Yamaha MT-09 2021 vs. Kawasaki Z900 2021

Yamaha MT-09 2021

Yamaha MT-09 2021

Kawasaki Z900 2021

Kawasaki Z900 2021

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Overview - Yamaha MT-09 2021 vs Kawasaki Z900 2021

When comparing the Yamaha MT-09 2021 and the Kawasaki Z900 2021, it is important to consider their technical specifications as well as their strengths and weaknesses.

In terms of engine and drive train, both bikes have in-line engines with fuel injection systems and liquid cooling. However, the Yamaha MT-09 has a 3-cylinder engine with a displacement of 889ccm, producing 119 HP of power and 93 Nm of torque. On the other hand, the Kawasaki Z900 has a 4-cylinder engine with a displacement of 948ccm, producing 125.4 HP of power and 98.6 Nm of torque. This gives the Kawasaki Z900 a slight advantage in terms of power.

Both bikes feature upside-down telescopic forks for the front suspension and swing arm with a monoshock for the rear suspension. The Yamaha MT-09 has an aluminum frame with a twin tube design, while the Kawasaki Z900 has a steel frame with a double cradle design. The choice of frame material and design can affect the overall weight and handling characteristics of the bike.

Yamaha MT-09 2021

Yamaha MT-09 2021

In terms of brakes, both bikes have double disk brakes at the front with similar diameters. The Yamaha MT-09 has a front tire width of 120mm and a diameter of 17 inches, while the Kawasaki Z900 has the same specifications for the front tire. Both bikes also have a rear tire width of 180mm and a diameter of 17 inches.

In terms of advanced rider assistance systems, both bikes feature ABS and traction control. The Yamaha MT-09 also has a quickshifter, which allows for seamless gear shifts, while the Kawasaki Z900 has additional features such as riding modes and ride by wire. It is worth noting that the Yamaha MT-09 does not have cruise control, except in the SP variant.

When it comes to dimensions and weights, the Yamaha MT-09 has a wheelbase of 1430mm and a seat height of 825mm. It has a kerb weight of 189kg with ABS. On the other hand, the Kawasaki Z900 has a slightly longer wheelbase of 1450mm and a lower seat height of 795mm. It has a higher kerb weight of 210kg with ABS.

Kawasaki Z900 2021

Kawasaki Z900 2021

In terms of strengths, the Yamaha MT-09 offers a more comfortable seating position, a successful chassis, and lively handling, providing enormous riding pleasure. It also has an over-complete electronics package and a great working quickshifter. On the other hand, the Kawasaki Z900 is praised for its powerful four-cylinder engine, intuitive handling, good equipment, and aggressive looks. It is also considered to offer good value for money.

In terms of weaknesses, the Yamaha MT-09 has a polarizing look, a small TFT display, and somewhat indirect front wheel feel. Additionally, cruise control is only available in the SP variant. On the other hand, the Kawasaki Z900 does not have a quickshifter option and some competitors offer more advanced electronics with a 6-axis IMU.

Overall, both the Yamaha MT-09 and the Kawasaki Z900 have their own strengths and weaknesses. The choice between the two will depend on individual preferences and priorities, such as power, handling, features, and aesthetics.

Technical Specifications Yamaha MT-09 2021 compared to Kawasaki Z900 2021

Yamaha MT-09 2021
Kawasaki Z900 2021

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeIn line
BoreBore78 mmBore73.4 mm
StrokeStroke62.1 mmStroke56 mm
Engine powerEngine power119 HPEngine power125.4 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power10,000 rpmRpm at Max. Power9,500 rpm
TorqueTorque93 NmTorque98.6 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque7,000 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
DisplacementDisplacement889 ccmDisplacement948 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
TravelTravel130 mmTravel120 mm

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
Shock mountShock mountDeflectionShock mountDeflection
TravelTravel122 mmTravel140 mm

Chassis

FrameFrameAluminiumFrameSteel
Frame typeFrame typeTwin TubeFrame typeDouble cradle
RakeRake65 degreeRake65 degree
TrailTrail108 mmTrail105 mm

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, 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 width180 mmRear tyre width180 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height55 %Rear tyre height55 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
LengthLength2,090 mmLength2,070 mm
WidthWidth795 mmWidth820 mm
HeightHeight1,190 mmHeight1,065 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,430 mmWheelbase1,450 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height825 mmSeat Height795 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)189 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)210 kg
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA
Stationary noiseStationary noise96 dBStationary noise97 dB

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Yamaha MT-09 2021

Yamaha MT-09 2021

Yes, Yamaha has produced a really leiwandes bike. All the criticisms of its predecessor have been successfully revised without neutering the wild and playful nature of the MT-09. The fourth generation is more mature, more precise and more polished, rides more neutrally and is more stable without losing its light-footedness. A marvellous bike that currently offers an almost unbeatable price-performance ratio thanks to many detail improvements and has now even become really pretty. The Yamaha dealers won't be able to save themselves from orders after test rides. Let's hope that availability is guaranteed, because the new MT-09 is the definition of the word "direct hit"!

powerful acceleration in every situation / potent engine

aggressive but not too loud sound

improved ergonomics for more feedback and confidence

very good brakes

lavish basic options

precise chassis with good everyday tuning

nice display, good operation

extremely good price-performance ratio

no windscreen

fiddly indicator function

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-09 vs Kawasaki Z900

There are a few key differences between a Yamaha MT-09 2021 and a Kawasaki Z900 2021. In terms of price, the actual average price of a Yamaha MT-09 2021 is about 5% higher. Compared to Kawasaki Z900 2021 there are less Yamaha MT-09 2021 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 14 compared to 34. It takes less time to sell a Kawasaki Z900 with 107 days compared to 120 days for the Yamaha MT-09. Since model year 2013 1000PS.de editors have written 57 reviews for the Yamaha MT-09 and 46 reviews for the Kawasaki Z900 since model year 2017. The first review for the Yamaha MT-09 was published on 6/10/2013 and now has more than 39,900 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

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Kawasaki Z900

Model year
Current average market prices

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