Kawasaki Z650 2023 vs. Yamaha MT-09 2021

Kawasaki Z650 2023

Kawasaki Z650 2023

Yamaha MT-09 2021

Yamaha MT-09 2021

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Overview - Kawasaki Z650 2023 vs Yamaha MT-09 2021

The Kawasaki Z650 2023 and the Yamaha MT-09 2021 are both popular naked bikes that offer unique features and performance capabilities.

Starting with the Kawasaki Z650 2023, it is equipped with a 2-cylinder inline engine that delivers 68 HP of power and 65.7 Nm of torque. The fuel system is injection-based, ensuring efficient fuel delivery. The bike's cooling system is liquid-based, providing effective heat dissipation. With a displacement of 649 ccm, the Z650 offers a good balance between power and agility.

In terms of suspension, the Z650 features a telescopic fork at the front and a swing arm with a monoshock at the rear. This setup provides a comfortable and stable ride, absorbing bumps and uneven surfaces with ease. The frame of the Z650 is made of steel, which offers durability and rigidity. The bike is equipped with double disk brakes with a diameter of 300 mm at the front, ensuring reliable stopping power.

Kawasaki Z650 2023

Kawasaki Z650 2023

The Z650 comes with advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS and traction control, enhancing safety and stability during rides. The front and rear tires have a width of 120 mm and 160 mm respectively, with a diameter of 17 inches. The wheelbase is 1410 mm, providing stability and maneuverability. The seat height is 790 mm, making it accessible for riders of different heights. The bike has a kerb weight of 187.1 kg, offering a good balance between agility and stability. The fuel tank capacity is 15 liters, providing a decent range for longer rides.

Moving on to the Yamaha MT-09 2021, it is equipped with a 3-cylinder inline engine that delivers a more powerful 119 HP of power and 93 Nm of torque. The fuel system is also injection-based, ensuring efficient fuel delivery. The cooling system is liquid-based, providing effective heat dissipation. With a displacement of 889 ccm, the MT-09 offers a higher level of power and performance compared to the Z650.

In terms of suspension, the MT-09 features an upside-down telescopic fork at the front and a swing arm with a monoshock at the rear. This setup provides a comfortable and stable ride, with the added benefit of an upside-down fork for improved handling. The frame of the MT-09 is made of aluminum, which offers lightweight construction and improved handling. The bike is equipped with double disk brakes with a diameter of 298 mm at the front, ensuring reliable stopping power.

The MT-09 comes with advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, quickshifter, and traction control, providing enhanced safety and performance. The front and rear tires have a width of 120 mm and 180 mm respectively, with a diameter of 17 inches. The wheelbase is slightly longer at 1430 mm, providing stability and improved handling. The seat height is higher at 825 mm, offering a more aggressive riding position. The bike has a kerb weight of 189 kg, slightly heavier than the Z650. The fuel tank capacity is 14 liters, offering a slightly smaller range compared to the Z650.

Yamaha MT-09 2021

Yamaha MT-09 2021

In terms of strengths, the Kawasaki Z650 2023 is praised for its very accessible handling, compact and easy maneuverability, and confidence-inspiring nature for small riders. It also has adjustable levers, allowing riders to customize their riding experience. On the other hand, the Yamaha MT-09 2021 is praised for its lack of load change reactions, powerful quickshifter, comfortable seating position, successful chassis, lively handling, and overall riding pleasure.

However, the Z650 has some weaknesses, including limited space for tall riders, a smaller appearance for a 650cc bike, a relatively tame engine, and a defensive seating position. The handlebars are also criticized for being too narrow and cranked for a naked bike. In comparison, the MT-09 has a polarizing look, a small TFT display, somewhat indirect front wheel feel, and cruise control only available in the SP variant.

In conclusion, both the Kawasaki Z650 2023 and the Yamaha MT-09 2021 offer their own set of strengths and weaknesses. The Z650 excels in accessible handling and compactness, while the MT-09 offers more power and a sportier riding experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications Kawasaki Z650 2023 compared to Yamaha MT-09 2021

Kawasaki Z650 2023
Yamaha MT-09 2021

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeIn line
BoreBore83 mmBore78 mm
StrokeStroke60 mmStroke62.1 mm
Engine powerEngine power68 HPEngine power119 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power8,000 rpmRpm at Max. Power10,000 rpm
TorqueTorque65.7 NmTorque93 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque7,000 rpmRpm at Torque7,000 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio10.8 Compression Ratio11.5
Fuel systemFuel systemInjectionFuel systemInjection
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
IgnitionIgnitionDigitalIgnitionTransistor
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
Transmission TypeTransmission TypeGearshiftTransmission TypeGearshift
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders3
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder4
ValvesValvesDOHCValvesDOHC
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement649 ccmDisplacement889 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionTelescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
TravelTravel125 mmTravel130 mm

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
Shock mountShock mountDeflectionShock mountDeflection
TravelTravel130 mmTravel122 mm

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameAluminium
Frame typeFrame typeTubularFrame typeTwin Tube
RakeRake65.5 degreeRake65 degree
TrailTrail100 mmTrail108 mm

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter300 mmDiameter298 mm

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter220 mmDiameter245 mm

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Traction controlAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Quickshifter, 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
LengthLength2,055 mmLength2,090 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,410 mmWheelbase1,430 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height790 mmSeat Height825 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)187.1 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)189 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity15 lFuel Tank Capacity14 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Kawasaki Z650 2023

Kawasaki Z650 2023

The Kawasaki Z 650 is probably the most docile motorbike in the naked bike segment. And that is to be understood in an absolutely positive way - as long as you are not particularly tall and heavy. It is slim, light, agile and accessible. All the controls, but also the engine, do not overwhelm. If you are looking for spectacular performance, you should go for the Z 900, but if you are looking for a nimble and easy-to-ride motorbike, you will be satisfied.

Very accessible handling

Very compact and easy to manoeuvre

Motorcycle appears light and compact

Gives small riders a lot of confidence

Adjustable levers

Not enough space on the bike for tall riders

bike looks a class smaller than 650cc overall

engine looks a bit tame

very defensive seating position

handlebars too narrow and cranked too much for a naked bike.

Yamaha MT-09 2021

Yamaha MT-09 2021

The ingredients for the 2021 update are right: More power, more equipment, more electronics, less weight. If you take a look at the key data of the latest MT-09, including its over-complete standard equipment, "mid-range naked bike" almost sounds a bit pejorative. The Japanese engineers have made improvements exactly where they were needed. The swaying chassis is now a thing of the past and the load change reactions have also been eliminated from the revised three-cylinder engine. The additional power paired with a little more pressure in the mid-range gives a sovereign riding feeling. The MT-09 offers a lot of equipment and enormous riding pleasure at a very attractive price. If you like the look, you can buy it without hesitation.

No more load change reactions

even more pressure from the centre

over-complete electronics package

great working quickshifter

comfortably integrated seating position

successful chassis

lively handling

enormous riding pleasure.

Polarising look

small TFT display

somewhat indirect front wheel feel

cruise control only available in SP variant

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price Kawasaki Z650 vs Yamaha MT-09

There are a few key differences between a Kawasaki Z650 2023 and a Yamaha MT-09 2021. In terms of price, the actual average price of a Yamaha MT-09 2021 is about 30% higher. Compared to Yamaha MT-09 2021 there are more Kawasaki Z650 2023 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 243 compared to 19. It takes less time to sell a Yamaha MT-09 with 112 days compared to 146 days for the Kawasaki Z650. Since model year 2017 1000PS.de editors have written 31 reviews for the Kawasaki Z650 and 57 reviews for the Yamaha MT-09 since model year 2013. The first review for the Kawasaki Z650 was published on 08/11/2016 and now has more than 25,000 views. This compares to more than 39,900 views for the first review on Yamaha MT-09 published on 10/06/2013.

Price Kawasaki Z650

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Yamaha MT-09

Model year
Current average market prices

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