Honda CB750 Hornet vs Kawasaki Z650: A Mid-Weight Naked Bike Showdown

Honda has brought the CB750 Hornet to India, intensifying competition in the mid-weight streetfighter segment currently occupied by models like the Kawasaki Z650. Both bikes cater to performance-focused riders looking for a balance between everyday usability and spirited riding. Here’s a detailed comparison covering performance, features, dimensions and value.

The Honda CB750 Hornet is powered by a 755cc liquid-cooled, SOHC, 8-valve parallel twin engine with a 270° crank. It produces 90.5 bhp at 9,500 rpm and 75 Nm of torque at 7,250 rpm paired to a 6-speed transmission and features an assisted slipper clutch. Top speed is claimed at 205 km/h, making it the more performance-oriented option. On the other hand, the Kawasaki Z650 uses a 649cc DOHC parallel twin engine that makes 67.31 bhp at 8,000 rpm and 64 Nm at 6,700 rpm paired to a 6-speed gearbox and wet multi-disc clutch, but lacks a slipper clutch as standard.

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The Hornet rides on a diamond steel frame, suspended by a 41mm Showa SFF-BP USD front fork and Prolink rear monoshock, providing 130 mm and 150 mm of travel respectively. The setup is tuned for agile street handling and occasional sporty rides.

Built around a trellis frame, the Z650 uses a 41mm telescopic front fork and a horizontal back-link monoshock with preload adjustability. The front and rear travel is slightly less than the Hornet, at 125 mm and 130 mm, offering a more comfort-biased ride.

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Braking duties are handled by 296 mm twin discs at the front with radial-mounted Nissin four-piston calipers and a 240 mm disc at the rear. The bike comes equipped with Michelin Road 6 tyres on 17-inch cast aluminium wheels, which provide excellent grip and feel. The Z650 uses 300 mm petal discs with dual-piston calipers at the front and a 220 mm rear disc. Tyres are Dunlop Sportmax Roadsport 2, also mounted on 17-inch wheels. While competent, the braking setup on the Hornet is more performance-focused.

The Hornet stands out with a 5-inch full-colour TFT display, traction control, four riding modes (Sport, Standard, Rain and User), self-cancelling indicators and all-LED lighting. Connectivity is supported via Honda RoadSync and while it lacks cruise control, a bidirectional quickshifter is available as an accessory. It also features a full-colour TFT screen with smartphone connectivity via RIDEOLOGY THE APP and a notable Economical Riding Indicator for fuel efficiency. While it doesn’t get traction control or riding modes, it offers a comfortable pillion seat and a redesigned headlamp cowl for improved aesthetics.