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Which naked bike will conquer your heart? kawasaki z650 vs yamaha mt-07 face-off

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to...

What To Know

  • The Z650 is a bit more nimble and agile, while the MT-07 has a bit more power and torque.
  • If you’re looking for a bike with a bit more power and torque, the MT-07 is a great choice.
  • If you’re not sure whether the Kawasaki Z650 or Yamaha MT-07 is the right bike for you, there are a few other alternatives to consider.

The Kawasaki Z650 and Yamaha MT-07 are two of the most popular naked bikes on the market today. Both offer a great balance of performance, style, and affordability. But which one is the better choice for you? Let’s take a closer look at each bike and see how they compare.

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 MT-07 has a slight advantage in terms of power and torque. However, in the real world, there’s not a huge difference in performance between the two bikes. Both bikes are plenty fast for everyday riding and commuting.

Handling

The Kawasaki Z650 is a very nimble and agile bike. It handles well in corners and is easy to flick from side to side. The Yamaha MT-07 is also a good handling bike, but it’s not quite as nimble as the Z650. It’s also a bit heavier, which makes it feel a bit more planted on the road.

Brakes

The Kawasaki Z650 has a single front disc brake and a single rear disc brake. The Yamaha MT-07 has dual front disc brakes and a single rear disc brake.

The MT-07’s dual front disc brakes give it a slight advantage in terms of braking power. However, both bikes have good brakes that are more than adequate for everyday riding.

Suspension

The Kawasaki Z650 has a non-adjustable front fork and a preload-adjustable rear shock. The Yamaha MT-07 has a preload-adjustable front fork and a preload-adjustable rear shock.

The MT-07’s preload-adjustable suspension gives it a slight advantage in terms of ride quality. However, both bikes have good suspension that is comfortable for everyday riding.

Features

The Kawasaki Z650 comes with a few more features than the Yamaha MT-07. These features include:

  • ABS
  • Traction control
  • LCD instrument panel
  • LED headlights

The Yamaha MT-07 does not come with any of these features. However, it is available with a few optional extras, such as:

  • ABS
  • Traction control
  • Quick shifter

Price

The Kawasaki Z650 has a starting price of $7,999. The Yamaha MT-07 has a starting price of $7,699.

The MT-07 is slightly cheaper than the Z650. However, the Z650 comes with a few more features, so it’s ultimately a better value for the money.

Which Bike Is Right for You?

The Kawasaki Z650 and Yamaha MT-07 are both great naked bikes. The Z650 is a bit more nimble and agile, while the MT-07 has a bit more power and torque.

Ultimately, the best bike for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a nimble and agile bike, the Z650 is a great choice. If you’re looking for a bike with a bit more power and torque, the MT-07 is a great choice.

Alternatives to the Kawasaki Z650 and Yamaha MT-07

If you’re not sure whether the Kawasaki Z650 or Yamaha MT-07 is the right bike for you, there are a few other alternatives to consider. These alternatives include:

  • Suzuki SV650
  • Honda CB650R
  • Triumph Street Twin
  • Ducati Scrambler Sixty2

These bikes are all similar to the Z650 and MT-07 in terms of performance, style, and affordability. They’re all great choices for riders who are looking for a fun and versatile naked bike.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which bike is faster, the Kawasaki Z650 or Yamaha MT-07?

A: The Yamaha MT-07 is slightly faster than the Kawasaki Z650. It has a more powerful engine and a higher top speed.

Q: Which bike is better for commuting, the Kawasaki Z650 or Yamaha MT-07?

A: Both the Kawasaki Z650 and Yamaha MT-07 are good for commuting. They’re both comfortable to ride and have good fuel economy. However, the Z650 is slightly more nimble and agile, which makes it a bit easier to maneuver through traffic.

Q: Which bike is cheaper to maintain, the Kawasaki Z650 or Yamaha MT-07?

A: The Kawasaki Z650 and Yamaha MT-07 are both relatively inexpensive to maintain. They both have long service intervals and their parts are readily available. However, the Z650 is slightly cheaper to maintain, as it has a longer valve clearance inspection interval.

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Mike Sullivan

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to guides and industry news updates. When he's not writing about Ford, you can find Mike cheering on his favorite NFL team at the local pub on game days.
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