Kawasaki Z900 2023 vs. Yamaha MT-09 2020

Kawasaki Z900 2023

Kawasaki Z900 2023

Yamaha MT-09 2020

Yamaha MT-09 2020

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Overview - Kawasaki Z900 2023 vs Yamaha MT-09 2020

The Kawasaki Z900 2023 and the Yamaha MT-09 2020 are both naked bikes with similar engine types, fuel systems, and suspension systems. However, there are several key differences between the two models.

In terms of engine power, the Kawasaki Z900 2023 has a slight advantage with 125 HP compared to the Yamaha MT-09 2020's 115 HP. The Z900 also has a higher torque of 98.6 Nm compared to the MT-09's 87.5 Nm. This means that the Z900 may have a slight edge in acceleration and top speed.

Both bikes feature upside-down telescopic forks for the front suspension and swing arm with a monoshock for the rear suspension. These suspension systems provide good stability and control for both models.

The chassis of the Kawasaki Z900 2023 is made of steel and has a double cradle frame, while the Yamaha MT-09 2020 has an aluminum frame with a twin tube design. The choice of materials and frame design can affect the overall weight and handling characteristics of the bikes.

Kawasaki Z900 2023

Kawasaki Z900 2023

In terms of braking, both models have double disk brakes at the front with similar diameters. This ensures strong and reliable stopping power for both bikes.

When it comes to advanced rider assistance systems, both bikes feature ABS and traction control. However, the Kawasaki Z900 2023 offers additional features such as riding modes and ride by wire, which can enhance the riding experience and provide more customization options.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the Kawasaki Z900 2023 has a slightly longer wheelbase of 1450 mm compared to the Yamaha MT-09 2020's 1440 mm. The seat height of the Z900 is also slightly lower at 795 mm compared to the MT-09's 815 mm. However, the Z900 is heavier with a kerb weight of 212 kg compared to the MT-09's 193 kg.

In terms of strengths, the Kawasaki Z900 2023 offers light and natural handling with high stability, thanks to its high chassis transparency and great feedback. The engine of the Z900 is also praised for its silky smoothness and full pull from low revs. The seating position of the Z900 is comfortable and provides a feel-good factor for riders. Additionally, the Z900 is considered to have an absolutely fair price.

Yamaha MT-09 2020

Yamaha MT-09 2020

On the other hand, the Yamaha MT-09 2020 is praised for its powerful engine with plenty of torque, providing strong acceleration and performance. The MT-09 also offers fine control of its traction control system, allowing riders to have more confidence and control on different road surfaces.

In terms of weaknesses, the Kawasaki Z900 2023 is criticized for its relatively cumbersome operation of the menu and the lack of slope-dependent assistance systems. The Z900 is also heavier compared to the MT-09, which may affect its maneuverability and agility.

The Yamaha MT-09 2020 has a few weaknesses as well. It lacks a blipper function, which can make downshifting smoother and easier. The high handlebars of the MT-09 provide less feedback compared to other models, and the throttle response is considered rough. Additionally, the ABS system on the MT-09 is known to regulate early, which can affect the braking performance in certain situations.

In conclusion, both the Kawasaki Z900 2023 and the Yamaha MT-09 2020 are powerful naked bikes with their own strengths and weaknesses. The Z900 offers a smooth and powerful engine, excellent handling, and a comfortable seating position at a fair price. The MT-09, on the other hand, provides strong acceleration, fine control of traction, and a powerful engine. Ultimately, the choice between the two models will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications Kawasaki Z900 2023 compared to Yamaha MT-09 2020

Kawasaki Z900 2023
Yamaha MT-09 2020

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeIn line
BoreBore73.4 mmBore78 mm
StrokeStroke56 mmStroke59.1 mm
Engine powerEngine power125 HPEngine power115 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power9,500 rpmRpm at Max. Power10,000 rpm
TorqueTorque98.6 NmTorque87.5 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque7,700 rpmRpm at Torque8,500 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 ccmDisplacement847 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
TravelTravel120 mmTravel137 mm

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
Shock mountShock mountDeflectionShock mountDeflection
TravelTravel140 mmTravel130 mm

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameAluminium
Frame typeFrame typeDouble cradleFrame typeTwin Tube
RakeRake65 degreeRake65 degree
TrailTrail105 mmTrail103 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, 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
LengthLength2,070 mmLength2,075 mm
WidthWidth820 mmWidth815 mm
HeightHeight1,065 mmHeight1,120 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,450 mmWheelbase1,440 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height795 mmSeat Height815 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)212 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)193 kg
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Kawasaki Z900 2023

Kawasaki Z900 2023

The Kawasaki Z900 may not be up to scratch when it comes to modern, lean angle-dependent electronic features, but it's relatively cheap and you shouldn't underestimate the fan base of the good old inline four - the Z900 is one of the cheapest ways to own such a great engine with just under a litre of displacement in a sporty naked bike! The higher weight is noticeable, but not massively annoying, because the handling and stability are quite alright. In terms of "outdated" electronics, the most annoying thing is the missing shift assistant, which is not even available as an option. Overall, however, the Z900 is a great naked bike with a great price-performance ratio.

Light and natural handling with high stability

silky engine with full pull from low revs

high chassis transparency, great feedback

seating position with feel-good factor

absolutely fair price.

Relatively cumbersome operation of the menu

no slope-dependent assistance systems

high weight

Yamaha MT-09 2020

Yamaha MT-09 2020

Riding fast is possible, but exhausting. The high handlebars are counterproductive on the race track and require a lot of physical effort. The MT-09 can't keep up with the Street Triple R, even with WP suspension.

Powerful engine with plenty of torque

Fine control of traction control

No blipper function

High handlebars give little feedback

Rough throttle response

Early-regulating ABS

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

There are a few key differences between a Kawasaki Z900 2023 and a Yamaha MT-09 2020. In terms of price, the actual average price of a Kawasaki Z900 2023 is about 10% higher. Compared to Yamaha MT-09 2020 there are more Kawasaki Z900 2023 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 187 compared to 8. It takes less time to sell a Yamaha MT-09 with 110 days compared to 122 days for the Kawasaki Z900. Since model year 2017 1000PS.de editors have written 46 reviews for the Kawasaki Z900 and 57 reviews for the Yamaha MT-09 since model year 2013. The first review for the Kawasaki Z900 was published on 11/11/2016 and now has more than 93,200 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

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Yamaha MT-09

Model year
Current average market prices

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