Kawasaki Z650 2020 vs. Yamaha MT-09 2020

Kawasaki Z650 2020

Kawasaki Z650 2020

Yamaha MT-09 2020

Yamaha MT-09 2020

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Overview - Kawasaki Z650 2020 vs Yamaha MT-09 2020

The Kawasaki Z650 2020 and the Yamaha MT-09 2020 are both naked bikes that offer powerful performance and advanced features.

Starting with the Kawasaki Z650 2020, it is equipped with a two-cylinder inline engine that delivers 68.2 horsepower and 65.7 Nm of torque. This engine provides a strong and responsive performance, and the aggressive intake noise adds to the overall riding experience. The compact dimensions and low seat height make it easy to handle and maneuver, especially for riders with shorter stature. The stable chassis ensures a smooth and controlled ride, and the bike features a TFT display with connectivity, allowing riders to easily access information and stay connected while on the road. Additionally, the Kawasaki Z650 2020 has a grown-up look, giving it a more mature and sophisticated appearance.

Kawasaki Z650 2020

Kawasaki Z650 2020

On the other hand, the Yamaha MT-09 2020 boasts a more powerful engine with 115 horsepower and 87.5 Nm of torque. This three-cylinder inline engine provides an exhilarating performance, with plenty of power and acceleration. The fine control of the traction control system allows riders to have a more precise and confident ride, especially in challenging road conditions. The bike features an upside-down telescopic fork for the front suspension, which enhances the handling and stability of the bike. The aluminum frame, along with the twin tube design, provides a lightweight yet rigid structure, contributing to the bike's overall agility and responsiveness. The Yamaha MT-09 2020 also offers advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, quickshifter, and traction control, further enhancing the safety and performance of the bike.

In terms of weaknesses, the Kawasaki Z650 2020 has been criticized for its front brake pressure point, which may require some adjustment for optimal braking performance. Additionally, taller riders may find the bike uncomfortable due to its compact dimensions and low seat height. The Rideology App, while offering connectivity features, is not considered to be as sophisticated as some other systems on the market.

Yamaha MT-09 2020

Yamaha MT-09 2020

On the other hand, the Yamaha MT-09 2020 does not have a blipper function, which allows for smoother downshifting. The high handlebars on the bike provide little feedback, which may affect the overall handling and control. Some riders have also noted a rough throttle response, which can make the bike feel less refined. Furthermore, the early-regulating ABS system on the Yamaha MT-09 2020 has been criticized for being overly sensitive, potentially interfering with the rider's braking control.

In conclusion, both the Kawasaki Z650 2020 and the Yamaha MT-09 2020 offer powerful performance and advanced features. The Kawasaki Z650 2020 is praised for its compact dimensions, low seat height, and stable chassis, while the Yamaha MT-09 2020 stands out with its more powerful engine and fine control of the traction control system. However, both bikes have their weaknesses, such as braking issues and uncomfortable ergonomics for the Kawasaki Z650 2020, and the lack of a blipper function and early-regulating ABS for the Yamaha MT-09 2020. Ultimately, the choice between these two models will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications Kawasaki Z650 2020 compared to Yamaha MT-09 2020

Kawasaki Z650 2020
Yamaha MT-09 2020

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeIn line
BoreBore83 mmBore78 mm
StrokeStroke60 mmStroke59.1 mm
Engine powerEngine power68.2 HPEngine power115 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power8,000 rpmRpm at Max. Power10,000 rpm
TorqueTorque65.7 NmTorque87.5 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque7,000 rpmRpm at Torque8,500 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 ccmDisplacement847 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionTelescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
TravelTravel125 mmTravel137 mm

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
Shock mountShock mountDeflectionShock mountDeflection
TravelTravel130 mmTravel130 mm

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameAluminium
Frame typeFrame typeTubularFrame typeTwin Tube
RakeRake65.5 degreeRake65 degree
TrailTrail100 mmTrail103 mm

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter300 mmDiameter298 mm

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter220 mmDiameter245 mm

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABSAdvanced 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 mmLength2,075 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,410 mmWheelbase1,440 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height790 mmSeat Height815 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)187.1 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)193 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 2020

Kawasaki Z650 2020

It's simply marvellous what Kawasaki has put together in a complete package with the new Z650. The technical components may not knock your socks off individually, but in combination they make for a pleasantly neutral motorbike that everyone will enjoy. No bitchy idiosyncrasies - simply a naked bike that works really well on winding country roads. Of course, the TFT display, which we don't find in the competition at the moment, is a plus, as is the grown-up look, which is strongly oriented towards the larger Z models. Only the pressure point of the front brake could have been more clearly defined - but you can't have everything in this price range.

powerful two-cylinder engine

aggressive intake noise

compact dimensions

low seat height

stable chassis

TFT display with connectivity

grown-up look

Front brake pressure point

probably uncomfortable for tall riders

Rideology Appn och not 100% sophisticated.

Yamaha MT-09 2020

Yamaha MT-09 2020

Riding fast is possible, but exhausting. The high handlebars are counterproductive on the race track and require a lot of physical effort. The MT-09 can't keep up with the Street Triple R, even with WP suspension.

Powerful engine with plenty of torque

Fine control of traction control

No blipper function

High handlebars give little feedback

Rough throttle response

Early-regulating ABS

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

There are a few key differences between a Kawasaki Z650 2020 and a Yamaha MT-09 2020. In terms of price, the actual average price of a Yamaha MT-09 2020 is about 43% higher. Compared to Yamaha MT-09 2020 there are more Kawasaki Z650 2020 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 21 compared to 8. It takes less time to sell a Kawasaki Z650 with 80 days compared to 110 days for a Yamaha MT-09. 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 11/8/2016 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 6/10/2013.

Price Kawasaki Z650

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Yamaha MT-09

Model year
Current average market prices

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