Moto Guzzi V7 Special vs Kawasaki Z650rs
Side-by-side comparison for used motorcycle buyers
Moto Guzzi V7 Special vs Kawasaki Z650rs. Moto Guzzi V7 Special: 45 hp @ 6,000 rpm hp, 215 kg (wet/curb weight) weight, top speed ~170 km/h (estimated for the original 1969 model), Motoryk rating 7.8/10. Kawasaki Z650rs: 67 hp @ 8,000 rpm hp, 187 kg (curb weight) weight, top speed 185 km/h (estimated), Motoryk rating 7.8/10.
Performance at a Glance
Green = winner per metric · Bars are relative to the higher value
Moto Guzzi V7 Special
Kawasaki Z650rs
Horsepower (hp)
45 hp
67 hp
Torque (Nm)
55 Nm
64 Nm
Top Speed (km/h)
170 km/h
185 km/h
Weight (kg) — lower is better
215 kg
187 kg
Type
Classic
Classic
Horsepower
45 hp @ 6,000 rpm
67 hp @ 8,000 rpm
Torque
55 Nm @ 5,000 rpm (estimated)
64 Nm @ 6,700 rpm
Top Speed
~170 km/h (estimated for the original 1969 model)
185 km/h (estimated)
Weight
215 kg (wet/curb weight)
187 kg (curb weight)
Fuel
~5.5 L/100km or ~18 km/L (estimated, based on era engine characteristics)
4.5 L/100km (approx. 22 km/L typical real-world average)
Fairing
No
No
Individual Reviews
Moto Guzzi V7 Special
7.8/10
"Buy one clean, service it properly, love it forever."
Pros
+Genuine Italian character and soul
+Bulletproof long-term reliability
+Stunning classic visual presence
Cons
−Pushrod tube oil leaks
−Gearbox clunky when cold
−Limited dealer network availability
Kawasaki Z650rs
7.8/10
"A genuinely pretty bike that's actually fun to ride."
Pros
+Bulletproof parallel-twin engine
+Stunning retro styling
+Affordable insurance and servicing
Cons
−Suspension soft for heavy riders
−Headers discolor quickly
−Limited wind protection
Top 10 Accessories
Picks that work on either bike.
