THREE OF A KIND

Kawasaki Z650

vs.

Suzuki SV650

vs.

Yamaha FZ-07

Have a little mercy on the design teams responsible for the Kawasaki Z650, Suzuki SV650, and Yamaha FZ-07. To leave a mark on the middleweight- twins category, a bike has to be everything from new-rider friendly to sporty enough for riders with a few years under the belt. The bike has to be stylish but cost-effective (which is not to be confused with cheap), comfortable but not too relaxed.

Oh, by the way, if it under-delivers in any one category, then there’s a similarly styled option right behind it that’ll gladly take over the top spot—and probably for a few less dollars. Consider failing to hit the right marks the equivalent of ushering potential customers onto the competition’s showroom floor. No pressure, team.

Since its 2015 model-year unveil, Yamaha’s FZ-07 has missed the fewest marks. It’s toppled Suzuki’s Gladiusturned- SFV650 and even outshined Kawasaki’s otherwise successful Ninja 650. In a class where you have office and then chased blue skies toward Borrego Springs—via a mix of highway and flowing back roads—to find out.