Kawasaki Z650 2020 vs. Yamaha MT-09 2018

Kawasaki Z650 2020

Kawasaki Z650 2020

Yamaha MT-09 2018

Yamaha MT-09 2018

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Overview - Kawasaki Z650 2020 vs Yamaha MT-09 2018

The Kawasaki Z650 2020 and the Yamaha MT-09 2018 are both popular naked bikes that offer a thrilling riding experience. While they share some similarities in terms of engine type, fuel system, and suspension, they also have distinct differences in power, handling, and design.

Starting with the engine, the Kawasaki Z650 2020 is equipped with a 649cc inline twin-cylinder engine that delivers 68.2 horsepower and 65.7 Nm of torque. On the other hand, the Yamaha MT-09 2018 features a larger 847cc inline three-cylinder engine that produces a more impressive 115 horsepower and 87.5 Nm of torque. This gives the Yamaha MT-09 a significant advantage in terms of power and acceleration.

Kawasaki Z650 2020

Kawasaki Z650 2020

In terms of handling, the Kawasaki Z650 2020 boasts compact dimensions and a low seat height, making it easier to maneuver and control. Its stable chassis provides a confident and stable ride. The Yamaha MT-09 2018, on the other hand, offers lively handling and a comfortable seating position, even for taller riders. However, it requires more riding skills overall compared to other naked bikes in the mid-range.

Both bikes come with advanced rider assistance systems, including ABS. However, the Yamaha MT-09 2018 also features a quickshifter and traction control, providing additional safety and convenience.

In terms of design, the Kawasaki Z650 2020 has a grown-up look with aggressive intake noise. It also features a TFT display with connectivity, allowing riders to easily access information and connect their devices. The Yamaha MT-09 2018, on the other hand, harmonizes perfectly between its optics and character. It has smooth wheels and an overall appealing design.

Yamaha MT-09 2018

Yamaha MT-09 2018

While the Kawasaki Z650 2020 has a front brake pressure point and may be uncomfortable for taller riders, the Yamaha MT-09 2018 can be exhausting when ridden briskly and lacks precision in terms of traction on the rear wheel.

In conclusion, the Kawasaki Z650 2020 is a powerful naked bike with compact dimensions and a stable chassis. It offers a grown-up look and a TFT display with connectivity. On the other hand, the Yamaha MT-09 2018 boasts a larger and more powerful engine, lively handling, and a comfortable seating position. However, it requires more riding skills and may lack precision in certain aspects. Ultimately, the choice between these two bikes depends on the rider's preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications Kawasaki Z650 2020 compared to Yamaha MT-09 2018

Kawasaki Z650 2020
Yamaha MT-09 2018

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeIn line
BoreBore83 mmBore78 mm
StrokeStroke60 mmStroke59.1 mm
Engine powerEngine power68.2 HPEngine power115 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power8,000 rpmRpm at Max. Power10,000 rpm
TorqueTorque65.7 NmTorque87.5 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque7,000 rpmRpm at Torque8,500 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 ccmDisplacement847 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionTelescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
TravelTravel125 mmTravel137 mm

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
Shock mountShock mountDeflectionShock mountDeflection
TravelTravel130 mmTravel130 mm

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameAluminium
Frame typeFrame typeTubularFrame typeTwin Tube
RakeRake65.5 degreeRake65 degree
TrailTrail100 mmTrail103 mm

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter300 mmDiameter298 mm

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter220 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 width160 mmRear tyre width180 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height60 %Rear tyre height55 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
LengthLength2,055 mmLength2,075 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,410 mmWheelbase1,440 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height790 mmSeat Height815 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)187.1 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)193 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity15 lFuel Tank Capacity14 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Kawasaki Z650 2020

Kawasaki Z650 2020

It's simply marvellous what Kawasaki has put together in a complete package with the new Z650. The technical components may not knock your socks off individually, but in combination they make for a pleasantly neutral motorbike that everyone will enjoy. No bitchy idiosyncrasies - simply a naked bike that works really well on winding country roads. Of course, the TFT display, which we don't find in the competition at the moment, is a plus, as is the grown-up look, which is strongly oriented towards the larger Z models. Only the pressure point of the front brake could have been more clearly defined - but you can't have everything in this price range.

powerful two-cylinder engine

aggressive intake noise

compact dimensions

low seat height

stable chassis

TFT display with connectivity

grown-up look

Front brake pressure point

probably uncomfortable for tall riders

Rideology Appn och not 100% sophisticated.

Yamaha MT-09 2018

Yamaha MT-09 2018

A coherent motorbike where everything fits together. The motorbike delivers what its looks promise. High-tech, charisma and lots of adrenaline. It is a mixture of supermoto, naked bike and streetfighter and it loves to be handled irrationally. A cool motorbike. Only in comparison with the MT-09 SP does one begin to miss a high-quality chassis.

Optics and character harmonise perfectly

wheels smoothly

lively handling

comfortable seating position even for tall riders

engine feels incredibly powerful

Exhausting when ridden briskly

bike requires more riding skills overall than other naked bikes in the mid-range

feeling for traction on the rear wheel not so great

lack of precision.

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

There are a few key differences between a Kawasaki Z650 2020 and a Yamaha MT-09 2018. In terms of price, the actual average price of a Yamaha MT-09 2018 is about 34% higher. Compared to Yamaha MT-09 2018 there are more Kawasaki Z650 2020 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 21 compared to 15. It takes less time to sell a Yamaha MT-09 with 72 days compared to 80 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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