Duel Kawasaki Z650 Vs Yamaha MT-07: bestseller fight !
Exceeded by the MT-07 both dynamically and commercially, the appreciated ER-6n is transformed into Z650 to respond to Yamaha. Kawasaki’s expected novelty 2017, lightened and vitamin, does it live up to its ambitions ? MNC duel !
Duel Z650 Vs MT-07 page 2 – Dynamics: breathtaking engine against sharp chassis
In the saddle, the Z650 is extremely thin thanks to its confusing narrow tank and intelligently flared on its sides. Akashi’s roadster succeeds in this tour de force thanks to the "raised" format of its container, which is larger in its upper part. But what the Green gains in width, it partially allows in length: its tank further away the driver from the cockpit.
On the MT-07, the bust is placed closer to the handlebars, as in contact with the front wheel. This feeling of direct control is enhanced by the larger handlebar width and almost flat handlebars compared to the Z650. Still, the two motorcycles are taken in hand instantly, well helped by an excellent turning radius (to the advantage of the Yamaha of about 15 cm), their successful balance and their very accessible saddle.
The Z650 is brilliantly illustrated on this point with its low seat height, almost worthy of a custom. A few kilometers are enough on the other hand to deplore its firmness, almost worthy of a sportswoman! In addition, this low saddle causes a certain bend in the legs, noticeable over long distances. A high saddle option might not be unnecessary for riders over 1.75m.
Wider and better designed, the saddle of the MT-07 reserves a better reception. Insufficient, of course, to cross France on a whim, but at the height of the triptych "work-sleep-stroll". The Yamaha also saves more legroom because its footrests are a little lower and especially less remote. Its ground clearance suffers logically, but remains sufficient to generously "angler" in curves. !
Moreover, as MNC had noted in his, his twin always delivers a lot of vibrations, to the detriment of the general approval. Despite the notable progress compared to the ER-6, these high frequency crackles become unpleasant at 5000 rpm and annoying at 7000. Besides, the few tremors returned by the CP2 at mid-speed go completely unnoticed.
The best front axle in the category
The MT-07 definitely takes the advantage in terms of comfort thanks to the fairly flexible calibration of its shock absorber, more tolerant of imperfections than its rival Akashi. But what the Green’s shock absorber yields in comfort, it takes over – very largely – in operating quality.
Admittedly, the Z650 reacts more sharply to shocks, but it absorbs them quickly and efficiently for the benefit of its impeccable handling. The MT-07 cannot say the same, for lack of sufficient restraint at the rear: carried out well, its lack of rigor becomes glaring compared to its rival. The novelty drives the point home by revealing a perfect cohesion of damping, when the Yamaha is more approximate at high speed.
The balance between the front and the rear is always perfectly maintained on the Kawasaki, which also relies on a remarkable fork of efficiency and comfort. Between its considerable weight loss and this very judiciously adjusted fork, the Z650 enjoys nothing more than the best front end in the category. Safe, precise and stable: some much more upscale motorcycles should be inspired by it !
Another excellent surprise: the "small" two-piston calipers of the Z650 offer more response than the 4-piston clamps of the MT-07! Too inconsistent on the first third of the lever, the Yamaha system is more difficult to dose, especially in "sport" driving. The advantage is that beginners will appreciate its absence of any brutality. The Kawasaki persists and signs with a better calibrated rear brake, an always welcome asset to correct a trajectory.
And if the Yamaha retains the palm of handling thanks to its ergonomics more "on the front" and its 5 kg less, this is played especially at very low speed. Then, the Z650 is just as childish to register in turns. In the end, the MT-07 bends the spine dynamically because of its perfectible damping, an area in which its rival hits – deliberately – very hard..
This tendency to slouch too much on the rear, even ends up undermining the traction of the MT-07 despite its rear tire in 180 mm (against 160 mm on the Z650)! But it is appropriate at this point to add another parameter in the equation: the "weak" shock absorber of the Yamaha is not the only cause of its stirring behavior. The stresses exerted on acceleration by its exceptional mechanical responder also play a role !
The MT-07, queen of fun and hot revival
From the start, the Yamaha’s 270 ° stalled twin takes a little auditory boost with its more melodic sound than that of the Z650, more backfiring and slamming due to its 180 ° stalling (listen to the engines in) . But as before on the ER6, the soundtrack of the Verte quickly becomes much more exciting thanks to its muffled and expressive hum delivered at mid-speed.
Able to start in sixth at 2000 rpm, the two engines are very available and elastic, without unwanted jolts at the bottom of the tachometer. A gentle and accessible behavior in phase with their target, which makes them very "urban" in the city. The MT-07 shines particularly in this environment: on the one hand because of its liveliness a notch higher, on the other thanks to its twin a hint less "rough" when approaching sub-revs.
In addition, the Yamaha is very responsive from the bottom of the tachometer, which helps it to quickly squeeze between the lines and to come out energetically from a pin. The twin "CP2" from Iwata is incredibly responsive and playful: its punch between 3000 and 5000 rpm is stunning compared to its "little" 75 hp! Under 4000 rpm, his Akashi rival is not as voluntary, in addition to being much less demonstrative.
The Z650 is also a little rougher on the go-around, the fault of the injection not entirely without jerks. On the other hand, it has a much nicer "clutch-selection" combination: its adjustable left lever offers no resistance and the gears shift just as smoothly. The Yamaha is less smooth and precise in this area, which makes it lose points during the urban gymkhana.
Beyond 4000 rpm, the progress announced by Kawasaki bears fruit: the replacement of the ER6 accelerates vigorously and “hangs” for the first time its rival during our tests of times. Between its 19 kg less and its boosted torque curve, the gain is immediately palpable: its pickups are very clear and without any downtime up to 7000 rpm. The two opponents are on a par on these frequently used regimes. Mission – partly – accomplished for the Z650 !
But what the Kawasaki gained at mid-revs, it lost in energy in the towers: its thrust is strongly reduced from 8,500 / 9,000 rpm, making it unnecessary or even almost laborious to operate the 10,000 rpm / min. Gone are the angry flights of the ER-6: make way for more full … but less sparkling acceleration. A certainly relevant choice in "current" use as well as for novice bikers, happy to find the answer without having to make the twin scream..
In the context of dynamic driving, on the other hand, the force in withdrawal at low revs of the Z650 and its length without relief tend to leave one hungry. Akashi’s novelty lacks that pinch of mechanical "salt" that makes some motorcycles so tasty, like the ER-6 used to be. In comparison, Yam ‘appears to be a generously filled and deliciously spicy dish … Too bad its suspension is struggling to digest everything well. !
Verdict: the MT-07 wins … very little !
Kawasaki did not miss the redesign of its iconic ER-6n: the significant delay taken on the MT-07 is now filled by the new Z650, which is tied with the Yamaha in most areas. Light and precise, the novelty seduces with its frankly exciting cycle part: young motorcycle licenses as well as experienced bikers will find their account there..
In this, the Z650 is fully in line with this new generation of high-performance and attractive entry-level motorcycles, which have brilliantly taken over from their ancestors with a more "utilitarian" appearance and behavior. However, in terms of pleasure capital, the MT-07 keeps a head start thanks to its sensational tone engine. And this despite very reasonable fuel consumption: between 4.97 and 5.43 l / 100 km according to MNC measurements (from 4.66 l / 100 km to 5.86 l / 100 km on the Z650, also ultra-sober ).
Other advantages in favor of the Yamaha: its saddle comfort and superior damping as well as its absence of vibrations, all for a slightly lower price (€ 6,899 against € 6,999 for the Z650). In the end, even if a better shock absorber would not be luxury and the constant increase in its price calls out (+ € 700 in 3 years, on an identical motorcycle), the MT-07 is once again the winner of this duel … but a very short head !
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