LiveWire S2 Del Mar vs Kawasaki Z650
Specs side by side, plus our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.
The LiveWire S2 Del Mar and Kawasaki Z650 are among the most cross-shopped naked bikes of 2026. The Kawasaki Z650 undercuts the LiveWire S2 Del Mar by about $8,250, so value is squarely on the table. On paper the LiveWire S2 Del Mar leads on power with 84 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 pickLiveWire
LiveWire S2 Del Mar
Kawasaki
Kawasaki Z650The verdict
The LiveWire S2 Del Mar edges it overall at 7.9/10, but the Kawasaki Z650 wins on best for new riders, so let how you ride decide.
Kawasaki Z650
A2-legal, 68 hp, forgiving to learn on.
LiveWire S2 Del Mar
84 hp and 0.42 hp/kg, the strongest here.
Kawasaki Z650
Our 7.8/10 at $7,249, the most bike per dollar.
Kawasaki Z650
187 kg with an 790 mm seat, the easiest to throw around.
LiveWire S2 Del Mar
Our top score in this matchup at 7.9/10.
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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LiveWire S2 Del Mar vs Kawasaki Z650: your questions answered
Which is faster, the LiveWire S2 Del Mar or the Kawasaki Z650?
The LiveWire S2 Del Mar makes the most power at 84 hp and 263 Nm, giving it the edge on outright performance.
Which is cheaper, the LiveWire S2 Del Mar or the Kawasaki Z650?
The Kawasaki Z650 is the most affordable here with an MSRP around $7,249.
Which is lighter, the LiveWire S2 Del Mar or the Kawasaki Z650?
The Kawasaki Z650 is the lightest at 187 kg, which makes it the easiest to manage at low speed and in the bends.
Which is better for a beginner, the LiveWire S2 Del Mar or the Kawasaki Z650?
For a new rider we'd point to the Kawasaki Z650: A2-legal, 68 hp and 187 kg make it the most approachable of the group.
