Suzuki Gsx-8r vs Kawasaki Ninja 650
Side-by-side comparison for used motorcycle buyers
Suzuki Gsx-8r vs Kawasaki Ninja 650. Suzuki Gsx-8r: 83 hp @ 8,500 rpm hp, 203 kg (wet/curb weight) weight, top speed ~210 km/h (estimated; official figure not published), Motoryk rating 8.0/10. Kawasaki Ninja 650: 67 hp @ 8,000 rpm hp, 193 kg (wet/curb weight) weight, top speed 195 km/h, Motoryk rating 8.2/10.
Performance at a Glance
Green = winner per metric · Bars are relative to the higher value
Suzuki Gsx-8r
Kawasaki Ninja 650
Horsepower (hp)
83 hp
67 hp
Torque (Nm)
78 Nm
65.7 Nm
Top Speed (km/h)
210 km/h
195 km/h
Weight (kg) — lower is better
203 kg
193 kg
Type
Sport
Sport
Horsepower
83 hp @ 8,500 rpm
67 hp @ 8,000 rpm
Torque
78 Nm @ 6,800 rpm
65.7 Nm @ 6,700 rpm
Top Speed
~210 km/h (estimated; official figure not published)
195 km/h
Weight
203 kg (wet/curb weight)
193 kg (wet/curb weight)
Fuel
5.5 L/100km (approx. 18 km/L, estimated real-world average)
5.5 L/100km (approximately 18 km/L real-world average)
Fairing
Yes
Yes
Individual Reviews
Suzuki Gsx-8r
8.0/10
"The smartest middleweight sport buy under ten grand right now."
Pros
+Strong usable midrange torque
+Reliable, trouble-free ownership
+Sharp, modern styling
Cons
−Suspension soft for heavier riders
−Cramped for tall riders
−Uninspiring top-end rush
Kawasaki Ninja 650
8.2/10
"The smartest used middleweight money can buy, full stop."
Pros
+Bulletproof parallel twin engine
+Cheap parts and servicing
+Forgiving ergonomics suit most
Cons
−Soft suspension ages poorly
−Neglected chains are common
−Fairing damage from droppers
Top 10 Accessories
Picks that work on either bike.
