Battle of the beasts: yamaha xsr 700 vs kawasaki z650 – which rules the road?

The Yamaha XSR 700 and Kawasaki Z650 are two of the most popular neo-retro roadsters on the market today. They both offer a blend of classic styling and modern performance, making them appealing to a wide range of riders. But which one is right for you? In this blog post, we’ll compare the Yamaha XSR 700 and Kawasaki Z650 head-to-head to help you make an informed decision.

Styling

The Yamaha XSR 700 and Kawasaki Z650 have very different styling. The XSR 700 is inspired by Yamaha’s classic XS650, with a round headlight, teardrop fuel tank, and wire-spoke wheels. The Z650, on the other hand, has a more modern look, with a sharp-edged headlight, angular fuel tank, and cast aluminum wheels.

Engine

The Yamaha XSR 700 is powered by a 689cc parallel-twin engine, while the Kawasaki Z650 is powered by a 649cc parallel-twin engine. Both engines are liquid-cooled and fuel-injected, but the XSR 700’s engine is slightly more powerful, producing 74 horsepower compared to the Z650’s 67 horsepower.

Performance

The Yamaha XSR 700 and Kawasaki Z650 are both very capable motorcycles. The XSR 700 is slightly faster than the Z650, with a top speed of 130 mph compared to the Z650’s 125 mph. The XSR 700 also has a slightly better acceleration time, going from 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds compared to the Z650’s 3.7 seconds.

Handling

The Yamaha XSR 700 and Kawasaki Z650 are both very agile motorcycles. The XSR 700 has a slightly shorter wheelbase than the Z650, which makes it easier to maneuver in tight spaces. The Z650, on the other hand, has a slightly longer suspension travel, which gives it a more comfortable ride over rough roads.

Braking

The Yamaha XSR 700 and Kawasaki Z650 both have excellent brakes. The XSR 700 has dual 298mm front discs and a single 245mm rear disc, while the Z650 has dual 300mm front discs and a single 220mm rear disc. Both motorcycles also have ABS as standard.

Features

The Yamaha XSR 700 and Kawasaki Z650 both come with a variety of features, including:

• Fuel injection: Both motorcycles have fuel injection, which provides smooth and responsive power delivery.
• ABS: Both motorcycles have ABS, which helps to prevent the wheels from locking up during braking.
• LCD instrument panel: Both motorcycles have LCD instrument panels that display a variety of information, including speed, fuel level, and odometer.

Price

The Yamaha XSR 700 and Kawasaki Z650 are both very affordable motorcycles. The XSR 700 starts at $8,699, while the Z650 starts at $8,399.

Which One is Right for You?

The Yamaha XSR 700 and Kawasaki Z650 are both excellent motorcycles. The XSR 700 is a great choice for riders who want a classic-looking motorcycle with modern performance. The Z650 is a great choice for riders who want a more modern-looking motorcycle with a comfortable ride.

Ultimately, the best way to decide which motorcycle is right for you is to test ride both of them. That way, you can get a feel for their different styles, engines, and handling characteristics.

A Deeper Dive into the Yamaha XSR 700

The Yamaha XSR 700 is a modern take on the classic Yamaha XS650. It has a retro-inspired design, with a round headlight, teardrop fuel tank, and wire-spoke wheels. But beneath its classic exterior, the XSR 700 is a thoroughly modern motorcycle. It has a fuel-injected engine, ABS brakes, and an LCD instrument panel.

The XSR 700 is a very versatile motorcycle. It can be used for commuting, cruising, and even light off-roading. It’s also a very affordable motorcycle, with a starting price of just $8,699.

A Deeper Dive into the Kawasaki Z650

The Kawasaki Z650 is a modern naked motorcycle with a sharp-edged design. It has a powerful engine, agile handling, and a comfortable ride. The Z650 is also very affordable, with a starting price of just $8,399.

The Z650 is a great choice for riders who want a motorcycle that is both stylish and practical. It’s perfect for commuting, cruising, and even light touring.

Wrap-Up: Yamaha XSR 700 vs Kawasaki Z650 – Which is the Better Motorcycle?

The Yamaha XSR 700 and Kawasaki Z650 are both excellent motorcycles. They both offer a blend of classic styling and modern performance. But which one is right for you?

If you want a motorcycle with a classic look and feel, the Yamaha XSR 700 is a great choice. If you want a motorcycle with a more modern look and feel, the Kawasaki Z650 is a great choice.

Ultimately, the best way to decide which motorcycle is right for you is to test ride both of them. That way, you can get a feel for their different styles, engines, and handling characteristics.

Answers to Your Most Common Questions

Q: What is the difference between the Yamaha XSR 700 and the Kawasaki Z650?

A: The Yamaha XSR 700 has a more classic look and feel, while the Kawasaki Z650 has a more modern look and feel. The XSR 700 also has a slightly more powerful engine than the Z650.

Q: Which motorcycle is faster, the Yamaha XSR 700 or the Kawasaki Z650?

A: The Yamaha XSR 700 is slightly faster than the Kawasaki Z650, with a top speed of 130 mph compared to the Z650’s 125 mph.

Q: Which motorcycle is more comfortable, the Yamaha XSR 700 or the Kawasaki Z650?

A: The Kawasaki Z650 has a slightly more comfortable ride than the Yamaha XSR 700, thanks to its longer suspension travel.