Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018 vs. Yamaha MT-09 2021

Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018

Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018

Yamaha MT-09 2021

Yamaha MT-09 2021

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

The Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018 and the Yamaha MT-09 2021 are both naked bikes with similar engine types and fuel systems. However, there are several key differences between the two models.

In terms of engine power, the Yamaha MT-09 2021 has a slight advantage with 119 HP compared to the Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018's 111 HP. However, the Kawasaki model has a higher torque of 98.6 Nm compared to the Yamaha's 93 Nm. This means that the Kawasaki may offer better acceleration and pulling power, while the Yamaha may have a smoother power delivery.

Both bikes have a liquid-cooled engine and a similar displacement, with the Kawasaki having a slightly larger engine at 948 ccm compared to the Yamaha's 889 ccm. This could result in a slightly higher top speed and overall performance for the Kawasaki.

Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018

Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018

In terms of suspension, both bikes feature upside-down telescopic forks at the front and a swing arm with a monoshock at the rear. This provides good stability and control for both models. However, the Yamaha MT-09 2021 has an aluminum frame compared to the steel frame of the Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018. This could result in a lighter overall weight for the Yamaha, which is reflected in its lower kerb weight of 189 kg compared to the Kawasaki's 215 kg.

Both bikes have double disk brakes at the front with similar diameters, providing good stopping power. The Kawasaki has a slightly larger fuel tank capacity at 17 liters compared to the Yamaha's 14 liters, which could result in a longer range.

In terms of rider assistance systems, both bikes feature ABS and traction control. However, the Yamaha MT-09 2021 also has a quickshifter, allowing for seamless gear changes without using the clutch. The Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018 does not have a shift assistant, which could be a disadvantage for riders looking for a more advanced riding experience.

In terms of dimensions, the Yamaha has a slightly shorter wheelbase at 1430 mm compared to the Kawasaki's 1470 mm. This could result in slightly different handling characteristics, with the Yamaha potentially offering more agility and maneuverability.

Yamaha MT-09 2021

Yamaha MT-09 2021

Both bikes have a comfortable seating position, but the Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018 has been praised for its ergonomics and comfortable ride on long tours. However, the seat on the Kawasaki may be considered too soft by some riders. The Yamaha MT-09 2021 also offers a comfortably integrated seating position and has been praised for its lively handling and riding pleasure.

In terms of aesthetics, the Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018 is known for its good looks and retro styling, while the Yamaha MT-09 2021 has a more polarizing look that may not appeal to everyone.

Overall, the Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018 and the Yamaha MT-09 2021 are both capable naked bikes with their own strengths and weaknesses. The Kawasaki offers a powerful and smooth engine, comfortable seating position, and balanced handling. However, it may be heavier than other retro bikes in its class and lacks a shift assistant. On the other hand, the Yamaha offers even more pressure from the center, an over-complete electronics package, and a great working quickshifter. It also has a lighter weight and a more agile handling, but its polarizing look and limited front wheel feel may not appeal to everyone.

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

Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018
Yamaha MT-09 2021

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeIn line
BoreBore73.4 mmBore78 mm
StrokeStroke56 mmStroke62.1 mm
Engine powerEngine power111 HPEngine power119 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power8,500 rpmRpm at Max. Power10,000 rpm
TorqueTorque98.6 NmTorque93 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,500 rpmRpm at Torque7,000 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio10.8 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 ccmDisplacement889 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
TravelTravel120 mmTravel130 mm

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
TravelTravel140 mmTravel122 mm

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameAluminium
Frame typeFrame typeTubularFrame typeTwin Tube
RakeRake65 degreeRake65 degree
TrailTrail98 mmTrail108 mm

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter300 mmDiameter298 mm

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter250 mmDiameter245 mm

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, 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
LengthLength2,100 mmLength2,090 mm
WidthWidth865 mmWidth795 mm
HeightHeight1,150 mmHeight1,190 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,470 mmWheelbase1,430 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height835 mmSeat Height825 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)215 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)189 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity17 lFuel Tank Capacity14 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018

Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018

Its four-cylinder is silky smooth while delivering enough power to make you grin under your helmet. It is also very easy to move, which should make it a great commuter bike in everyday life and serve as an iconic fun bike at the weekend. The looks find the perfect straddle of classic design and modern details to form a coherent retro package that is also a worthy tribute to Kawasaki history. It's a great naked bike with a snazzy look.

Powerful and smooth engine

good looks

comfortable seating position

easy to ride

balanced handling. Not nervous and not ponderous

no shift assistant

heavier than other retro bikes in this class

seat a little too soft on long tours

no wind protection

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

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

There are a few key differences between a Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018 and a Yamaha MT-09 2021. In terms of price, the actual average price of a Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018 is about 33% higher. Compared to Yamaha MT-09 2021 there are more Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 28 compared to 19. It takes less time to sell a Yamaha MT-09 with 112 days compared to 154 days for the Kawasaki Z900 RS. Since model year 2018 1000PS.de editors have written 26 reviews for the Kawasaki Z900 RS and 57 reviews for the Yamaha MT-09 since model year 2013. The first review for the Kawasaki Z900 RS was published on 06/09/2017 and now has more than 63,700 views. This compares to more than 39,900 views for the first review on Yamaha MT-09 published on 10/06/2013.

Price Kawasaki Z900 RS

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Yamaha MT-09

Model year
Current average market prices

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