Kawasaki Z900 SE 2023 vs. Yamaha MT-10 SP 2023

The Kawasaki Z900 SE 2023 and the Yamaha MT-10 SP 2023 are both powerful naked bikes with impressive specifications. However, they have some differences that set them apart.

Starting with the engine, the Yamaha MT-10 SP has a more powerful engine, producing 166 HP compared to the Kawasaki Z900 SE's 125 HP. The Yamaha also has a higher torque of 112 Nm compared to the Kawasaki's 98.6 Nm. Both bikes have a four-cylinder engine with liquid cooling and fuel injection.

In terms of suspension, both bikes feature upside-down telescopic forks at the front and a swing arm with a monoshock at the rear. The rear suspension on both bikes is provided by Öhlins. However, the Yamaha MT-10 SP offers more adjustability with compression, preload, and rebound adjustments for both the front and rear suspension. The Kawasaki Z900 SE only offers compression, preload, and rebound adjustments for the front suspension.

When it comes to the chassis, the Kawasaki Z900 SE has a steel frame with a double cradle design, while the Yamaha MT-10 SP features an aluminum frame with a Deltabox design. The Yamaha's frame is considered to be of higher quality.

Kawasaki Z900 SE 2023

In terms of braking, both bikes have double disk brakes at the front with four pistons. The Kawasaki Z900 SE has 300 mm diameter disks, while the Yamaha MT-10 SP has larger 320 mm diameter disks. Both bikes use Brembo brakes, but the Yamaha features radial technology, which is considered to be more advanced.

In terms of rider assistance systems, both bikes offer ABS, riding modes, and ride by wire. The Yamaha MT-10 SP goes a step further and includes additional features such as suspension electronically adjustable, cornering ABS, shift assistant with blipper, cruise control, traction control, and anti-wheelie. The Kawasaki Z900 SE lacks these additional features.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the Yamaha MT-10 SP has a slightly shorter wheelbase of 1405 mm compared to the Kawasaki Z900 SE's 1450 mm. The Yamaha also has a higher seat height of 835 mm compared to the Kawasaki's 795 mm. Both bikes have similar tire widths and diameters. The Yamaha MT-10 SP is slightly heavier with a kerb weight of 214 kg compared to the Kawasaki Z900 SE's 210 kg.

Yamaha MT-10 SP 2023

In terms of equipment, both bikes feature LED headlights and a TFT display. The Kawasaki Z900 SE also includes LED daytime running lights, while the Yamaha MT-10 SP does not.

In terms of strengths, the Kawasaki Z900 SE is praised for its powerful engine, high-quality chassis components, strong Brembo brakes, good ergonomics, and easy handling. On the other hand, the Yamaha MT-10 SP is praised for its great ride comfort, balance between sportiness and practicality, fantastic engine response, sensitive and practical chassis, high-quality frame, relaxed seating position, and pleasing sound.

In terms of weaknesses, the Kawasaki Z900 SE lacks a quickshifter, lean angle dependent traction control, and cornering ABS due to the absence of an IMU. It also has a high weight. The Yamaha MT-10 SP is criticized for its overly comfortable seating position on a racetrack excursion, the lumpy appearance of the front, and the brakes that are considered undersized for a top model.

In conclusion, both the Kawasaki Z900 SE 2023 and the Yamaha MT-10 SP 2023 offer impressive performance and features. The Yamaha MT-10 SP has a more powerful engine and additional rider assistance systems, while the Kawasaki Z900 SE offers good handling and high-quality components. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.