Yamaha MT-09 SP 2022 vs. Kawasaki Z900 RS 2021

Yamaha MT-09 SP 2022

Yamaha MT-09 SP 2022

Kawasaki Z900 RS 2021

Kawasaki Z900 RS 2021

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Overview - Yamaha MT-09 SP 2022 vs Kawasaki Z900 RS 2021

When comparing the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2022 and the Kawasaki Z900 RS 2021, it is important to consider their technical specifications and strengths and weaknesses.

In terms of engine and drive train, both bikes have in-line engines with fuel injection systems. However, the Yamaha MT-09 SP has a slightly more powerful engine with 119 HP compared to the Kawasaki Z900 RS's 111 HP. The Yamaha also has slightly lower torque at 93 Nm compared to the Kawasaki's 98.6 Nm. Both bikes have liquid cooling systems and similar displacements, with the Yamaha at 889 ccm and the Kawasaki at 948 ccm.

In terms of suspension, both bikes have upside-down telescopic forks in the front and swing arm suspensions in the rear. The Yamaha MT-09 SP offers more adjustment options for the front and rear suspension, including compression, preload, and rebound adjustments. The Kawasaki Z900 RS only offers preload and rebound adjustments for the rear suspension.

Yamaha MT-09 SP 2022

Yamaha MT-09 SP 2022

In terms of chassis, the Yamaha MT-09 SP has an aluminum frame with a twin tube design, while the Kawasaki Z900 RS has a steel frame with a tubular design. The aluminum frame of the Yamaha may provide slightly better handling and agility.

Both bikes have double disk brakes in the front with similar diameters, 298 mm for the Yamaha and 300 mm for the Kawasaki. This ensures top braking performance for both models.

In terms of advanced rider assistance systems, the Yamaha MT-09 SP offers a range of features including ABS, cornering ABS, ride by wire, quickshifter, cruise control, traction control, and anti-wheelie. The Kawasaki Z900 RS, on the other hand, only offers ABS and traction control.

When it comes to dimensions and weights, both bikes have similar front and rear tire widths and diameters. The Yamaha has a slightly shorter wheelbase at 1430 mm compared to the Kawasaki's 1470 mm. The seat height of the Yamaha is also slightly lower at 825 mm compared to the Kawasaki's 835 mm. However, the Yamaha is lighter with a kerb weight of 189 kg compared to the Kawasaki's 215 kg. The Kawasaki also has a larger fuel tank capacity at 17 liters compared to the Yamaha's 14 liters.

Kawasaki Z900 RS 2021

Kawasaki Z900 RS 2021

In terms of strengths, the Yamaha MT-09 SP is praised for its lively and high-torque engine, extremely agile handling, top brakes, high-quality chassis, and pure driving pleasure. On the other hand, the Kawasaki Z900 RS is known for its authentic and beautiful retro look, very comfortable seating position, and being easy and comfortable to ride.

However, the Yamaha MT-09 SP does have some weaknesses, including a poorly legible TFT display, rather hard seat, and controls of electronics that could be more intuitive. The Kawasaki Z900 RS lacks a quickshifter and driving modes, although it does have adjustable traction control.

In conclusion, both the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2022 and the Kawasaki Z900 RS 2021 have their own strengths and weaknesses. The Yamaha offers a more powerful engine, more advanced rider assistance systems, and a lighter weight, while the Kawasaki provides a retro look, comfortable riding position, and adjustable traction control. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications Yamaha MT-09 SP 2022 compared to Kawasaki Z900 RS 2021

Yamaha MT-09 SP 2022
Kawasaki Z900 RS 2021

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeIn line
BoreBore78 mmBore73.4 mm
StrokeStroke62.1 mmStroke56 mm
Engine powerEngine power119 HPEngine power111 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power10,000 rpmRpm at Max. Power8,500 rpm
TorqueTorque93 NmTorque98.6 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque7,000 rpmRpm at Torque6,500 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio11.5 Compression Ratio10.8
Fuel systemFuel systemInjectionFuel systemInjection
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
IgnitionIgnitionTransistorIgnitionDigital
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
Transmission TypeTransmission TypeGearshiftTransmission TypeGearshift
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders3Cylinders4
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder4
ValvesValvesDOHCValvesDOHC
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement889 ccmDisplacement948 ccm

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter245 mmDiameter250 mm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
TravelTravel137 mmTravel120 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
TravelTravel142 mmTravel140 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentPreload, Rebound

Chassis

FrameFrameAluminiumFrameSteel
Frame typeFrame typeTwin TubeFrame typeTubular
RakeRake65 degreeRake65 degree
TrailTrail108 mmTrail98 mm

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter298 mmDiameter300 mm

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Cornering ABS, Ride by Wire, Quickshifter, Cruise control, Traction control, Anti-wheelieAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, 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 width180 mmRear tyre width180 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height55 %Rear tyre height55 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
LengthLength2,090 mmLength2,100 mm
WidthWidth795 mmWidth865 mm
HeightHeight1,190 mmHeight1,150 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,430 mmWheelbase1,470 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height825 mmSeat Height835 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)189 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)215 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity14 lFuel Tank Capacity17 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyA2, ALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Yamaha MT-09 SP 2022

Yamaha MT-09 SP 2022

The Yamaha MT-09 SP already had it easy in the previous generation, as it is the even more refined version of an already really good, because wonderfully agile fun machine! The current SP version is no different, but it has been improved even further. A little more power, increased torque and better-tuned electronics make it even more fun. As expected, the suspension with classier KYB and Öhlins components works excellently, the brakes could be a little sharper, but the seating position is still what you would expect from such an agile and easily controllable fun machine. The few quirks like the small TFT display or the controversial light mask in no way make it worse, but simply an even more independent personality!

Extremely agile and powerful engine

comfortable riding position

high-quality suspension elements from KYB and Öhlins

good quickshifter with blipper

distinctive look.

Small TFT display

horn half-heartedly installed at the front

wide turning circle

Kawasaki Z900 RS 2021

Kawasaki Z900 RS 2021

The Kawasaki Z900 RS is the perfect combination of classic design and modern technology. Its four-cylinder Inline engine, which runs silky smooth, delivers linear power and impressive elasticity across the entire rev range. The suspension strikes an ideal balance between comfort and stability, making it perfect for both long-distance riding and sporty riding. Despite the lack of a windscreen, the Z900 RS impresses with a comfortable riding position and agile riding performance. Aesthetically, it pays homage to the legendary Z1, whilst modern features such as traction control and high-quality build quality round off a very successful overall package. For anyone looking to combine a retro look with modern power, the Z900 RS is a reliable and versatile companion, both for everyday use and for longer tours.

attractive design

powerful engine

stable riding performance

responsive brakes

comfortable riding position

analogue instrument panel

adjustable levers

silky-smooth four-cylinder Inline engine

linear power delivery

excellent mechanical refinement

comfortable suspension with sporty progression

high-quality build

agile handling

versatility on both long journeys and in everyday use

great elasticity of the engine.

Not available with the optional Quickshifter

the RS’s rear shock absorber reacts a little rough when dealing with small potholes

Price Comparison Average Market Price Yamaha MT-09 SP vs Kawasaki Z900 RS

There are a few key differences between a Yamaha MT-09 SP 2022 and a Kawasaki Z900 RS 2021. In terms of price, the actual average price of a Yamaha MT-09 SP 2022 is about 7% higher. Compared to Kawasaki Z900 RS 2021 there are more Yamaha MT-09 SP 2022 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 18 compared to 14. It takes less time to sell a Yamaha MT-09 SP with 104 days compared to 125 days for a Kawasaki Z900 RS. Since model year 2018 1000PS.de editors have written 29 reviews for the Yamaha MT-09 SP and 26 reviews for the Kawasaki Z900 RS since model year 2018. The first review for the Yamaha MT-09 SP was published on 06/11/2017 and now has more than 49,000 views. This compares to more than 63,700 views for the first review on Kawasaki Z900 RS published on 06/09/2017.

Price Yamaha MT-09 SP

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Kawasaki Z900 RS

Model year
Current average market prices

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