The 2025 Honda CB650R is one of the most exciting motorcycles in the middleweight naked bike segment, known for its impressive design, smooth performance, and cutting-edge features. However, it’s essential to evaluate how it stacks up against its key competitors, like the Yamaha MT-07, Kawasaki Z650, and Suzuki GSX-S750.
Engine Specifications and Performance Comparison
One of the primary aspects riders look for in a middleweight naked bike is engine performance. The Honda CB650R comes with a 649cc inline-four engine, offering a balance of smooth power delivery and top-end performance.
| Feature | Honda CB650R (2025) | Yamaha MT-07 (2025) | Kawasaki Z650 (2025) | Suzuki GSX-S750 (2025) |
| Engine Type | Inline-4, DOHC | Parallel-twin, DOHC | Parallel-twin, DOHC | Inline-4, DOHC |
| Engine Displacement | 649cc | 689cc | 649cc | 749cc |
| Power | 94 hp | 74.8 hp | 67.3 hp | 112 hp |
| Torque | 47.2 lb-ft | 50.2 lb-ft | 47.2 lb-ft | 59.5 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 6-speed | 6-speed | 6-speed | 6-speed |
| Top Speed | 130 mph | 120 mph | 125 mph | 140 mph |
Analysis:
- The Honda CB650R stands out for its higher horsepower compared to the Yamaha MT-07 and Kawasaki Z650, thanks to its inline-four engine. However, the Suzuki GSX-S750 has the most powerful engine in the segment with its 749cc inline-four engine, offering 112 horsepower.
- In terms of torque, the Yamaha MT-07 has the edge, delivering 50.2 lb-ft compared to the other bikes, but the Honda CB650R offers a balanced torque figure and smooth throttle response for an enjoyable riding experience.
Design and Styling
The styling of a motorcycle is a crucial factor for many riders. The Honda CB650R is known for its aggressive, yet minimalist design, which sets it apart from the competition. Let’s take a closer look at the design features of each bike.
| Feature | Honda CB650R (2025) | Yamaha MT-07 (2025) | Kawasaki Z650 (2025) | Suzuki GSX-S750 (2025) |
| Design Type | Neo-Sports Café | Aggressive Naked Bike | Aggressive Naked Bike | Aggressive Naked Bike |
| Headlight | Wide tail with a sporty look | LED with sharp edges | LED with sharp design | LED with angular design |
| Tail Design | Slim, modern with under-tail | Compact, edgy design | Rounded tail, minimalistic | Wide tail with sporty look |
| Seat Height | 31.9 inches | 31.7 inches | 31.1 inches | 31.9 inches |
| Weight (Wet) | 454 lbs | 403 lbs | 410 lbs | 472 lbs |
Analysis:
- The Honda CB650R features a Neo-Sports Café design, which offers a more refined, retro-modern look with its round LED headlamp and sleek, minimalist bodywork.
- The Yamaha MT-07 and Kawasaki Z650 both sport more angular and aggressive styling, with sharper lines and an edgier appearance.
- The Suzuki GSX-S750 has a more muscular and wider tail design, giving it a bulkier look compared to the others.
- All four bikes feature LED lighting, with subtle differences in headlight shapes and designs.
Handling and Suspension
Handling is a key area where performance bikes differentiate themselves, and the suspension setup plays a crucial role in ensuring a smooth and responsive ride.
| Feature | Honda CB650R (2025) | Yamaha MT-07 (2025) | Kawasaki Z650 (2025) | Suzuki GSX-S750 (2025) |
| Front Suspension | 41mm Showa SFF-BP Forks | 41mm KYB Forks | 41mm KYB Forks | 41mm KYB Forks |
| Rear Suspension | Monoshock with preload adjust | Monoshock with preload adjust | Monoshock with preload adjust | Monoshock with preload adjust |
| Rake/Trail | 25° / 104mm | 24.8° / 90mm | 24° / 90mm | 25° / 104mm |
| Wheelbase | 57.3 inches | 55.1 inches | 55.5 inches | 56.7 inches |
Analysis:
- The Honda CB650R, Yamaha MT-07, Kawasaki Z650, and Suzuki GSX-S750 all feature 41mm front forks and monoshock rear suspension setups, ensuring consistent and reliable handling.
- The Honda CB650R and Suzuki GSX-S750 both have a slightly longer wheelbase and rake/trail angle, offering stability during high-speed riding and cornering.
- The Yamaha MT-07 has the shortest wheelbase and rake/trail angle, which gives it a more agile, responsive handling experience, making it perfect for tight city streets.
Technology and Safety Features
In modern motorcycles, advanced technology and safety features are crucial to ensure a smooth and secure riding experience. Here’s how the 2025 Honda CB650R compares to its competitors in this area.
| Feature | Honda CB650R (2025) | Yamaha MT-07 (2025) | Kawasaki Z650 (2025) | Suzuki GSX-S750 (2025) |
| Traction Control | Honda Selectable Torque Control | No | No | No |
| ABS | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Riding Modes | 3 selectable modes | No | No | No |
| Instrument Cluster | Full digital display | Full digital display | Full digital display | Full digital display |
Analysis:
- The Honda CB650R is equipped with Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), which helps with rear-wheel traction, especially in wet or slippery conditions. The Yamaha MT-07, Kawasaki Z650, and Suzuki GSX-S750 are not equipped with traction control systems.
- All bikes come with ABS for enhanced braking safety.
- The Honda CB650R offers three riding modes, which allow riders to tailor the bike’s performance for different riding conditions, while the others do not.
Price Comparison
Cost is a crucial consideration when deciding which motorcycle to buy. Here’s how the 2025 Honda CB650R compares to its competitors in terms of pricing.
| Model | Price (USD) |
| Honda CB650R (2025) | $8,499 |
| Yamaha MT-07 (2025) | $7,799 |
| Kawasaki Z650 (2025) | $7,499 |
| Suzuki GSX-S750 (2025) | $8,399 |
Analysis:
- The Honda CB650R is priced slightly higher than the Yamaha MT-07 and Kawasaki Z650, but it offers more power, better safety features, and more advanced technology like traction control and riding modes.
Conclusion:
Choosing the right bike depends on your priorities. If you’re looking for the most power, the Suzuki GSX-S750 has the edge. However, the Honda CB650R provides a great balance of power, safety features, and modern technology, making it an ideal choice for riders who want an all-around reliable bike.