MotoSpecs

2018 Kawasaki Z 650 vs 2019 Yamaha MT-07

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2018 Kawasaki Z 650 2018 Kawasaki Z 650

Naked bike

Engine
Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder. DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Power
50.2 kW / 67.3 hp @ 8500 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
184 kg / 406 lbs
2019 Yamaha MT-07 2019 Yamaha MT-07

Naked bike

Engine
Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Power
55 kW / 74.8 hp @ 9000 rpm
Top Speed
205.7 km/h / 127.8 mph
Weight
183 kg / 403 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year20182019
Make ModelKawasaki Z 650Yamaha MT-07
Dimensions
Seat Height785 mm / 30.9 in805 mm / 31.7 in
Wheelbase1410 mm / 55.5 in1400 mm / 55.1 in
Ground Clearance130 mm / 5.1 in140 mm / 5.51 in
Height1080 mm / 42.5 in1090 mm / 42.9 in
Length2055 mm / 80.9 in2085 mm / 82.1 in
Width779 mm / 30.6 in745 mm / 29.3 in
Weights & Capacities
Fuel Capacity15 Litres / 4.0 US gal14 Litres / 3.7 US gal
Wet Weight184 kg / 406 lbs183 kg / 403 lbs
Performance
Top Speed-205.7 km/h / 127.8 mph
Max Power50.2 kW / 67.3 hp @ 8500 rpm55 kW / 74.8 hp @ 9000 rpm
Max Torque65.7 Nm / 48.4 lb-ft @ 7000 rpm68 Nm / 50 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm
Standing Start ¼ Mile-12.3 sec
Engine
Displacement649 cc / 39.65 cu-in689 cc / 42.04 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, parallel twin cylinder. DOHC, 4 valves per cylinderFour stroke, parallel twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Bore x Stroke83 x 60 mm80 x 68.6 mm
Compression Ratio10.8:111.5:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledLiquid cooled
Fuel Consumption-23.1 km/lit
Fuel InductionDFIØ with Keihin 36mm Keihin throttle bodiesMikuni 38 mm dual bore throttle body F.I.
IgnitionTCBI with electronic advanceTCI Transistor Controlled Ignition
LubricationWet sumpWet sump
StarterElectricElectric
Drivetrain
ClutchWet multi-disc, manualWet multiplate
Final DriveSealed chainChain
Gear Ratios1st 2.438 (39/16) 2nd 1.714 (36/21) 3rd 1.333 (32/24) 4th 1.111 (30/27) 5th 0.966 (28/29) 6th 0.852 (23/27)-
Transmission / Drive6 Speed 6 speed, constant mesh
Chassis
Frame TypeSemi-double cradle, high-tensile steelDiamond
Suspension - Front41 mm hydraulic telescopic fork41mm Telescopic forks
Suspension - RearHorizontal Back-link with adjustable preloadAdjustable link Monocross
Rake24° 24.5°
Trail100 mm / 3.9 in90 mm
Wheel Travel - Front125 mm / 4.9 in130 mm / 5.1 in
Wheel Travel - Rear130 mm / 5.1 in130 mm / 5.1 in
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2x 300mm discs 4 piston calipers2x 282mm discs, 4-piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle 220mm discSingle 245mm disc, single piston caliper
ABSOptionalStandard
Tyres - Front120/70 -17120/70 ZR 17M/C(58W) (Tubeless)
Tyres - Rear160/50 -17180/55 ZR 17M/C(73W) (Tubeless)

Verdict

Winner on specs

2019 Yamaha MT-07

The 2019 Yamaha MT-07 edges out the 2018 Kawasaki Z 650 thanks to its greater ground clearance and larger displacement. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2018 Kawasaki Z 650 - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 785 mm vs 805 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.

2019 Yamaha MT-07 - Advantages

  • Larger displacement: 689 cc vs 649 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.
  • More ground clearance: 140 mm vs 130 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.

2018 Kawasaki Z 650 vs 2019 Yamaha MT-07 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2018 Kawasaki Z 650 and 2019 Yamaha MT-07?
The 2018 Kawasaki Z 650 uses Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder. DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, while the 2019 Yamaha MT-07 is powered by Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2018 Kawasaki Z 650 or the 2019 Yamaha MT-07?
The 2018 Kawasaki Z 650 has the lower seat at 785 mm, making it more accessible. The 2019 Yamaha MT-07 sits higher at 805 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2018 Kawasaki Z 650 or the 2019 Yamaha MT-07?
Both are strong choices. The 2018 Kawasaki Z 650 has the edge in lower seat height, while the 2019 Yamaha MT-07 stands out for greater ground clearance and larger displacement. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.

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