Kawasaki Z900 2018 vs. Yamaha MT-09 2023

Kawasaki Z900 2018

Kawasaki Z900 2018

Yamaha MT-09 2023

Yamaha MT-09 2023

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Overview - Kawasaki Z900 2018 vs Yamaha MT-09 2023

The Kawasaki Z900 2018 and the Yamaha MT-09 2023 are both naked bikes that offer powerful performance and sporty aesthetics. However, there are several key differences between the two models.

In terms of engine specifications, the Kawasaki Z900 2018 is equipped with a 125.4 HP inline four-cylinder engine, while the Yamaha MT-09 2023 features a slightly less powerful 119 HP inline three-cylinder engine. Both bikes have fuel injection systems and liquid cooling, ensuring efficient performance and temperature regulation.

When it comes to torque, the Kawasaki Z900 2018 offers 98.6 Nm, while the Yamaha MT-09 2023 provides 93 Nm. While the Yamaha may have slightly lower torque, it compensates with its over-complete electronics package, which includes a quickshifter and traction control, enhancing the overall riding experience.

Kawasaki Z900 2018

Kawasaki Z900 2018

In terms of suspension, both bikes feature upside-down telescopic forks at the front and swing arm suspensions with monoshocks at the rear. This setup ensures a smooth and controlled ride, allowing the rider to handle various road conditions with ease.

In terms of chassis, the Kawasaki Z900 2018 has a steel frame with a double cradle design, while the Yamaha MT-09 2023 boasts an aluminum frame with a twin tube design. Both frames provide stability and rigidity, contributing to the bikes' overall handling and maneuverability.

When it comes to braking, both bikes are equipped with double disk brakes at the front. However, the Kawasaki Z900 2018 has slightly larger 300 mm diameter disks compared to the Yamaha MT-09 2023's 298 mm diameter disks. Both bikes also feature ABS, ensuring safe and reliable braking performance.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the Yamaha MT-09 2023 has a slightly shorter wheelbase of 1430 mm compared to the Kawasaki Z900 2018's 1450 mm wheelbase. The seat height of the Yamaha is also slightly higher at 825 mm compared to the Kawasaki's 795 mm. Additionally, the Yamaha MT-09 2023 is lighter, weighing 189 kg with ABS, while the Kawasaki Z900 2018 weighs 210 kg with ABS.

Yamaha MT-09 2023

Yamaha MT-09 2023

In terms of strengths, the Kawasaki Z900 2018 is praised for its powerful and smooth engine, great sound, sharp and sporty look, low seating position, and easy handling. On the other hand, the Yamaha MT-09 2023 is commended for its lack of load change reactions, strong power delivery, extensive electronics package, well-functioning quickshifter, comfortable seating position, successful chassis, lively handling, and overall riding pleasure.

However, both bikes have their weaknesses. The Kawasaki Z900 2018 lacks traction control, which may be a drawback for riders seeking additional safety features. Additionally, the knee angle on the Z900 may become strenuous for taller riders during long rides. On the other hand, the Yamaha MT-09 2023 has polarizing optics, a small TFT display, and a somewhat indirect front wheel feel. Furthermore, the cruise control feature is only available in the SP variant of the Yamaha MT-09 2023.

In summary, the Kawasaki Z900 2018 and the Yamaha MT-09 2023 are both impressive naked bikes with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. The Kawasaki offers a powerful engine and sporty design, while the Yamaha excels in terms of electronics package and overall riding pleasure. Ultimately, the choice between the two models will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications Kawasaki Z900 2018 compared to Yamaha MT-09 2023

Kawasaki Z900 2018
Yamaha MT-09 2023

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeIn line
BoreBore73.4 mmBore78 mm
StrokeStroke56 mmStroke62.1 mm
Engine powerEngine power125.4 HPEngine power119 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power9,500 rpmRpm at Max. Power10,000 rpm
TorqueTorque98.6 NmTorque93 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque7,700 rpmRpm at Torque7,000 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio11.8 Compression Ratio11.5
Fuel systemFuel systemInjectionFuel systemInjection
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
IgnitionIgnitionDigitalIgnitionTransistor
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
Transmission TypeTransmission TypeGearshiftTransmission TypeGearshift
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders4Cylinders3
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder4
ValvesValvesDOHCValvesDOHC
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement948 ccmDisplacement889 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
TravelTravel120 mmTravel130 mm

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
Shock mountShock mountDeflectionShock mountDeflection
TravelTravel140 mmTravel122 mm

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameAluminium
Frame typeFrame typeDouble cradleFrame typeTwin Tube
RakeRake65 degreeRake65 degree
TrailTrail105 mmTrail108 mm

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter300 mmDiameter298 mm

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter250 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 width180 mmRear tyre width180 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height55 %Rear tyre height55 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
LengthLength2,070 mmLength2,090 mm
WidthWidth820 mmWidth795 mm
HeightHeight1,065 mmHeight1,190 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,450 mmWheelbase1,430 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height795 mmSeat Height825 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)210 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)189 kg
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA2, A

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Kawasaki Z900 2018

Kawasaki Z900 2018

Fortunately, the new Kawasaki Z900 has lost none of its character through the use of electronics. It is and remains a playful mid-range naked bike, which at the same time masters the brisk pace on the country road magnificently. The riding pleasure and suitability for everyday use are high, the now installed riding aids offer a plus in safety. Your opponents will have a really hard time from now on.

Light and natural handling with high stability

Silky engine with full pull from mid revs

High chassis transparency, great feedback

Sitting position with feel-good factor

Fair price

TFT display mounted too low

Cumbersome menu operation

Rear view mirrors offer modest visibility

Yamaha MT-09 2023

Yamaha MT-09 2023

Yes, Yamaha has produced a really leiwandes bike. All the criticisms of its predecessor have been successfully revised without neutering the wild and playful nature of the MT-09. The fourth generation is more mature, more precise and more polished, rides more neutrally and is more stable without losing its light-footedness. A marvellous bike that currently offers an almost unbeatable price-performance ratio thanks to many detail improvements and has now even become really pretty. The Yamaha dealers won't be able to save themselves from orders after test rides. Let's hope that availability is guaranteed, because the new MT-09 is the definition of the word "direct hit"!

powerful acceleration in every situation / potent engine

aggressive but not too loud sound

improved ergonomics for more feedback and confidence

very good brakes

lavish basic options

precise chassis with good everyday tuning

nice display, good operation

extremely good price-performance ratio

no windscreen

fiddly indicator function

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

There are a few key differences between a Kawasaki Z900 2018 and a Yamaha MT-09 2023. In terms of price, the actual average price of a Yamaha MT-09 2023 is about 7% higher. Compared to Yamaha MT-09 2023 there are less Kawasaki Z900 2018 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 55 compared to 136. It takes less time to sell a Yamaha MT-09 with 73 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 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 6/10/2013.

Price Kawasaki Z900

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Yamaha MT-09

Model year
Current average market prices

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