Kawasaki Z650 vs Honda CB125R
Specs side by side, plus our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.
The Kawasaki Z650 and Honda CB125R are among the most cross-shopped naked bikes of 2026. The Honda CB125R undercuts the Kawasaki Z650 by about $2,250, so value is squarely on the table. On paper the Kawasaki Z650 leads on power with 68 hp. Below we put them head to head on price, performance, weight and seat height, then give our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.
Our pickKawasaki
Kawasaki Z650
Honda
Honda CB125RThe verdict
The Kawasaki Z650 edges it overall at 7.8/10, but the Honda CB125R wins on best for new riders, so let how you ride decide.
Honda CB125R
A2-legal, 15 hp, forgiving to learn on.
Kawasaki Z650
68 hp and 0.36 hp/kg, the strongest here.
Honda CB125R
Our 7.8/10 at $4,999, the most bike per dollar.
Honda CB125R
130 kg with an 816 mm seat, the easiest to throw around.
Cyan marks the best figure in each row. Specs are the most-cited for the current model; verify before relying on them.
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Kawasaki Z650 vs Honda CB125R: your questions answered
Which is faster, the Kawasaki Z650 or the Honda CB125R?
The Kawasaki Z650 makes the most power at 68 hp and 64 Nm, giving it the edge on outright performance.
Which is cheaper, the Kawasaki Z650 or the Honda CB125R?
The Honda CB125R is the most affordable here with an MSRP around $4,999.
Which is lighter, the Kawasaki Z650 or the Honda CB125R?
The Honda CB125R is the lightest at 130 kg, which makes it the easiest to manage at low speed and in the bends.
Which is better for a beginner, the Kawasaki Z650 or the Honda CB125R?
For a new rider we'd point to the Honda CB125R: A2-legal, 15 hp and 130 kg make it the most approachable of the group.
