Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 vs. Kawasaki Z900 2017
Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018
Kawasaki Z900 2017
Overview - Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 vs Kawasaki Z900 2017
In terms of engine and drive train, both the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 and the Kawasaki Z900 2017 have inline engines with fuel injection and liquid cooling. However, the Yamaha MT-09 SP has a slightly smaller engine displacement of 847cc compared to the Kawasaki Z900's 948cc. In terms of power, the Kawasaki Z900 has a higher engine power of 125.4 HP compared to the Yamaha MT-09 SP's 115 HP. The torque is also higher in the Kawasaki Z900 at 98.6 Nm compared to the Yamaha MT-09 SP's 87.5 Nm.
Both bikes have upside-down telescopic forks for the front suspension and swing arm suspension with a monoshock for the rear. However, the Yamaha MT-09 SP offers more adjustment options for both the front and rear suspension with compression, preload, and rebound adjustments, 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.
Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018
Both bikes have double disk brakes at the front with similar diameters, 298mm for the Yamaha MT-09 SP and 300mm for the Kawasaki Z900.
In terms of advanced rider assistance systems, the Yamaha MT-09 SP offers ABS, quickshifter, and traction control, while the Kawasaki Z900 only offers ABS.
Kawasaki Z900 2017
Both bikes have similar dimensions and weights, with the Yamaha MT-09 SP having a slightly longer wheelbase of 1500mm compared to the Kawasaki Z900's 1450mm. The seat height is higher in the Yamaha MT-09 SP at 820mm compared to the Kawasaki Z900's 795mm. The kerb weight with ABS is also lower in the Yamaha MT-09 SP at 193kg compared to the Kawasaki Z900's 210kg.
In terms of strengths, the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 is praised for its incredibly powerful three-cylinder engine, good brakes, sporty and comfortable seating position, ABS, traction control, and shift assistant. On the other hand, the Kawasaki Z900 2017 is praised for its ingenious nakedbike chassis, superb looks, responsive engine with perfectly dimensioned torque, and its optimum intersection of performance, price, and practical use.
In terms of weaknesses, the Yamaha MT-09 SP is criticized for its high saddle, shift assistant only for upshifting, and instruments that do not stand out strongly from the basic version. The Kawasaki Z900 is criticized for its narrow knee angle, especially for tall people, although this can be addressed by ordering another seat.
Technical Specifications Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 compared to Kawasaki Z900 2017
Pros and Cons in comparison
Pros and Cons in comparison
Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018
The Yamaha MT-09 SP 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! The Yamaha MT-09 EVO with Wilbers suspension is now available as an interesting alternative, because it has no "war paint" and is very discreet. But unfortunately only for Switzerland...
Kawasaki Z900 2017
An incredibly well-designed motorbike. A lot of test work and attention to detail went into it. It has exactly the right power, exactly the right chassis and exactly the right look. An all-round successful naked bike that will make you happy for a long time. If you like, you can ride it simply and faithfully, but if you want, you can also ride it really fast and it wheels like hell. Great!
Price Comparison Avarage Market Price Yamaha MT-09 SP vs Kawasaki Z900
There are a few key differences between a Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 and a Kawasaki Z900 2017. In terms of price, the actual average price of a Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 is about 7% higher. A Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 experiences a loss of 780 GBP in one year and 1,460 GBP in two years of ownership. This is offset by a loss of 530 GBP and 930 GBP for a Kawasaki Z900 2017. Compared to Kawasaki Z900 2017 there are less Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 5 compared to 43. It takes less time to sell a Yamaha MT-09 SP with 72 days compared to 85 days for a Kawasaki Z900. Since model year 2018 1000PS.de editors have written 29 reviews for the Yamaha MT-09 SP and 46 reviews for the Kawasaki Z900 since model year 2017. The first review for the Yamaha MT-09 SP was published on 06/11/2017 and now has more than 49,000 views. This compares to more than 93,200 views for the first review on Kawasaki Z900 published on 11/11/2016.
