Kawasaki Z900 2021 vs. Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018

Kawasaki Z900 2021

Kawasaki Z900 2021

Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018

Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018

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Overview - Kawasaki Z900 2021 vs Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018

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

In terms of engine specifications, the Kawasaki Z900 2021 is equipped with a 4-cylinder engine that delivers 125.4 HP of power and 98.6 Nm of torque. On the other hand, the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 features a 3-cylinder engine with 115 HP of power and 87.5 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 at the rear. The Kawasaki Z900 2021 offers adjustment options for preload and rebound on both the front and rear suspension, while the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 provides additional compression adjustment.

Kawasaki Z900 2021

Kawasaki Z900 2021

In terms of chassis, the Kawasaki Z900 2021 has a steel frame with a double cradle design, while the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 features an aluminum frame with a twin tube design. This difference in frame material may affect the overall weight and handling of the bikes.

Both bikes have double disk brakes at the front, but the Kawasaki Z900 2021 has slightly larger diameter disks (300 mm) compared to the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 (298 mm). Both models also come with ABS and traction control as part of their advanced rider assistance systems. However, the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 has the additional feature of a quickshifter, which allows for seamless upshifting without using the clutch.

Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018

Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018

In terms of dimensions and weights, the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 has a slightly longer wheelbase (1500 mm) compared to the Kawasaki Z900 2021 (1450 mm). The seat height of the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 is also higher at 820 mm, while the Kawasaki Z900 2021 offers a lower seat height of 795 mm. The Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 is slightly lighter with a kerb weight of 193 kg, while the Kawasaki Z900 2021 weighs 210 kg.

In terms of equipment, both bikes come with LED headlights. However, the Kawasaki Z900 2021 offers additional features such as LED daytime running lights and a TFT display, which provides a more modern and advanced user interface compared to the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018.

Overall, the Kawasaki Z900 2021 and the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 are both powerful naked bikes with advanced rider assistance systems. The Kawasaki Z900 2021 offers a more aggressive look, good equipment, and value for money. However, it lacks a quickshifter option and some competitors have more advanced electronic systems. On the other hand, the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 has an incredibly powerful three-cylinder engine, good brakes, and a sporty and comfortable seating position. It also offers a quickshifter for seamless upshifting. However, it has a higher saddle and its instruments do not stand out strongly from the basic version.

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

Kawasaki Z900 2021
Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018

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

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Riding modes, Ride by Wire, Traction controlAdvanced 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 mmLength2,160 mm
WidthWidth820 mmWidth850 mm
HeightHeight1,065 mmHeight1,375 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,450 mmWheelbase1,500 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height795 mmSeat Height820 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)210 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)193 kg
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Equipment

EquipmentEquipmentLED daytime running lights, LED-Headlights, TFT displayEquipmentLED-Headlights

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

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

Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018

Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018

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

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

There are a few key differences between a Kawasaki Z900 2021 and a Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018. In terms of price, the actual average price of a Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 is about 8% higher. Compared to Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 there are more Kawasaki Z900 2021 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 33 compared to 5. It takes less time to sell a Yamaha MT-09 SP with 72 days compared to 107 days for the Kawasaki Z900. Since model year 2017 1000PS.de editors have written 46 reviews for the Kawasaki Z900 and 29 reviews for the Yamaha MT-09 SP since model year 2018. 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 49,000 views for the first review on Yamaha MT-09 SP published on 11/6/2017.

Price Kawasaki Z900

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Yamaha MT-09 SP

Model year
Current average market prices

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