Kawasaki Z900 2020 vs. Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018
Kawasaki Z900 2020
Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018
Overview - Kawasaki Z900 2020 vs Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018
The Kawasaki Z900 2020 and the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 are both naked bikes that offer powerful performance and advanced rider assistance systems. However, there are some notable differences between the two models.
Starting with the engine specifications, the Kawasaki Z900 2020 is equipped with an inline four-cylinder engine that delivers 125.4 HP of power and 98.6 Nm of torque. On the other hand, the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 features an inline three-cylinder engine with 115 HP of power and 87.5 Nm of torque. Both bikes have fuel injection systems and liquid cooling.
In terms of suspension, both bikes feature upside-down telescopic forks at the front and swing arm suspensions at the rear. However, the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 offers more adjustability with compression, preload, and rebound adjustments for both the front and rear suspensions. The Kawasaki Z900 2020, on the other hand, only offers preload and rebound adjustments for its front and rear suspensions.
Kawasaki Z900 2020
When it comes to the chassis, the Kawasaki Z900 2020 has a steel frame with a double cradle design, while the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 features an aluminum frame with a twin tube design. This difference in frame construction may result in variations in weight and handling characteristics.
Both bikes are equipped with double disk brakes at the front, but the Kawasaki Z900 2020 has slightly larger diameter disks at 300 mm compared to the 298 mm disks on the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018. Both models also come with advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS and traction control. However, the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 has the additional feature of a quickshifter, which allows for smoother and faster gear changes.
Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018
In terms of dimensions and weights, the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 has a slightly longer wheelbase of 1500 mm compared to the 1450 mm wheelbase of the Kawasaki Z900 2020. The seat height is also higher on the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 at 820 mm compared to the 795 mm seat height of the Kawasaki Z900 2020. However, the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 is slightly lighter with a kerb weight of 193 kg compared to the 210 kg kerb weight of the Kawasaki Z900 2020.
In terms of equipment, both bikes come with LED headlights. The Kawasaki Z900 2020 also features LED daytime running lights and a TFT display, while the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 does not have these additional features.
In summary, the Kawasaki Z900 2020 offers a powerful four-cylinder engine, great handling, good equipment, aggressive looks, and value for money. Its weaknesses include a somewhat tiring menu navigation and the lack of a quickshifter option. On the other hand, the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 boasts an incredibly powerful three-cylinder engine, good brakes, a sporty and comfortable seating position, ABS, traction control, and a shift assistant. Its weaknesses include a high saddle, shift assistant limited to upshifting, and instruments that do not stand out strongly from the basic version.
Technical Specifications Kawasaki Z900 2020 compared to Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018
Pros and Cons in comparison
Pros and Cons in comparison
Kawasaki Z900 2020
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, even if the option of a quickshifter would have been a nice extra. Apart from that: great shot, Kawasaki!
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...
Price Comparison Avarage Market Price Kawasaki Z900 vs Yamaha MT-09 SP
There are a few key differences between a Kawasaki Z900 2020 and a Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018. In terms of price, the actual average price of a Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 is about 8% higher. Compared to Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 there are more Kawasaki Z900 2020 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 34 compared to 5. It takes less time to sell a Yamaha MT-09 SP with 72 days compared to 124 days for the Kawasaki Z900. Since model year 2017 1000PS.de editors have written 46 reviews for the Kawasaki Z900 and 29 reviews for the Yamaha MT-09 SP since model year 2018. 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 49,000 views for the first review on Yamaha MT-09 SP published on 06/11/2017.
