2017 Kawasaki Z 800 vs 2018 Yamaha MT-09

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2017 Kawasaki Z 800 2017 Kawasaki Z 800

Naked bike

Engine
In-line four, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
500.4 pounds
2018 Yamaha MT-09 2018 Yamaha MT-09

Naked bike

Engine
Four stroke, transverse triple cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder
Power
84.6 kW / 115 hp @ 10,000 rpm
Top Speed
209.8 km/h / 130.3 mph
Weight
188 kg / 414 lbs - ABS 191 kg / 421 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year-2018
ColoursMetallic Spark Black/Flat Ebony, Metallic Spark Black/Pearl Stardust White-
Make Model-Yamaha MT-09
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (in.)5.9 inches-
Ground Clearance (mm)150 mm-
Seat Height834 mm / 32.8 in.815 mm / 32.1 in
Wheelbase1,445 mm / 56.9 in.1440 mm / 56.7 in
Height1,050 mm / 41.3 in.1135 mm ./ 44.7 in
Length2,100 mm / 82.7 in.2075 mm / 81.7 in
Width800 mm / 31.5 in.815 mm / 32.1 in
Weights & Capacities
Fuel Capacity17.00 litres / 4.49 gallons14 Litres / 3.7 US gal
Wet Weight227.0 kg / 500.4 lbs188 kg / 414 lbs - ABS 191 kg / 421 lbs
Performance
Top Speed-209.8 km/h / 130.3 mph
Max Power-84.6 kW / 115 hp @ 10,000 rpm
Max Torque83.00 Nm (8.5 kgf-m or 61.2 ft.lbs) @ 8500 Revolutions87.5 Nm / 8.9 kgf-m @ 8,500 rpm
Standing Start ¼ Mile-11.1 sec
Engine
Engine TypeIn-line four, four-stroke-
Displacement (ci)49.18 cubic inches-
Bore x Stroke (mm)71.0 x 50.9 mm-
Bore x Stroke (in,)2.8 x 2.0 inches-
Fuel ControlDouble Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)-
Displacement (cc)806.00 cc-
Displacement-847 cc / 51.6 cu-in
Engine Detail-Four stroke, transverse triple cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder
Fuel SystemInjection. 34 mm x 4 Mikuni with dual throttle valves-
Bore x Stroke-78 x 59.1 mm
Compression Ratio11.9:111.5:1
Cooling System-Liquid cooled
Engine LubricationForced lubrication, wet sump-
Fuel Consumption-20.7 km/lit
Fuel Induction-Electronic Fuel Injection
IgnitionDigitalTransistorized coil ignition
Lubrication-Wet sump
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System4-
Drivetrain
ClutchWet multi-disc, manualWet multi-plate
Final DriveChainO"-ring chain
Gearbox6-speed-
Primary DriveSealed chain-
Transmission / Drive-Constant Mesh
Chassis
Frame TypeTubular backbone (with engine sub-frame), high-tensile steelDiamond frame
Suspension - Front41 mm inverted fork with rebound damping and spring preload adjustabilityTelescopic fork
Suspension - RearBottom-Link Uni-Trak, gas-charged shock with piggyback reservoir and stepless rebound damping and preload adjustabilitySwingarm (link suspension)
Rake31.0°25°
Trail-103 mm / 4.0 in
Wheel Travel - Front-137 mm / 5.3 in
Wheel Travel - Rear-130 mm / 5.1 in
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)12.2 inches-
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)310 mm-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)9.8 inches-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)250 mm-
Brakes - FrontDouble disc. Floating discs.2x 298mm discs
Brakes - RearSingle disc. Single-piston caliper.Single 245mm disc
RimsDunlop Sportmax tires-
Tyres - Front120/70-ZR17120/70 ZR17 M/C (58W) (Tubeless)
Tyres - Rear180/55-ZR17180/55 ZR17 M/C (73W) (Tubeless)

Verdict

Winner on specs

2018 Yamaha MT-09

The 2018 Yamaha MT-09 edges out the 2017 Kawasaki Z 800 thanks to its lower seat height and liquid cooling. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2017 Kawasaki Z 800 - Advantages

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

2018 Yamaha MT-09 - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 815 mm vs 834 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.

2017 Kawasaki Z 800 vs 2018 Yamaha MT-09 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2017 Kawasaki Z 800 and 2018 Yamaha MT-09?
The 2017 Kawasaki Z 800 uses In-line four, four-stroke, while the 2018 Yamaha MT-09 is powered by Four stroke, transverse triple cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2017 Kawasaki Z 800 or the 2018 Yamaha MT-09?
The 2018 Yamaha MT-09 has the lower seat at 815 mm, making it more accessible. The 2017 Kawasaki Z 800 sits higher at 834 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2017 Kawasaki Z 800 or the 2018 Yamaha MT-09?
Both are strong choices. The 2017 Kawasaki Z 800 has the edge in dual front discs, while the 2018 Yamaha MT-09 stands out for lower seat height and liquid cooling. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.