Kawasaki Z900 2021 vs. Yamaha MT-09 2017

Kawasaki Z900 2021

Kawasaki Z900 2021

Yamaha MT-09 2017

Yamaha MT-09 2017

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Overview - Kawasaki Z900 2021 vs Yamaha MT-09 2017

The Kawasaki Z900 2021 and the Yamaha MT-09 2017 are both naked bikes with similar engine types, inline configurations, and fuel injection systems. However, there are several differences between the two models.

In terms of engine power, the Kawasaki Z900 2021 offers 125.4 HP, while the Yamaha MT-09 2017 provides 115 HP. The Z900 has a slightly higher torque of 98.6 Nm compared to the MT-09's 87.5 Nm. This gives the Z900 a slight advantage in terms of acceleration and overall performance.

Both bikes have liquid cooling systems and utilize upside-down telescopic forks for the front suspension and swing arms with monoshock absorbers for the rear suspension. However, the Z900 features a steel frame and a double cradle frame type, while the MT-09 has an aluminum frame with a twin tube design. The steel frame of the Z900 may provide better stability and durability, while the aluminum frame of the MT-09 offers a lighter weight and potentially better handling.

Kawasaki Z900 2021

Kawasaki Z900 2021

In terms of braking, both bikes have double disc brakes at the front with similar diameters. The Z900 has a slightly larger front tire width of 120 mm compared to the MT-09's 120 mm. Both bikes have the same rear tire width of 180 mm. The Z900 has a slightly longer wheelbase of 1450 mm compared to the MT-09's 1440 mm. The seat height of the Z900 is lower at 795 mm, while the MT-09 has a seat height of 815 mm. The Z900 is slightly heavier with a kerb weight of 210 kg, while the MT-09 weighs 193 kg.

In terms of advanced rider assistance systems, both bikes come with ABS and traction control. However, the Z900 also offers riding modes and ride by wire technology, which the MT-09 does not have. The MT-09, on the other hand, has a quickshifter, which is not available on the Z900.

Yamaha MT-09 2017

Yamaha MT-09 2017

In terms of strengths, the Z900 has a powerful four-cylinder engine, intuitive handling, good equipment, aggressive looks, and offers value for money. The MT-09 has strengths such as Öhlins suspension, an extreme enrichment with Akrapovic exhaust, a Magura HC3 radial brake pump, Carbon2Race covers for grandiose optics, and an effective combination of seat, footrests, and handlebar clamps.

In terms of weaknesses, the Z900 lacks a quickshifter option and is behind competitors with 6-axis IMU electronically. The MT-09 has weaknesses such as a higher financial outlay, requiring lots of working time, certain parts needing to be registered, and the ECU Flash not being road legal.

Overall, the Kawasaki Z900 2021 and the Yamaha MT-09 2017 are both capable naked bikes with their own strengths and weaknesses. The Z900 offers more power and advanced rider assistance systems, while the MT-09 has unique features and enhancements that may appeal to certain riders. Ultimately, the choice between the two models will depend on individual preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications Kawasaki Z900 2021 compared to Yamaha MT-09 2017

Kawasaki Z900 2021
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 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)210 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)193 kg
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Kawasaki Z900 2021

Kawasaki Z900 2021

In terms of price-performance, the Kawasaki Z900 is hard to beat at the moment. With the perfectly tuned engine, the high-quality chassis components and the electronics added for 2020, this naked bike offers everything that sporty riders will be looking for. There is really nothing to complain about, except for the lack of a quickshifter option.

powerful four-cylinder

intuitive handling

good equipment

aggressive looks

value for money

No quickshifter option

competitors with 6-axis IMU electronically ahead.

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 2021 and a Yamaha MT-09 2017. In terms of price, the actual average price of a Kawasaki Z900 2021 is about 7% higher. Compared to Yamaha MT-09 2017 there are more Kawasaki Z900 2021 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 33 compared to 10. It takes less time to sell a Yamaha MT-09 with 73 days compared to 107 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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