Kawasaki ZX-4RR tested on UK roads against Yamaha's R7 & Honda CBR650R | MCN Review
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- Опубліковано 1 лис 2023
- #ZX4rr #R7 #CBR650r
Road Tester Carl Stevens has been out testing the new Kawasaki ZX-4RR against the Honda CBR650R and Yamaha R7. Read the written reviews for all bikes below.
Kawasaki ZX-4RR: www.motorcyclenews.com/bike-r...
Honda CBR650RR: www.motorcyclenews.com/bike-r...
Yamaha R7: www.motorcyclenews.com/bike-r...
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What should we test the ZX-4RR against next year in our MEGA test?
Kove 450RR, Triumph Daytona 660
rs660 like you guys mentioned and if ktm releases a twin powered sports bike. Also, if ducati makes a more affordable sports bike with its new single, that could be cool.
The original ZXR 400 (or any of the early 400s) so we can see if things have really moved on...
Would you guys make a drag race comparison with them? Interchanging pilots on each bike to make sure of the real potential of each one?
Great video, by the way :)
Dude seem to hate CBR.
Its perfect bike for most of the riders for most of the occasions.
Its(ALL the 650 deratives ) COG is wonky AF and thats coming from a 600F4i owner...
Honda cant even copy correct;y the GSR750 steel frame... gosh.
@@ktkace the cbr650 is definitely inferior the the f4i. The f4i and sv650 are the two greatest motorcycles in my opinion.
@@Chambers36TheEnter what bike do you drive?
Dude told the fact for some reason honda is boring, its hard to explain honda does everything well but there is something that makes you smile while riding hard that’s missing in honda
@@FunniestFlicks they still make the SV in the US
In a world where everything seems to be getting dumbed down I'm glad Kawasaki are still making some "bonkers" bikes with this and the H2
The cbr650r was the bike they used at ron haslam race school, because it's good on track, nice and stable, quick enough great for novice to intermediate riders. Nothing wrong with that bike, and it's also quicker than both the other 2. And more comfortable.
Agreed. I’m always amazed that it seems to get a bad rap because it’s “too comfortable”, “too reliable”, “too smooth” and yet it’s faster than all those others and a beautiful bike.
100% because it is always compared to the wrong bikes. It isn't a super sport. It's a sport. Instead of the RS 660 they should be comparing this to the Tuono 660 and the Trident etc. Sporty non super sport bikes.
Honda price the CBR650R terribly in North America. It's more expensive (+$1500 USD) and marketed as if it was a super sport. Honda isn't helping people see the bike for what it is, a sport road bike. Super sports aren't road bikes. They are track toys. Journalists don't ride them like road bikes when they test them because they don't have them for bad weather, groceries and long trips. They aren't using the bikes in real road conditions and then they complain about how good the CBR650R is at being a road bike. It's a sport bike you can actually live with.
@@WeaselKonig Dead on. Fantastic all around bike. More speed than you’ll ever need on the street, great looks, and almost as comfortable as a naked bike.
I find sooo many main stream media reviews are so anti-Honda it's crazy. The 650 blows them both out of the water. I rode a R7 and it ranked dead last out of the bikes I rode two years ago. It was uncomfortable and it was slow, so just a miserable experience. I ride a CB1000R and it's rarely ever compared to competition (albeit it's a class of it's own)...and because it's not a hyper naked, it's forgotten.
@@EvoSC_80 Agreed. And as odd as it may seem many of them knock the Hondas because they’re “too reliable” or “too consistent”. Guess knowing your bike is going to start and run every single time just isn’t “sexy”. I think they’re beautiful bikes. I ride my cbr650r daily (commute) and love it. As a side note I got “slightly” into 3 digit speed just today and it’s no problem whatsoever. You can hit a hundred at well under 8,000 rpm’s and it’s smooth as silk. (Red line begins at 12,000 and goes past 14,000). It’s about as comfortable as you can get on a sport bike and always turns heads!
How is the CBR650R written off so badly here, this review isn’t worth even spending the time watching unless you’re looking to buy the Zaki already and want some affirmation.
New, mature rider here - I chose the CBR650R. I love the 4 cyl feel and sound, I'm tall and love the space on the Honda, the quality, the power, the comfort - for me, a perfect blend that whilst not the most exciting, is a great bike for multiple occasions. Great review and I'm sure all these bikes have their place and ideal audience.
Ive also got the CBR650R and i think it's brilliant motorbike.
I have one too….and I love it
Don't do in 1st gear... Only does that in 2nd 🤷 most powerfull but heavier, more cc doesn't mean more performance... Even with more hp, cbr only make it in lower rpm that Zx... 🤷
@@greendemon4773what are you talking about? 😂
@@swieri2003 about power in rpm... Who knows about bikes and engines, to understand what he talks about in the vídeo, should knows about it... 🤷
i really don't understand why people whine about the CBR650R is not a "real" sport bike, 99% of the sport bike riders use the bikes on street why the hell would you need a sport bike on the street beside the aesthetics ?! Madness... and then everybody complain how uncomfortable they are LOL
It's very trendy on UA-cam to bash the CBR
It felt like the reviewer was calling out the cbr for not being very sport focused as a negative and then goes on to say the other two are better in that regard. I think they are just targeting the review at a certain demographic ie selling the bikes. He is correct in that the others are more sport orientated bit that's mostly aesthetics and ergonomics. Let's be real if an expirienced rider wanted a sports bike they would buy a sport supersport or a 1k. If they wanted an all round "sport" bike they would get the cbr
Its boring, will last forevever though😎
My Cbr650 tanks the R7’s round Oulton park, they just don’t have the guts down the straights. Can’t speak for the Kawasaki but your numbers on what the CBR can do in 1st or 2nd gear are a little off! 😅
The Honda wont do 56mph in 2nd gear? Thats funny because my CB650R does 65mph in 1st gear. Honda is by far the most powerfull of these 3 bikes, idk why what was not worth mentioning when there was no problem mentioning the engine characteristics of the Kawasaki
Mine does as well, the Honda is a fantastic bike and it always puts a smile on my face every time i ride it.
@@stevietrucker4631what is the rpm at 56mph in 2nd
@@chrishart8548 Probably around 9k? I've got a CB650R and it'll do 100km/h in first gear (but damn near redline, 100km/h is like 12,000rpm+ and redline is around 12.5k I think. In second gear 56mph it's gonna be between 8-10k.
Well said. I have the Honda 650R and absolutely love it. I think they are all great bikes though.
Yep, I’ve the naked version, I ain’t got a clue what he’s talking about, i do find it a bit vanilla as a bike tho chassis wise, but the engine in the 650r blows these other 2 away.
Love that Kawasaki have reintroduced a brilliant class of bike, echoing the epic days in the 90’s when manufacturers competed with their 400cc, 750cc and 250 2T bikes! It was red hot, and seemed every few months another incredible bike was introduced! Heady days indeed…😊
Would love a back to back comparison with an original ZXR400.. or even against a group of 90s classics, ZXR, FZR, CBR, GSXR…
Forgot the vfr in your list, the best 90s 400
Thinking about the 4RR for my son. He is 23 with some experience. That kid works his ass off, so I am thinking it would be a good Christmas gift.
Well for a christmas gift like that he better work his ass off
I mean, I don't mind being adopted, even on my 28 years old 😂
He does, He has solid goals and lives on his own. Keeps eyeballing Dad's 750. He needs to ride something else for a bit first. lol Says me. @@shivamarya5225
I'm 42 and up for adoption aswell 😄
Damn that would be an amazing Christmas for him 😂
"9 grand is too much for a 400" and then proceeded to show why it is worth the 9 grand
Great job picking up Carl for MCN, I have always enjoyed his presentations and road tests. The perfect guy to road test the ZR 4RR.
I hope the Kawi sells well. Would be great to have more bikes like this. Good review, Carl!
Yamaha R9 and Honda CBR 750 R might be the perfect recipe when they come out!
So what I took from that is "Find yourself a ZX6R B1H if you're tired of your litre bikes". I do miss my ZXR250C with that top end 18500RPM surge, so it's nice that Team Green are putting some soul back into inline 4s with the ZX-4RR. Oh, how we miss our 60bhp ZXR400Ls.
BTW Carl, I still have your 4SR cap that you gave to me when you were at New Found Glory! Great to see your content
Those 250-400cc jap race bikes were something else. I had the 91 fzr250r redline started at 18k
The exup worked beautifully down low but past 14k it sang like a F1 car.
The kwak sounds like the modern day version, I wish there was a more affordable option
It's just laughable to me the way everyone dogs on the CBR650R. Those who own one know better.
Interesting how different all of this bikes are for me, I rode them all (also RS 660) except for the Kawa. I come from the older super sports bike generation such as the Fireblade or 600 RR. For me the CBR 650 R is the only REAL compromise I could ride these days. The CBR is the only one which at least tries to copy the feel of what the 600 GSX R or CBR 600 RR wanted to be on the street, just that those were real race machines and way to stiff/rough for a touring day through the alps. The 650 R is somewhat comfortable, good quality and has smooth and nice inline 4 engine which screams like the big bikes. All of these new V2 engines, no matter which model, just dont get there. With the Aprilia RS 660 being sporty and good on track, it never gets close to what the real race bikes like 600 RR or R6 can do and also never rides with the sound and smoothness of the CBR 650 R inline 4. The V2 are for me the worst compromises possible somehow, no chance on track like real super sport bikes and no chills and smoothness on street like a more comfortable 650 R with the inline 4. Once you get addicted to that 4 cylinder scream its pretty impossible to go back to a V2. Especially the RS 660 was very dissapointing when riding it, it really felt slow without any emotions although it being fast objectively. Same goes for the R7 which doesnt feel like a sports bike anymore except for the seat. I acknowledge them all being good bikes, dont get me wrong, just that the seat or looks wont make it if the engine stays a 70hp V2. I rode the Ducati Panigale V2 once and that thing was obviously a real bike with 150hp but unfortunately double the price.
You should really try the new Monster. It’s a very smooth bike for a twin and is one I recommend to all types of riders.
But the r7 is Inline 2, not V2
Ok
true but with a 270 degree crank, that's almost the same
You don't even know the difference between a V2 and an inline twin and yes, it is absolutely possible to go back to a V2 (a real one) after trying a gutless 600 inline 4.
Great show thanks! I'm glad I ordered the zx4r on Friday for the 2024 season. Black metallic with quick shifter.
What a great review
Love your enthusiasm
Love the bikes and the review. Love that Shoei lid even more!😍
I kinda start doubting the validity of a review once I come across even one but prominent false claim. "56 MPH in first gear and the other two would struggle in 2nd or 3rd gear..." I don't know about the R7 but I definitelly remember doing 70 MPH in second gear on my 2022 bone stock CBR.
“All the weight is on you wrist” No problem when your 25 years old😂👍🇬🇧
When are we getting the review of ZX-6R? Look forward to it!
The Honda is too comfortable to be engaging.... Just when you think you've heard it all.
The R7 feels great when ridden by itself but in the company of genuine supersports 600s and 750s feels dog slow, I love the idea of the ZXR400 as I owned a Honda RVF 400 back in the 90s but as an older guy supersports bikes are good for a Sunday morning blast but not for every day riding, I use my Street triple RS for that and use my 2017 GSX-R750 less and less these days .
Awesome review MCN!
I absolutely love that the smalker displacement sport bikes are getting the love that they deserve.
These comparisons are mostly for fun guys. Buy whichever one you like the most. I'm a huge Kawasaki fan but that CBR 650 is a dang good bike. The r7 though speaks to me the most stylistically. I won't get the zx4rr simply because the zx6r exists haha
So long as you're buying one of the Big Four Motorcycles, then you aren't making a mistake.
Brilliant review !
This Honda engine is so underrated by reviewers... While tunned to only 94 hp to be allowed to be restricted for A2 (47 hp), it will still smoke the other two and will do 0-60 in less than 3.5s, while the other two will need more than 4s. Also smoother, more expensive to build and will probably last longer, since it's not overpowered to have 120+ hp which is possible for 649cc inline-four.
Great presentation of this guy
Love the Yamaha colors and hate to admit that I would take the CBR out of those 3…
Same here (and I have one😜) It’s always a bit funny to me that they talk about the cbr650r like “comfort”, “reliability “, and “smooth mechanics” are bad things🤣
Good review. IMHO the CBR650R for the win, then the ZX4RR, then the R7. When I test rode the R7 I was quite disappointed with the engine character which felt a bit flat and linear - ok for a commuter bike but not really in a sportsbike.
No mention of any low rpm hesitation/bog in 1st and 2nd especially on takeoff for the zx4rr, seems to be a recurring issue for certain owners likely a mapping issue which is resolved with an ecu flash atm. Did you experience anything of the sort?. Trying to get Kawasaki to put out a new ecu map to fix the problem
Perfect comparison Carl... what a joy this comparison was ...cant wait for the mega comparison in this class.. 4RR next purchase ..used hopefully otherwise just dig deep and go new.
I have a 2021 zx6r. It is so fast it’s overkill for the streets. I mean it’s insane 16k redline. This bike is perfect to rip up the roads and not kill yourself. This bike is fantastic
I had the zxr400 back in the day and even though I’ve not had a track focused sports bike in some years now
I really want the zx4rr it’s the only new bike in years I’ve actually been excited about
a really great review
Just bought my first Yamaha... an R7. You guys make me wish I had stuck with my alma mater lol. I started on a Ninja back in the day and my most recent one was the new gen zx10r. Had to move and sold it. Now I need something for a 20min commute with traffic that turns into open twistys, so I went with the R7. I had no idea the zx400rr was that level of cool. Thought it was too much in the beginner category. All well, its not like the R7 sucks. Im just like you though, I dont like the pig grunt exhaust revs of the v-twin. I like the high end scream.
Good review wee man
It certainly didn't have the suspension and likely weighted quite a bit more than the current ZX-4RR but I truly enjoyed honing around the streets of Kansai, Japan in the 1990s on my Kawasaki ZZR400.
Yes and the 'Busa & ZX14R, they're too comfortable to engage...XD
Couldnt agree more abou the zx4rr. I rented one for 2 days and absolutely loved it.
Can someone help me, I am trying to see how much it is to insure this motorcycle but I can't seem to find the exactly model. I can only find ZX-4, ZXR 4 and Ninja 400 which one is't?
Great vid
love this review,well done again MCN!
So, what new motorcycles of this class (ZX4R) are coming next year?
I love that I know the roads you're using for these shots like the back of my hand 😁
Great review, just got the ninja 400RR and I named it dragonslayer for a reason!😎
definitely would add RS 660 in this comparision.
I remember the Halcyon Days of Sports 600cc
Bike Road Tests. Yamaha FZRs Honda CBR600 Kawasaki ZZR Suzuki GSX600
Nice to see The SportsBikes Back
Atlast the correct line up comparison with the zx4rr
Great review. I am in love with Yamaha from my roots in the 80s 90s but bugger me that Kawasaki……..
Awesome job and great review(s)! Hoping to snag one of these in black in the coming months.
Wow is amazing!🙌
Excelente videos. Me encantan las motos
After 2 years of riding I jumped from an R3 to a ZX-6R. Thinking it might be the added weight/power or lack of seat time that’s not giving me the same confidence I had on the R3 through the twisties. Wondering if I should stick it out or if an R7 would be a better stepping stone?
Just go straight to a 1000
Trackdays brother! Get some instruction and learn to ride on a proper track. You'll gain so much confidence. I'm sure you're ready for a zx6r
@jack14kd yeh that's a clever comment he can't hack a 600 so suggest a 1000cc instead dumb asf
I had an R3 before jumping into R7, if you have throttle control nailed and stay physically fit, this is a great bike! I live in twisties both sides, and every corner is super! No feedback for zx6r though
Do not trade the ZX6R for an R7. 😬
You guys hint that the line up is going to be massive next year. Any news on honda making a cbr400rr?
I currently own two old 90s 400 😎
Yeah he said there will be another couple of bikes for that sector next year. Would anyone know what those will be?
please review the cfmoto 450 sr
These 3 bikes are nothing alike. Do they fall into the same price category in the UK?
This is my „I should really get myself a second bike” moment
I saw that the ZX 6R is brought back to Sweden, a true Supersport bike.
Not many "600cc" supersport that you can buy brand new.
The R6 is a track version only.
So fort the road its only the ZX 6R, RS 660 and F3 (if that counts as a supersport) left.
And now we can add the Honda CBR600RR to the list, coming back in 2024!
@@markosz22 lovely
Yes both are avail in europe for 24
Seems a little biased to me, the CBR will do 60 in all gears. The most powerful engine out of the lost but 20hp also. I dont really understand why one second you say the riding position isnt good then later on you say it is? Above 8k they really scream and pick up for a 650... the shows forks SF-BPF are some of the best stock shocks out there. Clearly havent ridden it properly.
incredible
I wouls love to see a drag race comparison of these 3 bikes.
The CBR will annihilate the others.
Excelente video de carreras
The Honda is far better than the other two.. in practically every category. Guarantee my 650r would blitz both these bikes on the road or track :)
These bikes being referred to as a “Super Sport” makes me feel so frustrated…What a world we live in.
Great job Carl.. I was going to get an RS660 but I think its the ZX-4RR for me now!
Sorry but in compare to RS660 the ZX-4RR is a boring 😂
39NM by 189Kg 😂 400ccm and heavier than 660ccm. And then 28NM und 20Hp minus.
more screaming than acceleration.
If I had the money, I’d get the zx4r
Honda all day long, reliable and lovely
my mate had the CBR he loved it and toured on it. i tried it and found you needed to wring its neck to get it going,
Wow excellent
Is the sv650 still a motorbike?
Increíble modelo de moto 🏍️👍
All 3 of these bikes are producing fuel economy of less than 40 mpg?? Wtaf??
My 18 plate Fireblade is making around 45mpg at the mo and she is a full on 1000cc superbike.
Always thought a smaller engine would give better fuel economy lol
Ironically, without all the modern day engine strangulation of multi stage exhaust catalysers, 'eco' ECU fuel maps etc, they would return better fuel economy.
This was always the case when you fitted a Power Commander to a bike back in the day and had it dyno tuned to give a smoother fuel curve.
You might gain a little power on top, but the real gains were often in the middle of the rev range as the engine was fuelled more efficiently with a better ratio of air to fuel at various rev ranges.
Because of this new efficiency you would often see better fuel economy too.
I disagree with your assumption that I would buy a one of these bikes either being a 'new' rider or an older one wanting to get off an uncomfortable larger bike. I am 65 years old, have a Ninja Z1000SX and wanted some fun - so I bought the ZX4RR! I haven't enjoyed riding a motorcycle just for the sheer hell of it so much for ages!
Gran trabajo 👌
zxr4 engine reminds me of my 2 stroke 250 day😊😅s! a lotta fun 😊
1991….KR1S , straight out the showroom , £3200 , went 2 miles , stopped at the pub with my mates…..one on a month newer ZZR 600, in Candy red, the other on an old white CB400…., I thought I’d gone to heaven, best production 2 stroke ever, everywhere at 12k….., then went racing on it, got @ couple of 2nd places….never got a win, but had the biggest smile ever……👍🇮🇲👌😉
Kawasaki is still doing some crazy things, the other Japanese brands should do it as well
Fantastic motorcycle
Muy buena presentación
Best great pro rider & reviewer there is!!!!...love this Guys speech and accent..lol--He tells it like it is tho!!! i think!!!
Excelente carrera
Here in the states a well knows tuner is squeezing 90 brake HP out of the Ninja. Unbelievably deceptive in what it's capable of doing.
Hermosas Motocicletas🤗
Excelente
Hermosa moto 🏍
Carl did a great job! Awesome review!
We agree!
Excelente motocicleta
Espectacular
Buen trabajo, motos muy veloces
Una moto demasiado buena
I have a Tracer 7 and that CP2 engine is boooooring, for sporty riding.
Now that litle Ninja... looks like a delicious and exciting toy! 😁
So best value for money is honda. No surprise there.
The kawasaki 400 casts the same as a 600cc the R7 is more money than an MT-09 for just a little parrel twin. . No wonder the honda is the best value
Technically the Kawasaki ZX636 is the best value followed by Suzuki GSXR 600
Kawasakis sports always had the best front end
400 vs 700 cc??
Fantástico
Sorry, that Honda looks breathtaking. (the headers scream old CB-400F and that colour is sexy)
And the riding position is bearable, unlike the Yamaha.
and the limiting factor on that Yamaha anyway is that T7 motor (top end surge).
Besides, Carl...I am the polar opposite of you...six four 225 🙂
Well done on the video 👍
I’m with you on all of that. I’m just north of 60 years old and I love my cbr650r.
@@someoneelse1i1i 66 here
My daily driver is a '18 KLR-650 with a pipe.
black on black
nice and tall and roomy
but my other ride is a '72 Triumph Daytona T100R
I do like that new Honda Transalp 750, though 🙂
lotsa dirt and gravel roads in my area
I loved my cbr650r, I wish I could have 2 bikes