Kawasaki Z650 2020 vs. Yamaha MT-09 2021

Kawasaki Z650 2020

Kawasaki Z650 2020

Yamaha MT-09 2021

Yamaha MT-09 2021

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Overview - Kawasaki Z650 2020 vs Yamaha MT-09 2021

When comparing the Kawasaki Z650 2020 and the Yamaha MT-09 2021, it is clear that both bikes have their own unique strengths and weaknesses.

Starting with the Kawasaki Z650 2020, it boasts a powerful two-cylinder engine that delivers 68.2 HP and 65.7 Nm of torque. This engine provides a thrilling riding experience, especially when combined with the aggressive intake noise that adds to the overall excitement. The compact dimensions and low seat height make it a suitable option for riders of different sizes. Additionally, the stable chassis ensures a smooth and controlled ride. The Z650 also features a TFT display with connectivity, allowing riders to easily access information and stay connected while on the road. Lastly, the grown-up look of the Z650 adds to its appeal, giving it a more mature and sophisticated appearance.

Kawasaki Z650 2020

Kawasaki Z650 2020

On the other hand, the Yamaha MT-09 2021 offers its own set of strengths. With an engine power of 119 HP and torque of 93 Nm, the MT-09 delivers even more pressure from the centre, providing an exhilarating ride. The bike also comes equipped with an over-complete electronics package, including ABS, Quickshifter, and Traction control, enhancing both safety and performance. The quickshifter is particularly notable, as it allows for seamless and efficient gear shifts. The comfortably integrated seating position ensures a pleasant and ergonomic riding experience. The MT-09 also features a successful chassis, which contributes to its lively handling and enormous riding pleasure.

Moving on to the weaknesses of each bike, the Kawasaki Z650 2020 has a few areas that could be improved. Some riders have reported issues with the front brake pressure point, which may affect the overall braking performance. Additionally, the Z650 may not be as comfortable for taller riders due to its compact dimensions. Lastly, the Rideology App, which offers connectivity features, may not be as sophisticated as some riders would prefer.

Yamaha MT-09 2021

Yamaha MT-09 2021

On the other hand, the Yamaha MT-09 2021 also has a few weaknesses. The polarising look of the bike may not appeal to everyone's taste. The TFT display on the MT-09 is relatively small, which may make it slightly harder to read and navigate. Some riders have also mentioned that the front wheel feel is somewhat indirect, which can affect the overall handling. Lastly, the cruise control feature is only available in the SP variant, limiting its accessibility for some riders.

In conclusion, both the Kawasaki Z650 2020 and the Yamaha MT-09 2021 have their own unique set of strengths and weaknesses. The Z650 offers a powerful engine, stable chassis, and a grown-up look, while the MT-09 delivers even more power, an over-complete electronics package, and a comfortably integrated seating position. Riders should consider their preferences and priorities when choosing between these two bikes.

Technical Specifications Kawasaki Z650 2020 compared to Yamaha MT-09 2021

Kawasaki Z650 2020
Yamaha MT-09 2021

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeIn line
BoreBore83 mmBore78 mm
StrokeStroke60 mmStroke62.1 mm
Engine powerEngine power68.2 HPEngine power119 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power8,000 rpmRpm at Max. Power10,000 rpm
TorqueTorque65.7 NmTorque93 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque7,000 rpmRpm at Torque7,000 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio10.8 Compression Ratio11.5
Fuel systemFuel systemInjectionFuel systemInjection
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
IgnitionIgnitionDigitalIgnitionTransistor
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
Transmission TypeTransmission TypeGearshiftTransmission TypeGearshift
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders3
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder4
ValvesValvesDOHCValvesDOHC
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement649 ccmDisplacement889 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionTelescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
TravelTravel125 mmTravel130 mm

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
Shock mountShock mountDeflectionShock mountDeflection
TravelTravel130 mmTravel122 mm

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameAluminium
Frame typeFrame typeTubularFrame typeTwin Tube
RakeRake65.5 degreeRake65 degree
TrailTrail100 mmTrail108 mm

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter300 mmDiameter298 mm

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter220 mmDiameter245 mm

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABSAdvanced 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 width160 mmRear tyre width180 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height60 %Rear tyre height55 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
LengthLength2,055 mmLength2,090 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,410 mmWheelbase1,430 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height790 mmSeat Height825 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)187.1 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)189 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity15 lFuel Tank Capacity14 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Kawasaki Z650 2020

Kawasaki Z650 2020

It's simply marvellous what Kawasaki has put together in a complete package with the new Z650. The technical components may not knock your socks off individually, but in combination they make for a pleasantly neutral motorbike that everyone will enjoy. No bitchy idiosyncrasies - simply a naked bike that works really well on winding country roads. Of course, the TFT display, which we don't find in the competition at the moment, is a plus, as is the grown-up look, which is strongly oriented towards the larger Z models. Only the pressure point of the front brake could have been more clearly defined - but you can't have everything in this price range.

powerful two-cylinder engine

aggressive intake noise

compact dimensions

low seat height

stable chassis

TFT display with connectivity

grown-up look

Front brake pressure point

probably uncomfortable for tall riders

Rideology Appn och not 100% sophisticated.

Yamaha MT-09 2021

Yamaha MT-09 2021

The ingredients for the 2021 update are right: More power, more equipment, more electronics, less weight. If you take a look at the key data of the latest MT-09, including its over-complete standard equipment, "mid-range naked bike" almost sounds a bit pejorative. The Japanese engineers have made improvements exactly where they were needed. The swaying chassis is now a thing of the past and the load change reactions have also been eliminated from the revised three-cylinder engine. The additional power paired with a little more pressure in the mid-range gives a sovereign riding feeling. The MT-09 offers a lot of equipment and enormous riding pleasure at a very attractive price. If you like the look, you can buy it without hesitation.

No more load change reactions

even more pressure from the centre

over-complete electronics package

great working quickshifter

comfortably integrated seating position

successful chassis

lively handling

enormous riding pleasure.

Polarising look

small TFT display

somewhat indirect front wheel feel

cruise control only available in SP variant

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price Kawasaki Z650 vs Yamaha MT-09

There are a few key differences between a Kawasaki Z650 2020 and a Yamaha MT-09 2021. In terms of price, the actual average price of a Yamaha MT-09 2021 is about 41% higher. Compared to Yamaha MT-09 2021 there are more Kawasaki Z650 2020 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 21 compared to 19. It takes less time to sell a Kawasaki Z650 with 80 days compared to 112 days for a Yamaha MT-09. Since model year 2017 1000PS.de editors have written 31 reviews for the Kawasaki Z650 and 57 reviews for the Yamaha MT-09 since model year 2013. The first review for the Kawasaki Z650 was published on 11/8/2016 and now has more than 25,000 views. This compares to more than 39,900 views for the first review on Yamaha MT-09 published on 6/10/2013.

Price Kawasaki Z650

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Yamaha MT-09

Model year
Current average market prices

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