I take a look a the latest mid-weight beginner options out of Kawasaki and Yamaha, in the form of the 2020 Kawasaki Z650 which has just received an update, alongside the latest Yamaha MT-07.
Both machines are popular parallel-twin options for new and intermediate riders, offering ideal levels of performance for the inexperienced who are after a challenge and machine that’s going to last an extended period with plenty of room to grow.
On Kawasaki’s Z650 we’ve seen the adoption of a TFT display, alongside LED headlight, with killer styling and beautiful build quality, backed up by a super smooth and refined powerplant, with a controllable braking system.
The Yamaha MT-07 on the other hand offers a cross-plane parallel-twin, which offers a bit more punch in the mid-range at the expense of the Z650’s refinement, with a stronger front brake package thanks to four-piston calipers, while the headlight is ole reliable halogen, and the display a simple but functional TFT.
I take a look at these two machines and how they differ and their strengths and weaknesses, with both being ideal options at the end of the day. A big thanks going to Moto Hub in Castle Hill, Sydney for lending me their demo Z650, check them out for a test ride! https://www.motohub.com.au/
