Kawasaki Z 650 versus Yamaha MT-07

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
Kawasaki

Kawasaki Z 650

Naked
Yamaha

Yamaha MT-07

Naked

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2017 bis 2024~
Built von 2013 bis 2024~
RRP 7.645 €
RRP 8.374 €
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Pros:
Pros:
  • Value for money
  • Agility
  • Low weight and easy handling
  • Fun
  • Versatility
  • Wonderfully puristic / nothing you don't need
Cons:
Cons:
  • Chassis not adjustable
  • slim equipment
  • Windbreak

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.410 mm
Length :
2.055 mm Height : 1.080 mm
Seat :
790 mm
Weight :
187 kg
Wheelbase: 1.400 mm
Length :
2.085 mm Height : 1.105 mm
Seat :
805 mm
Weight :
184 (max: 360 ) kg

Engine

Motor design: Number 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 649 ccm
Hub: 60 mm
Hole: 83 mm
Cooling: flüssigkeitsgekühlt
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6
Motor design: Number 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 689 ccm
Hub: 69 mm
Hole: 80 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6

Performance

Maximum speed: 200 km/h
Performance: 68 HP at 8.000 U/Min
Torque: 66 NM bei 6.500 U/Min
Tank contents: 15 Litre
Consumption:
4 l
Reach:
357 km
Maximum speed: 207 km/h
Performance: 73 HP at 8.750 U/Min
Torque: 67 NM bei 6.500 U/Min
Tank contents: 14 Litre
Consumption:
4 l
Reach:
320 km

Chassis

Frame type:
Lattice tube (steel)
Front suspension:
41 mm telescopic fork (travel 125 mm)
Rear suspension:
Mono strut (travel 130 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm
Tyres at the front: 120/70ZR17M/C (58W)
Rear tyres: 160/60ZR17M/C (69W)
Frame type:
Tubular bridge frame (steel)
Front suspension:
Telescopic fork (travel 130 mm)
Rear suspension:
Adjustable central strut (travel 130 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm made of steel
Tyres at the front: 120/70 ZR 17
Rear tyres: 180/55 ZR 17

Brakes

Front brake
Double disc ( 300 mm) Rear brake
Disc ( 220 mm)
Front brake
Double disc ( 298 mm) Rear brake
Disc ( 245 mm)

Conclusion - what gets stuck

The Kawasaki Z650 vintage 2020 is a simple but well-made motorcycle. This can be seen .B the conventional telefork or the lack of technical features, which are now standard from the upper middle class (Z900). But it is also a lot cheaper.
 
The Z650 is a rather small machine. Pilots from 1.85m may feel out of place, which is an individual thing. We recommend a seat test for larger drivers. For smaller riders, however, the Z650 is a feast and highly recommended. But two of them get a bit tight, but that's similar with competitor bikes. The passenger has no handles, only a holding strap. Ergo: It's enough to get to the Baggersee, but from Hamburg to Munich it's exhausting for two.
 
Overall, the new Z650 is a successful machine. The updates have done the motorcycle well, it looks fresher and rides fast and agile and conveys enormous driving fun. The test machine was provided to us by Heller & Soltau in St. Michaelisdonn.

Price/Availability/Colours/Years of Construction

  • Price: 7,000€
  • Used (3 years old): 5,000€
  • Availability: since 2017
  • Colours: white, black, black-green

Conclusion - what gets stuck

What's stuck is quickly said: Yamaha has achieved a really versatile motorcycle with the MT-07. It is characterized by plenty of driving pleasure and its extremely puristic concept, which can be enjoyed by all those who do not lack attitude and equipment features. If you enjoy configuring your bike before the exit at the breakfast table via APP, you will surely opt for another vehicle.
 
The MT-07 is also well suited for beginners and newcomers, because the machine can be throttled to A2-compatible 48 hp for new drivers. Thus, you have a motorcycle that you can still enjoy after the A2 phase without having to invest directly in a stronger bike. And Yamaha is putting another high on top with the €500 Young Star driving licence grant: Those who decide on a new MT-07 by 30 June 2021 and prove that they have obtained their a driving licence in class A2 or A from 01.01.2020 will receive a grant of 500 €! This makes the already reasonable price a little more attractive.

The test machine was provided to us by Motorrad Ruser.

Price/Availability/Colours/Years of Construction

  • Price: 7,374€
  • Years built: 2021
  • Availability: from 2021
  • Colors:

    Storm Fluo / Icon Blue / Tech Black