Kawasaki Z900 2018 vs. Yamaha MT-09 2020

Kawasaki Z900 2018

Kawasaki Z900 2018

Yamaha MT-09 2020

Yamaha MT-09 2020

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Overview - Kawasaki Z900 2018 vs Yamaha MT-09 2020

The Kawasaki Z900 2018 and the Yamaha MT-09 2020 are both popular naked bikes that offer powerful engines and sporty looks. However, there are some notable differences between the two models.

In terms of engine performance, the Kawasaki Z900 2018 comes out on top with its 125.4 HP engine, compared to the Yamaha MT-09 2020's 115 HP engine. The Z900 also has a higher torque of 98.6 Nm, while the MT-09 has 87.5 Nm. Both bikes feature fuel injection systems and liquid cooling, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency.

When it comes to suspension, both bikes have upside-down telescopic forks at the front and swing arm suspensions at the rear. The Z900 has a monoshock rear shock absorber, while the MT-09 also features a monoshock but with the added benefit of a quickshifter. This allows for smoother and quicker gear changes, enhancing the overall riding experience.

In terms of chassis, the Z900 has a steel frame, while the MT-09 has an aluminum frame. The Z900's double cradle frame provides stability and strength, while the MT-09's twin tube frame offers a lightweight and agile feel.

Kawasaki Z900 2018

Kawasaki Z900 2018

Both bikes have double disk brakes at the front, but the Z900 has slightly larger 300 mm diameter disks compared to the MT-09's 298 mm disks. Both models also come equipped with ABS for advanced rider assistance and safety.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the Z900 has a slightly longer wheelbase of 1450 mm compared to the MT-09's 1440 mm. The Z900 also has a lower seat height of 795 mm, making it more accessible for riders with shorter legs. However, the Z900 is heavier with a kerb weight of 210 kg, while the MT-09 weighs 193 kg.

Moving on to strengths, the Z900 is praised for its powerful and smooth engine, producing a great sound. Its chassis provides a sharp and sporty look, and the low seating position contributes to easy handling and manoeuvrability.

Yamaha MT-09 2020

Yamaha MT-09 2020

On the other hand, the MT-09 is commended for its powerful engine with plenty of torque, providing an exhilarating riding experience. It also offers fine control of traction control, allowing riders to confidently navigate various road conditions.

In terms of weaknesses, the Z900 lacks traction control, which could be a disadvantage in certain situations. Additionally, tall riders may find the knee angle strenuous during long rides.

The MT-09, on the other hand, does not have a blipper function, which allows for smoother downshifts. The high handlebars on the MT-09 also provide little feedback, and the throttle response can be rough. Some riders also find the early-regulating ABS to be a drawback.

In conclusion, both the Kawasaki Z900 2018 and the Yamaha MT-09 2020 offer powerful engines and sporty looks. The Z900 has a slight edge in terms of engine power and torque, while the MT-09 offers additional features such as a quickshifter and traction control. Ultimately, the choice between the two models will depend on individual preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications Kawasaki Z900 2018 compared to Yamaha MT-09 2020

Kawasaki Z900 2018
Yamaha MT-09 2020

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeIn line
BoreBore73.4 mmBore78 mm
StrokeStroke56 mmStroke59.1 mm
Engine powerEngine power125.4 HPEngine power115 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power9,500 rpmRpm at Max. Power10,000 rpm
TorqueTorque98.6 NmTorque87.5 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque7,700 rpmRpm at Torque8,500 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 ccmDisplacement847 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
TravelTravel120 mmTravel137 mm

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
Shock mountShock mountDeflectionShock mountDeflection
TravelTravel140 mmTravel130 mm

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameAluminium
Frame typeFrame typeDouble cradleFrame typeTwin Tube
RakeRake65 degreeRake65 degree
TrailTrail105 mmTrail103 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, 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 width180 mmRear tyre width180 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height55 %Rear tyre height55 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
LengthLength2,070 mmLength2,075 mm
WidthWidth820 mmWidth815 mm
HeightHeight1,065 mmHeight1,120 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,450 mmWheelbase1,440 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height795 mmSeat Height815 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)210 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)193 kg
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

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 2020

Yamaha MT-09 2020

Riding fast is possible, but exhausting. The high handlebars are counterproductive on the race track and require a lot of physical effort. The MT-09 can't keep up with the Street Triple R, even with WP suspension.

Powerful engine with plenty of torque

Fine control of traction control

No blipper function

High handlebars give little feedback

Rough throttle response

Early-regulating ABS

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

There are a few key differences between a Kawasaki Z900 2018 and a Yamaha MT-09 2020. In terms of price, the actual average price of a Yamaha MT-09 2020 is about 4% higher. Compared to Yamaha MT-09 2020 there are more Kawasaki Z900 2018 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 55 compared to 8. It takes less time to sell a Yamaha MT-09 with 110 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 57 reviews for the Yamaha MT-09 since model year 2013. 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 39,900 views for the first review on Yamaha MT-09 published on 6/10/2013.

Price Kawasaki Z900

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Yamaha MT-09

Model year
Current average market prices

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