Triumph Speed Twin 1200 2021 vs. Kawasaki Z900 RS 2021

Triumph Speed Twin 1200 2021

Triumph Speed Twin 1200 2021

Kawasaki Z900 RS 2021

Kawasaki Z900 RS 2021

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Overview - Triumph Speed Twin 1200 2021 vs Kawasaki Z900 RS 2021

In terms of engine and drive train, the Triumph Speed Twin 1200 2021 features an in-line crankpin offset engine with a power output of 100 HP and torque of 112 Nm. It has a fuel injection system, 2 cylinders, and liquid cooling. On the other hand, the Kawasaki Z900 RS 2021 has an in-line engine with a higher power output of 111 HP but slightly lower torque of 98.6 Nm. It also has a fuel injection system, 4 cylinders, and liquid cooling. The displacement of the Speed Twin is 1200 ccm, while the Z900 RS has a displacement of 948 ccm.

Both bikes have upside-down telescopic forks for the front suspension and swing arms for the rear suspension. However, the Speed Twin has a dual shock absorber with preload adjustment, while the Z900 RS has a monoshock with preload and rebound adjustment. The material used for the rear suspension of the Speed Twin is aluminum.

In terms of chassis, both bikes have a steel frame. However, the Speed Twin has a central tube frame, while the Z900 RS has a tubular frame.

Triumph Speed Twin 1200 2021

Triumph Speed Twin 1200 2021

For the front brakes, both bikes have double discs with a diameter of 320 mm for the Speed Twin and 300 mm for the Z900 RS. Both bikes also have four-piston calipers for the front brakes.

In terms of advanced rider assistance systems, both bikes have ABS and traction control. The Speed Twin also has riding modes, while the Z900 RS does not have driving modes but does have adjustable traction control.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the front tire width is the same for both bikes at 120 mm, with a diameter of 17 inches. However, the Z900 RS has a wider rear tire width of 180 mm compared to the Speed Twin's 160 mm. Both bikes have a rear tire diameter of 17 inches. The wheelbase of the Speed Twin is 1413 mm, while the Z900 RS has a slightly longer wheelbase of 1470 mm. The seat height of the Speed Twin is 809 mm, while the Z900 RS has a slightly higher seat height of 835 mm. The kerb weight of both bikes with ABS is similar, with the Speed Twin weighing 216 kg and the Z900 RS weighing 215 kg. The fuel tank capacity of the Speed Twin is 14.5 l, while the Z900 RS has a larger fuel tank capacity of 17 l.

In terms of strengths, the Speed Twin 1200 2021 is praised for its superb engine performance, quality workmanship, and material feel. It offers ample torque in every situation and has a playful handling and good chassis. The high-performance brakes are also a standout feature.

Kawasaki Z900 RS 2021

Kawasaki Z900 RS 2021

On the other hand, the Z900 RS 2021 is commended for its authentic and beautiful retro look. It offers a very comfortable seating position and is easy and comfortable to ride.

In terms of weaknesses, the Speed Twin 1200 2021 is noted for its strong heat development under the rider and may feel a little too petite for tall riders. It also has a large turning circle.

The Z900 RS 2021, on the other hand, is criticized for not having a quickshifter and driving modes, although it does have adjustable traction control.

Technical Specifications Triumph Speed Twin 1200 2021 compared to Kawasaki Z900 RS 2021

Triumph Speed Twin 1200 2021
Kawasaki Z900 RS 2021

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn line crankpin offsetEngine typeIn line
BoreBore97.6 mmBore73.4 mm
StrokeStroke80 mmStroke56 mm
Engine powerEngine power100 HPEngine power111 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power7,250 rpmRpm at Max. Power8,500 rpm
TorqueTorque112 NmTorque98.6 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque4,250 rpmRpm at Torque6,500 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio12 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

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Riding modes, Traction controlAdvanced 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 width160 mmRear tyre width180 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height60 %Rear tyre height55 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
LengthLength2,099 mmLength2,100 mm
WidthWidth778 mmWidth865 mm
HeightHeight1,097 mmHeight1,150 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,413 mmWheelbase1,470 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height809 mmSeat Height835 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)216 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)215 kg
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 Speed Twin 1200 2021

Triumph Speed Twin 1200 2021

The Triumph Speed Twin could be the height of emotion for fans of classic Triumph motorbikes. The engine pushes like a tractor in every situation and spoils you with a wonderful sound. Chassis and brake components are of high quality and the looks are inspiring. Unfortunately, tall riders cannot enjoy the small 1200 quite as easily as riders under 1.85 metres.

powerful punch from the rev range

high-quality workmanship

sporty chassis

great looks

compact dimensions could become a problem for tall pilots

heat development of the engine

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 Triumph Speed Twin 1200 vs Kawasaki Z900 RS

There are a few key differences between a Triumph Speed Twin 1200 2021 and a Kawasaki Z900 RS 2021. In terms of price, the actual average price of a Triumph Speed Twin 1200 2021 is about 4% higher. Compared to Kawasaki Z900 RS 2021 there are less Triumph Speed Twin 1200 2021 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 13 compared to 14. It takes less time to sell a Kawasaki Z900 RS with 125 days compared to 163 days for the Triumph Speed Twin 1200. Since model year 2019 1000PS.de editors have written 14 reviews for the Triumph Speed Twin 1200 and 26 reviews for the Kawasaki Z900 RS since model year 2018. The first review for the Triumph Speed Twin 1200 was published on 12/4/2018 and now has more than 90,200 views. This compares to more than 63,700 views for the first review on Kawasaki Z900 RS published on 9/6/2017.

Price Triumph Speed Twin 1200

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Kawasaki Z900 RS

Model year
Current average market prices

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