Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 vs. Kawasaki Z900 2019

Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018

Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018

Kawasaki Z900 2019

Kawasaki Z900 2019

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Overview - Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 vs Kawasaki Z900 2019

The Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 and the Kawasaki Z900 2019 are both naked bikes that offer powerful performance and advanced rider assistance systems. However, there are several differences between the two models.

In terms of engine power, the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 is equipped with a three-cylinder engine that produces 115 horsepower, while the Kawasaki Z900 2019 features a four-cylinder engine that delivers 125.4 horsepower. This gives the Kawasaki Z900 a slight advantage in terms of power.

Both bikes have fuel injection systems and liquid cooling, ensuring efficient performance and engine temperature regulation. The Yamaha MT-09 SP has a displacement of 847cc, while the Kawasaki Z900 has a larger displacement of 948cc, providing it with more torque at 98.6 Nm compared to the Yamaha's 87.5 Nm.

Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018

Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018

In terms of suspension, both bikes feature upside-down telescopic forks at the front and swing arm suspension with a monoshock at the rear. The Yamaha MT-09 SP offers more adjustability with compression, preload, and rebound adjustments for both the front and rear suspension, while the Kawasaki Z900 only offers preload and rebound adjustments for the front suspension.

The chassis of the Yamaha MT-09 SP is made of aluminum and features a twin tube frame, providing a lightweight and rigid structure. On the other hand, the Kawasaki Z900 has a steel frame with a double cradle design, offering stability and durability.

Both bikes are equipped with double disk brakes at the front, with the Yamaha MT-09 SP having a slightly smaller diameter of 298mm compared to the Kawasaki Z900's 300mm. Both models also come with ABS as part of their advanced rider assistance systems.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the Yamaha MT-09 SP has a wheelbase of 1500mm and a seat height of 820mm, while the Kawasaki Z900 has a slightly shorter wheelbase of 1450mm and a lower seat height of 795mm. The Yamaha MT-09 SP also weighs less at 193kg compared to the Kawasaki Z900's 210kg.

Kawasaki Z900 2019

Kawasaki Z900 2019

In terms of strengths, the Yamaha MT-09 SP boasts an incredibly powerful three-cylinder engine, good brakes, a sporty and comfortable seating position, and advanced features such as ABS, traction control, and a shift assistant. The Kawasaki Z900 offers light and natural handling with high stability, a silky engine with full pull from mid revs, high chassis transparency, a comfortable seating position, and a fair price.

However, the Yamaha MT-09 SP does have some weaknesses, including a high saddle, a shift assistant that is only available for upshifting, and instruments that do not stand out strongly from the basic version. The Kawasaki Z900 also has its weaknesses, such as a TFT display mounted too low, cumbersome menu operation, and rear view mirrors that offer modest visibility.

In conclusion, the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 and the Kawasaki Z900 2019 are both powerful naked bikes with their own strengths and weaknesses. The Yamaha offers a powerful three-cylinder engine and advanced features, while the Kawasaki provides a comfortable riding experience and a fair price. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 compared to Kawasaki Z900 2019

Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018
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
Fuel systemFuel systemInjectionFuel systemInjection
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
IgnitionIgnitionTransistorIgnitionDigital
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
Transmission TypeTransmission TypeGearshiftTransmission TypeGearshift
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders3Cylinders4
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder4
ValvesValvesDOHCValvesDOHC
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement847 ccmDisplacement948 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
TravelTravel137 mmTravel120 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentPreload, Rebound

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
Shock mountShock mountDeflectionShock mountDeflection
TravelTravel142 mmTravel140 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentPreload, Rebound

Chassis

FrameFrameAluminiumFrameSteel
Frame typeFrame typeTwin TubeFrame typeDouble cradle
RakeRake66 degreeRake65 degree

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter298 mmDiameter300 mm

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter245 mmDiameter250 mm

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Quickshifter, Traction controlAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS

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
LengthLength2,160 mmLength2,070 mm
WidthWidth850 mmWidth820 mm
HeightHeight1,375 mmHeight1,065 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,500 mmWheelbase1,450 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height820 mmSeat Height795 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)193 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)210 kg
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018

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...

incredibly powerful three-cylinder engine

good brakes

sporty and comfortable seating position

ABS

traction control

shift assistant

high saddle

shift assistant only for upshifting

instruments do not stand out strongly from the basic version

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 SP vs Kawasaki Z900

There are a few key differences between a Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 and a Kawasaki Z900 2019. In terms of price, the actual average prices of both motorbikes are almost the same. A Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 experiences a loss of 780 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 SP 2018 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 5 compared to 40. It takes less time to sell a Yamaha MT-09 SP with 72 days compared to 116 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.

Price Yamaha MT-09 SP

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Kawasaki Z900

Model year
Current average market prices

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