Kawasaki Z900 2019 vs. Yamaha MT-09 2017

Kawasaki Z900 2019

Kawasaki Z900 2019

Yamaha MT-09 2017

Yamaha MT-09 2017

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Overview - Kawasaki Z900 2019 vs Yamaha MT-09 2017

The Kawasaki Z900 2019 and the Yamaha MT-09 2017 are both naked bikes that offer powerful performance and a thrilling riding experience. However, there are several key differences between the two models.

In terms of engine specifications, the Kawasaki Z900 2019 is equipped with a 4-cylinder engine with a displacement of 948cc, producing 125.4 HP of power and 98.6 Nm of torque. On the other hand, the Yamaha MT-09 2017 features a 3-cylinder engine with a displacement of 847cc, delivering 115 HP of power and 87.5 Nm of torque. While both bikes have fuel injection systems and liquid cooling, the Z900 has a slightly higher power output.

When it comes to suspension, both bikes feature upside-down telescopic forks at the front and swing arm suspension at the rear. The Z900 has a monoshock rear shock absorber, while the MT-09 also offers a monoshock with the added benefit of Öhlins suspension, providing an extreme enhancement in terms of performance and comfort.

Kawasaki Z900 2019

Kawasaki Z900 2019

In terms of chassis, the Z900 has a steel frame with a double cradle design, while the MT-09 features an aluminum frame with a twin tube design. Both frames offer good stability and handling, but the aluminum frame of the MT-09 may provide a slightly lighter and more agile feel.

Braking systems on both bikes are similar, with double disk brakes at the front and ABS as an advanced rider assistance system. The Z900 has slightly larger front brake disks with a diameter of 300mm, compared to the 298mm disks on the MT-09. Both bikes offer reliable and effective braking performance.

In terms of dimensions and weights, there are slight variations between the two models. The Z900 has a wheelbase of 1450mm and a seat height of 795mm, while the MT-09 has a slightly shorter wheelbase of 1440mm and a slightly higher seat height of 815mm. The Z900 also has a higher kerb weight of 210kg compared to the MT-09's weight of 193kg.

Yamaha MT-09 2017

Yamaha MT-09 2017

Moving on to the strengths of each bike, the Z900 is praised for its light and natural handling, high stability, and silky engine with strong mid-range power. It also offers a comfortable sitting position and is considered to be fairly priced. On the other hand, the MT-09 is commended for its Öhlins suspension, which provides exceptional performance and comfort. It also has a stylish appearance and sound thanks to the Akrapovic exhaust system, and the combination of seat, footrests, and handlebar clamps is highly effective.

In terms of weaknesses, the Z900 is criticized for its TFT display being mounted too low, resulting in less than optimal visibility. The menu operation is also considered cumbersome. The MT-09, on the other hand, has weaknesses related to financial outlay and working time, as certain parts may need to be registered. Additionally, the ECU flash is not road legal.

In conclusion, both the Kawasaki Z900 2019 and the Yamaha MT-09 2017 are powerful naked bikes that offer thrilling riding experiences. The Z900 has a slightly higher power output and a more affordable price, while the MT-09 boasts enhancements such as Öhlins suspension and a stylish appearance. Ultimately, the choice between the two models will depend on individual preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications Kawasaki Z900 2019 compared to Yamaha MT-09 2017

Kawasaki Z900 2019
Yamaha MT-09 2017

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeIn line
BoreBore73.4 mmBore78 mm
StrokeStroke56 mmStroke59.1 mm
Engine powerEngine power125.4 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 SystemsABSAdvanced 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)210 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)193 kg
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

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

Yamaha MT-09 2017

Yamaha MT-09 2017

In conclusion, after several stops throughout the season, I can look back on a great result. Both in terms of performance and looks, our MT-09 is perfect. The suspension was probably our most important issue. Where before there was clearly (too much) movement in the rear in fast corners, now it is ironed over without batting an eyelid. The STX 46 shock absorber is quite stiff in its basic configuration, but also manages to get through everyday life without being uncomfortable. Thanks to generous adjustment options, there is still room for individual preferences and uses. The function of the NIX 30 cartridge is also impressive. The response behaviour - especially under load - has improved significantly. There is now also much more reserve available when braking. Where before the fork went into block and the ABS triggered when braking hard with the original set-up, now the brakes simply continue to work effectively. In addition, the MT-09 now follows the intended line in the curve radius as if by itself - a pure pleasure. The sight and sound of the Akrapovic complete system are also pure joy, and the fact that it produces a few more horsepower is felt effectively, especially in the upper third of the rev range. The front wheel shoots even more willingly into the gallery in 2nd and 3rd gear.

Öhlins suspension an extreme enrichment

thanks to Akrapovic now optics and sound are right

Magura HC3 radial brake pump works divinely

Carbon2Race covers offer grandiose optics

combination of seat, footrests and handlebar clamps very effective

Financial outlay

lots of working time

certain parts must be registered

ECU Flash not road legal

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

There are a few key differences between a Kawasaki Z900 2019 and a Yamaha MT-09 2017. In terms of price, the actual average price of a Kawasaki Z900 2019 is about 14% higher. A Kawasaki Z900 2019 experiences a loss of 230 GBP in one year of ownership. This is offset by a loss of 820 GBP for a Yamaha MT-09 2017. Compared to Yamaha MT-09 2017 there are more Kawasaki Z900 2019 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 40 compared to 10. It takes less time to sell a Yamaha MT-09 with 73 days compared to 116 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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