By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Naked Bike
Yamaha MT-07 (RM33) vs Kawasaki Z650 (ER 650 K-TC)
Yamaha MT-07 vs Kawasaki Z650: which one's easier to live with every day.
You'll notice the Yamaha MT-07's wide bar first, and it's pulling your hands into easy leverage without cramping your knees. On the Kawasaki Z650, both boots plant flat at a stop.
So which one do you buy?
Which one's the smarter buy
Money won't decide it
The lower sticker price doesn't settle which one is the better buy. Neither bike is the clear better value for the money.
What makes each one tick
MT-07
On a tight bend, the MT-07 tips in quickly and doesn't fight you as it holds a neutral line. The throttle gets an answer from low rpm, and there's torque building in a steady line as the revs climb. Shutting off hard makes the rear hop. The front lever bites hard and feeds in smoothly.
Nils rode the MT-07 in 2021, and in Austria in 2023 (NastyNils Testride).
Z650
Around a compact trellis frame, the Z650 builds its torque in an even spread from low revs up. There's enough shove for brisk daily riding. Its seat sits low. The twin doesn't catch you out.
Nils rode the Z650 in Austria in 2023 (NastyNils Testride).
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The Z650 has the lower seat: 31.1 in (790 mm) vs 31.7 in (805 mm).
- The MT-07 makes more peak power: 73 hp (54 kW) vs 68 hp (50 kW).
- The MT-07 has the larger engine: 689 cc vs 649 cc.
Which one for the way you ride
Comfortable long-distance riding
Neither one fits
Neither one is built for long-haul comfort. For big miles, look at a proper tourer or sport tourer.
Traveling with luggage
Wrong job for both
Neither is a natural luggage carrier, so a trip with bags means a compromise either way.
They come out level on commuting, twisty roads, and a first bike. The better-kept used example is the smarter money.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
MT-07
Strengths
- Engine With Real Character
- Begs You To Misbehave
- Flickable In Tight Turns
- Braking Is A Non-Issue
Trade-offs
- No Traction Control At All
- Fork Can't Be Adjusted
- Seat Quits After An Hour
- Rear Hops Under Engine Braking
- Build quality and surface finish
Z650
What owners say
Strengths
- Approachable parallel-twin engine
- Low, comfortable seat height
- Modern TFT display with smartphone integration
Known problems to check before you buy
MT-07
- Yamaha OEM accessory lower engine guard can impair rear brake pedal travel The Yamaha original accessory "lower engine protection" (crash bar/engine guard) can restrict rear brake pedal travel after installation, reducing braking effectiveness. Primarily affects motorcycles used in driving schools where the accessory is commonly fitted.
- Non-adjustable front fork too soft; instability at pace The stock front fork is a non-adjustable damper-rod design. It is too soft for spirited riding, causing front-end dive under braking, instability at higher speeds, and lack of composure on rough surfaces. The most commonly reported complaint across professional reviews and owner forums. Aftermarket solutions (progressive springs, cartridge kits) are widely recommended.
- Stock seat causes discomfort beyond 60–90 minutes The stock rider seat is too firm and flat for rides exceeding approximately one hour. The pillion seat is small and inadequate. This significantly limits touring usability. Aftermarket comfort seats, gel pads, or sheepskin covers are common remedies.
- Front LED turn signals loosen from vibration The front indicator/turn signal lights can work loose from vibration or minor impacts. The rubber mounting piece can cave into the signal socket. Left side more commonly affected. Requires periodic retightening.
- Noticeable vibration through handlebars and footpegs at sustained highway rpm The CP2 parallel twin produces vibrations that are transmitted through handlebars and footpegs, particularly at sustained cruising speeds around 6,000 rpm. Causes numbness in hands and feet on longer rides. Mirrors become blurry/unusable at higher speeds. Inherent engine characteristic of the parallel-twin layout. Bar-end weights and rubber-mounted mirrors are common aftermarket remedies.
Z650
No confirmed faults on file yet. That's not the same as fault-free.
What they cost used
These prices compare a 3-year-old MT-07 with a 3-year-old Z650.
- MT-07
- $6,500
- Z650
- $6,000
At three years old, the Yamaha MT-07 sits around $6,500 while the Kawasaki Z650 lands near $6,000. That's a $500 gap in the Z650's favor. These figures come from earlier market records, not live listings.
What they share
- Engine
- Parallel twin
- Cooling
- Liquid-cooled
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Final drive
- Chain
- Fork
- Telescopic
- Front tire
- 120/70-17
Where the spec sheets split
| MT-07 | Z650 | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 31.7 in (805 mm) | 31.1 in (790 mm) |
| Wet weight | 406 lb (184 kg) | 412 lb (187 kg) |
| MT-07 | Z650 | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 689 cc | 649 cc |
| Power | 73 hp (54 kW) | 68 hp (50 kW) |
| Peak power at | 8,750 rpm | 8,000 rpm |
| Torque | 49 lb-ft (67 Nm) | 47 lb-ft (64 Nm) |
| Peak torque at | 6,500 rpm | 6,700 rpm |
| MT-07 | Z650 | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy | 58 mpg (US) / 4.06 L/100 km | 53 mpg (US) / 4.4 L/100 km |
| Fuel capacity | 3.7 US gal (14 L) | 4.0 US gal (15 L) |
| MT-07 | Z650 | |
|---|---|---|
| Front brake | 298 mm | 300 mm |
| Rear tire | 180/55-17 | 160/60-17 |
| Wheelbase | 55.1 in (1400 mm) | 55.5 in (1410 mm) |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| MT-07 | Z650 | |
|---|---|---|
| ABS | Standard | Option |
| Traction Control | Not offered | Standard |
| Slipper Clutch | Not offered | Standard |
| TFT Display | Standard (from 2023) | Standard |
| Smartphone Connectivity | Standard (from 2023) | Standard |
| USB Charging Port | Not offered | Option |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
