Duel Honda CB650R Vs Yamaha MT-07: chic roadster against shock roadster

Exceeding a reference requires either putting on the brakes or taking another particularly inspired trajectory. This is the alternative tried by the elegant Honda CB650R to shake up the turbulent Yamaha MT-07, number one in motorcycle sales in France…. Test transformed? MNC duel !

Duel CB650R Vs MT-07 page 2: details in captioned photos

top Model. Motorcycle manufacturers have made great efforts to present their entry-level motorcycles: the CB650R is the perfect illustration of this trend which puts an end to the association "motorcycles for beginners = utility"! The price, alas, suffers.

Top model. The Yamaha has it both ways: a very distinctive look – although less glamorous – and an unbeatable performance / price ratio. At 7,099 euros, the MT-07 is almost a thousand euros cheaper than the CB650R (7,999 €).

Gear. This price difference is partly explained by the equipment of the CB: inverted fork (non-adjustable), radial calipers and anti-slip clutch. It also receives an adjustable traction control by rolling from the trigger to the left, the usefulness of which is questionable in view of its very good traction and its limited performance, because concentrated in the last third of the tachometer..

Chic. The Honda also justifies its price by its more polished presentation, noticeable in several details such as its lighting and its indicators are LED (with automatic flashing function during strong braking), its bent valves and its shell with holding notches (nothing on the Yamaha).

All is not good in the pig … If the Honda is lovingly admired, some aspects still deserve improvement: stickers on its plastic scoops, non-adjustable clutch lever (same as MT-07) and footrests without rubbers (at the front but not at the rear on the MT-07).

Instrumentations. The advantage of the presentation goes to the monochrome screen of the CB650R, less rudimentary in appearance. That of the Yamaha is however more readable, especially with the sun in the back. Both are complete (clock, gear engaged, fuel gauge, consumption, two trips, engine temperature) but ignore remote controls. Check out the somewhat "cheap" commodos of the MT-07…

Gas mills. If the Honda engine is dominated in terms of revivals, this is not the case in terms of sound. Its purr at idle is superb and amplifies with the taking of turns because the air intake becomes cavernous. The MT-07 is a step below, both in volume and musicality. Its jerky sound, with a hammering rhythm, is less flattering to the ear.

Soft 4-legged. The Honda engine has a typical availability of 4-cylinders, with the ability to descend in 6th to 48 km / h in 6th. To this quality is added a perfectly regulated injection and a soft gearbox, to which can also be grafted an optional shifter (+220 euros) which works wonderfully from low revs..

(Aus) Twin Power. Full, supple, sober and full of life: the parallel twin of the MT-07 is consensus and deserves nothing but praise! We also appreciate its contained vibrations, while its rival unpleasantly makes the hands, feet and crotch quiver..

Yamaha robbery ! With only 4.84 m to turn around, the MT-07 is a formidable weapon in traffic as on the sets of motorcycle schools. Especially with its featherweight of 182 kg! The CB650R requires a diameter of 5.49 m. Its additional 20 kg are especially noticeable with the engine off: its very good balance smooths out this difference during maneuvers at very low speed.

Take a stand. The ergonomics are sportier on the Honda: the bust is leaning on a straight and wide handlebars (78 cm from edge to edge against 75 cm for the MT-07) and the feet are further back than on the Yamaha. This mixes the roadster and trail genres: straight bust and slightly bent legs. The tank of the MT-07 is narrower, which makes it easier to move around this very compact motorcycle..

Make way for the big guys. Both bikes easily accommodate a 1.75m rider who puts two feet flat on the ground. A tall rider will be more comfortable on the CB650R which is more "big bike" but folds the legs more. The Yamaha, pleasantly small and thin, evokes a 500 cc in comparison: also the reason for its success with beginners.

License to suspend. The Yamaha shock absorber gained in 2018 a rebound adjustment on an amplitude of three turns. Its preload remains adjustable in seven positions. Its telescopic fork has no adjustment, just like that – inverted – of the Honda. The shock absorber of the CB650R is only adjustable in preload (ten notches) but its factory setting is excellent..

Not so practical. The space under the saddle is very limited on these two motorcycles. At best a disc lock, but no lock worthy of the name. The trunk of the Honda, deeper and longer, contains above all a real tool kit with screwdriver, wrenches 10, 12 and 14, Allen key and claw pliers to adjust the preload. On the Yamaha, it comes down to a screwdriver and two Allen keys embedded under the saddle: insufficient.

Rear view. The rearview is correct on both bikes, with a slight advantage for the MT-07 because its mirrors are not scrambled by engine vibrations as on the CB650R.

Kings of the pedal. It’s not always easy to take action shots, especially when half of Paris seems to have made an appointment for a "5 to 7" near the bends spotted by MNC! Not to mention the groups of cyclists who resume training: come on, we hurry ladies, there are some who work there !

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