Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018 vs. Triumph Speed Twin 1200 2021

Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018

Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018

Triumph Speed Twin 1200 2021

Triumph Speed Twin 1200 2021

Loading...

Overview - Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018 vs Triumph Speed Twin 1200 2021

The Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018 and the Triumph Speed Twin 1200 2021 are both naked bikes with similar technical specifications. However, they have some notable differences that set them apart.

Starting with the strengths of the Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018, it boasts a powerful and smooth engine with 111 HP and 98.6 Nm of torque. This provides excellent acceleration and a thrilling riding experience. Additionally, the bike has a stylish retro design that is visually appealing. The comfortable seating position allows for long rides without discomfort, and the bike is easy to handle and ride, thanks to its balanced handling characteristics. It strikes a good balance between being responsive and stable, making it suitable for riders of different skill levels.

Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018

Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018

On the other hand, the Triumph Speed Twin 1200 2021 has its own set of strengths. Its engine is superb, delivering 100 HP and 112 Nm of torque. The power delivery is smooth and consistent, providing ample power in every situation. The bike is also known for its high-quality workmanship and material feel, giving it a premium look and feel. The playful handling and good chassis contribute to a dynamic and enjoyable riding experience. Additionally, the high-performance brakes provide excellent stopping power, enhancing safety and control.

Moving on to the weaknesses of the Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018, it lacks a shift assistant, which can be found in some other retro bikes in its class. This feature allows for smooth and quick gear changes without using the clutch. Additionally, the bike is slightly heavier than other retro bikes in its class, which may affect maneuverability. The seat is also reported to be a little too soft for long tours, potentially causing discomfort. Lastly, the bike lacks wind protection, which may be an issue for riders who frequently ride at high speeds or in adverse weather conditions.

Triumph Speed Twin 1200 2021

Triumph Speed Twin 1200 2021

The Triumph Speed Twin 1200 2021 has a few weaknesses as well. Some riders have reported strong heat development under the rider, which can be uncomfortable, especially during long rides. Additionally, the bike may feel a little too petite for tall riders, affecting their comfort and riding position. Lastly, the bike has a large turning circle, which may require more effort and space when maneuvering in tight spaces.

In conclusion, both the Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018 and the Triumph Speed Twin 1200 2021 have their own strengths and weaknesses. The Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018 excels in its powerful engine, good looks, comfortable seating position, easy rideability, and balanced handling. On the other hand, the Triumph Speed Twin 1200 2021 shines with its superb engine, quality workmanship, torque in every situation, playful handling, good chassis, and high-performance brakes. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018 compared to Triumph Speed Twin 1200 2021

Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018
Triumph Speed Twin 1200 2021

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeIn line crankpin offset
BoreBore73.4 mmBore97.6 mm
StrokeStroke56 mmStroke80 mm
Engine powerEngine power111 HPEngine power100 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power8,500 rpmRpm at Max. Power7,250 rpm
TorqueTorque98.6 NmTorque112 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,500 rpmRpm at Torque4,250 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio10.8 Compression Ratio12
Fuel systemFuel systemInjectionFuel systemInjection
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
Transmission TypeTransmission TypeGearshiftTransmission TypeGearshift
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders4Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder4
ValvesValvesDOHCValvesOHC
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement948 ccmDisplacement1,200 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
DiameterDiameter41 mmDiameter43 mm
TravelTravel120 mmTravel120 mm

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberDual Shock
TravelTravel140 mmTravel120 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreload, ReboundAdjustmentPreload
MaterialMaterialAluminiumMaterialAluminium

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameSteel
Frame typeFrame typeTubularFrame typeCentral tube
RakeRake65 degreeRake22.3 degree

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter300 mmDiameter320 mm
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
Shock mountShock mountFixed caliperShock mountFixed caliper
ActuationActuationHydraulicActuationHydraulic

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter250 mmDiameter220 mm
PistonPistonSingle pistonPistonDouble piston

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Ride by Wire, Traction controlAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Riding modes, 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 width160 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height55 %Rear tyre height60 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
LengthLength2,100 mmLength2,099 mm
WidthWidth865 mmWidth778 mm
HeightHeight1,150 mmHeight1,097 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,470 mmWheelbase1,413 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height835 mmSeat Height809 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)215 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)216 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity17 lFuel Tank Capacity14.5 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018

Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018

Its four-cylinder is silky smooth while delivering enough power to make you grin under your helmet. It is also very easy to move, which should make it a great commuter bike in everyday life and serve as an iconic fun bike at the weekend. The looks find the perfect straddle of classic design and modern details to form a coherent retro package that is also a worthy tribute to Kawasaki history. It's a great naked bike with a snazzy look.

Powerful and smooth engine

good looks

comfortable seating position

easy to ride

balanced handling. Not nervous and not ponderous

no shift assistant

heavier than other retro bikes in this class

seat a little too soft on long tours

no wind protection

Triumph Speed Twin 1200 2021

Triumph Speed Twin 1200 2021

The better is the enemy of the good, this saying once again proves to be impressively true in the case of the new Triumph Speed Twin. The British have worked on the weak points of the predecessor and thus turned the classic beauty into a real riding machine that does not have to hide from modern naked bikes. Unfortunately, tall riders cannot enjoy the small 1200 quite as easily as riders under 1.85 metres. Be that as it may, the Speed Twin is the perfect modern classic motorbike for me - it combines classic looks with modern handling like no other motorbike on the market today.

Superb engine

quality workmanship and material feel

torque in every situation

playful handling

good chassis

high-performance brakes

Strong heat development under the driver

a little too petite for tall pilots

large turning circle

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price Kawasaki Z900 RS vs Triumph Speed Twin 1200

There are a few key differences between a Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018 and a Triumph Speed Twin 1200 2021. In terms of price, the actual average price of a Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018 is about 8% higher. A Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018 experiences a loss of 900 USD in one year and 1,070 USD in two years of ownership. This is offset by a loss of 190 USD and 390 USD for a Triumph Speed Twin 1200 2021. Compared to Triumph Speed Twin 1200 2021 there are more Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 28 compared to 13. It takes less time to sell a Kawasaki Z900 RS with 154 days compared to 163 days for a Triumph Speed Twin 1200. Since model year 2018 1000PS.de editors have written 26 reviews for the Kawasaki Z900 RS and 14 reviews for the Triumph Speed Twin 1200 since model year 2019. The first review for the Kawasaki Z900 RS was published on 9/6/2017 and now has more than 63,700 views. This compares to more than 90,200 views for the first review on Triumph Speed Twin 1200 published on 12/4/2018.

Price Kawasaki Z900 RS

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Triumph Speed Twin 1200

Model year
Current average market prices

Alternative Comparisons

1000PS Partner

LOUISContinental MotorradreifenSchuberthcalimoto GmbHMotorex AG