Kawasaki W650 vs Yamaha Xs650
Side-by-side comparison for used motorcycle buyers
Performance at a Glance
Green = winner per metric · Bars are relative to the higher value
Kawasaki W650
Yamaha Xs650
Horsepower (hp)
50 hp
53 hp
Torque (Nm)
56 Nm
52 Nm
Top Speed (km/h)
175 km/h
170 km/h
Weight (kg) — lower is better
202 kg
193 kg
Type
Classic
Classic
Horsepower
50 hp @ 7,500 rpm
53 hp @ 7,000 rpm
Torque
56 Nm @ 6,000 rpm
52 Nm @ 6,000 rpm
Top Speed
175 km/h
170 km/h
Weight
202 kg (wet/curb weight)
193 kg (wet/curb weight)
Fuel
3.8 L/100km (approx. 26 km/L typical real-world average)
4.5 L/100km (approx. 22 km/L)
Fairing
No
No
Individual Reviews
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
Yamaha Xs650
8.5/10
"The best vintage Japanese twin you can still reasonably find."
Pros
+Virtually indestructible engine
+Huge aftermarket support still
+Stunning parallel twin character
Cons
−Prices inflated by hipsters
−Many rough project bikes circulating
−Points ignition needs attention