2008 Kawasaki Z 750 vs 2009 Yamaha YZF-R6

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2008 Kawasaki Z 750 2008 Kawasaki Z 750

Naked bike

Engine
In-line four
Power
77.7 kW / 106 hp @ 10500 rpm
Top Speed
233.1 km/h
Weight
456.4 pounds
2009 Yamaha YZF-R6 2009 Yamaha YZF-R6

Naked bike

Engine
In-line four
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
414.0 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Year2007 - 08-
ColoursBlack, Silver, GreenVivid Orange/Raven, Team Yamaha Blue/White, Raven
Make ModelKawasaki Z 750-
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (in.)6.1 inches-
Ground Clearance (mm)155 mm-
Seat Height815 mm / 32.1 in851 mm / 33.5 in.
Wheelbase1440 mm / 56.7 in1,379 mm / 54.3 in.
Ground Clearance155 mm / 6.1 in-
Height1100 mm / 43.3 in1,100 mm / 43.3 in.
Length2085 mm / 82.1 in2,040 mm / 80.3 in.
Width805 mm / 31.7 in701 mm / 27.6 in.
Weights & Capacities
Weight balance - Rear49.0-
Weight balance - Front51.0-
Oil Capacity (Quarts)-0.22 quarts
Oil Capacity (l)-3.40 litres
Dry Weight207.0 kg / 456.4 lbs-
Fuel Capacity18.5 Litres / 4.8 US gal17.41 litres / 4.60 gallons
Wet Weight-187.8 kg / 414.0 lbs
Performance
Mods from previous modelEuro 3-
Top Speed233.1 km/h-
Acceleration (0-100 km/h)3.800 seconds-
Max Power77.7 kW / 106 hp @ 10500 rpm-
Max Torque78 Nm / 8.0 kg-fm @ 8300 rpm-
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.5121 HP/kg-
Standing Start ¼ Mile11.2 sec-
Engine
Bore x Stroke (mm)-67.0 x 42.5 mm
Bore x Stroke (in,)-2.6 x 1.7 inches
Displacement (cc)-599.00 cc
Displacement (ci)-36.55 cubic inches
Engine TypeIn-line fourIn-line four
Fuel ControlDOHCDOHC
Stroke44
Displacement748 cc / 45.6 cu-in-
Engine DetailFour stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder.-
Fuel SystemInjection. Keihin 32mm x 4Injection. Fuel Injection with YCC-T and YCC-I
Bore x Stroke68.4 x 50.9 mm-
Compression Ratio11.3:113.1:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooled-
Engine LubricationWet Sump-
Exhaust4-1 exhaust system-
Fuel Consumption19.2 km/lit-
Fuel InductionFuel injection: Ø 32 mm x 4 (Keihin) with oval sub-throttles-
IgnitionDigitalTCI: Transistor Controlled Ignition
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System4-
Drivetrain
ClutchMultiple wet plate manual-
Final DriveChainChain
Gearbox6-speed6-speed
Transmission / Drive6 Speed -
Chassis
Frame TypeTubular backbone (with engine sub-frame), high-tensile steel-
Suspension - Front41mm telescopic forks41mm inverted fork
Suspension - RearBottom link, Uni-Trak, 4-way rebound adjustment, 7-way preloadSingle shock
Rake24.5°24.0°
Trail103 mm / 4.1 in97 mm / 3.8 in.
Wheel Travel - Front120 mm / 4.7 in102 mm / 4.0 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear124 mm / 4.9 in102 mm / 4.0 in.
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)11.8 inches12.2 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)9.8 inches8.7 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)250 mm220 mm
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)300 mm310 mm
Brakes - Front2x 300mm discs 2 piston caliperDouble disc
Brakes - RearSingle 200mm disc 1 piston caliperSingle disc
Tyres - Front120/70 -17120/70-ZR17
Tyres - Rear180/55 -17180/55-ZR17

Verdict

Winner on specs

2008 Kawasaki Z 750

The 2008 Kawasaki Z 750 edges out the 2009 Yamaha YZF-R6 thanks to its lower seat height, liquid cooling, higher rear wheel travel and higher front wheel travel. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2008 Kawasaki Z 750 - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 815 mm vs 851 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • More rear wheel travel: 124 mm vs 102 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 120 mm vs 102 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2009 Yamaha YZF-R6 - Advantages

  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.

2008 Kawasaki Z 750 vs 2009 Yamaha YZF-R6 - FAQs

Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2008 Kawasaki Z 750 or the 2009 Yamaha YZF-R6?
The 2008 Kawasaki Z 750 has the lower seat at 815 mm, making it more accessible. The 2009 Yamaha YZF-R6 sits higher at 851 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2008 Kawasaki Z 750 or the 2009 Yamaha YZF-R6?
Both are strong choices. The 2008 Kawasaki Z 750 has the edge in lower seat height and liquid cooling, while the 2009 Yamaha YZF-R6 stands out for dual front discs. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.