The newly-launched CFMoto 650GT locks horns with the Kawasaki Ninja 650 in the Indian market. In this comparison, we put the spec-sheet of the newly launched 650GT against the Ninja 650. We have excluded the Honda CBR650R from this comparison as it packs a more powerful, inline four-cylinder engine (96.3 PS at 12,000 rpm/64 Nm at 8,500 rpm) and retails at a much premium price tag (INR 7.70 lakh*) compared to the 650GT (INR 5.49 lakh*) and the Ninja 650 (INR 5.89 lakh*).
Also Read: CFMoto 650NK vs Kawasaki Z650 - Spec Comparo
| Model | CFMoto 650GT | Kawasaki Ninja 650 |
| Engine | ||
| Displacement and Type | 649.3 cc, parallel twin-cylinder, liquid-cooled with fuel-injection | 649 cc, parallel twin-cylinder, liquid-cooled with fuel-injection |
| Bore x Stroke | 83 × 60 mm | 83 × 60 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Max Power at RPM | 61.2 PS at 9,000 rpm | 68 PS at 8,000 rpm |
| Peak Torque at RPM | 58.5 Nm at 7,000 rpm | 65.7 Nm at 6,500 rpm |
| Gearbox | Six-speed | Six-speed |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 2,100 mm | 2,115 mm |
| Width | 930 mm | 740 mm |
| Height | 1,340 mm | 1,135 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,415 mm | 1,410 mm |
| Seat Height | 795 mm | 790 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 150 mm | 130 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 19 litres | 15 litres |
| Kerb Weight | 226 kg | 196 kg |
| Suspension, Brakes and Tyres | ||
| Front Suspension | Conventional Telescopic Forks | Conventional Telescopic Forks |
| Rear Suspension | Monoshock | Monoshock |
| Front Brake | Twin, Petal-Type Discs | Twin, Petal-Type Discs (300 mm) |
| Rear Brake | Single Disc | Single, Petal-Type Disc (220 mm) |
| Safety Net | Dual-Channel ABS | Dual-Channel ABS |
| Front Tyre | 120/70 ZR17 | 120/70 ZR17 |
| Rear Tyre | 160/60 ZR17 | 160/60 ZR17 |
| Price | ||
| Ex-showroom Delhi | INR 5.49 lakh | INR 5.89 lakh |
Unlike the rest of the CFMoto vehicles in India, the 650GT doesn't undercut rivals significantly. The 650GT is approximately INR 40,000 cheaper than the Ninja 650 (INR 50,000 than the KRT Edition). In comparison, the CFMoto 650MT is INR 1.70 lakh cheaper than the Kawasaki Versys 650. The 650NK, too, retails at INR 1.70 lakh lower than the Z650.
The suspension and braking setup is nearly identical on both middleweight sports tourers. The shock absorption department comprises conventional telescopic forks at the front and a pre-load adjustable asymmetrically mounted monoshock at the back. Braking setup on both bikes includes twin discs at the front and a single rotor at the back. The safety net comprises dual-channel ABS as standard. The windscreen on both bikes is adjustable by 60 mm. Being sports tourers, both motorcycles ride on 17-inch wheels with exact same tyre specifications.
In terms of performance, the Kawasaki Ninja 650 has an edge over the CFMoto 650GT. The 649 cc parallel twin-cylinder engine on the Ninja 650 churns out 68 PS at 8,000 rpm and 65.7 Nm at 6,500 rpm. In comparison, the 650GT's motor makes 61.2 PS at 9,000 rpm and 58.5 Nm at 7,000 rpm. The Ninja 650 is also lighter (196 kg vs. 650GT’s 226 kg) among the two, which gives it a better power-to-weight ratio.
However, the CFMoto 650GT catches up in terms of the feature list. It comes with full LED lighting and a TFT display that enhances its premium look. The split-style, quad-pod, LED headlamp at the front lends it a futuristic look. We would have liked to see fairing integrated front blinkers on the 650GT for a cleaner look on the fascia. The TFT screen can be used in two modes - Touring and Sport - that revise the display layout.
In comparison, the Ninja 650 uses an LCD screen with an analogue tachometer. The typical Ninja family fascia makes it instantly recognisable, although it’s about time that Kawasaki added a LED headlight to the 650. The Ninja 400, for reference, comes with a LED headlight.
The handlebars on both motorcycles are different. While the CFMoto 650GT comes with a flat, single-piece handlebar, the Ninja 650 packs clip-on style units that give it a relatively sportier ergonomics than its Chinese rival.
Unlike the price of the other CFMoto models launched in India, the price of the CFMoto 650GT is not introductory. An aggressive, introductory price would have attracted more potential buyers.
Also Read: CFMoto 650MT vs. Kawasaki Versys 650 vs. Benelli TRK 502 - Spec Comparo
With higher performance figures, well-spread dealer network and a difference of just INR 40,000, the Kawasaki Ninja 650 still comes across as a more appealing package between the two bikes. Also, the CFMoto 650GT is only available in six cities at the moment - Bangalore, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Guwahati and Chennai.
*Ex-showroom Delhi
