Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 vs. Kawasaki Z650 2020
Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018
Kawasaki Z650 2020
Overview - Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 vs Kawasaki Z650 2020
The Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 and the Kawasaki Z650 2020 are both naked bikes that offer unique features and performance.
Starting with the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018, it is equipped with a powerful in-line three-cylinder engine that delivers 115 horsepower and 87.5 Nm of torque. This engine provides an exhilarating riding experience with plenty of power for both city commuting and highway cruising. The fuel system is injection-based, ensuring efficient fuel consumption. The bike also features a liquid cooling system to prevent overheating during long rides. With a displacement of 847ccm, the MT-09 SP offers a good balance between power and agility.
In terms of suspension, the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 comes with an upside-down telescopic fork at the front and a swing arm with a monoshock at the rear. These suspension components can be adjusted for compression, preload, and rebound, allowing riders to fine-tune the bike's handling to their preferences. The frame is made of aluminum and has a twin-tube design, providing a lightweight yet rigid structure for enhanced stability and maneuverability.
The braking system on the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 consists of double discs at the front with a diameter of 298mm, ensuring reliable and responsive stopping power. The bike is equipped with advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, quickshifter, and traction control, enhancing safety and control in various riding conditions.
Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018
In terms of dimensions and weights, the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 has a front tire width of 120mm and a rear tire width of 180mm, both with a diameter of 17 inches. The wheelbase measures 1500mm, providing stability and agility. The seat height is 820mm, which may be a bit high for shorter riders. The bike has a kerb weight of 193kg, including ABS, and a fuel tank capacity of 14 liters. LED headlights are also included as standard equipment, ensuring excellent visibility during night rides.
Moving on to the Kawasaki Z650 2020, it is equipped with an in-line two-cylinder engine that delivers 68.2 horsepower and 65.7 Nm of torque. While not as powerful as the Yamaha MT-09 SP, the Z650 still offers a thrilling riding experience with its aggressive intake noise and compact dimensions. The fuel system is injection-based, ensuring efficient fuel consumption. Similar to the Yamaha, the Z650 also features a liquid cooling system to prevent overheating.
In terms of suspension, the Kawasaki Z650 2020 comes with a telescopic fork at the front and a swing arm with a monoshock at the rear. The rear suspension can be adjusted for preload. The frame is made of steel and has a tubular design, providing a stable and reliable platform for the bike's performance.
The braking system on the Kawasaki Z650 2020 consists of double discs at the front with a diameter of 300mm, providing reliable stopping power. The bike is equipped with ABS as an advanced rider assistance system, enhancing safety and control.
Kawasaki Z650 2020
In terms of dimensions and weights, the Kawasaki Z650 2020 has a front tire width of 120mm and a rear tire width of 160mm, both with a diameter of 17 inches. The wheelbase measures 1410mm, providing agility and maneuverability. The seat height is 790mm, which is lower than the Yamaha MT-09 SP, making it more suitable for shorter riders. The bike has a kerb weight of 187.1kg, including ABS, and a fuel tank capacity of 15 liters. The Z650 also features LED daytime running lights, LED headlights, and a TFT display for added convenience and style.
In terms of strengths, the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 offers an incredibly powerful three-cylinder engine, good brakes, a sporty and comfortable seating position, ABS, traction control, and a shift assistant. On the other hand, the Kawasaki Z650 2020 has a powerful two-cylinder engine, an aggressive intake noise, compact dimensions, a low seat height, a stable chassis, a TFT display with connectivity, and a grown-up look.
However, the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 has a high saddle, and the shift assistant is only available for upshifting. The instruments also do not stand out strongly from the basic version. As for the Kawasaki Z650 2020, some riders may find the front brake pressure point to be less satisfactory, and it may be uncomfortable for taller riders. Additionally, the Rideology App may not be 100% sophisticated.
In conclusion, both the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 and the Kawasaki Z650 2020 offer unique features and performance in the naked bike segment. The Yamaha provides a more powerful engine and advanced rider assistance systems, while the Kawasaki offers a more compact and agile package with modern connectivity features. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences and riding needs.
Technical Specifications Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 compared to Kawasaki Z650 2020
Pros and Cons in comparison
Pros and Cons in comparison
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...
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.
Price Comparison Avarage Market Price Yamaha MT-09 SP vs Kawasaki Z650
There are a few key differences between a Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 and a Kawasaki Z650 2020. In terms of price, the actual average price of a Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 is about 48% higher. A Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 experiences a loss of 770 USD in one year of ownership. This is offset by a loss of 30 USD for a Kawasaki Z650 2020. Compared to Kawasaki Z650 2020 there are less Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 5 compared to 21. It takes less time to sell a Yamaha MT-09 SP with 72 days compared to 80 days for a Kawasaki Z650. Since model year 2018 1000PS.de editors have written 29 reviews for the Yamaha MT-09 SP and 31 reviews for the Kawasaki Z650 since model year 2017. The first review for the Yamaha MT-09 SP was published on 11/6/2017 and now has more than 49,000 views. This compares to more than 25,000 views for the first review on Kawasaki Z650 published on 11/8/2016.
