The motorcycle market is always eager for a new sporty standard. The sweet spot of middleweight displacement is always a hotbed for competitors. We put the Suzuki SFV650, Yamaha MT-07, and Ducati Monster 821 in a side-by-side comparison… because when looking for a bike, engine size can be less of a factor than the sum of its parts. Here’s what they all have in common…
2015 Suzuki SFV650 Gladius
- Naked liquid-cooled 2-cylinder 4-stroke engine
- Dual disc brakes in front, single disc in the back
- Fuel injection
- ABS (optional or standard)
- 6-speed gearbox
- Wet multiplate clutch
2015 Suzuki SFV650
They say that the Gladius was initially designed with females in mind. This does not mean that it’s an overtly girly bike, but that comfort and seat height were considerations. Its seat is the lowest at 785mm (30.9in) and it has the smallest and tamest engine in the form of a 90-degree 645cc V-twin making around 68-70hp at 8600rpm and around 44-46 lb-ft of torque at 7600rpm. To squeeze a little more performance, there is always the 71hp Suzuki SV650S—many people’s top choice for an entry to mid-level sport standard.
The SFV650, unsurprisingly, is the most economic with real riders reporting mileage of 53-59mpg. Design-wise, it’s the most organic with a sort of aquatic sportiness—in juxtaposition with Yamaha’s angular tech trend and Ducati’s aggressive exotica. Like the Monster, it showcases an eye-catching trellis frame. All these bikes have 120/70 front tyres, but the SFV has the skinniest rear of the three. The others sport 180mm in the back, but the SFV’s is 160/60. Its 240mm rear brake disc is the smallest of the lot too, but its 290mm discs in front aren’t.
Suzuki SFV650 Gladius 8″ Mini Carbon Fiber Muffler Delkevic US KIT010Z
The SFV650’s wheelbase falls in between the MT/FZ-07 and Monster 821 with 1445mm. Overall length is 2130mm. It too is the middleman in terms of its wet weight of 202kg—just 3.5kg lighter than the Monster. It’s also more expensive than the new Yamaha, but cheaper than the Ducati.
2015 Yamaha MT-07
2015 Yamaha MT-07
Of the three, this bike is the cheapest, lightest, and shortest (in terms of wheelbase). It weighs only 179kg including all the fluids, and 182kg with ABS. The bike’s value has incessantly surprised people with its laudable build quality, capable performance, and constant stream of good reviews. Its 689cc inline twin can produce 74hp at 9000rpm and a fun 50lb-ft of torque at 6500rpm. One common complaint concerning the FZ is the softness of the rear shocks out of the factory, which is normal for any budget friendly bike. Riders on the lighter side will find it more agreeable, but those wanting serious cornering prowess and crazier canyon carving will probably consider upgrading the suspension.
As mentioned, the MT-07 is the most compact motorcycle of the three. Its wheelbase is a mere 1400mm with an overall length of 2085mm. Its dual front brake discs are also the smallest at 282mm with the Suzuki’s reaching 290mm. The rear disc is similar to the Monster’s at 245mm. The stock seat height measures 805mm (31.7in) which is still comforting, even for very short inseams with a slight tiptoe. The mileage will get you in the range of 51-57mpg.
2015 YAMAHA FZ-07 FRONT COWL BLACK 1WSF83J0T000
In terms of looks, this bike does not look cheap in person. It also fits nicely in Yamaha’s new angular aesthetic of edgy, tactical, technological sharpness. For those who are into the new retro wave of bikes for the old school look and future customisation purposes, you may want to wait for the scrambler version—the new XSR700.
2015 Ducati Monster 821
Ducati Monster 821
This is the biggest, high performing, but most expensive motorcycle of the lot. The Ducati Monster is the flagship naked bike from “The Red Planet” and is a best-selling mainstay for the brand. The Monster 821 replaced the 796’s 803cc, by way of the Hypermotard’s Testastretta 821cc 90-degree V-twin (or L-twin) going into the Monster 1200’s trellis frame. Ducati markets their 803cc Scrambler—especially to old schoolers, women, and beginners—but they also insist that the Scrambler is a sub brand and that the real entry-level Ducati has been and remains the Monster.
As the true gateway into the Ducati philosophy of racing lifestyle, the Monster is no joke. It boasts a maximum power output of 112hp at 9250rpm and 65.8lb-ft of torque at 7750rpm. It is the only one with inverted front forks. On the Monster 821 Stripe trim, those come fully adjustable. The Monster also has the biggest pair of front brake discs at 320mm each. ABS comes standard. The 821’s APTC wet multiplate slipper clutch is now cable-actuated instead of the old hydraulically operated one on the 796.
Obviously, the bigger and badder Italian trumps the others on this list in several ways, but it’s for the particular motoring enthusiast with fancier ambition and a deeper pocket.
