2009 Kawasaki Z 1000 vs 2008 Triumph Bonneville T100

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2009 Kawasaki Z 1000 2009 Kawasaki Z 1000

Naked bike

Engine
In-line four, four-stroke
Power
127 hp / 92.7 kW @ 10000 rpm
Top Speed
238 km/h / 148 mph
Weight
221 kg / 487.2 lbs
2008 Triumph Bonneville T100 2008 Triumph Bonneville T100

Naked bike

Engine
Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Power
50 kW / 67 hp @ 7500 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
226 kg / 499 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year20092007 - 08
ColoursPearl Crystal White-
Make ModelKawasaki Z 1000Triumph Bonneville T100
Dimensions
Seat Height820 mm / 32.3 in775 mm / 30.5 in
Wheelbase1420 mm / 55.9 in1493 mm / 58.8 in
Ground Clearance145 mm / 5.7 in-
Height1055 mm / 41.5 in1105 mm / 43.5 in
Length2080 mm / 81.9 in2250 mm / 88.6 in
Width770 mm / 30.3 in860 mm / 33.8 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight198 kg / 436.5 lbs205 kg / 451 lbs
Fuel Capacity18 Litres / 4.8 US gal16.6 Litres / 4.4 US gal / 3.7 Imp gal
Wet Weight221 kg / 487.2 lbs226 kg / 499 lbs
Performance
Top Speed238 km/h / 148 mph-
Max Power127 hp / 92.7 kW @ 10000 rpm50 kW / 67 hp @ 7500 rpm
Max Torque95.6 Nm / 70.5 ft/ lbs @ 8000 rpm69 Nm / 7.04 kgf-m / 51 ft-lb @ 5800 rpm
Standing Start ¼ Mile11.3 sec / 122 mph-
Engine
Fuel ControlDOHC-
Engine TypeIn-line four, four-stroke-
Displacement953 cc / 58.1 cu-in865 cc / 52.8 cu in
Engine DetailFour stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder.Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel SystemInjection-
Bore x Stroke77.2 x 50.9 mm90 x 68 mm
Compression Ratio11.2:19.2:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledAir-cooled
Engine Oil SpecificationSynthetic, 10W/40Synthetic, 15W/50
Fuel Consumption18.9 km/lit-
Fuel Induction4x 38mm throttle bodiesTwin carburetors, electrically heated
IgnitionDigital Digital
LubricationWet sumpWet sump
Spark PlugNGK, CR9EK-
StarterElectricElectric
Drivetrain
ClutchWet, multiple discs, cable operatedWet, multi plate
Final DriveChainChain, X-ring
Gearbox6-speed-
Transmission / Drive6 Speed 5 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeSteel, Backbone frameTubular steel cradle, swing arm: twin-sided, tubular steel
Suspension - Front41mm cartridge fork, rebound, spring preload adjustable41mm Kayaba telescopic forks
Suspension - RearUni-Trak, rebound spring preload adjustableKayaba chrome spring twin shocks with adjustable preload
Rake25°28°
Trail102 mm / 4.0 in110 mm / 4.3 in
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)250 mm-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)9.8 inches-
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)300 mm-
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)11.8 inches-
Brakes - Front2x 300mm 4 piston calipersSingle 310 mm disc, 2 piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle 292mm disc 2 piston caliperSingle 255 mm disc, 2 piston calipers
Tyres - Front120/70 R17100/90 19
Tyres - Rear190/50 R17130/80 17
Wheels - Front-36 Spokes, 19 x 2.5 in
Wheels - Rear-36 Spokes, 17 x 3.5 in

Verdict

Winner on specs

2009 Kawasaki Z 1000

The 2009 Kawasaki Z 1000 edges out the 2008 Triumph Bonneville T100 thanks to its more peak power, liquid cooling and larger displacement. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2009 Kawasaki Z 1000 - Advantages

  • More power: Produces 127 hp vs 50 kW - a meaningful performance advantage.
  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • Larger displacement: 953 cc vs 865 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.

2008 Triumph Bonneville T100 - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 775 mm vs 820 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.

2009 Kawasaki Z 1000 vs 2008 Triumph Bonneville T100 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2009 Kawasaki Z 1000 and 2008 Triumph Bonneville T100?
The 2009 Kawasaki Z 1000 uses In-line four, four-stroke, while the 2008 Triumph Bonneville T100 is powered by Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Which has more power, the 2009 Kawasaki Z 1000 or the 2008 Triumph Bonneville T100?
The 2009 Kawasaki Z 1000 produces more peak power at 127 hp, compared to 50 kW for the 2008 Triumph Bonneville T100.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2009 Kawasaki Z 1000 or the 2008 Triumph Bonneville T100?
The 2008 Triumph Bonneville T100 has the lower seat at 775 mm, making it more accessible. The 2009 Kawasaki Z 1000 sits higher at 820 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2009 Kawasaki Z 1000 or the 2008 Triumph Bonneville T100?
Both are strong choices. The 2009 Kawasaki Z 1000 has the edge in more peak power and liquid cooling, while the 2008 Triumph Bonneville T100 stands out for lower seat height. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.