Yamaha MT-09 vs Honda CB650R
Specs side by side, plus our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.
The Yamaha MT-09 and Honda CB650R are among the most cross-shopped naked bikes of 2026. The Honda CB650R undercuts the Yamaha MT-09 by about $1,200, so value is squarely on the table. On paper the Yamaha MT-09 leads on power with 119 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-09
Honda
Honda CB650RThe verdict
The Yamaha MT-09 edges it overall at 8.6/10, but the Honda CB650R wins on best for new riders, so let how you ride decide.
Honda CB650R
A2-legal, 94 hp, forgiving to learn on.
Yamaha MT-09
119 hp and 0.62 hp/kg, the strongest here.
Yamaha MT-09
Our 8.6/10 at $10,599, the most bike per dollar.
Yamaha MT-09
193 kg with an 825 mm seat, the easiest to throw around.
Yamaha MT-09
Our top score in this matchup at 8.6/10.
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-09 vs Honda CB650R: your questions answered
Which is faster, the Yamaha MT-09 or the Honda CB650R?
The Yamaha MT-09 makes the most power at 119 hp and 93 Nm, giving it the edge on outright performance.
Which is cheaper, the Yamaha MT-09 or the Honda CB650R?
The Honda CB650R is the most affordable here with an MSRP around $9,399.
Which is lighter, the Yamaha MT-09 or the Honda CB650R?
The Yamaha MT-09 is the lightest at 193 kg, which makes it the easiest to manage at low speed and in the bends.
Which is better for a beginner, the Yamaha MT-09 or the Honda CB650R?
For a new rider we'd point to the Honda CB650R: A2-legal, 94 hp and 203 kg make it the most approachable of the group.
