Head To Head: 2015 Mid-Size (Engine) Sport Bikes

Riding season is upon us, maybe it's time for a new ride? Let's have a look at a few of the mid-size sport bike offerings for 2015.

CBR 650F

Price: $8,999

Manufacturer: Honda

Engine: 649cc liquid-cooled inline four-cylinder

Bore x Stroke: 67mm x 46mm

Transmission: Six-speed

Fuel Delivery: PGM-FI Programmed automatic enrichment circuit, with 32mm throttle bodies

Power: 76.63 hp/10,900 rpm, 41.81 ft-lb tq/8900 rpm*

Curb Weight: 461 pounds

Seat Height: 31.9 inches

MPG: 42.5*

The baby of the bunch, the all-new CBR 650F includes a peppy in-line four delivering the most horsepower power of the three. Looks may be subjective but it's easy to see that with youth comes a sportier look and more aggressive, forward leaning seating. Sporty doesn't necessarily mean compact however, as it has a tad bit more leg room than its competitors. You also get a more up-to-date package with optional ABS and all digital info display.

Ninja 650 ABS

Price: $7,599

Manufacturer: Kawasaki

Engine Type: 649cc four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, four-valve, parallel twin

Bore x Stroke: 83.0 x 60.0mm

Transmission: Six-speed

Fuel Delivery: DFI® with two 38mm Keihin throttle bodies

Power: 64.69 hp/8,900 rpm, 43.04 ft-lb tq/7,100 rpm*

Curb Weight: 465.3 pounds

Seat Height: 31.7 in

MPG: 41.8*

The least expensive of the three, this Kawasaki Ninja 650 comes from a long lineage of stealthy warriors. It's that strong heritage that helps the Ninja deliver a striking blow against the competition in the form of a large aftermarket. Footpeg placement allows for deeper lean angles but doesn't offer too much in the way of all day comfort-especially for long legged riders. Those with bad backs will appreciate the more upright riding position the handlebars place the rider in.

FZ6R

Price: $7,790

Manufacturer: Yamaha

Engine Type: 600cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke, DOHC 16 valves

Bore x Stroke: 65.5mm x 44.5mm

Transmission: Six-speed; multi-plate wet clutch

Fuel Delivery: EFI with four-hole, two-direction, high-dynamic-range type fuel injectors

Power: 65.35 hp/9,800 rpm, 38.50 ft-lb tq/8,400 rpm*

Curb Weight: 470 lb

Seat Height: 30.9 in

MPG: 38.4*

Old dogs don't need new tricks as long as they're loyal and do what you expect of them. That may be the reason why it's been so long that the FZ6R hasn't seen much of anything new other than paint and graphics. Doing all things really well (power delivery, comfort, and handling) is what keeps this bike at the top of many rider's lists. Question is, with the competition evolving and offered with "new" tech like ABS, how many more iterations of BNGs (bold new graphics) can the FZ go through before its retired or finally completely reborn?

*As tested by motorcycle.com