Yamaha MT-07 vs Kawasaki Z650
Specs side by side, plus our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.
The Yamaha MT-07 and Kawasaki Z650 are among the most cross-shopped naked bikes of 2026. The Kawasaki Z650 undercuts the Yamaha MT-07 by about $1,250, so value is squarely on the table. On paper the Yamaha MT-07 leads on power with 73 hp. Below we put them head to head on price, performance, weight and seat height, then give our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.
Our pickYamaha
Yamaha MT-07
Kawasaki
Kawasaki Z650The verdict
The Yamaha MT-07 edges it overall at 8.4/10, but the Kawasaki Z650 wins on best for new riders, so let how you ride decide.
Kawasaki Z650
A2-legal, 68 hp, forgiving to learn on.
Yamaha MT-07
73 hp and 0.40 hp/kg, the strongest here.
Kawasaki Z650
Our 7.8/10 at $7,249, the most bike per dollar.
Yamaha MT-07
184 kg with an 805 mm seat, the easiest to throw around.
Yamaha MT-07
Our top score in this matchup at 8.4/10.
Cyan marks the best figure in each row. Specs are the most-cited for the current model; verify before relying on them.
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Yamaha MT-07 vs Kawasaki Z650: your questions answered
Which is faster, the Yamaha MT-07 or the Kawasaki Z650?
The Yamaha MT-07 makes the most power at 73 hp and 67 Nm, giving it the edge on outright performance.
Which is cheaper, the Yamaha MT-07 or the Kawasaki Z650?
The Kawasaki Z650 is the most affordable here with an MSRP around $7,249.
Which is lighter, the Yamaha MT-07 or the Kawasaki Z650?
The Yamaha MT-07 is the lightest at 184 kg, which makes it the easiest to manage at low speed and in the bends.
Which is better for a beginner, the Yamaha MT-07 or the Kawasaki Z650?
For a new rider we'd point to the Kawasaki Z650: A2-legal, 68 hp and 187 kg make it the most approachable of the group.
