2019 Yamaha MT-07 vs 2017 Kawasaki Z 800

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
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
2017 Kawasaki Z 800 2017 Kawasaki Z 800

Naked bike

Engine
In-line four, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
500.4 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Year2019-
Colours-Metallic Spark Black/Flat Ebony, Metallic Spark Black/Pearl Stardust White
Make ModelYamaha MT-07-
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)-150 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)-5.9 inches
Seat Height805 mm / 31.7 in834 mm / 32.8 in.
Wheelbase1400 mm / 55.1 in1,445 mm / 56.9 in.
Ground Clearance140 mm / 5.51 in-
Height1090 mm / 42.9 in1,050 mm / 41.3 in.
Length2085 mm / 82.1 in2,100 mm / 82.7 in.
Width745 mm / 29.3 in800 mm / 31.5 in.
Weights & Capacities
Fuel Capacity14 Litres / 3.7 US gal17.00 litres / 4.49 gallons
Wet Weight183 kg / 403 lbs227.0 kg / 500.4 lbs
Performance
Top Speed205.7 km/h / 127.8 mph-
Max Power55 kW / 74.8 hp @ 9000 rpm-
Max Torque68 Nm / 50 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm83.00 Nm (8.5 kgf-m or 61.2 ft.lbs) @ 8500 Revolutions
Standing Start ¼ Mile12.3 sec-
Engine
Engine Type-In-line four, four-stroke
Fuel Control-Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Displacement (cc)-806.00 cc
Bore x Stroke (in,)-2.8 x 2.0 inches
Displacement (ci)-49.18 cubic inches
Bore x Stroke (mm)-71.0 x 50.9 mm
Displacement689 cc / 42.04 cu-in-
Engine DetailFour stroke, parallel twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder-
Fuel System-Injection. 34 mm x 4 Mikuni with dual throttle valves
Bore x Stroke80 x 68.6 mm-
Compression Ratio11.5:111.9:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooled-
Engine Lubrication-Forced lubrication, wet sump
Fuel Consumption23.1 km/lit-
Fuel InductionMikuni 38 mm dual bore throttle body F.I.-
IgnitionTCI Transistor Controlled IgnitionDigital
LubricationWet sump-
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System-4
Drivetrain
ClutchWet multiplateWet multi-disc, manual
Final DriveChainChain
Gearbox-6-speed
Primary Drive-Sealed chain
Transmission / Drive6 speed, constant mesh-
Chassis
Frame TypeDiamondTubular backbone (with engine sub-frame), high-tensile steel
Suspension - Front41mm Telescopic forks41 mm inverted fork with rebound damping and spring preload adjustability
Suspension - RearAdjustable link MonocrossBottom-Link Uni-Trak, gas-charged shock with piggyback reservoir and stepless rebound damping and preload adjustability
Rake24.5°31.0°
Trail90 mm-
Wheel Travel - Front130 mm / 5.1 in-
Wheel Travel - Rear130 mm / 5.1 in-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)-250 mm
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)-12.2 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)-310 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)-9.8 inches
Brakes - Front2x 282mm discs, 4-piston calipersDouble disc. Floating discs.
Brakes - RearSingle 245mm disc, single piston caliperSingle disc. Single-piston caliper.
ABSStandard-
Rims-Dunlop Sportmax tires
Tyres - Front120/70 ZR 17M/C(58W) (Tubeless)120/70-ZR17
Tyres - Rear180/55 ZR 17M/C(73W) (Tubeless)180/55-ZR17

Verdict

Too close to call

The 2019 Yamaha MT-07 and the 2017 Kawasaki Z 800 are evenly matched across the key measurable criteria. Your decision comes down to personal preference, riding style, and which brand's dealer network best suits your location.

Key Differences

2019 Yamaha MT-07 - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 805 mm vs 834 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • Standard ABS: A meaningful safety advantage in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.

2017 Kawasaki Z 800 - Advantages

  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.
  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.
  • More ground clearance: 150 mm vs 140 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.

2019 Yamaha MT-07 vs 2017 Kawasaki Z 800 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2019 Yamaha MT-07 and 2017 Kawasaki Z 800?
The 2019 Yamaha MT-07 uses Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, while the 2017 Kawasaki Z 800 is powered by In-line four, four-stroke.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2019 Yamaha MT-07 or the 2017 Kawasaki Z 800?
The 2019 Yamaha MT-07 has the lower seat at 805 mm, making it more accessible. The 2017 Kawasaki Z 800 sits higher at 834 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Does the 2019 Yamaha MT-07 or 2017 Kawasaki Z 800 have ABS?
The 2019 Yamaha MT-07 is listed with ABS as standard. The 2017 Kawasaki Z 800 does not list ABS. ABS provides a meaningful safety benefit in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
Which should I buy, the 2019 Yamaha MT-07 or the 2017 Kawasaki Z 800?
Both are strong choices. The 2019 Yamaha MT-07 has the edge in lower seat height and liquid cooling, while the 2017 Kawasaki Z 800 stands out for fuel injection and dual front discs. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.