Yamaha MT-09 2018 vs. Kawasaki Z900 2019

Yamaha MT-09 2018

Yamaha MT-09 2018

Kawasaki Z900 2019

Kawasaki Z900 2019

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Overview - Yamaha MT-09 2018 vs Kawasaki Z900 2019

The Yamaha MT-09 2018 and the Kawasaki Z900 2019 are both naked bikes that offer powerful performance and a comfortable riding experience. However, there are some key differences between the two models.

In terms of engine specifications, the Yamaha MT-09 2018 is equipped with a 847cc inline three-cylinder engine, producing 115 horsepower and 87.5 Nm of torque. On the other hand, the Kawasaki Z900 2019 features a larger 948cc inline four-cylinder engine, delivering 125.4 horsepower and 98.6 Nm of torque. This means that the Kawasaki Z900 has a slight advantage in terms of power and torque.

Both bikes come with upside-down telescopic forks for the front suspension and a swing arm with a monoshock for the rear suspension. This setup provides good stability and handling for both models. However, the Yamaha MT-09 2018 has an aluminum frame with a twin tube design, while the Kawasaki Z900 2019 features a steel frame with a double cradle design. The aluminum frame of the Yamaha MT-09 offers a lighter weight and potentially better handling, while the steel frame of the Kawasaki Z900 provides added strength and stability.

Yamaha MT-09 2018

Yamaha MT-09 2018

In terms of braking, both bikes come with double disc brakes at the front, but the Kawasaki Z900 2019 has slightly larger 300mm diameter discs compared to the 298mm discs on the Yamaha MT-09 2018. Both models also come with ABS as part of their advanced rider assistance systems.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the Yamaha MT-09 2018 has a wheelbase of 1440mm and a seat height of 815mm. It weighs 193kg with ABS. On the other hand, the Kawasaki Z900 2019 has a slightly longer wheelbase of 1450mm and a lower seat height of 795mm. It weighs slightly more at 210kg with ABS.

Kawasaki Z900 2019

Kawasaki Z900 2019

When it comes to strengths, the Yamaha MT-09 2018 is praised for its harmonious design and character, smooth handling, and comfortable seating position. It is also known for its incredibly powerful engine. On the other hand, the Kawasaki Z900 2019 is commended for its light and natural handling, silky engine with strong mid-range pull, and high chassis transparency. It also offers a comfortable seating position and is considered to be reasonably priced.

However, both bikes have their weaknesses. The Yamaha MT-09 2018 can be exhausting to ride briskly and may require more riding skills compared to other mid-range naked bikes. It also has a lack of precision and the feeling for traction on the rear wheel is not as great. On the other hand, the Kawasaki Z900 2019 has a TFT display that is mounted too low and has cumbersome menu operation. Additionally, the rearview mirrors offer modest visibility.

In conclusion, the Yamaha MT-09 2018 and the Kawasaki Z900 2019 are both powerful and comfortable naked bikes with their own strengths and weaknesses. The Yamaha MT-09 offers a harmonious design and a powerful engine, while the Kawasaki Z900 provides light and natural handling and a reasonable price. Ultimately, the choice between the two models will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications Yamaha MT-09 2018 compared to Kawasaki Z900 2019

Yamaha MT-09 2018
Kawasaki Z900 2019

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeIn line
BoreBore78 mmBore73.4 mm
StrokeStroke59.1 mmStroke56 mm
Engine powerEngine power115 HPEngine power125.4 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power10,000 rpmRpm at Max. Power9,500 rpm
TorqueTorque87.5 NmTorque98.6 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque8,500 rpmRpm at Torque7,700 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio11.5 Compression Ratio11.8
Fuel systemFuel systemInjectionFuel systemInjection
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
IgnitionIgnitionTransistorIgnitionDigital
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
Transmission TypeTransmission TypeGearshiftTransmission TypeGearshift
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders3Cylinders4
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder4
ValvesValvesDOHCValvesDOHC
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement847 ccmDisplacement948 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
TravelTravel137 mmTravel120 mm

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
Shock mountShock mountDeflectionShock mountDeflection
TravelTravel130 mmTravel140 mm

Chassis

FrameFrameAluminiumFrameSteel
Frame typeFrame typeTwin TubeFrame typeDouble cradle
RakeRake65 degreeRake65 degree
TrailTrail103 mmTrail105 mm

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter298 mmDiameter300 mm

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter245 mmDiameter250 mm

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Quickshifter, 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 width180 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height55 %Rear tyre height55 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
LengthLength2,075 mmLength2,070 mm
WidthWidth815 mmWidth820 mm
HeightHeight1,120 mmHeight1,065 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,440 mmWheelbase1,450 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height815 mmSeat Height795 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)193 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)210 kg
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Yamaha MT-09 2018

Yamaha MT-09 2018

A coherent motorbike where everything fits together. The motorbike delivers what its looks promise. High-tech, charisma and lots of adrenaline. It is a mixture of supermoto, naked bike and streetfighter and it loves to be handled irrationally. A cool motorbike. Only in comparison with the MT-09 SP does one begin to miss a high-quality chassis.

Optics and character harmonise perfectly

wheels smoothly

lively handling

comfortable seating position even for tall riders

engine feels incredibly powerful

Exhausting when ridden briskly

bike requires more riding skills overall than other naked bikes in the mid-range

feeling for traction on the rear wheel not so great

lack of precision.

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

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

There are a few key differences between a Yamaha MT-09 2018 and a Kawasaki Z900 2019. In terms of price, the actual average price of a Kawasaki Z900 2019 is about 9% higher. Compared to Kawasaki Z900 2019 there are less Yamaha MT-09 2018 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 15 compared to 40. It takes less time to sell a Yamaha MT-09 with 72 days compared to 116 days for a Kawasaki Z900. Since model year 2013 1000PS.de editors have written 57 reviews for the Yamaha MT-09 and 46 reviews for the Kawasaki Z900 since model year 2017. The first review for the Yamaha MT-09 was published on 6/10/2013 and now has more than 39,900 views. This compares to more than 93,200 views for the first review on Kawasaki Z900 published on 11/11/2016.

Price Yamaha MT-09

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Kawasaki Z900

Model year
Current average market prices

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