Kawasaki Z900 2018 vs. Triumph Speed Triple R 2012

Kawasaki Z900 2018

Kawasaki Z900 2018

Triumph Speed Triple R 2012

Triumph Speed Triple R 2012

Loading...

Overview - Kawasaki Z900 2018 vs Triumph Speed Triple R 2012

The Kawasaki Z900 2018 and the Triumph Speed Triple R 2012 are both naked bikes with similar engine types, liquid cooling, and four-piston double disk front brakes. However, there are several key differences between the two models.

In terms of engine power, the Triumph Speed Triple R 2012 has a slight advantage with 135 HP compared to the Kawasaki Z900 2018's 125.4 HP. Similarly, the Speed Triple R has higher torque at 111 Nm compared to the Z900's 98.6 Nm. The Speed Triple R also has a larger displacement at 1050ccm compared to the Z900's 948ccm.

When it comes to suspension, the Z900 2018 features an upside-down telescopic fork at the front with preload and rebound adjustment, while the Speed Triple R 2012 has a telescopic fork with compression, preload, and rebound adjustment. Both models have rear suspension with compression, preload, and rebound adjustment.

Kawasaki Z900 2018

Kawasaki Z900 2018

In terms of chassis, the Z900 2018 has a steel double cradle frame, while the Speed Triple R 2012 has an aluminum twin tube frame. This difference in frame material may result in variations in weight and handling characteristics.

Both bikes have double disk front brakes with four pistons, but the Speed Triple R 2012 features radial, monoblock technology, which may offer improved braking performance compared to the Z900 2018's petal technology.

In terms of tire dimensions, the Z900 2018 has a front tire width of 120 mm and a rear tire width of 180 mm, while the Speed Triple R 2012 has a front tire width of 120 mm and a rear tire width of 190 mm. Both models have 17-inch front and rear tire diameters.

The Z900 2018 has a slightly longer wheelbase at 1450 mm compared to the Speed Triple R 2012's 1435 mm. The seat height of the Z900 2018 is lower at 795 mm compared to the Speed Triple R 2012's 825 mm. The Z900 2018 also has a slightly lower kerb weight with ABS at 210 kg compared to the Speed Triple R 2012's 212 kg.

Triumph Speed Triple R 2012

Triumph Speed Triple R 2012

In terms of strengths, the Z900 2018 is praised for its powerful and smooth engine, great sound, sharp and sporty look, low seating position, and easy handling and manoeuvrability. On the other hand, the Speed Triple R 2012 is commended for its flawless racing chassis, precise handling, inspiring looks, great engine, and stable brakes.

However, both models have their weaknesses. The Z900 2018 lacks traction control, which may be a disadvantage for riders seeking additional safety features. Additionally, tall riders may find the knee angle strenuous during long rides. The Speed Triple R 2012, on the other hand, requires wider radii when turning and may be somewhat complicated to ride in turns. It also has weaknesses in terms of comfort.

In conclusion, the Kawasaki Z900 2018 and the Triumph Speed Triple R 2012 are both impressive naked bikes with their own strengths and weaknesses. The Z900 2018 offers a powerful engine, sporty look, and easy handling, while the Speed Triple R 2012 excels in its racing chassis, precise handling, and great engine. Ultimately, the choice between the two models will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications Kawasaki Z900 2018 compared to Triumph Speed Triple R 2012

Kawasaki Z900 2018
Triumph Speed Triple R 2012

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeIn line
BoreBore73.4 mmBore79 mm
StrokeStroke56 mmStroke71.4 mm
Engine powerEngine power125.4 HPEngine power135 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power9,500 rpmRpm at Max. Power9,400 rpm
TorqueTorque98.6 NmTorque111 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque7,700 rpmRpm at Torque7,750 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio11.8 Compression Ratio12
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders4Cylinders3
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder4
ValvesValvesDOHCValvesDOHC
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement948 ccmDisplacement1,050 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionTelescopic fork
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreload, ReboundAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

Suspension Rear

AdjustmentAdjustmentPreload, ReboundAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameAluminium
Frame typeFrame typeDouble cradleFrame typeTwin Tube

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
TechnologyTechnologyPetalTechnologyradial, Monoblock

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
PistonPistonSingle pistonPistonDouble piston

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 width190 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height55 %Rear tyre height55 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
LengthLength2,070 mmLength2,100 mm
WidthWidth820 mmWidth795 mm
HeightHeight1,065 mmHeight1,110 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,450 mmWheelbase1,435 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height795 mmSeat Height825 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)210 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)212 kg
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Kawasaki Z900 2018

Kawasaki Z900 2018

In the hotly contested naked bike segment, the Z900 plays right at the front. Above all, its engine is absolutely terrific, runs incredibly silky and offers rich power in all rev regions - as befits a Japanese four-cylinder. Its sporty, aggressive appearance matches this. It does without electronic bells and whistles, but still conveys a lot of confidence when chasing corners, braking and accelerating out of them. The low seat is especially beneficial for smaller riders, but taller riders might miss a flatter knee angle on long distances. The low weight and compactness make the Z900 particularly agile and easy to handle. A sporting cannon that is also extremely appealing in terms of price

Powerful and silky engine

great sound

chassis

sharp, sporty look

low seating position

easy handling and manoeuvrability.

Lack of traction control

Knee angle strenuous for tall riders in the long run

Triumph Speed Triple R 2012

Triumph Speed Triple R 2012

The R rides as precisely and calmly as never before. It is guaranteed to keep its nerve even when the rider may have long since thrown it away. The disadvantage of the compact powerhouse is that the radii have to be a little wider and the course a little faster so that the true Queen of England can also play the 4 aces up her sleeve.

Flawless racing chassis

very precise

relatively stable

inspiring looks

great engine

stable brakes

Requires wide radii

Somewhat complicated to ride in turns

Weaknesses in comfort

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price Kawasaki Z900 vs Triumph Speed Triple R

There are a few key differences between a Kawasaki Z900 2018 and a Triumph Speed Triple R 2012. There are the same number of bikes of both models available on the 1000PS.de marketplace, specifically 55. It takes less time to sell a Triumph Speed Triple R with 78 days compared to 112 days for the Kawasaki Z900. Since model year 2017 1000PS.de editors have written 46 reviews for the Kawasaki Z900 and 16 reviews for the Triumph Speed Triple R since model year 2012. 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 11,100 views for the first review on Triumph Speed Triple R published on 24/10/2011.

Price Kawasaki Z900

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Triumph Speed Triple R

Model year
Current average market prices

Alternative Comparisons

1000PS Partner

ChigeeContinental MotorradreifenMotorex AGcalimoto GmbH