Yamaha MT-09 2021 vs. Kawasaki Z900 2018

Yamaha MT-09 2021

Yamaha MT-09 2021

Kawasaki Z900 2018

Kawasaki Z900 2018

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Overview - Yamaha MT-09 2021 vs Kawasaki Z900 2018

The Yamaha MT-09 2021 and the Kawasaki Z900 2018 are both naked bikes that offer powerful performance and sporty handling. However, there are some notable differences between the two models.

In terms of engine specifications, the Yamaha MT-09 2021 is equipped with an in-line 3-cylinder engine with a displacement of 889cc. It produces 119 horsepower and 93 Nm of torque. On the other hand, the Kawasaki Z900 2018 features an in-line 4-cylinder engine with a displacement of 948cc, delivering 125.4 horsepower and 98.6 Nm of torque. Both bikes have fuel injection systems and liquid cooling.

When it comes to suspension, both bikes have upside-down telescopic forks at the front and swing arm suspension with a monoshock at the rear. The Yamaha MT-09 2021 has an aluminum frame with a twin tube design, while the Kawasaki Z900 2018 features a steel frame with a double cradle design.

Yamaha MT-09 2021

Yamaha MT-09 2021

In terms of braking, both bikes have double disc brakes at the front, but the Yamaha MT-09 2021 has slightly smaller diameter discs at 298mm compared to the 300mm discs on the Kawasaki Z900 2018. Both bikes are equipped with ABS for enhanced safety.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the Yamaha MT-09 2021 has a front tire width of 120mm and a rear tire width of 180mm, with both bikes having 17-inch wheels. The wheelbase of the Yamaha MT-09 2021 is 1430mm, while the Kawasaki Z900 2018 has a slightly longer wheelbase of 1450mm. The seat height of the Yamaha MT-09 2021 is 825mm, while the Kawasaki Z900 2018 has a lower seat height of 795mm. The Yamaha MT-09 2021 also has a lower curb weight of 189kg compared to the 210kg curb weight of the Kawasaki Z900 2018.

In terms of advanced rider assistance systems, the Yamaha MT-09 2021 offers ABS, a quickshifter, and traction control. Additionally, the MT-09 2021 has cruise control, but it is only available in the SP variant. On the other hand, the Kawasaki Z900 2018 only has ABS as an advanced rider assistance system.

Kawasaki Z900 2018

Kawasaki Z900 2018

In terms of strengths, the Yamaha MT-09 2021 offers a more refined riding experience with no load change reactions, a powerful quickshifter, and a comfortable seating position. It also has a well-tuned chassis and lively handling, providing enormous riding pleasure. On the other hand, the Kawasaki Z900 2018 is praised for its powerful and smooth engine, great sound, sharp and sporty look, low seating position, and easy handling and maneuverability.

In terms of weaknesses, the Yamaha MT-09 2021 has a polarizing look, a small TFT display, and somewhat indirect front wheel feel. Additionally, the cruise control feature is only available in the SP variant. On the other hand, the Kawasaki Z900 2018 lacks traction control and the knee angle can be strenuous for tall riders during long rides.

Overall, both the Yamaha MT-09 2021 and the Kawasaki Z900 2018 are impressive naked bikes with their own strengths and weaknesses. The Yamaha MT-09 2021 offers a more advanced electronics package and a refined riding experience, while the Kawasaki Z900 2018 excels in engine performance and sporty aesthetics.

Technical Specifications Yamaha MT-09 2021 compared to Kawasaki Z900 2018

Yamaha MT-09 2021
Kawasaki Z900 2018

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

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

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Yamaha MT-09 2021

Yamaha MT-09 2021

The ingredients for the 2021 update are right: More power, more equipment, more electronics, less weight. If you take a look at the key data of the latest MT-09, including its over-complete standard equipment, "mid-range naked bike" almost sounds a bit 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. If you like the look, you can buy it without hesitation.

No more load change reactions

even more pressure from the centre

over-complete electronics package

great working quickshifter

comfortably integrated seating position

successful chassis

lively handling

enormous riding pleasure.

Polarising look

small TFT display

somewhat indirect front wheel feel

cruise control only available in SP variant

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 vs Kawasaki Z900

There are a few key differences between a Yamaha MT-09 2021 and a Kawasaki Z900 2018. In terms of price, the actual average price of a Yamaha MT-09 2021 is about 3% higher. Compared to Kawasaki Z900 2018 there are less Yamaha MT-09 2021 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 19 compared to 55. With 112 days it takes the same amount of time to sell a Yamaha MT-09 or a Kawasaki Z900. 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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