Kawasaki Z900 2017 vs. Yamaha MT-09 2020

Kawasaki Z900 2017

Kawasaki Z900 2017

Yamaha MT-09 2020

Yamaha MT-09 2020

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Overview - Kawasaki Z900 2017 vs Yamaha MT-09 2020

The Kawasaki Z900 2017 and the Yamaha MT-09 2020 are both naked bikes that offer powerful engines and modern features. However, there are some notable differences between the two models.

In terms of engine specifications, the Kawasaki Z900 2017 is equipped with an inline 4-cylinder engine with a displacement of 948cc. It produces 125.4 horsepower and 98.6 Nm of torque. On the other hand, the Yamaha MT-09 2020 features an inline 3-cylinder engine with a displacement of 847cc. It generates slightly less power at 115 horsepower and 87.5 Nm of torque. Both bikes use fuel injection systems and liquid cooling.

When it comes to suspension, both bikes have upside-down telescopic forks at the front and swing arms with monoshock absorbers at the rear. This setup provides good stability and handling on various road conditions. However, the Yamaha MT-09 2020 offers additional advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, quickshifter, and traction control. These features enhance the overall riding experience and safety.

Kawasaki Z900 2017

Kawasaki Z900 2017

In terms of chassis, the Kawasaki Z900 2017 has a steel frame with a double cradle design, while the Yamaha MT-09 2020 features an aluminum frame with a twin tube design. The aluminum frame offers better rigidity and lighter weight, which can contribute to improved handling and maneuverability.

Both bikes have double disk brakes at the front, but the Kawasaki Z900 2017 has slightly larger diameter disks at 300mm compared to the Yamaha MT-09 2020's 298mm disks. Both models also have ABS for added safety.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the Kawasaki Z900 2017 has a wheelbase of 1450mm and a seat height of 795mm. It weighs 210kg with ABS. On the other hand, the Yamaha MT-09 2020 has a slightly shorter wheelbase of 1440mm and a higher seat height of 815mm. It weighs slightly less at 193kg with ABS.

Yamaha MT-09 2020

Yamaha MT-09 2020

In terms of strengths, the Kawasaki Z900 2017 is praised for its ingenious naked bike chassis, superb looks, and a responsive engine with a well-balanced torque. It is also considered to offer a good intersection of performance, price, and practical use. On the other hand, the Yamaha MT-09 2020 is known for its powerful engine with plenty of torque and fine control of the traction control system.

However, both bikes have their weaknesses. The Kawasaki Z900 2017 has a narrow knee angle, which can be uncomfortable for taller riders. It is recommended to order a different seat to address this issue. On the other hand, the Yamaha MT-09 2020 lacks a blipper function, and its high handlebars provide little feedback. The throttle response is also reported to be rough, and the ABS system regulates too early in some situations.

In conclusion, both the Kawasaki Z900 2017 and the Yamaha MT-09 2020 are capable naked bikes with powerful engines and modern features. The choice between the two ultimately depends on individual preferences and priorities, such as riding style, comfort, and desired advanced rider assistance systems.

Technical Specifications Kawasaki Z900 2017 compared to Yamaha MT-09 2020

Kawasaki Z900 2017
Yamaha MT-09 2020

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeIn line
BoreBore73.4 mmBore78 mm
StrokeStroke56 mmStroke59.1 mm
Engine powerEngine power125.4 HPEngine power115 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power9,500 rpmRpm at Max. Power10,000 rpm
TorqueTorque98.6 NmTorque87.5 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque7,700 rpmRpm at Torque8,500 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio11.8 Compression Ratio11.5
Fuel systemFuel systemInjectionFuel systemInjection
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
IgnitionIgnitionDigitalIgnitionTransistor
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
Transmission TypeTransmission TypeGearshiftTransmission TypeGearshift
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders4Cylinders3
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder4
ValvesValvesDOHCValvesDOHC
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement948 ccmDisplacement847 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
TravelTravel120 mmTravel137 mm

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
Shock mountShock mountDeflectionShock mountDeflection
TravelTravel140 mmTravel130 mm

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameAluminium
Frame typeFrame typeDouble cradleFrame typeTwin Tube
RakeRake65 degreeRake65 degree
TrailTrail105 mmTrail103 mm

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter300 mmDiameter298 mm

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter250 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 width180 mmRear tyre width180 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height55 %Rear tyre height55 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
LengthLength2,070 mmLength2,075 mm
WidthWidth820 mmWidth815 mm
HeightHeight1,065 mmHeight1,120 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,450 mmWheelbase1,440 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height795 mmSeat Height815 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)210 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)193 kg
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Kawasaki Z900 2017

Kawasaki Z900 2017

An incredibly well-designed motorbike. A lot of test work and attention to detail went into it. It has exactly the right power, exactly the right chassis and exactly the right look. An all-round successful naked bike that will make you happy for a long time. If you like, you can ride it simply and faithfully, but if you want, you can also ride it really fast and it wheels like hell. Great!

Ingenious nakedbike chassis

superb looks

engine responds super fine, revs up willingly and has a perfectly dimensioned torque

optimum intersection of performance, price and practical use

Knee angle very narrow for tall people (order another seat!)

Yamaha MT-09 2020

Yamaha MT-09 2020

Riding fast is possible, but exhausting. The high handlebars are counterproductive on the race track and require a lot of physical effort. The MT-09 can't keep up with the Street Triple R, even with WP suspension.

Powerful engine with plenty of torque

Fine control of traction control

No blipper function

High handlebars give little feedback

Rough throttle response

Early-regulating ABS

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

There are a few key differences between a Kawasaki Z900 2017 and a Yamaha MT-09 2020. In terms of price, the actual average price of a Yamaha MT-09 2020 is about 3% higher. Compared to Yamaha MT-09 2020 there are more Kawasaki Z900 2017 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 43 compared to 8. It takes less time to sell a Kawasaki Z900 with 85 days compared to 110 days for a Yamaha MT-09. Since model year 2017 1000PS.de editors have written 46 reviews for the Kawasaki Z900 and 57 reviews for the Yamaha MT-09 since model year 2013. 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 39,900 views for the first review on Yamaha MT-09 published on 6/10/2013.

Price Kawasaki Z900

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Yamaha MT-09

Model year
Current average market prices

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