Yamaha MT-09 SP 2021 vs. Kawasaki Z900 2021

In terms of engine and drive train, both the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2021 and the Kawasaki Z900 2021 have inline engines with fuel injection systems. However, the Yamaha MT-09 SP has a 3-cylinder engine with a power output of 119 HP and a torque of 93 Nm, while the Kawasaki Z900 has a 4-cylinder engine with a higher power output of 125.4 HP and a torque of 98.6 Nm. The Yamaha MT-09 SP has a slightly smaller displacement of 889 ccm compared to the Kawasaki Z900's 948 ccm.

In terms of suspension, both bikes have upside-down telescopic forks at the front and swing arm suspension at the rear. The Yamaha MT-09 SP offers more adjustability with compression, preload, and rebound adjustments for both the front and rear suspension, while the Kawasaki Z900 only offers preload and rebound adjustments for the front suspension.

In terms of chassis, the Yamaha MT-09 SP has an aluminum frame with a twin tube design, while the Kawasaki Z900 has a steel frame with a double cradle design. The choice of materials and frame design can affect the overall weight and handling characteristics of the bikes.

Yamaha MT-09 SP 2021

Both bikes have double disk brakes at the front with similar diameters, 298 mm for the Yamaha MT-09 SP and 300 mm for the Kawasaki Z900. This ensures good braking performance for both models.

In terms of advanced rider assistance systems, both bikes come equipped with ABS and traction control. The Yamaha MT-09 SP offers additional features such as cornering ABS, ride by wire, a quickshifter, and anti-wheelie control. On the other hand, the Kawasaki Z900 offers riding modes and ride by wire.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the Yamaha MT-09 SP has a slightly shorter wheelbase of 1430 mm compared to the Kawasaki Z900's 1450 mm. The seat height is also slightly higher for the Yamaha MT-09 SP at 825 mm compared to the Kawasaki Z900's 795 mm. The Yamaha MT-09 SP is lighter with a kerb weight of 189 kg, while the Kawasaki Z900 is heavier at 210 kg.

Both bikes come equipped with LED headlights and TFT displays, providing modern and high-quality features. The Kawasaki Z900 also has LED daytime running lights, giving it an added visual appeal.

Kawasaki Z900 2021

In terms of strengths, the Yamaha MT-09 SP offers an upright and comfortable seating position, a well-tuned chassis, and quick and easy adjustability for mappings and traction control. It also boasts high-quality workmanship, lovely details, a great tuned engine, and impressive acceleration with lots of pressure in the relevant rev range. On the other hand, the Kawasaki Z900 is praised for its powerful four-cylinder engine, intuitive handling, good equipment, aggressive looks, and value for money.

In terms of weaknesses, the Yamaha MT-09 SP is criticized for having a horn mounted in a crude way and a poor display. The Kawasaki Z900, on the other hand, lacks a quickshifter option and is considered to be behind competitors that offer a 6-axis IMU electronically.

Overall, both the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2021 and the Kawasaki Z900 2021 offer strong performance and features in the naked bike segment. The choice between the two will depend on individual preferences and priorities, such as power, adjustability, and specific features.