Kawasaki KLR® 650 Base vs Honda CBX 650 E (reduced effect) (2026)

Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the Kawasaki KLR® 650 Basestacks up against the Honda CBX 650 E (reduced effect). Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.

Spec comparison

SpecKawasaki KLR® 650 BaseHonda CBX 650 E (reduced effect)
Model year20261987
Price$6,999
Engine652 cc656 cc
Horsepower50 hp
Weight187 kg
Seat height871 mm
Fuel capacity23.0 L4.8 L
Fuel typepetrolpetrol
TransmissionManual, 5 speed, Chain6-speed
Front brakesHydraulic DiscDual disc
Rear brakesHydraulic DiscExpanding brake
Tires90/90 R21 / 130/80 R17100/90-19 / 130/90-16

Kawasaki KLR® 650 Base vs Honda CBX 650 E (reduced effect) — which should you buy?

Picking between the Kawasaki KLR® 650 Base and the Honda CBX 650 E (reduced effect) usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the Kawasaki KLR® 650 Base brings its published horsepower in a 187 kg package, while the Honda CBX 650 E (reduced effect) counters with 50 hp.

Our spec tables above highlight the winning number on each line. For the full rider-focused reviews including real-world fuel economy, service costs and available colors, click into either bike: