Kawasaki Z900 RS SE 2022 vs. Triumph Speed Twin 1200 2021

Kawasaki Z900 RS SE 2022

Kawasaki Z900 RS SE 2022

Triumph Speed Twin 1200 2021

Triumph Speed Twin 1200 2021

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Overview - Kawasaki Z900 RS SE 2022 vs Triumph Speed Twin 1200 2021

The Kawasaki Z900 RS SE 2022 and the Triumph Speed Twin 1200 2021 are both naked bikes that offer powerful performance and advanced rider assistance systems. However, they have some notable differences in terms of technical specifications and strengths.

Starting with the technical specifications, the Kawasaki Z900 RS SE 2022 is equipped with an in-line, liquid-cooled engine with a displacement of 948cc. It produces 111 HP of power and 98.5 Nm of torque. The fuel system is injection-based, and it has four cylinders. The front suspension features an upside-down telescopic fork, while the rear suspension is a swing arm with a monoshock absorber. The frame is made of steel, and the front brakes are double disks with a diameter of 300mm and four pistons. The advanced rider assistance systems include ABS and traction control.

Kawasaki Z900 RS SE 2022

Kawasaki Z900 RS SE 2022

On the other hand, the Triumph Speed Twin 1200 2021 also has an in-line, liquid-cooled engine but with a larger displacement of 1200cc. It produces 100 HP of power and 112 Nm of torque. The fuel system is injection-based, and it has two cylinders. The front suspension is an upside-down telescopic fork, and the rear suspension is a swing arm with dual shock absorbers. The frame is made of steel, and the front brakes are double disks with a diameter of 320mm and four pistons. In addition to ABS and traction control, the Triumph Speed Twin 1200 also offers riding modes as part of its advanced rider assistance systems.

In terms of strengths, the Kawasaki Z900 RS SE 2022 offers exclusivity with its limited availability. It also features an Öhlins shock and Brembo brakes with Stahlflex, providing excellent suspension and braking performance. The classic round clocks add to its retro appeal. Additionally, the powerful engine delivers impressive performance, and the bike has a minimalistic approach to electronics.

On the other hand, the Triumph Speed Twin 1200 2021 stands out with its superb engine, offering excellent torque in every situation. The bike is known for its quality workmanship and material feel, giving it a premium look and feel. The playful handling and good chassis contribute to an enjoyable riding experience. The high-performance Brembo brakes provide reliable stopping power.

Triumph Speed Twin 1200 2021

Triumph Speed Twin 1200 2021

However, both bikes have their weaknesses. The Kawasaki Z900 RS SE 2022 lacks cruise control, which can be a drawback for riders looking for long-distance touring comfort. Additionally, it is often sold out quickly due to its exclusivity. On the other hand, the Triumph Speed Twin 1200 2021 has been reported to have strong heat development under the rider, which can be uncomfortable during extended rides. It may also feel a bit cramped for taller riders, and its large turning circle can be a disadvantage in tight spaces.

In conclusion, the Kawasaki Z900 RS SE 2022 and the Triumph Speed Twin 1200 2021 are both impressive naked bikes with their unique strengths and weaknesses. The Kawasaki offers exclusivity and a powerful engine, while the Triumph stands out with its superb engine, quality craftsmanship, and playful handling. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications Kawasaki Z900 RS SE 2022 compared to Triumph Speed Twin 1200 2021

Kawasaki Z900 RS SE 2022
Triumph Speed Twin 1200 2021

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeIn line crankpin offset
BoreBore73.4 mmBore97.6 mm
StrokeStroke56 mmStroke80 mm
Engine powerEngine power111 HPEngine power100 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power8,500 rpmRpm at Max. Power7,250 rpm
TorqueTorque98.5 NmTorque112 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,500 rpmRpm at Torque4,250 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio10.8 Compression Ratio12
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 mmDiameter43 mm
TravelTravel120 mmTravel120 mm

Suspension Rear

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

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameSteel
Frame typeFrame typeTubularFrame typeCentral tube
RakeRake65 degreeRake22.3 degree

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter300 mmDiameter320 mm
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
Shock mountShock mountSemi-SchwimmsattelShock mountFixed caliper
ActuationActuationHydraulicActuationHydraulic
TechnologyTechnologyradial, MonoblockTechnologyradial
BrandBrandBremboBrandBrembo

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter250 mmDiameter220 mm
PistonPistonSingle pistonPistonDouble piston

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Traction controlAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Riding modes, 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 width160 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height55 %Rear tyre height60 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
LengthLength2,100 mmLength2,099 mm
WidthWidth865 mmWidth778 mm
HeightHeight1,150 mmHeight1,097 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,470 mmWheelbase1,413 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height835 mmSeat Height809 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)215 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)216 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity17 lFuel Tank Capacity14.5 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA
RangeRange326 kmRange302 km
Combined CO2 emissionsCombined CO2 emissions124 g/kmCombined CO2 emissions116 g/km
Combined fuel consumptionCombined fuel consumption5.2 l/100kmCombined fuel consumption5.1 l/100km

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Kawasaki Z900 RS SE 2022

Kawasaki Z900 RS SE 2022

Kawasaki has done everything right with the Z900RS SE. The fact that the already very good and extremely charismatic Z900RS has been further upgraded with noble components not only feeds pride of ownership, but also brings the small advantages in the very sporty serious case that bring the summit victory. I would modify the saying "The better is the enemy of the good" for RS SE and RS as follows: "The better is the friend of the good." Whether RS or RS SE, retro at its best.

Exclusivity

Öhlins shock

Brembo with Stahlflex

Classic round clocks

Powerful engine

Few electronics

No cruise control

Always sold out right away

Triumph Speed Twin 1200 2021

Triumph Speed Twin 1200 2021

The better is the enemy of the good, this saying once again proves to be impressively true in the case of the new Triumph Speed Twin. The British have worked on the weak points of the predecessor and thus turned the classic beauty into a real riding machine that does not have to hide from modern naked bikes. Unfortunately, tall riders cannot enjoy the small 1200 quite as easily as riders under 1.85 metres. Be that as it may, the Speed Twin is the perfect modern classic motorbike for me - it combines classic looks with modern handling like no other motorbike on the market today.

Superb engine

quality workmanship and material feel

torque in every situation

playful handling

good chassis

high-performance brakes

Strong heat development under the driver

a little too petite for tall pilots

large turning circle

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

There are a few key differences between a Kawasaki Z900 RS SE 2022 and a Triumph Speed Twin 1200 2021. It takes less time to sell a Triumph Speed Twin 1200 with 163 days compared to 168 days for the Kawasaki Z900 RS SE. Since model year 2022 1000PS.de editors have written 8 reviews for the Kawasaki Z900 RS SE and 14 reviews for the Triumph Speed Twin 1200 since model year 2019. The first review for the Kawasaki Z900 RS SE was published on 16/08/2021 and now has more than 59,000 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 SE

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Triumph Speed Twin 1200

Model year
Current average market prices

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