Kawasaki Z900 SE 2023 vs. Yamaha MT-09 SP 2023

Kawasaki Z900 SE 2023

Kawasaki Z900 SE 2023

Yamaha MT-09 SP 2023

Yamaha MT-09 SP 2023

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Overview - Kawasaki Z900 SE 2023 vs Yamaha MT-09 SP 2023

The Kawasaki Z900 SE 2023 and the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2023 are both powerful naked bikes with impressive specifications. However, they have some key differences that set them apart.

In terms of engine performance, the Kawasaki Z900 SE 2023 comes out on top with its 125 horsepower engine, while the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2023 falls slightly behind with 119 horsepower. Both bikes have inline engines with liquid cooling and fuel injection systems, ensuring smooth and efficient power delivery.

When it comes to suspension, both bikes feature upside-down telescopic forks at the front and swing arm suspensions at the rear. However, the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2023 stands out with its high-quality suspension elements from KYB and Öhlins. The Kawasaki Z900 SE 2023 also has Öhlins suspension at the rear, but it lacks the same level of refinement as the Yamaha.

Kawasaki Z900 SE 2023

Kawasaki Z900 SE 2023

In terms of chassis, the Kawasaki Z900 SE 2023 has a steel frame with a double cradle design, while the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2023 features an aluminum frame with a twin tube design. The aluminum frame of the Yamaha provides a lighter and more rigid structure, contributing to its agility and handling.

Both bikes have double disk brakes at the front, but the Kawasaki Z900 SE 2023 has slightly larger 300mm diameter disks compared to the 298mm disks on the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2023. The Kawasaki also features Brembo M4-32 brakes, which are known for their strong stopping power.

In terms of rider assistance systems, both bikes offer ABS, ride by wire, and traction control. However, the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2023 goes a step further with additional features such as cornering ABS, quickshifter, cruise control, and anti-wheelie. The Kawasaki Z900 SE 2023 lacks a quickshifter and does not have lean angle dependent traction control or cornering ABS due to the absence of an IMU.

Yamaha MT-09 SP 2023

Yamaha MT-09 SP 2023

In terms of dimensions and weights, the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2023 has a slightly shorter wheelbase at 1430mm compared to the 1450mm of the Kawasaki Z900 SE 2023. The seat height of the Yamaha is also higher at 825mm compared to the 795mm of the Kawasaki. Additionally, the Yamaha is lighter with a kerb weight of 189kg, while the Kawasaki weighs 210kg.

In terms of equipment, both bikes feature LED headlights and TFT displays. However, the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2023 has a larger TFT display compared to the Kawasaki Z900 SE 2023. The Yamaha also has a more distinctive look, which may appeal to riders looking for a unique style.

In summary, the Kawasaki Z900 SE 2023 offers a powerful engine, high-quality chassis components, and good ergonomics, but it lacks certain advanced features like a quickshifter and lean angle dependent traction control. On the other hand, the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2023 boasts an extremely agile and powerful engine, high-quality suspension elements, and additional rider assistance features, but it has a smaller TFT display and a wider turning circle. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the rider's priorities and preferences.

Technical Specifications Kawasaki Z900 SE 2023 compared to Yamaha MT-09 SP 2023

Kawasaki Z900 SE 2023
Yamaha MT-09 SP 2023

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeIn line
BoreBore73.4 mmBore78 mm
StrokeStroke56 mmStroke62.1 mm
Engine powerEngine power125 HPEngine power119 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power9,500 rpmRpm at Max. Power10,000 rpm
TorqueTorque98.6 NmTorque93 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque7,700 rpmRpm at Torque7,000 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 ccmDisplacement889 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
TravelTravel120 mmTravel137 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
Shock mountShock mountDeflectionShock mountDeflection
BrandBrandÖhlinsBrandÖhlins
TravelTravel140 mmTravel142 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreload, ReboundAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameAluminium
Frame typeFrame typeDouble cradleFrame typeTwin Tube
RakeRake65 degreeRake65 degree
TrailTrail105 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, Riding modes, Ride by Wire, Traction controlAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Cornering ABS, Ride by Wire, Quickshifter, Cruise control, Traction control, Anti-wheelie

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 mmLength2,090 mm
WidthWidth820 mmWidth795 mm
HeightHeight1,065 mmHeight1,190 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,450 mmWheelbase1,430 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height795 mmSeat Height825 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)210 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)189 kg
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA2, A
Stationary noiseStationary noise97 dBStationary noise96 dB

Equipment

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

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Kawasaki Z900 SE 2023

Kawasaki Z900 SE 2023

The Z900 SE is not only a successful addition to the normal Z900, but actually the better and more sensible version. Because the refined fork, the Öhlins suspension strut that is not fully adjustable but more responsive, and the snappier Brembo M4.32 brake system make the SE refreshingly sportier and are well worth the extra price - especially if you also take into account the cool look of the Prestige components! However, the fact that a quickshifter is not even available at extra cost will hurt real sports enthusiasts. If you can live with the relatively high weight of over 214 kilos, you get a sufficiently manageable naked bike.

Powerful, pleasantly sonorous four-cylinder engine

high-quality chassis components, Öhlins at the rear

strong Brembo M4-32 brakes

good ergonomics

easy handling.

No quickshifter, not even optional

no lean angle dependent traction control and no cornering ABS due to missing IMU

high weight

Yamaha MT-09 SP 2023

Yamaha MT-09 SP 2023

The Yamaha MT-09 SP already had it easy in the previous generation, as it is the even more refined version of an already really good, because wonderfully agile fun machine! The current SP version is no different, but it has been improved even further. A little more power, increased torque and better-tuned electronics make it even more fun. As expected, the suspension with classier KYB and Öhlins components works excellently, the brakes could be a little sharper, but the seating position is still what you would expect from such an agile and easily controllable fun machine. The few quirks like the small TFT display or the controversial light mask in no way make it worse, but simply an even more independent personality!

Extremely agile and powerful engine

comfortable riding position

high-quality suspension elements from KYB and Öhlins

good quickshifter with blipper

distinctive look.

Small TFT display

horn half-heartedly installed at the front

wide turning circle

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

There are a few key differences between a Kawasaki Z900 SE 2023 and a Yamaha MT-09 SP 2023. In terms of price, the actual average price of a Yamaha MT-09 SP 2023 is about 5% higher. Compared to Yamaha MT-09 SP 2023 there are more Kawasaki Z900 SE 2023 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 53 compared to 29. It takes less time to sell a Yamaha MT-09 SP with 96 days compared to 148 days for the Kawasaki Z900 SE. Since model year 2022 1000PS.de editors have written 12 reviews for the Kawasaki Z900 SE and 29 reviews for the Yamaha MT-09 SP since model year 2018. The first review for the Kawasaki Z900 SE was published on 16/09/2021 and now has more than 37,200 views. This compares to more than 49,000 views for the first review on Yamaha MT-09 SP published on 06/11/2017.

Price Kawasaki Z900 SE

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Yamaha MT-09 SP

Model year
Current average market prices

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