Harley-Davidson Nightster Special 2023 vs. Kawasaki Z900 2022

Harley-Davidson Nightster Special 2023

Kawasaki Z900 2022

Overview - Harley-Davidson Nightster Special 2023 vs Kawasaki Z900 2022

Harley-Davidson Nightster Special 2023

Kawasaki Z900 2022

Stylish and practical: PRO tank bags from SW-MOTECH

Simple attachment thanks to magnetic snap-in closure. For safe luggage transport.

Details

Technical Specifications Harley-Davidson Nightster Special 2023 compared to Kawasaki Z900 2022

Harley-Davidson Nightster Special 2023

Kawasaki Z900 2022

Harley-Davidson Nightster Special 2023

Kawasaki Z900 2022

Engine and Drive Train

Engine type	Engine type	V	Engine type	In line
Bore	Bore	79 mm	Bore	73.4 mm
Stroke	Stroke	66 mm	Stroke	56 mm
Engine power	Engine power	89 HP	Engine power	125.4 HP
Rpm at Max. Power	Rpm at Max. Power	7,500 rpm	Rpm at Max. Power	9,500 rpm
Torque	Torque	95 Nm	Torque	98.6 Nm
Rpm at Torque	Rpm at Torque	5,750 rpm	Rpm at Torque	7,700 rpm
Compression Ratio	Compression Ratio	12	Compression Ratio	11.8
Fuel system	Fuel system	Injection	Fuel system	Injection
Clutch Type	Clutch Type	Multiplate in oil-bath	Clutch Type	Multiplate in oil-bath
Transmission	Transmission	Belt	Transmission	Chain
Transmission Type	Transmission Type	Gearshift	Transmission Type	Gearshift
Number of gears	Number of gears	6	Number of gears	6
Cylinders	Cylinders	2	Cylinders	4
Strokes	Strokes	4-Stroke	Strokes	4-Stroke
Valves per cylinder	Valves per cylinder	4	Valves per cylinder	4
Valves	Valves	DOHC	Valves	DOHC
Cooling	Cooling	liquid	Cooling	liquid
Displacement	Displacement	975 ccm	Displacement	948 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspension	Front suspension	Upside-Down telescopic fork	Front suspension	Upside-Down telescopic fork
Diameter	Diameter	41 mm	Diameter	41 mm
Travel	Travel	114 mm	Travel	120 mm

Suspension Rear

Suspension	Suspension	Swing arm	Suspension	Swing arm
Shock absorber	Shock absorber	Dual Shock	Shock absorber	Monoshock
Shock mount	Shock mount	direct	Shock mount	Deflection
Travel	Travel	76.2 mm	Travel	140 mm
Adjustment	Adjustment	Preload	Adjustment	Preload, Rebound

Chassis

Frame	Frame	Steel	Frame	Steel
Frame type	Frame type	Tubular, Load-bearing engine	Frame type	Double cradle
Rake	Rake	60 degree	Rake	65 degree
Trail	Trail	137 mm	Trail	105 mm

Brakes Front

Type	Type	Single disk	Type	Double disk
Diameter	Diameter	320 mm	Diameter	300 mm
Piston	Piston	Four pistons	Piston	Four pistons
Shock mount	Shock mount	Floating caliper	Shock mount	Fixed caliper

Brakes Rear

Type	Type	Disc	Type	Disc
Diameter	Diameter	260 mm	Diameter	250 mm
Piston	Piston	Single piston	Piston	Single piston

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance Systems	Advanced Rider Assistance Systems	ABS, Riding modes, Traction control	Advanced Rider Assistance Systems	ABS, Riding modes, Ride by Wire, Traction control

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre width	Front tyre width	100 mm	Front tyre width	120 mm
Front tyre height	Front tyre height	90 %	Front tyre height	70 %
Front tyre diameter	Front tyre diameter	19 inch	Front tyre diameter	17 inch
Rear tyre width	Rear tyre width	150 mm	Rear tyre width	180 mm
Rear tyre height	Rear tyre height	80 %	Rear tyre height	55 %
Rear tyre diameter	Rear tyre diameter	16 inch	Rear tyre diameter	17 inch
Length	Length	2,250 mm	Length	2,070 mm
Width	Width	840 mm	Width	820 mm
Height	Height	705 mm	Height	1,065 mm
Wheelbase	Wheelbase	1,545 mm	Wheelbase	1,450 mm
Seat Height	Seat Height	705 mm	Seat Height	795 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)	Kerb Weight (with ABS)	219 kg	Kerb Weight (with ABS)	210 kg
License compliancy	License compliancy	A	License compliancy	A

Equipment

Equipment	Equipment	Connectivity, LED-Headlights, TFT display	Equipment	LED daytime running lights, LED-Headlights, TFT display

Pros and Cons in comparison

Harley-Davidson Nightster Special 2023

Unfortunately, our editors did not test this model.

Kawasaki Z900 2022

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