Kawasaki Z900 2023 vs. Yamaha MT-09 2016

Kawasaki Z900 2023

Kawasaki Z900 2023

Yamaha MT-09 2016

Yamaha MT-09 2016

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Overview - Kawasaki Z900 2023 vs Yamaha MT-09 2016

In terms of engine and drive train, both the Kawasaki Z900 2023 and the Yamaha MT-09 2016 have an in-line engine type. However, the Z900 has a higher engine power of 125 HP compared to the MT-09's 115 HP. The Z900 also has a higher torque of 98.6 Nm compared to the MT-09's 87.5 Nm. The Z900 has four cylinders and a displacement of 948 ccm, while the MT-09 has three cylinders and a displacement of 847 ccm.

In terms of suspension, the Z900 has an upside-down telescopic fork front suspension, while the MT-09 has a telescopic fork front suspension. Both bikes have double disk front brakes and the same tire dimensions with a front tire width of 120 mm and a front tire diameter of 17 inches. The rear tire width and diameter are also the same at 180 mm and 17 inches respectively.

In terms of chassis, the Z900 has a steel frame with a double cradle frame type, while the MT-09 has an aluminum frame with a twin tube frame type. Both bikes have the same type of front brakes with double disks.

Kawasaki Z900 2023

Kawasaki Z900 2023

In terms of dimensions and weights, the Z900 has a slightly longer wheelbase of 1450 mm compared to the MT-09's 1440 mm. The Z900 also has a lower seat height of 795 mm compared to the MT-09's 815 mm. However, the Z900 is heavier with a kerb weight (with ABS) of 212 kg, while the MT-09 has a kerb weight (with ABS) of 191 kg.

Looking at the strengths of the Z900, it offers light and natural handling with high stability. Its engine provides a silky smooth power delivery with full pull from low revs. The chassis offers great feedback and transparency, making it a joy to ride. The seating position is comfortable and provides a feel-good factor. Additionally, the Z900 is priced fairly, offering good value for money.

On the other hand, the strengths of the MT-09 include its wonderfully powerful three-cylinder powerplant. It also has three power modes and a fully adjustable chassis, allowing riders to customize their riding experience. The quickshifter comes as standard, adding convenience and enhancing the sporty nature of the bike. The upright seating position is sporty and comfortable, and the brakes are effective. The aggressive looks of the MT-09 also add to its appeal, along with the inclusion of traction control.

Yamaha MT-09 2016

Yamaha MT-09 2016

In terms of weaknesses, the Z900 has a relatively cumbersome operation of the menu and lacks slope-dependent assistance systems. It is also on the heavier side, which may affect maneuverability for some riders.

The MT-09 has a saddle that some may find a little too hard for long tours. Additionally, the license plate holder on the swingarm offers less splash protection compared to a conventional one.

In conclusion, the Kawasaki Z900 2023 and the Yamaha MT-09 2016 both offer their own strengths and weaknesses. The Z900 excels in terms of handling, engine performance, and seating position, while the MT-09 impresses with its powerful engine, adjustable chassis, and sporty features. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications Kawasaki Z900 2023 compared to Yamaha MT-09 2016

Kawasaki Z900 2023
Yamaha MT-09 2016

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeIn line
BoreBore73.4 mmBore78 mm
StrokeStroke56 mmStroke59.1 mm
Engine powerEngine power125 HPEngine power115 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power9,500 rpmRpm at Max. Power10,000 rpm
TorqueTorque98.6 NmTorque87.5 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque7,700 rpmRpm at Torque8,500 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio11.8 Compression Ratio11.5
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders4Cylinders3
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder4
ValvesValvesDOHCValvesDOHC
DisplacementDisplacement948 ccmDisplacement847 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionTelescopic fork

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameAluminium
Frame typeFrame typeDouble cradleFrame typeTwin Tube

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc

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
LengthLength2,070 mmLength2,075 mm
WidthWidth820 mmWidth815 mm
HeightHeight1,065 mmHeight1,135 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,450 mmWheelbase1,440 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height795 mmSeat Height815 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)212 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)191 kg
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Kawasaki Z900 2023

Kawasaki Z900 2023

The Kawasaki Z900 may not be up to scratch when it comes to modern, lean angle-dependent electronic features, but it's relatively cheap and you shouldn't underestimate the fan base of the good old inline four - the Z900 is one of the cheapest ways to own such a great engine with just under a litre of displacement in a sporty naked bike! The higher weight is noticeable, but not massively annoying, because the handling and stability are quite alright. In terms of "outdated" electronics, the most annoying thing is the missing shift assistant, which is not even available as an option. Overall, however, the Z900 is a great naked bike with a great price-performance ratio.

Light and natural handling with high stability

silky engine with full pull from low revs

high chassis transparency, great feedback

seating position with feel-good factor

absolutely fair price.

Relatively cumbersome operation of the menu

no slope-dependent assistance systems

high weight

Yamaha MT-09 2016

Yamaha MT-09 2016

The Yamaha MT-09 did not need to be reinvented for the coming season - it already was extremely well done almost four years ago. Instead, the Japanese focus on fine-tuning and adding practical, contemporary gimmicks such as traction control and automatic shifting. Due to the Euro4 standard, however, the engine management has been changed once again and offers an emphatically powerful but well controllable power delivery in standard mode; the power explosion of the first generation is now no longer offered even by the sharper A mode. The biggest change, recognisable at first glance, is the, in my opinion, extremely successful design with the more aggressive front and the newly designed rear. All in all, an even snazzier naked bike that was clearly built for the fun of motorcycling.

Wonderfully powerful three-cylinder powerplant

three power modes

fully adjustable chassis

quickshifter as standard

sporty upright seating position

good brakes

aggressive looks

traction control.

Saddle a little too hard for long tours

licence plate holder on the swingarm offers less splash protection than a conventional one

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price Kawasaki Z900 vs Yamaha MT-09

There are a few key differences between a Kawasaki Z900 2023 and a Yamaha MT-09 2016. In terms of price, the actual average price of a Kawasaki Z900 2023 is about 33% higher. Compared to Yamaha MT-09 2016 there are more Kawasaki Z900 2023 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 187 compared to 11. It takes less time to sell a Yamaha MT-09 with 87 days compared to 122 days for the Kawasaki Z900. Since model year 2017 1000PS.de editors have written 46 reviews for the Kawasaki Z900 and 57 reviews for the Yamaha MT-09 since model year 2013. The first review for the Kawasaki Z900 was published on 11/11/2016 and now has more than 93,200 views. This compares to more than 39,900 views for the first review on Yamaha MT-09 published on 10/06/2013.

Price Kawasaki Z900

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Yamaha MT-09

Model year
Current average market prices

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