Yamaha MT-09 SP 2019 vs. Kawasaki Z900 2018

Yamaha MT-09 SP 2019

Yamaha MT-09 SP 2019

Kawasaki Z900 2018

Kawasaki Z900 2018

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Overview - Yamaha MT-09 SP 2019 vs Kawasaki Z900 2018

The Yamaha MT-09 SP 2019 and the Kawasaki Z900 2018 are both popular naked bikes with their own unique features and strengths.

In terms of engine power, the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2019 has a 115 HP in-line three-cylinder engine, while the Kawasaki Z900 2018 boasts a more powerful 125.4 HP in-line four-cylinder engine. Both bikes have fuel injection systems and liquid cooling for optimal performance.

When it comes to torque, the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2019 offers 87.5 Nm, while the Kawasaki Z900 2018 provides a higher torque of 98.6 Nm. This means that the Kawasaki Z900 2018 may have better acceleration and pulling power.

In terms of suspension, both bikes feature upside-down telescopic forks at the front and swing arm suspension at the rear. The Yamaha MT-09 SP 2019 offers more adjustability with compression, preload, and rebound adjustments for both the front and rear suspension. The Kawasaki Z900 2018, on the other hand, only offers preload and rebound adjustments for the front suspension.

Yamaha MT-09 SP 2019

Yamaha MT-09 SP 2019

In terms of chassis, the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2019 features an aluminum frame with a twin tube design, while the Kawasaki Z900 2018 has a steel frame with a double cradle design. The choice of materials and frame design can affect the overall weight and handling of the bike.

Both bikes have double disk brakes at the front with similar diameters, providing strong stopping power. The Yamaha MT-09 SP 2019 has the additional advantage of ABS, which enhances safety during braking. The Kawasaki Z900 2018, however, lacks ABS.

In terms of rider assistance systems, the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2019 offers ABS, a quickshifter, and traction control. The quickshifter allows for smooth and seamless gear shifts without the need to use the clutch. The Kawasaki Z900 2018, on the other hand, only offers ABS as an advanced rider assistance system.

Kawasaki Z900 2018

Kawasaki Z900 2018

In terms of dimensions and weights, the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2019 has a slightly wider front tire width of 120mm compared to the Kawasaki Z900 2018's 120mm front tire width. Both bikes have the same rear tire width of 180mm. The Yamaha MT-09 SP 2019 has a longer wheelbase of 1500mm compared to the Kawasaki Z900 2018's 1450mm wheelbase. The seat height of the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2019 is higher at 820mm compared to the Kawasaki Z900 2018's 795mm seat height. The Yamaha MT-09 SP 2019 also has a lower kerb weight of 193kg with ABS, while the Kawasaki Z900 2018 weighs slightly more at 210kg with ABS.

In terms of strengths, the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2019 stands out with its incredibly powerful three-cylinder engine, good brakes, sporty and comfortable seating position, ABS, traction control, and shift assistant. The Kawasaki Z900 2018, on the other hand, impresses with its powerful and silky engine, great sound, sharp and sporty look, low seating position, and easy handling and maneuverability.

However, the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2019 does have some weaknesses, such as a high saddle, shift assistant only for upshifting, and instruments that do not stand out strongly from the basic version. The Kawasaki Z900 2018, on the other hand, lacks traction control and may have a strenuous knee angle for tall riders in the long run.

In conclusion, both the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2019 and the Kawasaki Z900 2018 have their own strengths and weaknesses. The Yamaha MT-09 SP 2019 offers a powerful engine and advanced rider assistance systems, while the Kawasaki Z900 2018 provides a smooth engine, sporty look, and easy handling. Ultimately, the choice between the two bikes will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications Yamaha MT-09 SP 2019 compared to Kawasaki Z900 2018

Yamaha MT-09 SP 2019
Kawasaki Z900 2018

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeIn line
BoreBore78 mmBore73.4 mm
StrokeStroke59.1 mmStroke56 mm
Engine powerEngine power115 HPEngine power125.4 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power10,000 rpmRpm at Max. Power9,500 rpm
TorqueTorque87.5 NmTorque98.6 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque8,500 rpmRpm at Torque7,700 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio11.5 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
CylindersCylinders3Cylinders4
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder4
ValvesValvesDOHCValvesDOHC
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement847 ccmDisplacement948 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
TravelTravel137 mmTravel120 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentPreload, Rebound

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
Shock mountShock mountDeflectionShock mountDeflection
TravelTravel142 mmTravel140 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentPreload, Rebound

Chassis

FrameFrameAluminiumFrameSteel
Frame typeFrame typeTwin TubeFrame typeDouble cradle
RakeRake66 degreeRake65 degree

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter298 mmDiameter300 mm

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter245 mmDiameter250 mm

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Quickshifter, Traction controlAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS

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
LengthLength2,160 mmLength2,070 mm
WidthWidth850 mmWidth820 mm
HeightHeight1,375 mmHeight1,065 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,500 mmWheelbase1,450 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height820 mmSeat Height795 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)193 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)210 kg
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Yamaha MT-09 SP 2019

Yamaha MT-09 SP 2019

The Yamaha MT-09 is the refinement of an already very good mid-range naked bike. With better suspension components from Öhlins and Kayaba, a nicer paint job and a justifiably higher price, the SP version is clearly the sportiest choice within the Yamaha MT-09 range. The brute power of the engine does not allow the MT-09 SP to be ridden comfortably, but that is not necessary on the "Special" - the fun is clearly in the foreground!

incredibly powerful three-cylinder engine

good brakes

sporty and comfortable seating position

ABS

traction control

shift assistant

high saddle

shift assistant only for upshifting

instruments do not stand out strongly from the basic version

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

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

There are a few key differences between a Yamaha MT-09 SP 2019 and a Kawasaki Z900 2018. In terms of price, the actual average price of a Yamaha MT-09 SP 2019 is about 18% higher. A Yamaha MT-09 SP 2019 experiences a loss of 800 USD in one year and 520 USD in two years of ownership. This is offset by a loss of 640 USD and 520 USD for a Kawasaki Z900 2018. Compared to Kawasaki Z900 2018 there are less Yamaha MT-09 SP 2019 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 6 compared to 55. It takes less time to sell a Yamaha MT-09 SP with 57 days compared to 112 days for a Kawasaki Z900. Since model year 2018 1000PS.de editors have written 29 reviews for the Yamaha MT-09 SP and 46 reviews for the Kawasaki Z900 since model year 2017. The first review for the Yamaha MT-09 SP was published on 11/6/2017 and now has more than 49,000 views. This compares to more than 93,200 views for the first review on Kawasaki Z900 published on 11/11/2016.

Price Yamaha MT-09 SP

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Kawasaki Z900

Model year
Current average market prices

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