Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 Roadster vs Kawasaki Z650

Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 Roadster vs Kawasaki Z650 side by side: power, weight, seat height, tank, range, A2 licence and prices. Model years: 2011-2015 and since 2017.

Key differences

More power: Kawasaki Z650 (50 vs 39 kW)
Weights are not directly comparable: Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 Roadster - 260 kg (wet or dry not stated); Kawasaki Z650 - 188 kg (kerb weight).
Lower seat: Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 Roadster (760 vs 790 mm)
Longer range: Kawasaki Z650 (about 175 vs 120 miles)
Licence: Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 Roadster - Full A only; Kawasaki Z650 - A2 with restrictor kit

Specs	Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 Roadster	Kawasaki Z650
Years	2011-2015	since 2017
Type	Naked	Naked
Licence	Full A only	A2 with restrictor kit
Engine	883 cc, 2 cyl.	649 cc, 2 cyl.
Power	39 kW / 52 bhp	50 kW / 67 bhp (best value)
Torque	-	64 Nm at 6700 rpm
Weight	260 kg (wet or dry not stated)	188 kg (kerb weight)
Seat height	760 mm	790 mm
Suspension travel	no data	front 125 mm, rear 130 mm
Max load	no data	200 kg (rider, passenger, luggage)
ABS	ABS from 2014	ABS
Drive / gearbox	belt, manual	chain, manual
Tank	12.5 l	15 l (best value)
Fuel use	50 mpg (5.6 l/100 km)	61 mpg (4.6 l/100 km) (best value)
Range on one tank	120 miles	175 miles (best value)
Used price (estimate)	£5,100 - £6,300	£3,500 - £5,800
New price (official German list, converted)	-	£6,400

Compare interactively (add a third model)

Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 Roadster: Watch out

Noticeable vibrations
Basic, budget suspension
Short range, frequent fuel stops
Heavy: 230 kg or more

Kawasaki Z650: Watch out

Basic, budget suspension
Little wind protection

Other comparisons

Specs from makers and test sources; prices are estimates. Check the bike you buy.