There’s all kinds of accessible sport bikes lately. From fundamental, low-displacement single-cylinder bikes all the best way as much as screaming four-cylinder superbikes, there is a full-fairing bike for everyone. Two notable bikes you would possibly land on if you happen to’re on the lookout for one thing inexpensive and fast will seemingly be the Yamaha R7 and the Kawasaki Ninja 650. Each bikes are robust selections for middleweight sport bikes with a little bit of efficiency on faucet.
The Yamaha R7 has a reasonably spectacular prime velocity, with some riders reportedly reaching as excessive as 130 mph throughout all-out sprints. The Kawasaki Ninja 650 is ever-so-slightly slower on the prime finish, with a prime velocity of round 125 mph. So, if you happen to’ve acquired a wide-open runway, two riders of equal weight, and a fair begin, the Yamaha is certainly sooner than the Kawasaki. However solely barely, although, and these bikes are very shut in relation to topped-out efficiency.
It is smart that the 2 could be fairly evenly matched. They’re related in measurement, engine configuration, and energy output. The R7 has a claimed curb weight of 417 kilos, which is comparatively near the Ninja 650’s claimed 425 kilos. The R7 makes use of a 689cc twin-cylinder engine often known as the CP2. It places out 72 hp and 50 lb-ft of torque. The Kawasaki additionally has a two-cylinder engine, however it is a bit smaller at 649cc. It produces 67 hp and 48.5 lb-ft, making the Ninja 650 only a tad bit heavier and barely much less highly effective.
Evaluating options and specs
When you’re available in the market for one in all these two bikes, selecting between the Yamaha R7 and the Kawasaki Ninja 650 would possibly come all the way down to greater than prime velocity, so listed below are some extra essential distinctions that will assist you select. First is effectivity. Kawasaki would not listing gas financial system for the Ninja 650, however Yamaha claims a formidable 59 mpg. Riders report related gas financial system with the Ninja 650 and the Kawi wins the gas capability battle, with 4.0 gallons of house within the tank, whereas the Yamaha has a barely smaller 3.7-gallon tank.
When you’re on the lookout for a motorbike that may accommodate shorter riders, the Kawasaki wins there too, with a 31.1-inch seat top in comparison with the Yamaha’s 32.7-inch top. Each bikes get twin entrance brake discs of virtually similar sizes (some less-expensive bikes solely provide one brake disc up entrance), so braking efficiency will seemingly be related between the 2. Each bikes use six-speed handbook transmissions with help and slipper clutches.
Tire sizes are barely completely different, with the Yamaha having a slight benefit. Up entrance, each bikes use 120/70×17 tires wrapped round 17-inch wheels. Within the rear, the Ninja has a barely narrower 160/60×17 tire, whereas the R7 runs a 180/55×17. Meaning the Yamaha has an additional 20mm of width on the rear tire, and whereas it isn’t precisely a one-to-one comparability, wider rear tires usually translate to increased dealing with limits.
What is the value distinction?
The Yamaha could also be sooner than the Kawasaki, but it surely’s additionally considerably dearer. The beginning value for a 2026 Kawasaki Ninja 650 with out ABS is $8,284 (together with $685 vacation spot charge). Add ABS to the equation, and that quantity goes as much as $8,884. The 2026 Yamaha R7, which comes customary with ABS, has a beginning value of $10,074 (together with $675 vacation spot charge). The 2026 R7 has been refreshed with some new electronics and chassis updates, so it is undoubtedly interesting, but it surely’s an enormous soar in value for such related efficiency and options.
The Yamaha does have some good touches like built-in flip alerts and extra fashionable styling, however these are seemingly fashion selections that shall be most popular by some riders however shunned by others. The largest distinction between the bikes — at the least, one which justifies the worth — is suspension.
Kawasaki’s Ninja 650 gives a fundamental entrance suspension setup with no adjustment, whereas the rear solely gives adjustable preload. In the meantime, the Yamaha R7 has adjustable preload, rebound, and compression for its entrance and rear suspension. For consolation and efficiency driving, these are vital upgrades that may seemingly make it a motorbike extra fitted to fast driving. So, which bike you select will seemingly come all the way down to the driving you do.
