Kawasaki Z900 2018 vs. Yamaha MT-09 SP 2022

Kawasaki Z900 2018

Kawasaki Z900 2018

Yamaha MT-09 SP 2022

Yamaha MT-09 SP 2022

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Overview - Kawasaki Z900 2018 vs Yamaha MT-09 SP 2022

The Kawasaki Z900 2018 and the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2022 are both naked bikes that offer powerful engines and excellent handling. However, there are some notable differences between the two models.

In terms of engine performance, the Kawasaki Z900 2018 comes with a 125.4 HP engine, while the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2022 has a slightly lower engine power of 119 HP. Both bikes have in-line engines with liquid cooling and fuel injection systems. The Kawasaki Z900 2018 has a larger displacement of 948cc, compared to the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2022's 889cc. The Kawasaki Z900 2018 also has more torque at 98.6 Nm, compared to the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2022's 93 Nm.

When it comes to suspension, both bikes feature upside-down telescopic forks at the front and a swing arm with a monoshock at the rear. However, the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2022 offers more adjustment options for the suspension, including compression, preload, and rebound adjustments. The Kawasaki Z900 2018 only has preload and rebound adjustments for the suspension.

Kawasaki Z900 2018

Kawasaki Z900 2018

In terms of chassis, the Kawasaki Z900 2018 has a steel frame with a double cradle design, while the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2022 features an aluminum frame with a twin tube design. The Yamaha MT-09 SP 2022's chassis is considered to be of higher quality and offers better agility.

Both bikes have double disk brakes at the front, but the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2022 has a slightly smaller diameter of 298mm compared to the Kawasaki Z900 2018's 300mm. The Yamaha MT-09 SP 2022 also offers more advanced rider assistance systems, including ABS, cornering ABS, ride by wire, quickshifter, cruise control, traction control, and anti-wheelie. The Kawasaki Z900 2018 only has ABS.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2022 has a slightly shorter wheelbase of 1430mm compared to the Kawasaki Z900 2018's 1450mm. The seat height of the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2022 is also higher at 825mm, compared to the Kawasaki Z900 2018's 795mm. However, the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2022 is lighter with a kerb weight of 189kg, while the Kawasaki Z900 2018 weighs 210kg.

Yamaha MT-09 SP 2022

Yamaha MT-09 SP 2022

In terms of strengths, the Kawasaki Z900 2018 is praised for its powerful and silky engine, great sound, sharp and sporty look, low seating position, and easy handling and maneuverability. On the other hand, the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2022 is praised for its lively and high-torque engine, extremely agile handling, top brakes, high-quality chassis, and pure driving pleasure.

However, there are some weaknesses to consider. The Kawasaki Z900 2018 lacks traction control, which may be a drawback for some riders. Additionally, tall riders may find the knee angle strenuous during long rides. The Yamaha MT-09 SP 2022 has a poorly legible TFT display, a rather hard seat, and the control of electronics could be more intuitive.

Overall, both the Kawasaki Z900 2018 and the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2022 offer exciting riding experiences with their powerful engines and excellent handling. The choice between the two will ultimately depend on individual preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications Kawasaki Z900 2018 compared to Yamaha MT-09 SP 2022

Kawasaki Z900 2018
Yamaha MT-09 SP 2022

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 mmTravel137 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreload, ReboundAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
Shock mountShock mountDeflectionShock mountDeflection
TravelTravel140 mmTravel142 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreload, ReboundAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

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, Cornering ABS, Ride by Wire, Quickshifter, Cruise control, Traction control, Anti-wheelie

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

In the hotly contested naked bike segment, the Z900 plays right at the front. Above all, its engine is absolutely terrific, runs incredibly silky and offers rich power in all rev regions - as befits a Japanese four-cylinder. Its sporty, aggressive appearance matches this. It does without electronic bells and whistles, but still conveys a lot of confidence when chasing corners, braking and accelerating out of them. The low seat is especially beneficial for smaller riders, but taller riders might miss a flatter knee angle on long distances. The low weight and compactness make the Z900 particularly agile and easy to handle. A sporting cannon that is also extremely appealing in terms of price

Powerful and silky engine

great sound

chassis

sharp, sporty look

low seating position

easy handling and manoeuvrability.

Lack of traction control

Knee angle strenuous for tall riders in the long run

Yamaha MT-09 SP 2022

Yamaha MT-09 SP 2022

The fun bike MT-09 is at its best in the SP version! The extremely fun, lively three-cylinder engine feels like more than just 119 hp thanks to the abundance of torque. Add to that terrific, bike-like handling and phenomenal, finely controllable brakes. The upright, rear-facing riding position doesn't take away as much front-wheel feel in the MT-09 SP, as the high-quality chassis gives clean feedback from the road and rides every radius with stability. Unfortunately, as is typical for Yamaha, the clarity of the TFT display and the operating concept of the lush electronics leave a lot to be desired. The seat and pillion comfort could also be better. Otherwise, however, the MT-09 SP is the (almost) perfect bike for massive riding fun.

Lively, high-torque engine

Extremely agile handling

Top brakes

High-quality chassis

Pure driving pleasure!

Poorly legible TFT display

rather hard seat

control of electronics could be more intuitive

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price Kawasaki Z900 vs Yamaha MT-09 SP

There are a few key differences between a Kawasaki Z900 2018 and a Yamaha MT-09 SP 2022. In terms of price, the actual average price of a Yamaha MT-09 SP 2022 is about 31% higher. Compared to Yamaha MT-09 SP 2022 there are more Kawasaki Z900 2018 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 55 compared to 18. It takes less time to sell a Yamaha MT-09 SP with 104 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 29 reviews for the Yamaha MT-09 SP since model year 2018. 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 49,000 views for the first review on Yamaha MT-09 SP published on 11/6/2017.

Price Kawasaki Z900

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Yamaha MT-09 SP

Model year
Current average market prices

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