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Beginner’s Guide: Yamaha Fz-07 Vs Kawasaki Z650 For First-time Riders

Matthew is an avid motorbike enthusiast from South London. He started riding bikes as a teenager and has owned over 10 bikes throughout his life. Matthew loves exploring the picturesque British countryside on two wheels and uses his matthewbikelog to document his riding adventures. When he's not out on his...

What To Know

  • However, the FZ 07 has a few additional features that the Z650 does not, such as a slipper clutch and a traction control system.
  • The FZ 07 is a better choice for riders who prefer a sporty and engaging ride, while the Z650 is a better choice for riders who prefer a more comfortable and stable ride.

The Yamaha FZ 07 and Kawasaki Z650 are two of the most popular middleweight motorcycles on the market. Both bikes offer a combination of performance, affordability, and versatility that makes them appealing to a wide range of riders. But how do they compare head-to-head? In this article, we’ll take a comprehensive look at the Yamaha FZ 07 vs. Kawasaki Z650 to help you decide which bike is right for you.

Engine and Performance

The Yamaha FZ 07 is powered by a 689cc parallel-twin engine that produces 74 horsepower and 50 lb-ft of torque. The Kawasaki Z650, on the other hand, is powered by a 649cc parallel-twin engine that produces 67 horsepower and 47 lb-ft of torque.

On paper, the FZ 07 has a slight edge in terms of power and torque. However, in real-world riding, the difference is negligible. Both bikes offer plenty of power for commuting, cruising, and occasional track days.

Handling and Suspension

The Yamaha FZ 07 has a lightweight chassis and agile handling that makes it a joy to ride through corners. The Z650, on the other hand, has a more stable chassis and suspension that provides a more comfortable ride on long journeys.

Ultimately, the choice between the FZ 07 and Z650 for handling depends on your riding style. If you prefer a sporty and engaging ride, the FZ 07 is the better choice. If you prefer a more comfortable and stable ride, the Z650 is the better choice.

Braking

Both the FZ 07 and Z650 come with excellent brakes. The FZ 07 has a single front disc brake with a two-piston caliper, while the Z650 has dual front disc brakes with four-piston calipers. Both bikes also have ABS as standard.

Features

The FZ 07 and Z650 come with a similar range of features. Both bikes have a digital instrument cluster, LED lighting, and a gear indicator. However, the FZ 07 has a few additional features that the Z650 does not, such as a slipper clutch and a traction control system.

Price

The Yamaha FZ 07 has a starting price of $7,499, while the Kawasaki Z650 has a starting price of $7,349. The FZ 07 is slightly more expensive, but it comes with a few additional features that the Z650 does not.

Which Bike is Right for You?

The Yamaha FZ 07 and Kawasaki Z650 are both excellent middleweight motorcycles. The FZ 07 is a better choice for riders who prefer a sporty and engaging ride, while the Z650 is a better choice for riders who prefer a more comfortable and stable ride. Ultimately, the best way to decide which bike is right for you is to test ride both of them.

The Verdict: Yamaha FZ 07 vs. Kawasaki Z650

The Yamaha FZ 07 and Kawasaki Z650 are both excellent motorcycles that offer a great value for the money. The FZ 07 is a better choice for riders who prefer a sporty and engaging ride, while the Z650 is a better choice for riders who prefer a more comfortable and stable ride.

Frequently Discussed Topics

Q: Which bike is faster, the FZ 07 or the Z650?
A: The FZ 07 has a slight edge in terms of power and torque, but the difference is negligible in real-world riding.

Q: Which bike has better handling, the FZ 07 or the Z650?
A: The FZ 07 has a more agile handling, while the Z650 has a more stable chassis and suspension.

Q: Which bike has better brakes, the FZ 07 or the Z650?
A: Both bikes have excellent brakes, but the Z650 has dual front disc brakes with four-piston calipers, which provide slightly better stopping power than the FZ 07’s single front disc brake with a two-piston caliper.

Q: Which bike has more features, the FZ 07 or the Z650?
A: The FZ 07 has a few additional features that the Z650 does not, such as a slipper clutch and a traction control system.

Q: Which bike is more expensive, the FZ 07 or the Z650?
A: The FZ 07 has a starting price of $7,499, while the Z650 has a starting price of $7,349.

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Matthew

Matthew is an avid motorbike enthusiast from South London. He started riding bikes as a teenager and has owned over 10 bikes throughout his life. Matthew loves exploring the picturesque British countryside on two wheels and uses his matthewbikelog to document his riding adventures. When he's not out on his current Yamaha FZ6, Matthew enjoys tinkering with and upgrading his bikes. He has a keen interest in bike mechanics and regularly shares tips on maintenance and repairs with his readers. Matthew also provides gear and equipment reviews, helping other riders choose the best kit for weekend rides or longer touring trips. Beyond talking motorbikes, Matthew's blog gives readers an insight into his life. He shares stories and photos from motorcycle trips around the UK as well as further afield in Europe. Readers often describe Matthew's writing as both entertaining and inspirational; he aims to fuel the wanderlust of other bikers. Through his passion for two-wheel adventures on all types of roads, Matthew explores the freedom that motorcycling brings. He looks forward to many more years of thrills on two wheels and chronicling his experiences on matthewbikelog.
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