Yamaha MT-09 2021 vs. Kawasaki Z900 2020

When comparing the Yamaha MT-09 2021 and the Kawasaki Z900 2020, it is clear that both naked bikes have their own unique strengths and weaknesses.

Starting with the Yamaha MT-09 2021, it boasts an inline engine with 119 HP of power and 93 Nm of torque. The fuel system is injection-based, and it has a 3-cylinder configuration. The bike is cooled by a liquid cooling system and has a displacement of 889 ccm. The front suspension consists of an upside-down telescopic fork, while the rear suspension is a swing arm with a monoshock absorber. The frame is made of aluminum and has a twin tube design. The front brakes are double disk with a diameter of 298 mm. The bike also features advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, quickshifter, and traction control. The dimensions include a front tire width of 120 mm, a front tire diameter of 17 inches, a rear tire width of 180 mm, a rear tire diameter of 17 inches, a wheelbase of 1430 mm, a seat height of 825 mm, and a kerb weight of 189 kg (with ABS).

The strengths of the Yamaha MT-09 2021 include the elimination of load change reactions, increased pressure from the center, and an over-complete electronics package. The quickshifter is also highly praised for its performance. Additionally, the bike offers a comfortably integrated seating position, a successful chassis, lively handling, and enormous riding pleasure.

Yamaha MT-09 2021

On the other hand, the Yamaha MT-09 2021 does have some weaknesses. The polarizing look may not appeal to everyone, and the small TFT display may be a drawback for some riders. Additionally, the front wheel feel is somewhat indirect, and the cruise control feature is only available in the SP variant.

Turning to the Kawasaki Z900 2020, it features an inline engine with a higher power output of 125.4 HP and torque of 98.6 Nm. The fuel system is injection-based, and it has a 4-cylinder configuration. Similar to the Yamaha, it is also cooled by a liquid cooling system and has a displacement of 948 ccm. The front suspension consists of an upside-down telescopic fork, while the rear suspension is a swing arm with a monoshock absorber. The frame is made of steel and has a double cradle design. The front brakes are double disk with a diameter of 300 mm. The bike also features advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, riding modes, ride by wire, and traction control. The dimensions include a front tire width of 120 mm, a front tire diameter of 17 inches, a rear tire width of 180 mm, a rear tire diameter of 17 inches, a wheelbase of 1450 mm, a seat height of 795 mm, and a kerb weight of 210 kg (with ABS).

Kawasaki Z900 2020

The strengths of the Kawasaki Z900 2020 include its powerful four-cylinder engine, great handling, good equipment, and aggressive looks. It is also considered to offer good value for money.

However, the Kawasaki Z900 2020 does have some weaknesses as well. The menu navigation can be somewhat tiring, and it lacks the option for a quickshifter, which is available on the Yamaha MT-09 2021.

In conclusion, both the Yamaha MT-09 2021 and the Kawasaki Z900 2020 have their own unique strengths and weaknesses. The Yamaha excels in terms of load change reactions, pressure from the center, electronics package, quickshifter, seating position, chassis, handling, and riding pleasure. On the other hand, the Kawasaki stands out with its powerful four-cylinder engine, great handling, good equipment, and aggressive looks. However, the Yamaha's weaknesses lie in its polarizing look, small TFT display, somewhat indirect front wheel feel, and limited cruise control availability. Meanwhile, the Kawasaki's weaknesses include tiring menu navigation and the absence of a quickshifter option. Ultimately, the choice between these two bikes will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.