Triumph Thruxton 1200 2017 vs. Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018

Triumph Thruxton 1200 2017

Triumph Thruxton 1200 2017

Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018

Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018

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Overview - Triumph Thruxton 1200 2017 vs Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018

The Triumph Thruxton 1200 2017 and the Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018 are both naked bikes that offer a unique riding experience. The Thruxton 1200 has a successful cafe racer look, while the Z900 RS has a more modern and stylish design.

In terms of engine power, the Z900 RS takes the lead with 111 HP compared to the Thruxton's 97 HP. However, the Thruxton has a higher torque of 112 Nm compared to the Z900 RS's 98.6 Nm. Both bikes have fuel injection systems and liquid cooling.

The Thruxton 1200 has a 1200cc displacement and is equipped with a telescopic fork front suspension and a swing arm rear suspension with dual shock absorbers. The rear suspension only allows for preload adjustment. The frame is made of steel and the front brakes are double disk with a diameter of 310mm. The bike also features ABS as an advanced rider assistance system.

Triumph Thruxton 1200 2017

Triumph Thruxton 1200 2017

On the other hand, the Z900 RS has a 948cc displacement and comes with an upside-down telescopic fork front suspension and a swing arm rear suspension with a monoshock absorber. The rear suspension allows for both preload and rebound adjustment. The frame is also made of steel and the front brakes are double disk with a diameter of 300mm. In addition to ABS, the Z900 RS also features ride by wire and traction control as advanced rider assistance systems.

In terms of dimensions and weights, both bikes have a front tire width of 120mm and a front tire diameter of 17 inches. However, the Z900 RS has a wider rear tire width of 180mm compared to the Thruxton's 160mm. The wheelbase of the Z900 RS is also slightly longer at 1470mm compared to the Thruxton's 1415mm. The seat height of the Z900 RS is higher at 835mm compared to the Thruxton's 805mm. The Z900 RS also has a larger fuel tank capacity of 17 liters compared to the Thruxton's 14.5 liters.

Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018

Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018

In terms of strengths, the Thruxton 1200 has a powerful engine and a pleasantly controllable braking system. It also has a successful cafe racer look and offers inconspicuous electronic features. On the other hand, the Z900 RS has a powerful and smooth engine, good looks, and a comfortable seating position. It is also easy to ride and has balanced handling, not being nervous or ponderous.

However, the Thruxton 1200 does have some weaknesses. It has a somewhat elongated seating position, which may not be comfortable for all riders. Additionally, the suspension spring preload is only adjustable at the rear, limiting customization options.

Similarly, the Z900 RS also has a few weaknesses. It does not have a shift assistant, which can be a disadvantage for some riders. It is also heavier than other retro bikes in its class and the seat may be too soft for long tours. Lastly, it lacks wind protection, which can be an issue for riders who frequently ride at high speeds or in adverse weather conditions.

Technical Specifications Triumph Thruxton 1200 2017 compared to Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018

Triumph Thruxton 1200 2017
Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn line crankpin offsetEngine typeIn line
BoreBore97.6 mmBore73.4 mm
StrokeStroke80 mmStroke56 mm
Engine powerEngine power97 HPEngine power111 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power6,750 rpmRpm at Max. Power8,500 rpm
TorqueTorque112 NmTorque98.6 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque4,950 rpmRpm at Torque6,500 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio11 Compression Ratio10.8
Fuel systemFuel systemInjectionFuel systemInjection
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
Transmission TypeTransmission TypeGearshiftTransmission TypeGearshift
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders4
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder4
ValvesValvesOHCValvesDOHC
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement1,200 ccmDisplacement948 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionTelescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
DiameterDiameter41 mmDiameter41 mm
TravelTravel120 mmTravel120 mm

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberDual ShockShock absorberMonoshock
TravelTravel120 mmTravel140 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreloadAdjustmentPreload, Rebound
MaterialMaterialSteelMaterialAluminium

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameSteel
Frame typeFrame typeCentral tubeFrame typeTubular
RakeRake67.3 degreeRake65 degree
TrailTrail90.8 mmTrail98 mm

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter310 mmDiameter300 mm
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonFour pistons
Shock mountShock mountFloating caliperShock mountFixed caliper

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter255 mmDiameter250 mm
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonSingle piston

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABSAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Ride by Wire, Traction control

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width120 mmFront tyre width120 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height70 %Front tyre height70 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter17 inchFront tyre diameter17 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width160 mmRear tyre width180 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height60 %Rear tyre height55 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
LengthLength2,105 mmLength2,100 mm
WidthWidth745 mmWidth865 mm
HeightHeight1,030 mmHeight1,150 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,415 mmWheelbase1,470 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height805 mmSeat Height835 mm
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity14.5 lFuel Tank Capacity17 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Triumph Thruxton 1200 2017

Triumph Thruxton 1200 2017

Even though the Thruxton 1200 is supposed to be the sporty model of the retro line, the normal model was designed to be refreshingly suitable for everyday use and thus harmonious - the sportier Thruxton 1200 R serves the true retro racers anyway. This leaves a powerful engine that revs heartily, a good-natured braking system, a somewhat elongated but sufficiently comfortable seating position and inconspicuously packaged electronic features in a motorbike that visually trumps with reminiscences of the good old days without being embarrassing. Triumph has also done an excellent job with the Thruxton 1200!

Successful cafe racer look

powerful engine

pleasantly controllable braking system

inconspicuous electronic features

Somewhat elongated seating position

suspension spring preload adjustable only at the rear

Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018

Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018

Its four-cylinder is silky smooth while delivering enough power to make you grin under your helmet. It is also very easy to move, which should make it a great commuter bike in everyday life and serve as an iconic fun bike at the weekend. The looks find the perfect straddle of classic design and modern details to form a coherent retro package that is also a worthy tribute to Kawasaki history. It's a great naked bike with a snazzy look.

Powerful and smooth engine

good looks

comfortable seating position

easy to ride

balanced handling. Not nervous and not ponderous

no shift assistant

heavier than other retro bikes in this class

seat a little too soft on long tours

no wind protection

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price Triumph Thruxton 1200 vs Kawasaki Z900 RS

There are a few key differences between a Triumph Thruxton 1200 2017 and a Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018. It takes less time to sell a Triumph Thruxton 1200 with 119 days compared to 154 days for a Kawasaki Z900 RS. Since model year 2016 1000PS.de editors have written 5 reviews for the Triumph Thruxton 1200 and 26 reviews for the Kawasaki Z900 RS since model year 2018. The first review for the Triumph Thruxton 1200 was published on 3/9/2016 and now has more than 38,500 views. This compares to more than 63,700 views for the first review on Kawasaki Z900 RS published on 9/6/2017.

Price Triumph Thruxton 1200

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Kawasaki Z900 RS

Model year
Current average market prices

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