Triumph Thruxton 1200 2017 vs. Kawasaki Z900 RS Cafe 2018

Triumph Thruxton 1200 2017

Triumph Thruxton 1200 2017

Kawasaki Z900 RS Cafe 2018

Kawasaki Z900 RS Cafe 2018

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Overview - Triumph Thruxton 1200 2017 vs Kawasaki Z900 RS Cafe 2018

The Triumph Thruxton 1200 2017 and the Kawasaki Z900 RS Cafe 2018 are both naked bikes that offer a unique blend of style, performance, and practicality.

Starting with the Triumph Thruxton 1200 2017, it boasts a successful cafe racer look that is sure to turn heads. Its powerful engine delivers 97 horsepower and 112 Nm of torque, providing ample power for thrilling rides. The braking system is pleasantly controllable, ensuring confident stopping power. Additionally, it features inconspicuous electronic features, adding convenience and safety to the riding experience.

Triumph Thruxton 1200 2017

Triumph Thruxton 1200 2017

On the other hand, the Kawasaki Z900 RS Cafe 2018 stands out with its beautiful, classic, and high-quality look. It exudes a sense of nostalgia while still offering modern performance. The bike's handling is balanced, striking a sweet spot between being not too nervous and not too ponderous. The high-torque engine and sporty seating position contribute to a sporty riding feel, making it a joy to ride. The practical wind protection adds to its appeal, especially for longer rides. Overall, it provides a great sport tourer feeling paired with great looks.

In terms of weaknesses, the Triumph Thruxton 1200 2017 has a somewhat elongated seating position, which may not be as comfortable for some riders. Additionally, the suspension spring preload is only adjustable at the rear, limiting customization options.

Kawasaki Z900 RS Cafe 2018

Kawasaki Z900 RS Cafe 2018

On the other hand, the Kawasaki Z900 RS Cafe 2018 lacks a shift assistant, which can be a disadvantage for riders who prefer seamless gear shifts. It is also slightly heavier than other retro bikes in its class, which may affect maneuverability for some riders. Lastly, the seat may be a little too soft on long tours, potentially causing discomfort during extended rides.

In conclusion, both the Triumph Thruxton 1200 2017 and the Kawasaki Z900 RS Cafe 2018 offer unique features and strengths. The Thruxton 1200 excels in its cafe racer look and powerful engine, while the Z900 RS Cafe impresses with its classic design, balanced handling, and sport tourer feel. However, they also have their respective weaknesses, such as seating position and suspension adjustability for the Thruxton 1200, and the lack of a shift assistant and slightly heavier weight for the Z900 RS Cafe. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications Triumph Thruxton 1200 2017 compared to Kawasaki Z900 RS Cafe 2018

Triumph Thruxton 1200 2017
Kawasaki Z900 RS Cafe 2018

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn line crankpin offsetEngine typeIn line
BoreBore97.6 mmBore73.4 mm
StrokeStroke80 mmStroke56 mm
Engine powerEngine power97 HPEngine power111 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power6,750 rpmRpm at Max. Power8,500 rpm
TorqueTorque112 NmTorque98.5 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque4,950 rpmRpm at Torque6,500 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio11 Compression Ratio10.8
Fuel systemFuel systemInjectionFuel systemInjection
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
Transmission TypeTransmission TypeGearshiftTransmission TypeGearshift
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders4
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder4
ValvesValvesOHCValvesDOHC
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement1,200 ccmDisplacement948 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionTelescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
DiameterDiameter41 mmDiameter41 mm
TravelTravel120 mmTravel120 mm

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberDual ShockShock absorberMonoshock
TravelTravel120 mmTravel140 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreloadAdjustmentPreload, Rebound
MaterialMaterialSteelMaterialAluminium

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameSteel
Frame typeFrame typeCentral tubeFrame typeTubular
RakeRake67.3 degreeRake65 degree
TrailTrail90.8 mmTrail98 mm

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter310 mmDiameter300 mm
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonFour pistons
Shock mountShock mountFloating caliperShock mountFixed caliper

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter255 mmDiameter250 mm
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonSingle piston

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABSAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Ride by Wire, 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 width160 mmRear tyre width180 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height60 %Rear tyre height55 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
LengthLength2,105 mmLength2,100 mm
WidthWidth745 mmWidth845 mm
HeightHeight1,030 mmHeight1,190 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,415 mmWheelbase1,470 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height805 mmSeat Height820 mm
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity14.5 lFuel Tank Capacity17 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Triumph Thruxton 1200 2017

Triumph Thruxton 1200 2017

Even though the Thruxton 1200 is supposed to be the sporty model of the retro line, the normal model was designed to be refreshingly suitable for everyday use and thus harmonious - the sportier Thruxton 1200 R serves the true retro racers anyway. This leaves a powerful engine that revs heartily, a good-natured braking system, a somewhat elongated but sufficiently comfortable seating position and inconspicuously packaged electronic features in a motorbike that visually trumps with reminiscences of the good old days without being embarrassing. Triumph has also done an excellent job with the Thruxton 1200!

Successful cafe racer look

powerful engine

pleasantly controllable braking system

inconspicuous electronic features

Somewhat elongated seating position

suspension spring preload adjustable only at the rear

Kawasaki Z900 RS Cafe 2018

Kawasaki Z900 RS Cafe 2018

With the Z900RS Cafe, Kawasaki has launched a very successful and high-quality homage to the café racer machines from the 1970s. It combines the classic, sporty design with the ultra-modern technology of the modern era. Surprisingly, it presents itself as a pleasant-to-ride sports tourer with high utility value. This means that it will be used more often in practice than a Z900RS or similar motorbike. A big hit.

Beautiful, classic and high-quality look

balanced handling. Not nervous and not ponderous

sporty riding feel thanks to high-torque engine and sporty seating position

practical wind protection

great sport tourer feeling paired with great looks.

No shift assistant

heavier than other retro bikes in this class

seat a little too soft on long tours.

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price Triumph Thruxton 1200 vs Kawasaki Z900 RS Cafe

There are a few key differences between a Triumph Thruxton 1200 2017 and a Kawasaki Z900 RS Cafe 2018. It takes less time to sell a Triumph Thruxton 1200 with 119 days compared to 209 days for a Kawasaki Z900 RS Cafe. Since model year 2016 1000PS.de editors have written 5 reviews for the Triumph Thruxton 1200 and 8 reviews for the Kawasaki Z900 RS Cafe since model year 2018. The first review for the Triumph Thruxton 1200 was published on 09/03/2016 and now has more than 38,500 views. This compares to more than 37,500 views for the first review on Kawasaki Z900 RS Cafe published on 07/11/2017.

Price Triumph Thruxton 1200

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Kawasaki Z900 RS Cafe

Unfortunately, the data available to us is not sufficient to provide meaningful price information for this model.

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