Quick summary
- The Kawasaki Z650 and Yamaha MT-07 both feature a trellis frame and a suspension system that is designed for comfort and stability.
- The Z650 has a single front brake disc and a single rear brake disc, while the MT-07 has dual front brake discs and a single rear brake disc.
- The Kawasaki Z650 and Yamaha MT-07 both come with a range of standard features, including a digital instrument cluster, a fuel gauge, and a trip computer.
The Kawasaki Z650 and Yamaha MT-07 are two of the most popular naked motorcycles in the market today. Both bikes offer a blend of performance, affordability, and style that appeals to a wide range of riders. However, which one is the better choice? In this comprehensive test, we put the Kawasaki Z650 and Yamaha MT-07 head-to-head to find out which one comes out on top.
Engine and Performance:
The Kawasaki Z650 is powered by a 649cc parallel-twin engine that produces 67 horsepower and 47 lb-ft of torque. The Yamaha MT-07, on the other hand, is powered by a 689cc parallel-twin engine that produces 74 horsepower and 50 lb-ft of torque.
On paper, the Yamaha MT-07 has the advantage in terms of power and torque. However, in real-world riding, the difference between the two bikes is not as noticeable as the numbers suggest. Both bikes offer plenty of power for everyday riding and commuting, and they are both capable of reaching highway speeds with ease.
Handling and Suspension:
The Kawasaki Z650 and Yamaha MT-07 both feature a trellis frame and a suspension system that is designed for comfort and stability. The Z650 has a slightly more upright riding position than the MT-07, which makes it more comfortable for long rides. The MT-07, on the other hand, has a more aggressive riding position that is better suited for sporty riding.
In terms of handling, the Z650 and MT-07 are both very agile and responsive. They are both easy to maneuver through traffic and they both offer plenty of grip in corners. However, the MT-07 has a slightly sharper turn-in than the Z650, which makes it more fun to ride on twisty roads.
Braking and Safety:
Both the Kawasaki Z650 and Yamaha MT-07 come standard with ABS brakes. The Z650 has a single front brake disc and a single rear brake disc, while the MT-07 has dual front brake discs and a single rear brake disc.
In terms of braking performance, the MT-07 has a slight advantage over the Z650. The MT-07’s dual front brake discs provide more stopping power, and they offer better feedback at the lever.
Features and Technology:
The Kawasaki Z650 and Yamaha MT-07 both come with a range of standard features, including a digital instrument cluster, a fuel gauge, and a trip computer. The Z650 also comes with a gear indicator, while the MT-07 comes with a traction control system.
In terms of technology, the Yamaha MT-07 has a slight edge over the Kawasaki Z650. The MT-07’s traction control system is a valuable safety feature, and it can help to prevent the rear wheel from spinning out on slippery surfaces.
Price and Value:
The Kawasaki Z650 has a starting price of $7,999, while the Yamaha MT-07 has a starting price of $8,099. Both bikes offer a good value for the money, and they are both priced competitively in the naked motorcycle segment.
Final Verdict:
So, which bike is the better choice? The Kawasaki Z650 and Yamaha MT-07 are both excellent motorcycles, and they both offer a lot of value for the money. However, if we had to choose one over the other, we would give the slight edge to the Yamaha MT-07. The MT-07 has a more powerful engine, better handling, and more advanced technology. It is also a more fun bike to ride on twisty roads.
FAQ:
Q: Which bike is more powerful?
A: The Yamaha MT-07 has a more powerful engine than the Kawasaki Z650.
Q: Which bike handles better?
A: The Yamaha MT-07 handles slightly better than the Kawasaki Z650.
Q: Which bike is more comfortable?
A: The Kawasaki Z650 has a more comfortable riding position than the Yamaha MT-07.
Q: Which bike is more fuel-efficient?
A: The Kawasaki Z650 and Yamaha MT-07 have similar fuel efficiency.
Q: Which bike is more affordable?
A: The Kawasaki Z650 has a slightly lower starting price than the Yamaha MT-07.
