Kawasaki Z650 Vs Yamaha MT-07 | 2021 Middleweight Naked Showdown

A comprehensive Specs Comparison between the 2021 Kawasaki Z650 and Yamaha MT-07.
Kawasaki’s middleweight naked that is widely regarded as one of the best ‘all rounders’ in the class the Z650. Up Against Yamaha’s very characterful offering that has been updated for 2021, the MT-07. Today these two very popular naked motorcycles are going up on the chopping block for one of the most requested matchups to date.
Hi! I’m Kwackajack and welcome to another episode of the Versus Series. Where we have an in depth specs comparison to compare the styling, claimed engine and power stats, exhaust sounds, Weight, suspension and brakes, fuel economy, features and price! But before we get started make sure to give this video a like, hit subscribe to join our fast growing moto community
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[@leynadIX]

I preffer the Z650, but the sound of the MT it's better for me without doubt.

[@battletrip]

even with a modified exhaust about to buy 1 but stuck im more towards the z650

[@lsixty30]

Stock they both sound like lawn equipment, but an aftermarket exhaust will fix that. My Ninja 250 sounds good for what it is with an aftermarket pipe so I’m sure these can sound nice.

[@GreyZonex]

Best comparaison of these 2 bikes. To the point, visial aids with nice vids on riding on both these bikes. Subbed !

[@cochorocks]

Debating between these two for my next bike, i think the mt07 is taking my money! Bring on the wheelies machine

[@marinojeffrey6693]

Love your video, you are right on point

[@charleshoward1475]

A decent comparison review. Many thanks Kwackajack. I 've presently got a Suzuki 1250 Bandit which I have barely ridden to date. I'm no spring chicken, and find this machine a bit heavy, and a touch to tall for me. I have been looking at trading this bike for a Kawasaki mid range machine, but I need the ability to tour with it, hence panniers required etc. I've been considering the Ninja 650 touring version, since the Z and Ninja use the same motor your review has been of much interest to me. Thank You

[@romydol]

Love your video! Just missing the euro pricing for us here in The Netherlands 😉 PS just bought a new z650 🥳

[@eugene9056]

Great Review! With this, I'll go with the Z!!!

[@artmoto957]

Nice vlog 🥰

[@HareKrisnaKarlovac]

nice video i like both bikes so its a tough one for me

[@Jurica-mtb]

I got mine Z650 in the same color scheme but in tourer version. I never rode a motorcycle before and I went by playing safe so I chose Z650 because of it's linear acceleration and traction control so it payed off. All the time I wish the handlebar was wider like on MT07 so I might replace it with Versys 300 handlebar. I don't feel so much confident on wet with Dunlop Sportmax D214 stock tires which have already shown wear signs at 8.200km so I'll switch to Metzeler Z8 Interact or Michelin Road 5. I wouldn't complain if Z650 had plushier suspension. You can overtake easily. It realy has plenty of torque and it works best on 3.000-6.000 rpms. Overall, it's a very nice and forgiving bike that is excelent choice for beginer and/or calm riders. ✌️

[@shonmacklin9613]

SOLD!

[@phil9100]

Yesssss!

[@normansotero7891]

Nice comparison bro,thanks.

[@Kwackajack]

You got it 👌🏻 Any other bikes you'd like to see compared?

[@normansotero7891]

@@Kwackajack how about naked bike from Triumphs vs Yamaha bro.

[@sathishrao7926]

2 years ago, I considered the Z and test rode it, but settled for its sibling Vulcan since I preferred a Cruiser to a Street Naked.. Yamaha hasn’t been courteous enough to introduce MT07 in India, so Z is the only choice we have between these two !

[@Kwackajack]

That must be frustrating mate!

[@stanza77]

In India I bet that's a very big displacement. Seems most people have less than 300cc

[@sathishrao7926]

@@stanza77 Yes it is ! India is the world’s largest producer and consumer of motorcycles, but most of the motorcycles are 200 CC or less..

[@TorilM]

Thanks, Team green here, I ended up with the Z after considering Honda CB650F, Triumph trident 660, and MT-07. After first round, I was left with the Z and the MT-07, due to price and size. The Z won due to its very low seat height, especially after additional lowering. I am short and old. I just returned to driving again after 20 years and my re-entry bike for the last 3 summers was the Yamaha R3, great bike, low and forgiving, but now I needed just a hint more power. Great review, makes me feel happy about my choice.

[@marknolan8052]

Same story here, I'm short & old. Owned many bikes from 125 to 900 cc. Two years ago, I bought a 2017 Z650 leftover. I traded in a Suzuki 650 V-strom because I got tired of tip toeing it around. Going on 67, didn't need a 1000cc or 800lb bike anymore. Now I'm waiting to get a bum knee fixed so I can ride this year. I don't ride on major highways, mostly around town & backroads. I really like the bike, plenty fast enough me these days.

[@TorilM]

@@marknolan8052 haha, yes! old and short but still living life to the fullest! Hope you get to enjoy your bike again soon. I truly like mine a lot and have gotten many nice trips around in my vicinity. Enough power, easy to handle, low and ground hugging, feels really good and safe for a grown-up lady.

[@usernamemykel]

I've a 2018 Kawasaki Ninja 400 KRT ABS - it's incredible! If I step-up, it'll be to it's bigger brother, no doubt!

[@be989]

Good day mate! I love the way you compare bikes! Mix of facts with your opinions. Would like to see your take on the 2021 Honda CB650R vs. 2021 Triumph Trident 660 on the battle of modern retro middleweight naked. What do you think?

[@Kwackajack]

I think that could be a good matchup! Thanks for the suggestion

[@be989]

@@Kwackajack looking forward to it. I believe these 2 bikes are the only ones with more than 2 cylinders in the 650ish naked class.

[@ritabrataroy8523]

Can u plz make a comparison between Z1000 & GSX-S1000.

[@christophermiles9011]

Team Blue dig those red wheels.

[@raivendf6606]

gotta say i'm team blue, although I'll be getting mine in black.

[@cavscout62]

The 689cc CP-2 Engine is perhaps the best all around motorcycle engine out there today, I’ve been riding for over 50 years and ridden everything under the sun to include a Pro Stock H-D and Suzuki so I believe I’m qualified to make this statement and when I say it’s perhaps the best bike engine out there I’m speaking from experience. This isn’t to knock Kawasaki or any other manufacturers, the Yamaha is just that good.

[@aznpetyaw]

Would you say the MT07 is more fun?

[@MrRui33333]

@@aznpetyaw yes it is ,.. very fum naked bike !

[@johnDukemaster]

@@aznpetyaw My experience is that a lower weight makes a wider smile. I had a BMW R9T Pure. 220kg and 110bhp. Now I have a KTM 690 Duke with 150kg and 75bhp. 2kg/hp for both. But I tell you, that KTM makes 8s around the BMW!

[@saisoku72]

Its only my 2nd bike. My first bike was a 2006 GSXR and this FZ07 blows that away. Its just a fun bike to get up and ride on.

[@vdhazer]

I have become a Kawasaki fan after following your channel. Sadly, I'm not a biker and their bikes are ultra expensive in India. So I'll have to get a big Kawasaki wallpaper and paste it in my room. 😃😃😃

[@mkalimala3564]

🤣🤣🤣🇹🇿🤍

[@jessz900]

I've only ever owned Hondas, I'm torn between these two for my next bike though!!

[@joevasconcelos3409]

The mt07 is a blast

[@martinehulme8743]

Not sure which I'd choose

[@blindmoves8938]

Z650 FOR THE WIN!!!😀.....mt07's are amazing too tho..respect.

[@erter3023]

About the fuel consumption I got MT 07 2020 and i test it out one time,for exsample i did ride 197 km long distance with full fuel tank and i stop to the gas statiot to get gas and for the 197km long ride i was able to put only 6.94 liter of fuel in the fuel tank and i was supraised how low fuel it use.

[@zeronomon]

Team Green all the way baby!!

[@marajaded69]

Team green as well...have a 2020 Z650

[@davegoldspink5354]

Great video 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 Question have been looking on Kawasaki’s website at the Z650 is it possible to get an unrestricted one I live here in NSW.

[@Kwackajack]

I don't believe you can buy a new unrestricted z650 here in Aus. you'd have to buy a LAMS model and then get it unrestricted unfortunately. Quite annoying

[@davegoldspink5354]

@@Kwackajack I guess things with the LAMS setup is far better now than when learners were restricted to 250cc tops and probably far better than when I got my licence when there were no restrictions if you had a drivers licence. I had my bike learners permit for a week when I went for my licence with my test being 20 questions and a ride up and down the street on a Suzuki GS750. Times have really changed since then.

[@Kwackajack]

You’re right, I’ve been riding for 2 years now and still haven’t got my full unrestricted license. It’s good, but also frustrating

[@nishiki7047]

I’ve just passed my UK bike test on Z650 , a great bike

[@korazon3spinado]

Don't you have a ninja 400? How would you compare that to these two bikes?

[@jayash6108]

The Yamaha MT series is a family of standard/naked bikes manufactured by Yamaha since 2005. The name "MT" stands for "Master of Torque".

[@gagefowler1425]

You litteraly just copy and pasted this, no one cares dawg

[@gagefowler1425]

@Yaqui NativeAmericanIndianIndigenous Horsemen what????? I litteraly have owned nothing but Yamaha? I have an fz 09 and a 2019 R1????

[@jimhamilton-vs7vx]

favoring the k over the y thank you.

[@Cypryn]

also, kawasaki comes with akrapovic exhaust default, while in yamaha is optional.

[@New-Name75]

Thank you very much for the review! After the end of the war, I want to buy one of these two motorcycles. Good luck to all bikers on the roads and greetings from Ukraine!

[@butlerseo2676]

can you tell us what's the difference between z900 vs z1000 , thank you 😊 new subscriber here

[@Kwackajack]

Thanks for being part of the channel! The Z900 is a more 'everyday' sort of bike that's good in all situations. The Z1000 is more raw, has hardly any rider aids and no fancy dash along with more power. Is the more aggressive bike for sure

[@viking-bfh4638]

Ive ridden both and i liked the mt07 the most tbh Then again im a Yamaha fanboy and I currently ride the mt01 but in a few weeks im gonna sell it and switch to the much lighter mt09sp

[@spartanx169x]

I have owned both. And By far, the Z is the better handling bike. Both have more torque than most people can handle at 100%. The Z is also faster 0-60 at least for the year models I owned. The Z has a much lower center of gravity which makes it feel about 50 lbs lighter than what it is. Having said that, if you prefer the MT-07 thats all that matters.

[@branco6942]

The Yamaha MT07 all day long but the Kawa is a fine bike tooooooooooooo

[@patricksison113]

There are news that Yamaha will be releasing their new YZF-R7. I wonder what other manufacturers have up their sleeve. I'd go for the Z650 for looks, MT07 for engine

[@stanza77]

You are very right. Between these two I think I would ultimately take the mto7 I don't like the parallel-twin sound from Kawasaki but with their big brothers I would pick a z1000 over mto9

[@scooterjay25]

The R7 has the same engine as the MT-07

[@miloregnix_vlogs293]

I bough a 2017 z650 matt silver, was thinking of MT07 but if i was getting MT itd be MT09, z650 is a great bike just the sound due to the 90* crank

[@joseramrez_]

The Z is a really beautibul bike. But i own my 07 since 2019 and is a beast. 07 all day

[@Vjyden63]

MT07 no doubt

[@DARthvader-rw8jm]

Right now in the phil. MT07 price at P499,000 or $8969 while Z650 P415,000 or $7459..

[@brunociardi9768]

both good, but i would take the blue and actually think the lack of features is a plus, giving it the feel of a raw bike, just focused on enjoying the ride

[@chrisvlogz6206]

So I rode the z650 and it's pretty comfortable but not nearly as comfortable as the mt, I haven't rode the mt yet but I'm sold.

[@satya_vai4546]

green 💥❤️

[@kaomatic]

i prefer the Cyberpunk vibe that the MT07 gives out

[@iamlyons3530]

Team green 👊

[@HONDALUIGI21]

Mt stands for master of torque It has an anime around the mt line up

[@MyLife-og2kr]

What anime is that? I want to watch a motorcycle anime

[@soundsonline796]

They are about to announce a new R7 keep your eyes peeled.

[@farmoboy83]

and now a topgear conclusion. Between the two bikes, the best is the sv650

[@edwardcampbell3420]

hard for me to justify a t-twin. you have me if they were 3 or 4 cylinders

[@ragimundvonwallat8961]

i prefer the kawie...like the engine better. i like fairing better so i would go ninja

[@ian-wr1hk]

mt maximum tork? isnt that master of tork ?

[@Partnerthedog]

I prefer the z650 look, but I own an mt07 lol. I have the 2018 blue I love it, the cyan storm is my favorite. I like the MT more but still the z650 Is sharp

[@TRKBLUEPT]

Me and my race blue mt07 are definitely team blue 💪💪

[@supersecksee1741]

Kinda made it obvious by saying "my race blue mt07". So there's no need to confirm by stating it twice

[@TRKBLUEPT]

@@supersecksee1741 did that bother you?

[@supersecksee1741]

@@TRKBLUEPT No, just pointing out the obvious. Your education is as good as gold. But it bothered you somewhat which is why you came back to respond to me. Me, just an internet troller.

[@TRKBLUEPT]

@@supersecksee1741 🤣🤣 this is too fun

[@justashortride6943]

Kawasaki are much more aggressively attacking this market in the U.K. not only is the bike cheaper with a better spec (albeit slightly less power - but arguably not enough to really notice with everyday riding) they are also giving zero % finance to really shift these units

[@cybilisation]

Very useful video. Thank you. According to this, for me, the winner is the Kawa z650, because of the better equipment (TFT Dashboard, slipper clutch, better look, better fuel range)

[@shonmacklin9613]

love the MT series so much. I just knew i was getting one. But everything seems to be pointing me toward the 650. Pearl white please!

[@andrelebel8566]

I have a 2019 Z650 in Pearl white stardust and just fall in love over and over every time I see it!!

[@TorilM]

@@andrelebel8566 I just purchased a 2020 pearl white with green frame, getting it in two days. I was debating between MT-07 and Z650 and selected Z650 due to it being more forgiving and lower, I even lowered the seat aditional 4 cm. I do not know of any other sportbike that has such a low seat, except Yamaha R3, which I just sold.

[@andrelebel8566]

@@TorilM You made a great choice!! You will not regret it!! The only thing that I can say is a bit of a negative with this bike is the lack of wind coverage

[@TorilM]

@@andrelebel8566 Thanks for replying. I assumed so, so I am already looking at different smaller windshields. Have you considered that?

[@tubingforever]

Can't make up my mind between the MT-07 and the CB650R.

[@yamahansolo]

Didn't Yamaha say 58mpg? Not 51

[@Thejamlife2415]

For me it is the “more fun yamaha”

[@pengeran]

Why not u.s.d fork

[@DroidLocks6971]

Looks Wise MT 07

[@gaijinpete]

I’ve got the 2020 z650 here in Japan, it’s great on the twisty roads but even as a pretty short dude I find the leg room cramped and fuel gauge and the range pretty bad

[@levishelley8018]

I went team blue. 22 mt07 black out.

[@adamblackburn9106]

Does the z650 have quickshiter?

[@stanza77]

Does Honda make a rival to these two? I know they make a cb650f but that is full fairing.

[@cybilisation]

Cb650f already replaced by cb650r neo sports café model, from 2019. Honda is more powerful, excellent design but more expensive price…

[@stanza77]

Yes I just saw that yesterday it's an interesting design kind of retro like you said Cafe . Not surprising that it's more expensive 2 to $3,000 USD more @@cybilisation

[@bluelizard3333]

MT-07 all the way. I own a MT-03 so I'm biased, but from what I've seen and watched, unless your scared or need all the assists and functions. The mt-07 is the bike we all wish we had. And I plan on buying one as soon as possible. I commute 4 miles to work and don't even care about top speed (although 133 seems good enuff for me) but gimmie that torque. Let me be a kid again, even if it always seems so short.

[@alanyesilipek7959]

so MT pulls wheelies at 3rd while the KAWA struggles to pull them in second am l right ?

[@Dr.BenjiBuddy]

That also counts for accidental wheelies. I know a guy who broke his arm on his driving exam. He crashed after he pulled an accidental wheelie on the mt-07. Needless to say he failed the exam. Easily pulling wheelies in 3rd is not necessarily a positive thing. It depends on the experience of the rider.

[@VINCENT_THE_GOAT]

Team blue here in Sweden

[@threecats8219]

I wish Kwak weren't using lime green.

[@eyahia29]

Kawasaki Z650❤️

[@VintageSP]

They don't sell a non-LAMS z650 :(

[@fergie2463]

Two brilliant bikes Mmmm what one….. fuck it I’ll have both.

[@channghiem5012]

TEAM GREEN!!!

[@mikaelholmgren4340]

Mt07 all day ❤️

[@arsnotory5143]

Team 💚 green

[@floridaboy7787]

diggin on that z 650 man ........... i mean just look at it ..............

[@breandanhenderson3783]

Feel like the CB650r doesn’t get the same love as these two

[@_AnanasIEgenJuice_]

@No_Name And then there are us that own a CB650R because we think the Z650 and MT07 look too plasticy and childish in their design.

[@surferdude642]

The cb650r is a bit of an anomaly imo. It looks good and has higher quality components and has a lot more hp, but a much higher price here in the US. The problem is that I can buy a new z900 for slightly less, and the newest MT09 for only a few dollars more.

[@_AnanasIEgenJuice_]

@@surferdude642 yea its funny with the different pricing. Here in Danmark a new Z900 is 125k in our currency while a CB650R is 100k

[@Jurica-mtb]

@@_AnanasIEgenJuice_ I was affraid of inline4's exponential acceleration so I played safe by choosing linear Z650 for my first bike ever. However, I liked MT07's wider handlebars.

[@_AnanasIEgenJuice_]

@@Jurica-mtb Yea but the Inline4 is pretty docile/tame at low rpm

[@kaseychambers1775]

The z650 costs about $1,000 USD more than the MT-07 where I live. I like the styling of the z650, but I don't like Kawasaki's engines personally. I've only ever owned one Kawasaki but I've ridden a handful it feels like they always fall short of the competition with their consumer engines, it feels like it's constantly stressed just trying to keep up with traffic and that greatly increases rider fatigue over the longer distance rides.

[@luiz576]

You cant keep up with traffic? Serious? Although is only 68HP It has a supercar acceleration... I easiely overtake cars even on highways. Recently I was surprised with Its good performance against a CBR 650 in a Twisted road where I live, also.

[@kaseychambers1775]

@@luiz576 you read it wrong. I didn't say it couldn't keep up with traffic. I said it feels stressed trying to keep up with it. And of course it accelerates quick, it's a freaking motorcycle. even the 250cc and 300cc accelerates quick. Maintaining that speed is what talking about

[@karandoeseverything4324]

Yamah MT-O7

[@gorilla9519]

Team green ninja 650

[@wizrom3046]

The really important information you left out... Is the Z650 even available in Australia in the full power version? If not, the review is really LAMS Kawasaki (ugh) vs Full power Yamaha (Yay!)...

[@Kwackajack]

Strangely at the moment the Z650 is LAMS only, where as the Ninja 650 is available in both full power and restricted models. Strange 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@ljoelmchanley3676]

MT07 sounds way better, Z650 has more goodies, hmm tough decision...awe heck I just got MT09 sp instead.

[@UltimateEnd0]

MT07 for 270-degree crank

[@scooterjay25]

I had the 2020 kawasaki Z650 and it had catastrophic engine failure so I just bought the 2021 Yamaha MT-07

[@charleshoward1475]

I have to ask you. What happened to Your engine. Thanks

[@scooterjay25]

@@charleshoward1475 could be that I put 10k miles in 4 months but I was up on my maintenance so it was covered under warranty to fix for free but I didn't want to wait 3 months. However kawasaki said they had never seen this happen before to a brand new bike. I guess everything I touch turns to shit

[@charleshoward1475]

@@scooterjay25 Shit happens to us all from time to time I do know. Hope your enjoying the MT-07. There's a wait for new deliveries of these here.

[@allekskristiansenschultz8082]

team green but in this case it is a ninja 650 2022 :)

[@M.D.M911]

I personally like z650

[@astrostrotch]

It's all about the engine, the Kawasaki probably wins in all other departments but it just isn't as much fun. If its character you want then Yamaha all day.

[@budgetlife4998]

MT = Master of Torque not maximum...

[@wb7585]

Idk the Kawasaki near by is being sold pre owned with 800mi for 4500 US, vs MT-07 for 7500 with 550mi respectively, I do prefer the extra fuel range and screen seems cool enough.

[@korazon3spinado]

Probably the z650 since it has a lower seat

[@tooyoungtobeold8756]

Who puts their feet down on a road to turn a corner?

[@mkalimala3564]

Who the hell is that leaning through with boots down guys???🇹🇿🇹🇿🇹🇿🤍

[@jamessidneybaguio728]

Engine yamaha, looks kawasaki... result: undecided 🤯

[@Alic_R1]

I find these middleweights a bit boring really. Especially the z650.

[@artofgarduno]

You dont think these videos benefit beginers?

[@Alic_R1]

@@artofgarduno I think they do

[@stephenschwartz7402]

For me the z bikes look better

[@Mista_MT07]

MT actually stands for "Master" of torque NOT what you said as "Maximum" of torque

[@Mista_MT07]

Whoa, whoa whoa whoa.... WHOA!! You have misspoken on 3 categories. Fuel consumption, weight, AND mileage on the 2021 MT-07. I own the 21 MT-07 and what you are NOT stating is that the MT-07 has "Eco" mode. On a full tank I get 232 miles on it. But, if I'm being a throttle jockey I get about 176 on a full tank. Plus the tank size is 2.78 half the size of the Kawasaki. You think the Saki would get at least 305 miles with that tank size. The weight of the Yamaha MT-07 is 407 wet. This is why I hate watching reviews when the host favors one company over the other. You clearly are a Kawasaki fan and are NOT speaking the truth about the Yamaha MT-07. This could taint someone's opinion on the MT-07. I love my Yamaha and it is a GREAT first bike if anyone out there is considering getting one as their first bike

[@deependdiver9737]

Here's a question... does ANYONE like the sound of the z650 🤨🤨🤨 Apparently I'm stupid because I like the sound mine makes after it broke in. Right when entering the power range it really has a certain thump to it with lower tones rather then a screaming 4. Just sounds better to me ... I'm a V8 guy 😏

[@balkor2]

Reality check ... does it really matter what anyone thinks "sounds" better. For your the one that has to live with the decision you make :)

[@jhaydsryoutube]

Gredn

[@Laceta2]

MT03 is better than Z400 but Z650 is better than MT07 ‼️ Why can't these companies just be consistent with their bikes 🤦

[@pikefishingfredde3403]

Yamaha

[@nathanmotoyama7211]

I can’t imagine living in a universe where someone looks at both motorcycles and says “yeah, that z650 looks way better”

[@supersecksee1741]

Yea, that z650 looks way better

[@Martcapt]

Well... it does

[@atlanticsquib7232]

It’s all personal preference. I love the look of both these beautiful bikes but prefer the 650 that tiny bit more

[@lsixty30]

It’s personal preference but yeah, the z650 looks better

[@eduardvandermerwe9836]

I agree z650 is soo cool