Yamaha MT-07 vs Kawasaki Z650
Yamaha MT-07 is more powerful, while Kawasaki Z650 has a lower seat, and they are very close in specifications. Yamaha MT-07 delivers 74 hp (55 kW), while Kawasaki Z650 has a 785 mm seat. Their differences are specific rather than decisive: the Kawasaki offers the lower seating position, while the Yamaha has the larger engine capacity. Both are naked motorcycles, so the choice here comes down to which stated distinction matters more to your priorities.
Data for different model years: Yamaha MT-07 — 2017; Kawasaki Z650 — 2026.
Yamaha MT-07 vs Kawasaki Z650: specifications
| Specifications side by side | Yamaha MT-07Model year 2017 | Kawasaki Z650Model year 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine capacity | 689 cm³ | 649 cm³ |
| Power | 74 hp (55 kW) — Favorable value | 67 hp (50 kW) |
| Wet weight | 179 kg — Favorable value | 186 kg |
| Seat height | 805 mm | 785 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 14 L | 15.1 L — Favorable value |
Percentages use the second model as the baseline. Highlighting applies only to comparable power, torque, mass and fuel capacity; it does not predict handling or acceleration.
Engine
| Specifications side by side | Yamaha MT-07Model year 2017 | Kawasaki Z650Model year 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine capacity | 689 cm³ | 649 cm³ |
| Power | 74 hp (55 kW) — Favorable value | 67 hp (50 kW) |
| Torque | 68 Nm — Favorable value | 65.7 Nm |
| Engine type | Parallel Twin, four-stroke | Parallel Twin, four-stroke |
| Bore × stroke | 80.0 x 68.6 mm | 83.0 x 60.0 mm |
| Compression ratio | 11.5:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Cooling | Liquid | Liquid |
| Fuel system | Injection | Injection |
| Starting | Electric | Electric |
Transmission
| Specifications side by side | Yamaha MT-07Model year 2017 | Kawasaki Z650Model year 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Gearbox | Manual 6-speed | Manual 6-speed |
| Clutch | Wet, Multiple Disc | Wet multi-disc, manual |
| Final drive | Chain | Chain |
Dimensions and weight
| Specifications side by side | Yamaha MT-07Model year 2017 | Kawasaki Z650Model year 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Wet weight | 179 kg — Favorable value | 186 kg |
| Seat height | 805 mm | 785 mm |
| Length | 2,085 mm | 2,065 mm |
| Width | 745 mm | 775 mm |
| Height | 1,090 mm | 1,080 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,400 mm | 1,410 mm |
| Ground clearance | 140 mm | 130 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 14 L | 15.1 L — Favorable value |
Chassis
| Specifications side by side | Yamaha MT-07Model year 2017 | Kawasaki Z650Model year 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Frame | Diamond | Trellis, high-tensile steel |
| Front suspension | Telescopic forks | 41 mm telescopic fork |
| Rear suspension | Swingarm, (Link type suspension) | Horizontal Back-link with preload adjustment |
| Front wheel travel | 137 mm | 124 mm |
| Rear wheel travel | 130 mm | 130 mm |
| Rake | 24.0° | 24.0° |
| Trail | 90 mm | 100 mm |
Brakes
| Specifications side by side | Yamaha MT-07Model year 2017 | Kawasaki Z650Model year 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Front brakes | Double disc. Hydraulic. ABS. | Double disc. ABS. Petal-type rotors with two-piston calipers |
| Rear brakes | Single disc. Hydraulic. ABS. | Single disc. ABS |
| Front brake diameter | 282 mm | 300 mm |
| Rear brake diameter | 245 mm | 220 mm |
| Front tire | 120/70-ZR17 | 120/70-ZR17 |
| Rear tire | 180/55-ZR17 | 160/60-ZR17 |
| ABS | Yes | Yes |
Key differences
This comparison uses Yamaha MT-07 from 2017 and Kawasaki Z650 from 2026.
Power
Yamaha MT-07
74 hp (55 kW)
Highlighted valueKawasaki Z650
67 hp (50 kW)
Wet weight
Yamaha MT-07
179 kg
Highlighted valueKawasaki Z650
186 kg
Engine capacity
Yamaha MT-07
689 cm³
Highlighted valueKawasaki Z650
649 cm³
Torque
Yamaha MT-07
68 Nm
Highlighted valueKawasaki Z650
65.7 Nm
Seat height
Yamaha MT-07
805 mm
Kawasaki Z650
785 mm
Highlighted valueYamaha MT-07 vs Kawasaki Z650: which one to choose?
These models are very close in specifications.
- Choose Kawasaki Z650 for its 20 mm lower seat.
- Choose Yamaha MT-07 for its 689 cm³ engine capacity.
FAQ
- Which motorcycle has more power?
- Yamaha MT-07 has more power, with 74 hp (55 kW) versus Kawasaki Z650 at 67 hp (50 kW).
- Which model has the larger fuel tank?
- Kawasaki Z650 has the larger tank, at 15.1 L versus 14 L for Yamaha MT-07.
- Which model years are compared?
- The comparison uses the 2017 Yamaha MT-07 and 2026 Kawasaki Z650.