MotoSpecs

2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja vs 2018 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja 2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja

Sport touring

Engine
Four Stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 16 valve, Supercharger Centrifugal, scroll-type
Power
206.5 hp / 153.9 kW @ 11000 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
256 kg / 564 lbs - SE 260 kg / 573 lbs
2018 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900 2018 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900

Sport touring

Engine
Four stroke, transverse three cylinder, DOHC, 12 Valve
Power
84.6 kW / 114 hp @ 10,000 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
207 kg / 462 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year2020 - 212017 - 18
Make ModelKawasaki H2 SX-SE NinjaYamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900
Dimensions
Seat Height835 mm / 32.8 in845 mm - 860 mm / 33.3 in - 33.9 in
Wheelbase1480 mm / 58.3 in1440 mm / 56.7 in
Ground Clearance130 mm / 5.1 in135 mm / 5.3 in
Height1205 mm / 47.5 in - SE 1262mm / 49.6 in1338 mm to 1375 mm / 52.9 in to 54.1 in
Length1205 mm / 47.5 in - SE 1262 mm / 49.6 in2160 mm / 85.0 in
Width775 mm / 30.5 in850 mm / 37.4 in
Weights & Capacities
Fuel Capacity19 Litres / 5 US gal18 Litres / 4.8 US gal
Wet Weight256 kg / 564 lbs - SE 260 kg / 573 lbs207 kg / 462 lbs
Performance
Max Power206.5 hp / 153.9 kW @ 11000 rpm84.6 kW / 114 hp @ 10,000 rpm
Max Torque137.3 Nm / 101.3 ft-lb @ 9500 rpm87.5 Nm / 8.9 kgf-m @ 8,500 rpm
Engine
Displacement998 cc / 60.9 cub in847 cc / 51.6 cu-in
Engine DetailFour Stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 16 valve, Supercharger Centrifugal, scroll-typeFour stroke, transverse three cylinder, DOHC, 12 Valve
Bore x Stroke76 x 55 mm78 x 59.1 mm
Compression Ratio11.2:111.5 :1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledLiquid cooled
Fuel InductionFuel injection: φ40 mm x 4 with dual injectionElectronic Fuel Injection
IgnitionDigitalTransistorized coil ignition
LubricationForced, wet sump with oil coolerWet sump
StarterElectricElectric
Drivetrain
ClutchWet multi-disc, manual. Wet, multiple-disc
Final DriveChainChain
Final Drive Ratio2.444 (44/18)-
Gear Ratios1st 3.077 (40/13) 2nd 2.471 (42/17) 3rd 2.045 (45/22) 4th 1.727 (38/22) 5th 1.524 (32/21) 6th 1.348 (31/23)-
Primary Drive Ratios1.480 (74/50)-
Transmission / Drive6-speed, return, dog-ring6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeTrellis, high-tensile steel, with swingarm mounting plateDiamond frame
Suspension - Front43 mm Inverted fork with rebound and compression damping, spring preload adjustability and top-out springs41mm fork; adjustable preload and rebound damping
Suspension - RearUni-Trak with gas-charged shock, piggyback reservoir, dual-range (high/low-speed) compression damping, rebound damping and preload adjustability, and top-out springRear Single shock; adjustable preload and rebound damping
Rake24.7°24°
Steering Angle30° Right / 30° Left-
Trail103 mm / 4.0 in100 mm / 3.9 in
Wheel Travel - Front120 mm / 4.7 in137 mm / 5.4 in
Wheel Travel - Rear139 mm / 5.5 in130 mm / 5.1 in
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - FrontDual 320 mm discs, radial-mount, opposed 4-piston calipers, dual semi-floating2x 298mm discs
Brakes - RearSingle 250mm disc, opposed 2-piston calipersSingle 245mm disc
References
Notes-The Yamaha Tracer 900, in USA known as the FJ-09 until 2017, then known as the Tracer 900, while in Japan, South America, Australia, and New Zealand it is known as the MT-09 Tracer.)
Wheels & Brakes
Tyres - Front120/70 ZR17 M/C (58W)120/70-ZR17M/C
Tyres - Rear190/55 ZR17 M/C (75W)180/55-ZR17M/C

Verdict

Too close to call

The 2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja and the 2018 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900 are evenly matched across the key measurable criteria. Your decision comes down to personal preference, riding style, and which brand's dealer network best suits your location.

Key Differences

2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja - Advantages

  • Larger displacement: 998 cc vs 847 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.
  • More rear wheel travel: 139 mm vs 130 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.

2018 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900 - Advantages

  • Lighter: 207 kg vs 256 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • More front wheel travel: 137 mm vs 120 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja vs 2018 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja and 2018 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900?
The 2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja uses Four Stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 16 valve, Supercharger Centrifugal, scroll-type, while the 2018 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900 is powered by Four stroke, transverse three cylinder, DOHC, 12 Valve.
Which is lighter, the 2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja or the 2018 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900?
The 2018 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900 is lighter at 207 kg compared to 256 kg for the 2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja - a difference of 49 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which should I buy, the 2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja or the 2018 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900?
Both are strong choices. The 2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja has the edge in higher rear wheel travel and larger displacement, while the 2018 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900 stands out for lighter kerb weight and higher front wheel travel. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.

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