Yamaha MT-07 vs Kawasaki Z650: which middleweight naked to buy

The Yamaha MT-07 and the Kawasaki Z650 are the two most popular middleweight naked bikes for riders moving up from a 125 or coming back after a break. Both are parallel twins, both are light and both are cheap to run. So which one should you buy?

Engine and character

The MT-07 uses Yamaha's 689 cc CP2 engine with a crossplane crank. It pulls hard from low revs and sounds more like a V-twin. The Z650 has a smoother 649 cc twin that likes to rev and feels calmer in town.

Riding position and comfort

The Yamaha sits you upright with a wide bar and a slightly firmer seat. The Kawasaki is a little lower and narrower, which shorter riders often prefer. Both are fine for a two-hour ride, neither is a tourer.

Which one to choose

If you want a playful bike with strong low-down torque, take the MT-07. If you want an easy, friendly bike for daily commuting, the Z650 is the safer choice. On the used market both hold their value well, so check service history and chain condition before you buy.