Yamaha MT-09 SP 2023 vs. Kawasaki Z900 2021

In terms of engine and drive train, both the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2023 and the Kawasaki Z900 2021 have in-line engines with fuel injection and liquid cooling. However, the Yamaha MT-09 SP has a 3-cylinder engine with a displacement of 889ccm, producing 119 HP of power and 93 Nm of torque. On the other hand, the Kawasaki Z900 has a 4-cylinder engine with a displacement of 948ccm, producing 125.4 HP of power and 98.6 Nm of torque. This gives the Kawasaki Z900 a slight advantage in terms of power.

In terms of suspension, both bikes have upside-down telescopic forks at the front and swing arm suspension at the rear. The Yamaha MT-09 SP offers adjustable compression, preload, and rebound on both the front and rear suspension, while the Kawasaki Z900 only offers preload and rebound adjustment on both ends. This gives the Yamaha MT-09 SP an advantage in terms of suspension adjustability.

In terms of chassis, the Yamaha MT-09 SP has an aluminum frame with a twin-tube design, while the Kawasaki Z900 has a steel frame with a double cradle design. The aluminum frame of the Yamaha MT-09 SP is generally considered to be lighter and more rigid, providing better handling and maneuverability.

Yamaha MT-09 SP 2023

Both bikes have double disk brakes at the front with similar diameters (298mm for the Yamaha MT-09 SP and 300mm for the Kawasaki Z900), providing good stopping power.

In terms of advanced rider assistance systems, the Yamaha MT-09 SP offers a comprehensive set of features including ABS, cornering ABS, ride by wire, quickshifter, cruise control, traction control, and anti-wheelie. On the other hand, the Kawasaki Z900 offers ABS, riding modes, ride by wire, and traction control. The Yamaha MT-09 SP has a slight advantage in terms of advanced rider assistance systems with its additional features.

Both bikes have similar dimensions and weights, with the Yamaha MT-09 SP having a slightly shorter wheelbase (1430mm) compared to the Kawasaki Z900 (1450mm). The seat height of the Yamaha MT-09 SP is 825mm, while the Kawasaki Z900 has a slightly lower seat height of 795mm. The kerb weight of the Yamaha MT-09 SP is 189kg, while the Kawasaki Z900 is slightly heavier at 210kg.

In terms of equipment, both bikes have LED headlights and TFT displays. The Yamaha MT-09 SP also has the advantage of having a high-quality suspension from KYB and Öhlins.

Kawasaki Z900 2021

In terms of strengths, the Yamaha MT-09 SP offers an extremely agile and powerful engine, a comfortable riding position, high-quality suspension elements, a good quickshifter with blipper, and a distinctive look. On the other hand, the Kawasaki Z900 offers a powerful four-cylinder engine, intuitive handling, good equipment, aggressive looks, and value for money.

In terms of weaknesses, the Yamaha MT-09 SP has a small TFT display, a horn that is half-heartedly installed at the front, and a wide turning circle. The Kawasaki Z900 does not offer a quickshifter option and some competitors have advanced electronic features like a 6-axis IMU.

Overall, both the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2023 and the Kawasaki Z900 2021 are strong contenders in the naked bike segment, offering powerful engines, good handling, and attractive features. The choice between the two would depend on individual preferences and priorities.