Kawasaki Z650 2023 vs. Yamaha MT-09 2023

Kawasaki Z650 2023

Kawasaki Z650 2023

Yamaha MT-09 2023

Yamaha MT-09 2023

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Overview - Kawasaki Z650 2023 vs Yamaha MT-09 2023

When comparing the Kawasaki Z650 2023 and the Yamaha MT-09 2023, several factors come into play. Starting with the technical specifications, both bikes have an in-line engine type and fuel injection system. However, the Yamaha MT-09 has a larger engine displacement of 889cc compared to the Kawasaki Z650's 649cc. This results in a significant difference in engine power, with the Yamaha MT-09 producing 119 HP compared to the Kawasaki Z650's 68 HP. The Yamaha MT-09 also has a higher torque of 93 Nm compared to the Kawasaki Z650's 65.7 Nm.

In terms of suspension, both bikes feature a swing arm and monoshock rear suspension. However, the Yamaha MT-09 has an upside-down telescopic fork front suspension, which is considered to be more advanced and provides better performance compared to the telescopic fork front suspension on the Kawasaki Z650.

The chassis of the Yamaha MT-09 is made of aluminum and has a twin tube frame, which is lighter and more rigid compared to the steel tubular frame of the Kawasaki Z650. This contributes to the Yamaha MT-09's lively handling and overall performance.

Kawasaki Z650 2023

Kawasaki Z650 2023

Both bikes have double disk front brakes, but the Yamaha MT-09 has a slightly smaller diameter of 298mm compared to the Kawasaki Z650's 300mm. Both bikes also come with advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS and traction control. However, the Yamaha MT-09 has the additional feature of a quickshifter, which allows for seamless and effortless gear shifts.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the Yamaha MT-09 has a slightly longer wheelbase of 1430mm compared to the Kawasaki Z650's 1410mm. The seat height of the Yamaha MT-09 is also higher at 825mm compared to the Kawasaki Z650's 790mm. However, the Yamaha MT-09 has a smaller fuel tank capacity of 14 liters compared to the Kawasaki Z650's 15 liters.

Moving on to the strengths of each bike, the Kawasaki Z650 is praised for its very accessible handling, compact and easy maneuverability, and confidence-inspiring nature, particularly for smaller riders. It also offers adjustable levers, allowing for personalized comfort.

On the other hand, the Yamaha MT-09 is commended for its lack of load change reactions, strong pressure from the center, and an over-complete electronics package. It also features a great working quickshifter and a comfortably integrated seating position. The Yamaha MT-09's chassis is considered successful, providing lively handling and enormous riding pleasure.

Yamaha MT-09 2023

Yamaha MT-09 2023

However, both bikes have their weaknesses. The Kawasaki Z650 may not provide enough space for taller riders and has a smaller appearance compared to its 650cc engine capacity. The engine is also perceived as somewhat tame, and the seating position is quite defensive. Additionally, the handlebars are deemed too narrow and cranked for a naked bike.

As for the Yamaha MT-09, it 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.

In conclusion, the Yamaha MT-09 2023 offers a more powerful engine, advanced suspension, and a lighter chassis compared to the Kawasaki Z650 2023. It also has additional features such as a quickshifter. However, the Kawasaki Z650 is praised for its accessible handling and confidence-inspiring nature, particularly for smaller riders. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications Kawasaki Z650 2023 compared to Yamaha MT-09 2023

Kawasaki Z650 2023
Yamaha MT-09 2023

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeIn line
BoreBore83 mmBore78 mm
StrokeStroke60 mmStroke62.1 mm
Engine powerEngine power68 HPEngine power119 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power8,000 rpmRpm at Max. Power10,000 rpm
TorqueTorque65.7 NmTorque93 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque7,000 rpmRpm at Torque7,000 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 ccmDisplacement889 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionTelescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
TravelTravel125 mmTravel130 mm

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
Shock mountShock mountDeflectionShock mountDeflection
TravelTravel130 mmTravel122 mm

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameAluminium
Frame typeFrame typeTubularFrame typeTwin Tube
RakeRake65.5 degreeRake65 degree
TrailTrail100 mmTrail108 mm

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter300 mmDiameter298 mm

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter220 mmDiameter245 mm

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Traction controlAdvanced 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 mmLength2,090 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,410 mmWheelbase1,430 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height790 mmSeat Height825 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)187.1 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)189 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity15 lFuel Tank Capacity14 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA2, A

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Kawasaki Z650 2023

Kawasaki Z650 2023

The Kawasaki Z 650 is probably the most docile motorbike in the naked bike segment. And that is to be understood in an absolutely positive way - as long as you are not particularly tall and heavy. It is slim, light, agile and accessible. All the controls, but also the engine, do not overwhelm. If you are looking for spectacular performance, you should go for the Z 900, but if you are looking for a nimble and easy-to-ride motorbike, you will be satisfied.

Very accessible handling

Very compact and easy to manoeuvre

Motorcycle appears light and compact

Gives small riders a lot of confidence

Adjustable levers

Not enough space on the bike for tall riders

bike looks a class smaller than 650cc overall

engine looks a bit tame

very defensive seating position

handlebars too narrow and cranked too much for a naked bike.

Yamaha MT-09 2023

Yamaha MT-09 2023

If you take a look at the key data of the MT-09, including its over-complete standard equipment, "mid-range naked bike" almost sounds a little pejorative. The Japanese engineers have made improvements exactly where they were needed. The swaying chassis is now a thing of the past and the load change reactions have also been eliminated from the revised three-cylinder engine. The additional power paired with a little more pressure in the mid-range gives a sovereign riding feeling. The MT-09 offers a lot of equipment and enormous riding pleasure at a very attractive price.

no load change reactions

plenty of pressure from the centre

over-complete electronics package

great working quickshifter

comfortably integrated seating position

successful chassis

lively handling

enormous riding pleasure

Polarising optics

small TFT display

somewhat indirect front wheel feel

cruise control only available in SP variant

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

There are a few key differences between a Kawasaki Z650 2023 and a Yamaha MT-09 2023. In terms of price, the actual average price of a Yamaha MT-09 2023 is about 35% higher. Compared to Yamaha MT-09 2023 there are more Kawasaki Z650 2023 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 243 compared to 136. It takes less time to sell a Yamaha MT-09 with 73 days compared to 146 days for the Kawasaki Z650. 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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