Kawasaki Z900 2020 vs. Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018

The Kawasaki Z900 2020 and the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 are both naked bikes that offer powerful performance and advanced rider assistance systems. However, there are some notable differences between the two models.

Starting with the engine specifications, the Kawasaki Z900 2020 is equipped with an inline four-cylinder engine that delivers 125.4 HP of power and 98.6 Nm of torque. On the other hand, the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 features an inline three-cylinder engine with 115 HP of power and 87.5 Nm of torque. Both bikes have fuel injection systems and liquid cooling.

In terms of suspension, both bikes feature upside-down telescopic forks at the front and swing arm suspensions at the rear. However, the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 offers more adjustability with compression, preload, and rebound adjustments for both the front and rear suspensions. The Kawasaki Z900 2020, on the other hand, only offers preload and rebound adjustments for its front and rear suspensions.

Kawasaki Z900 2020

When it comes to the chassis, the Kawasaki Z900 2020 has a steel frame with a double cradle design, while the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 features an aluminum frame with a twin tube design. This difference in frame construction may result in variations in weight and handling characteristics.

Both bikes are equipped with double disk brakes at the front, but the Kawasaki Z900 2020 has slightly larger diameter disks at 300 mm compared to the 298 mm disks on the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018. Both models also come with advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS and traction control. However, the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 has the additional feature of a quickshifter, which allows for smoother and faster gear changes.

Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018

In terms of dimensions and weights, the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 has a slightly longer wheelbase of 1500 mm compared to the 1450 mm wheelbase of the Kawasaki Z900 2020. The seat height is also higher on the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 at 820 mm compared to the 795 mm seat height of the Kawasaki Z900 2020. However, the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 is slightly lighter with a kerb weight of 193 kg compared to the 210 kg kerb weight of the Kawasaki Z900 2020.

In terms of equipment, both bikes come with LED headlights. The Kawasaki Z900 2020 also features LED daytime running lights and a TFT display, while the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 does not have these additional features.

In summary, the Kawasaki Z900 2020 offers a powerful four-cylinder engine, great handling, good equipment, aggressive looks, and value for money. Its weaknesses include a somewhat tiring menu navigation and the lack of a quickshifter option. On the other hand, the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 boasts an incredibly powerful three-cylinder engine, good brakes, a sporty and comfortable seating position, ABS, traction control, and a shift assistant. Its weaknesses include a high saddle, shift assistant limited to upshifting, and instruments that do not stand out strongly from the basic version.