Kawasaki Z 650 DOHC - [1980] Review and Comparison including Similar Bikes, Alternative Bikes, Performance Specs and Technical Information.
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Performance Review: Kawasaki Z 650 DOHC - [1980]

Kawasaki Z 650 DOHC - [1980] image

Kawasaki Z 650 DOHC - [1980]

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Figures & Specs Summary:

  • Edition: Kawasaki Z 650 DOHC
  • Year: 1980 | Type: Standard
  • Engine: 652 cc (39.7 ci) 8 Valve
  • Engine Type: Wankel | Cylinders: 4
  • Engine Stroke: Two | Valve Config: DOHC
  • Fuel Delivery: Carburettor
  • Cooling: Air | Fuel Type: Petrol
  • Transmission: 5 speed | Manual
  • Drive: Chain
  • Wet Weight: 220 kgs (485 lbs)
  • Dry Weight: 0 kgs (0 lbs)
  • Power: 66 bhp (49 kW) @ 8500 rpm
  • Torque: 42.0 lb-ft (56.9 Nm) @ 7000 rpm
  • BHP Per Ton: 300.0 bhp
  • Torque Per Ton: 191.0 lb-ft
  • 0-60 mph (96.6 kph): 12.3 secs
  • 0-100 kph (0-62 mph): 12.6 secs
  • Top Speed: 116 mph (186.6 kph)
  • 1/4 Mile (Est.): 14.03 secs @ 0 mph
  • Frame: Steel
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Kawasaki Z 650 Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Kawasaki Z 650 DOHC is the 5 speed | Manual version and was first brought out in 1980. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1981 Honda CB 1100 R BB and the 1981 Suzuki GSX 1100 SX Katana.This particular Kawasaki Z 650 has a 652cc Air cooled, Two stroke, Wankel Petrol powerplant with 4 cylinders and Carburettor.

Yamaha XSR 700 Twin - [2020] image

An alternative Wankel engine, Standard style motorbike includes the Yamaha XSR 700 Twin - [2020]

The 1980 Z 650 shares its Wankel engine and Standard style configuration with the likes of the 2020 Yamaha XSR 700 Twin and the 2018 Yamaha XSR 700 Twin. Alternatively, if you're looking for other bikes which share the Z 650's Standard style with a similar size of engine then how about the 2020 Yamaha XSR 700 Twin | 2020cc.2018 Yamaha XSR 700 Twin | 2018cc.

Power and Torque:

Weighing in at 220 kgs (485 lbs) this makes the Kawasaki Z 650 DOHC in the same weight category as the 2025 Yamaha Tenere 700 or the 2025 Yamaha MT-09 Y-AMT, give or take 50kg.

Yamaha Tenere 700 - [2025] image

The 1980 Kawasaki Z 650 shares the same bhp with the Yamaha Tenere 700 - [2025]

In terms of power the 652cc 8 valve Wankel 4 cylinder engine produces 66 bhp (49 kW) @ 8500 rpm similar to the 2025 Yamaha Tenere 700 [72.4 bhp (53 kW) @ 9000 rpm] or the 2025 Yamaha Tenere 700 Rally [72.4 bhp (53 kW) @ 9000 rpm].

The DOHC Two stroke unit throws out torque of 42.0 lb-ft (56.9 Nm) @ 7000 rpm placing it alongside motorbikes of similar performance figures such as the 2025 Honda X-ADV 745 [50.9 lb-ft (69.0 Nm) @ 4750 rpm] and the 2025 Yamaha MT-07 Twin Cylinder [50.0 lb-ft (67.7 Nm) @ 6500 rpm].

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Kawasaki Z 650 you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

Suzuki GSX-R 400 R SPII - [1992] image

The 1992 Suzuki GSX-R 400 R SPII has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the 1980 Kawasaki Z 650 DOHC.

The 1980 Kawasaki Z 650 DOHC has a Power to weight ratio of 300.0 bhp per ton and 191.0 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1980 Z 650 competing with the 1992 Suzuki GSX-R 400 R SPII [324.0 bhp\ton] and the 2021 Suzuki DL 650 V-Strom [323.9 bhp\ton].


Power to Weight(cont.):

If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby, then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance is Torque. Factor weight into the equation and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Kawasaki Z 650 generating around 191.0 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other motorbikes have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 1987 Honda CBX 750 F-II [216.0 lb-ft per ton] and the 1985 Honda CBX 750 F [216.0 lb-ft per ton].

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 12.3 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 12.6 secs, this makes the Kawasaki Z 650 DOHC similar in acceleration to the 2015 Yamaha Star Raider Bullet Cowl (12.3 secs) and the 2013 Suzuki Boulevard - Intruder C 109 RT (12.3 secs). This Kawasaki Z 650 DOHC also competes in terms of 0-60 mph and 0-100km/h with the 2018 Honda CB 250 R Neo Sports Cafe (0.0 secs) and the 2020 Norton Superlight SS (0.4 secs).

Suzuki DR 650 R - S - [1992] image

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the 1980 Kawasaki Z 650 DOHC and the 1992 Suzuki DR 650 R - S

When talking about the performance of the 1980 Kawasaki Z 650 DOHC on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 13.8 secs @ 0 mph. Bikes with a similar performance down the quarter mile can be found in the 1992 Suzuki DR 650 R - S (13.8 secs) and the 1988 Yamaha TT 600 DOHC (13.8 secs).

Top Speed:

The 1980 version of the Kawasaki Z 650 DOHC has a maximum speed of 116mph.

Suzuki SV 650 ABS - [2025] image

Top Speed of the 1980 Z 650 equals the 2025 Suzuki SV 650 ABS

If maxing out your bike on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster at the top end than the 1980 Kawasaki Z 650 DOHC then how about a 2025 Suzuki SV 650 ABS (127 mph) and the 2022 Yamaha XSR 700 Twin (127 mph).

Related Links:

1980 Kawasaki Z 650 Rivals List.

A Brief History of Kawasaki

Bike Comparison


Performance Figures & Specs:

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