating 7.5/10. Kawasaki W650: 50 hp @ 7,500 rpm hp, 202 kg (wet/curb weight) weight, top speed 175 km/h, Motoryk rating 8.0/10.
Performance at a Glance
Green = winner per metric · Bars are relative to the higher value
Honda Cbx 550
Kawasaki W650
Horsepower (hp)
50 hp
50 hp
Torque (Nm)
44 Nm
56 Nm
Top Speed (km/h)
185 km/h
175 km/h
Weight (kg) — lower is better
209 kg
202 kg
Type
Classic
Classic
Horsepower
50 hp @ 9,500 rpm
50 hp @ 7,500 rpm
Torque
44 Nm @ 8,000 rpm
56 Nm @ 6,000 rpm
Top Speed
185 km/h
175 km/h
Weight
209 kg (wet/curb weight)
202 kg (wet/curb weight)
Fuel
5.5 L/100km (approximately 18 km/L, typical real-world average)
3.8 L/100km (approx. 26 km/L typical real-world average)
Fairing
No
No
Individual Reviews
Honda Cbx 550
7.5/10
"A rewarding classic if you find an honest, well-kept example."
Pros
+Smooth, characterful inline-four engine
+Reliable when properly maintained
+Surprisingly good parts availability
Cons
−Carburetor synchronization nightmare
−Brittle aging wiring harnesses
−Cam chain tensioner failures common
Kawasaki W650
8.0/10
"The most honest classic twin money can currently buy used."
Pros
+Bulletproof engine reliability
+Stunning bevel-gear soundtrack
+Timeless classic styling
Cons
−Carb diaphragms crack regularly
−Fork seals fail prematurely
−Parts availability patchy
Top 10 Accessories
Picks that work on either bike.
