Yamaha MT-125 vs Kawasaki Z650
Specs side by side, plus our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.
The Yamaha MT-125 and Kawasaki Z650 are among the most cross-shopped naked bikes of 2026. The Yamaha MT-125 undercuts the Kawasaki Z650 by about $1,950, 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 pickYamaha
Yamaha MT-125
Kawasaki
Kawasaki Z650The verdict
The Yamaha MT-125 edges it overall at 7.9/10, but the Kawasaki Z650 wins on most exciting, so let how you ride decide.
Yamaha MT-125
A2-legal, 15 hp, forgiving to learn on.
Kawasaki Z650
68 hp and 0.36 hp/kg, the strongest here.
Yamaha MT-125
Our 7.9/10 at $5,299, the most bike per dollar.
Yamaha MT-125
142 kg with an 810 mm seat, the easiest to throw around.
Yamaha MT-125
Our top score in this matchup at 7.9/10.
Cyan marks the best figure in each row. Specs are the most-cited for the current model; verify before relying on them.
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Yamaha MT-125 vs Kawasaki Z650: your questions answered
Which is faster, the Yamaha MT-125 or the Kawasaki Z650?
The Kawasaki Z650 makes the most power at 68 hp and 64 Nm, giving it the edge on outright performance.
Which is cheaper, the Yamaha MT-125 or the Kawasaki Z650?
The Yamaha MT-125 is the most affordable here with an MSRP around $5,299.
Which is lighter, the Yamaha MT-125 or the Kawasaki Z650?
The Yamaha MT-125 is the lightest at 142 kg, which makes it the easiest to manage at low speed and in the bends.
Which is better for a beginner, the Yamaha MT-125 or the Kawasaki Z650?
For a new rider we'd point to the Yamaha MT-125: A2-legal, 15 hp and 142 kg make it the most approachable of the group.
