Kawasaki Z650 vs Yamaha MT-03
Specs side by side, plus our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.
The Kawasaki Z650 and Yamaha MT-03 are among the most cross-shopped naked bikes of 2026. The Yamaha MT-03 undercuts the Kawasaki Z650 by about $2,250, so value is squarely on the table. On paper the Kawasaki Z650 leads on power with 68 hp. Below we put them head to head on price, performance, weight and seat height, then give our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.
Our pickKawasaki
Kawasaki Z650
Yamaha
Yamaha MT-03The verdict
The Kawasaki Z650 edges it overall at 7.8/10, but the Yamaha MT-03 wins on best for new riders, so let how you ride decide.
Yamaha MT-03
A2-legal, 42 hp, forgiving to learn on.
Kawasaki Z650
68 hp and 0.36 hp/kg, the strongest here.
Yamaha MT-03
Our 7.6/10 at $4,999, the most bike per dollar.
Yamaha MT-03
167 kg with an 780 mm seat, the easiest to throw around.
Kawasaki Z650
Our top score in this matchup at 7.8/10.
Cyan marks the best figure in each row. Specs are the most-cited for the current model; verify before relying on them.
Still torn between them?
Answer a few questions and we'll rank every bike by how well it fits you.
Kawasaki Z650 vs Yamaha MT-03: your questions answered
Which is faster, the Kawasaki Z650 or the Yamaha MT-03?
The Kawasaki Z650 makes the most power at 68 hp and 64 Nm, giving it the edge on outright performance.
Which is cheaper, the Kawasaki Z650 or the Yamaha MT-03?
The Yamaha MT-03 is the most affordable here with an MSRP around $4,999.
Which is lighter, the Kawasaki Z650 or the Yamaha MT-03?
The Yamaha MT-03 is the lightest at 167 kg, which makes it the easiest to manage at low speed and in the bends.
Which is better for a beginner, the Kawasaki Z650 or the Yamaha MT-03?
For a new rider we'd point to the Yamaha MT-03: A2-legal, 42 hp and 167 kg make it the most approachable of the group.
