Yamaha MT-10 SP 2020 vs. Kawasaki Z900 2021

Yamaha MT-10 SP 2020

Yamaha MT-10 SP 2020

Kawasaki Z900 2021

Kawasaki Z900 2021

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Overview - Yamaha MT-10 SP 2020 vs Kawasaki Z900 2021

In terms of engine and drive train, both the Yamaha MT-10 SP 2020 and the Kawasaki Z900 2021 have inline four-cylinder engines with liquid cooling. However, the Yamaha MT-10 SP has a higher engine power of 160 HP compared to the Kawasaki Z900's 125.4 HP. The Yamaha also has a higher torque of 111 Nm compared to the Kawasaki's 98.6 Nm. Both bikes have fuel injection systems and a displacement of around 1000cc.

When it comes to suspension, both bikes feature upside-down telescopic forks in the front and swing arm suspension in the rear. The Yamaha MT-10 SP offers more adjustability with compression, preload, and rebound adjustments for both the front and rear suspension. The Kawasaki Z900, on the other hand, only offers preload and rebound adjustments for the front and rear suspension. The rear suspension of both bikes is made of aluminum.

In terms of chassis, the Yamaha MT-10 SP features an aluminum frame type called Deltabox, while the Kawasaki Z900 has a steel frame with a double cradle design. The choice of frame material can affect the weight and handling characteristics of the bike.

Yamaha MT-10 SP 2020

Yamaha MT-10 SP 2020

Both bikes have double disc brakes in the front, but the Yamaha MT-10 SP has larger diameter discs at 320mm compared to the Kawasaki Z900's 300mm discs. This can potentially provide better braking performance for the Yamaha. Both bikes also have ABS and traction control as part of their advanced rider assistance systems.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the Yamaha MT-10 SP has a slightly narrower front tire width of 120mm compared to the Kawasaki Z900's 120mm. The rear tire width of the Yamaha is wider at 190mm compared to the Kawasaki's 180mm. Both bikes have the same 17-inch diameter for their front and rear tires. The wheelbase of the Yamaha is shorter at 1400mm compared to the Kawasaki's 1450mm. The seat height of the Yamaha is higher at 825mm compared to the Kawasaki's 795mm. Both bikes have a similar kerb weight of 210kg with ABS.

Kawasaki Z900 2021

Kawasaki Z900 2021

In terms of strengths, the Yamaha MT-10 SP is praised for its great sound, high-quality chassis and suspension, pleasant wind protection, surprisingly comfortable seating position, and great engine response. On the other hand, the Kawasaki Z900 is praised for its powerful four-cylinder engine, intuitive handling, good equipment, aggressive looks, and value for money.

However, the Yamaha MT-10 SP does have some weaknesses. The quickshifter is not as advanced as those offered by other manufacturers, and it has a relatively high fuel consumption. The Kawasaki Z900, on the other hand, lacks a quickshifter option and is not as technologically advanced as some of its competitors with 6-axis IMU.

In summary, both the Yamaha MT-10 SP 2020 and the Kawasaki Z900 2021 have their own strengths and weaknesses. The Yamaha offers a more powerful engine, more adjustable suspension, and a higher level of technology, while the Kawasaki provides good value for money and a more aggressive aesthetic. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications Yamaha MT-10 SP 2020 compared to Kawasaki Z900 2021

Yamaha MT-10 SP 2020
Kawasaki Z900 2021

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeIn line
BoreBore79 mmBore73.4 mm
StrokeStroke50.9 mmStroke56 mm
Engine powerEngine power160 HPEngine power125.4 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power11,500 rpmRpm at Max. Power9,500 rpm
TorqueTorque111 NmTorque98.6 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque9,000 rpmRpm at Torque7,700 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio12 Compression Ratio11.8
Fuel systemFuel systemInjectionFuel systemInjection
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
IgnitionIgnitionTransistorIgnitionDigital
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
Transmission TypeTransmission TypeGearshiftTransmission TypeGearshift
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders4Cylinders4
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder4
ValvesValvesDOHCValvesDOHC
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement998 ccmDisplacement948 ccm

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Suspension electronically adjustable, Riding modes, Ride by Wire, Traction controlAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Riding modes, Ride by Wire, 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 width190 mmRear tyre width180 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height55 %Rear tyre height55 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
LengthLength2,095 mmLength2,070 mm
WidthWidth800 mmWidth820 mm
HeightHeight1,110 mmHeight1,065 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,400 mmWheelbase1,450 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height825 mmSeat Height795 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)210 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)210 kg
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Yamaha MT-10 SP 2020

Yamaha MT-10 SP 2020

The MT-10SP is a beautifully made naked bike. It has placed the exact right ingredients in the right places. It rides comfortably and gets really fast when needed. Basically, it is designed as a country road bike, but is still fun on individual trackdays.

Really great ride comfort

Great balance between sportiness, practicality and ride comfort

Fantastic engine response

Sensitive and practical chassis

High-quality frame including magnificent swingarm

Wonderfully relaxed seating position

Cool but not annoying sound

A real nakedbike

On a racetrack excursion, the bike seems a little too comfortable in the end - this is due to the inactive and comfortable seating position

the front looks a little lumpy

the brakes are good, but still seem undersized on such a top model - there's more to be done.

Kawasaki Z900 2021

Kawasaki Z900 2021

The Kawasaki Z900 may not be up to scratch when it comes to modern, lean angle-dependent electronic features, but it's relatively cheap and you shouldn't underestimate the fan base of the good old inline four - the Z900 is one of the cheapest ways to own such a great engine with just under a litre of displacement in a sporty naked bike! The higher weight is noticeable, but not massively annoying, because the handling and stability are quite alright. In terms of "outdated" electronics, the most annoying thing is the missing shift assistant, which is not even available as an option. Overall, however, the Z900 is a great naked bike with a great price-performance ratio.

Light and natural handling with high stability

silky engine with full pull from low revs

high chassis transparency, great feedback

seating position with feel-good factor

absolutely fair price.

Relatively cumbersome operation of the menu

no slope-dependent assistance systems

high weight

Price Comparison Average Market Price Yamaha MT-10 SP vs Kawasaki Z900

There are a few key differences between a Yamaha MT-10 SP 2020 and a Kawasaki Z900 2021. It takes less time to sell a Kawasaki Z900 with 107 days compared to 173 days for the Yamaha MT-10 SP. Since model year 2017 1000PS.de editors have written 18 reviews for the Yamaha MT-10 SP and 46 reviews for the Kawasaki Z900 since model year 2017. The first review for the Yamaha MT-10 SP was published on 10/4/2016 and now has more than 28,600 views. This compares to more than 93,200 views for the first review on Kawasaki Z900 published on 11/11/2016.

Price Yamaha MT-10 SP

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Kawasaki Z900

Model year
Current average market prices

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