Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018 vs. Triumph Speed Twin 1200 2019

Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018

Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018

Triumph Speed Twin 1200 2019

Triumph Speed Twin 1200 2019

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Overview - Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018 vs Triumph Speed Twin 1200 2019

The Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018 and the Triumph Speed Twin 1200 2019 are both naked bikes that offer a unique riding experience. The Z900 RS boasts a powerful and smooth engine with 111 horsepower and 98.6 Nm of torque. Its fuel system is injection-based, and it features a liquid-cooled, in-line 4-cylinder engine with a displacement of 948cc. The front suspension consists of an upside-down telescopic fork, while the rear suspension is a swing arm with a monoshock absorber. The Z900 RS has a steel tubular frame and is equipped with double disk brakes on the front with a diameter of 300mm. It also features advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, ride by wire, and traction control. The front and rear tires have a width of 120mm and a diameter of 17 inches, respectively. The wheelbase measures 1470mm, and the seat height is 835mm. The fuel tank has a capacity of 17 liters.

On the other hand, the Triumph Speed Twin 1200 2019 is powered by an in-line crankpin offset engine that delivers 97 horsepower and 112 Nm of torque. It also has an injection-based fuel system and a liquid-cooled, 2-cylinder engine with a displacement of 1200cc. The front suspension is an upside-down telescopic fork, while the rear suspension is a swing arm with a dual shock absorber. The rear suspension can be adjusted for preload. The frame is made of steel, and the frame type is a central tube. The front brakes are double disk with a diameter of 305mm and four pistons. The Speed Twin 1200 features ABS as its advanced rider assistance system. The front and rear tires have a width of 120mm and 160mm, respectively, with a diameter of 17 inches. The wheelbase measures 1430mm, and the seat height is 807mm. The fuel tank has a capacity of 14.5 liters.

Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018

Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018

In terms of strengths, the Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018 stands out for its powerful and smooth engine, attractive design, comfortable seating position, and balanced handling. It is easy to ride and offers a good balance between responsiveness and stability. On the other hand, the Triumph Speed Twin 1200 2019 is praised for its beautiful design, low seat height, and accessible and easy handling. It offers a 1200cc engine with 97 horsepower, making it easy to ride while still providing an emotionally satisfying experience.

However, the Z900 RS 2018 does have some weaknesses. It lacks a shift assistant, which could be a drawback for riders who prefer quick and smooth gear changes. It is also heavier than other retro bikes in its class, which may affect its maneuverability. Additionally, some riders find the seat a little too soft for long tours, and there is no wind protection.

Triumph Speed Twin 1200 2019

Triumph Speed Twin 1200 2019

Similarly, the Triumph Speed Twin 1200 2019 has a few weaknesses. Taller riders may find the knee angle to be sharp, which could lead to discomfort on longer rides. Some riders have also noted a slightly rough response in Sport mode, which may affect the overall riding experience. Additionally, there have been reports of a squeaky rear brake during testing.

In conclusion, both the Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018 and the Triumph Speed Twin 1200 2019 offer unique features and strengths. The Z900 RS excels in terms of engine power, design, and comfort, while the Speed Twin 1200 stands out for its beautiful design, low seat height, and accessible handling. However, both bikes have their weaknesses, such as the lack of a shift assistant in the Z900 RS and the sharp knee angle for taller riders in the Speed Twin 1200. Ultimately, the choice between these two bikes will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018 compared to Triumph Speed Twin 1200 2019

Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018
Triumph Speed Twin 1200 2019

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeIn line crankpin offset
BoreBore73.4 mmBore97.6 mm
StrokeStroke56 mmStroke80 mm
Engine powerEngine power111 HPEngine power97 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power8,500 rpmRpm at Max. Power6,750 rpm
TorqueTorque98.6 NmTorque112 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,500 rpmRpm at Torque4,950 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio10.8 Compression Ratio11
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
CylindersCylinders4Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder4
ValvesValvesDOHCValvesOHC
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement948 ccmDisplacement1,200 ccm

Suspension Front

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

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberDual Shock
TravelTravel140 mmTravel120 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreload, ReboundAdjustmentPreload
MaterialMaterialAluminiumMaterialSteel

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameSteel
Frame typeFrame typeTubularFrame typeCentral tube
RakeRake65 degreeRake22.8 degree
TrailTrail98 mmTrail93.5 mm

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter300 mmDiameter305 mm
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
Shock mountShock mountFixed caliperShock mountFixed caliper

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter250 mmDiameter220 mm
PistonPistonSingle pistonPistonDouble piston

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Ride by Wire, 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 width160 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height55 %Rear tyre height60 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
WidthWidth865 mmWidth760 mm
HeightHeight1,150 mmHeight1,110 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,470 mmWheelbase1,430 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height835 mmSeat Height807 mm
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity17 lFuel Tank Capacity14.5 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018

Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018

Its four-cylinder is silky smooth while delivering enough power to make you grin under your helmet. It is also very easy to move, which should make it a great commuter bike in everyday life and serve as an iconic fun bike at the weekend. The looks find the perfect straddle of classic design and modern details to form a coherent retro package that is also a worthy tribute to Kawasaki history. It's a great naked bike with a snazzy look.

Powerful and smooth engine

good looks

comfortable seating position

easy to ride

balanced handling. Not nervous and not ponderous

no shift assistant

heavier than other retro bikes in this class

seat a little too soft on long tours

no wind protection

Triumph Speed Twin 1200 2019

Triumph Speed Twin 1200 2019

The Triumph Speed Twin 1200 looks like a magnificent but also powerful motorbike in the photos. But even when test riding it, it becomes slender and dainty. On the test ride, it goes even further. It is an accessible and easy-to-ride motorbike. In fact, it's small, compact and lively. A good choice if you want to ride 1200 cc and 97 hp and always thought that was way too much. In detail, the Triumph is lovingly and beautifully finished. A heart-warming motorbike.

Beautifully designed - even with the details not immediately visible

low seat height

accessible and easy handling

1200cc and 97hp - easy to ride but still emotionally served.

Sharp knee angle for tall people

slightly rough response in Sport mode

squeaky rear brake during test

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price Kawasaki Z900 RS vs Triumph Speed Twin 1200

There are a few key differences between a Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018 and a Triumph Speed Twin 1200 2019. In terms of price, the actual average price of a Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018 is about 15% higher. A Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018 experiences a loss of 910 GBP in one year of ownership. This is offset by a loss of 740 GBP for a Triumph Speed Twin 1200 2019. Compared to Triumph Speed Twin 1200 2019 there are more Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 28 compared to 10. It takes less time to sell a Triumph Speed Twin 1200 with 87 days compared to 154 days for the Kawasaki Z900 RS. Since model year 2018 1000PS.de editors have written 26 reviews for the Kawasaki Z900 RS and 14 reviews for the Triumph Speed Twin 1200 since model year 2019. The first review for the Kawasaki Z900 RS was published on 06/09/2017 and now has more than 63,700 views. This compares to more than 90,200 views for the first review on Triumph Speed Twin 1200 published on 04/12/2018.

Price Kawasaki Z900 RS

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Triumph Speed Twin 1200

Model year
Current average market prices

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