Yamaha MT-09 2016 vs. Kawasaki Z900 2019

Yamaha MT-09 2016

Yamaha MT-09 2016

Kawasaki Z900 2019

Kawasaki Z900 2019

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Overview - Yamaha MT-09 2016 vs Kawasaki Z900 2019

The Yamaha MT-09 2016 and the Kawasaki Z900 2019 are both naked bikes that offer powerful performance and sporty riding experiences. However, there are some notable differences between the two models.

In terms of engine specifications, the Yamaha MT-09 2016 is equipped with a three-cylinder inline engine that produces 115 horsepower and 87.5 Nm of torque. On the other hand, the Kawasaki Z900 2019 features a four-cylinder inline engine that delivers 125.4 horsepower and 98.6 Nm of torque. This means that the Kawasaki Z900 has a slight advantage in terms of power output.

Both bikes feature double disk front brakes and have the same tire dimensions, with a front tire width of 120 mm and a rear tire width of 180 mm. They also have the same wheelbase length of around 1450 mm. However, the Yamaha MT-09 has a slightly higher seat height at 815 mm compared to the Kawasaki Z900's 795 mm.

Yamaha MT-09 2016

Yamaha MT-09 2016

In terms of suspension, the Yamaha MT-09 2016 is equipped with a telescopic fork front suspension, while the Kawasaki Z900 2019 features an upside-down telescopic fork front suspension. This difference in suspension design may result in slightly different handling characteristics.

The chassis of the Yamaha MT-09 2016 is made of aluminum and has a twin tube frame type. On the other hand, the Kawasaki Z900 2019 has a steel frame with a double cradle frame type. This may result in differences in weight distribution and overall rigidity.

When it comes to strengths, the Yamaha MT-09 2016 offers a wonderfully powerful three-cylinder engine, three power modes, and a fully adjustable chassis. It also comes with a quickshifter as standard, providing seamless gear shifts. The sporty upright seating position and good brakes contribute to its aggressive looks and overall sporty feel. Additionally, it is equipped with traction control, enhancing safety and stability.

On the other hand, the Kawasaki Z900 2019 is praised for its light and natural handling, providing high stability on the road. Its engine is known for its smooth power delivery, with full pull from mid revs. The high chassis transparency and great feedback contribute to the bike's overall handling capabilities. The sitting position is also comfortable and offers a feel-good factor. Furthermore, the Kawasaki Z900 is considered to have a fair price compared to its competitors.

Kawasaki Z900 2019

Kawasaki Z900 2019

However, both bikes have their weaknesses. The Yamaha MT-09 2016 has a saddle that may be too hard for long tours, potentially causing discomfort for riders on extended rides. Additionally, the license plate holder on the swingarm offers less splash protection than a conventional one, which may result in more dirt and debris accumulating on the bike.

The Kawasaki Z900 2019 has a few weaknesses as well. The TFT display is mounted too low, which may require riders to take their eyes off the road to check information. The menu operation on the display is also considered cumbersome. Furthermore, the rearview mirrors offer modest visibility, potentially hindering the rider's awareness of their surroundings.

In conclusion, the Yamaha MT-09 2016 and the Kawasaki Z900 2019 are both powerful naked bikes that offer unique riding experiences. The Yamaha MT-09 excels in terms of its powerful engine and adjustable chassis, while the Kawasaki Z900 stands out for its light and natural handling and comfortable seating position. Ultimately, the choice between the two models will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications Yamaha MT-09 2016 compared to Kawasaki Z900 2019

Yamaha MT-09 2016
Kawasaki Z900 2019

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeIn line
BoreBore78 mmBore73.4 mm
StrokeStroke59.1 mmStroke56 mm
Engine powerEngine power115 HPEngine power125.4 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power10,000 rpmRpm at Max. Power9,500 rpm
TorqueTorque87.5 NmTorque98.6 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque8,500 rpmRpm at Torque7,700 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio11.5 Compression Ratio11.8
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders3Cylinders4
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder4
ValvesValvesDOHCValvesDOHC
DisplacementDisplacement847 ccmDisplacement948 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionTelescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork

Chassis

FrameFrameAluminiumFrameSteel
Frame typeFrame typeTwin TubeFrame typeDouble cradle

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc

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
LengthLength2,075 mmLength2,070 mm
WidthWidth815 mmWidth820 mm
HeightHeight1,135 mmHeight1,065 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,440 mmWheelbase1,450 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height815 mmSeat Height795 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)191 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)210 kg
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Yamaha MT-09 2016

Yamaha MT-09 2016

The Yamaha MT-09 did not need to be reinvented for the coming season - it already was extremely well done almost four years ago. Instead, the Japanese focus on fine-tuning and adding practical, contemporary gimmicks such as traction control and automatic shifting. Due to the Euro4 standard, however, the engine management has been changed once again and offers an emphatically powerful but well controllable power delivery in standard mode; the power explosion of the first generation is now no longer offered even by the sharper A mode. The biggest change, recognisable at first glance, is the, in my opinion, extremely successful design with the more aggressive front and the newly designed rear. All in all, an even snazzier naked bike that was clearly built for the fun of motorcycling.

Wonderfully powerful three-cylinder powerplant

three power modes

fully adjustable chassis

quickshifter as standard

sporty upright seating position

good brakes

aggressive looks

traction control.

Saddle a little too hard for long tours

licence plate holder on the swingarm offers less splash protection than a conventional one

Kawasaki Z900 2019

Kawasaki Z900 2019

Fortunately, the new Kawasaki Z900 has lost none of its character through the use of electronics. It is and remains a playful mid-range naked bike, which at the same time masters the brisk pace on the country road magnificently. The riding pleasure and suitability for everyday use are high, the now installed riding aids offer a plus in safety. Your opponents will have a really hard time from now on.

Light and natural handling with high stability

Silky engine with full pull from mid revs

High chassis transparency, great feedback

Sitting position with feel-good factor

Fair price

TFT display mounted too low

Cumbersome menu operation

Rear view mirrors offer modest visibility

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

There are a few key differences between a Yamaha MT-09 2016 and a Kawasaki Z900 2019. In terms of price, the actual average price of a Kawasaki Z900 2019 is about 23% higher. A Yamaha MT-09 2016 experiences a loss of 430 GBP in one year of ownership. This is offset by a loss of 230 GBP for a Kawasaki Z900 2019. Compared to Kawasaki Z900 2019 there are less Yamaha MT-09 2016 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 11 compared to 40. It takes less time to sell a Yamaha MT-09 with 87 days compared to 116 days for 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 10/06/2013 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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