2017 Kawasaki Z 900 vs 2017 Triumph Street Twin

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles

Differences only

2017 Kawasaki Z 900

Naked bike

Engine

In-line four, four-stroke

Power

125 hp / 91.2 kW @ 9500 rpm

Top Speed

N/A

Weight

463.0 pounds

2017 Triumph Street Twin

Naked bike

Engine

Four stroke, 270° Crank angle parallel twin, SOHC, 8 valves

Power

40.5 kW / 55 hp @ 5900 rpm

Top Speed

N/A

Weight

198 kg / 437 lbs

Full Specifications

Differs Same

General
Year	2017	2016 - 17
Colours	Pearl Mystic Gray/Metallic Flat Spark Black, Candy Lime Green/Metallic Flat Spark Black, Metallic Flat Spark Black/Metallic Spark Black	Jet black, Crnberry red, Matt black, Phantom black, Aluminium silver
Make Model	Kawasaki Z 900	Triumph Street Twin
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)	130 mm	-
Ground Clearance (in.)	5.1 inches	-
Seat Height	795 mm / 32.8 in	750 mm / 29.5 in
Wheelbase	1450 mm / 57.1 in	1415 mm / 55.7 in
Ground Clearance	130 mm / 5.1 in	-
Height	1065 mm / 41.9 in	1114 mm / 43.9 in (without mirrors)
Length	2065 mm / 81.5 in	-
Width	825 mm / 32.3 in	785 mm / 30.9 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight	-	198 kg / 437 lbs
Fuel Capacity	17 Litres / 4.5 US gal	12 L / 3.2 US gal / 2.7 Imp gal
Wet Weight	210 kg / 463.1 lbs	-
Performance
Max Power	125 hp / 91.2 kW @ 9500 rpm	40.5 kW / 55 hp @ 5900 rpm
Max Torque	98 Nm / 72.7 lb-ft @ 7700	80 Nm / 8.16 kgf-m / 59 ft-lb @ 3230 rpm
Engine
Fuel Control	Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)	-
Engine Type	In-line four, four-stroke	-
CO2	127.6 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)	-
Displacement	948 cc / 57.8 cu-in	900 cc / 54.9 cu in
Engine Detail	Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder	Four stroke, 270° Crank angle parallel twin, SOHC, 8 valves
Fuel System	Injection	-
Bore x Stroke	73.4 x 56.0mm	84.6 x 80 mm
Compression Ratio	11.8:1	10.55:1
Cooling System	Liquid cooled	Liquid cooled
Engine Lubrication	Forced lubrication, wet sump	-
Exhaust	-	Brushed stainless steel, 2 into 2 exhaust system with twin silencers
Fuel Consumption	5.50 litres/100 km (18.2 km/l or 42.77 mpg)	3.87 L/100 km / 25.8 km/l / 60.8 US mpg / 73.0 Imp mpg
Fuel Induction	DFIØ with 36mm Keihin throttle bodies	Multipoint sequential electronic fuel injection
Ignition	TCBI with electronic advance	Digital
Lubrication	Forced lubrication, wet sump	Wet sump
Starter	Electric	Electric
Valve System	4	-
Drivetrain
Clutch	Wet multi-disc, manual	Wet, multi-plate, slip-assist
Final Drive	Sealed chain	Chain, X-ring
Final Drive Ratio	2.933 (44/15)	-
Gear Ratios	1st 2.692 (35/13) 2nd 2.059 (35/17) 3rd 1.650 (33/20) 4th 1.409 (31/22) 5th 1.222 (33/27) 6th 1.034 (30/29)	-
Gearbox	6-speed	-
Primary Drive	Sealed chain	-
Primary Drive Ratios	1.627 (83/51)	-
Transmission / Drive	6 Speed	5-Speed
Chassis
Frame Type	Trellis, high tensile steel	Tubular steel cradle, twin-sided tubular steel swing-arm
Suspension - Front	41mm inverted fork with rebound damping and spring preload adjustability	Kayaba 41 mm fork
Suspension - Rear	Horizontal back-link, stepless rebound damping, adjustable spring preload	Kayaba twin shocks with adjustable preload
Rake	25°	25.1°
Trail	103 mm / 4.1 in	102.4 mm / 4.0 in
Wheel Travel - Front	120 mm / 4.7 in	120 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear	140 mm / 5.5 in	120 mm / 4.7 in
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)	9.8 inches	-
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)	300 mm	-
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)	11.8 inches	-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)	250 mm	-
Brakes - Front	2x semi-floating 310 mm discs 4 piston calipers	Single 310mm disc, Nissin 2 piston floating caliper, ABS
Brakes - Rear	Single 220mm disc 1 piston caliper	Single 255mm disc, Nissin 2 piston floating caliper, ABS
Tyres - Front	120/70 ZR17	100/90-R18
Tyres - Rear	180/55ZR17	150/70-R17
Wheels - Front	-	2.75 x 18, Cast aluminium alloy, multi-spoke
Wheels - Rear	-	4.25 x 17, Cast aluminium alloy, multi-spoke

Verdict

Winner on specs

2017 Kawasaki Z 900

The 2017 Kawasaki Z 900 edges out the 2017 Triumph Street Twin thanks to its higher torque, larger fuel tank, higher rear wheel travel and larger displacement. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2017 Kawasaki Z 900 - Advantages

Higher torque: 98 Nm vs 80 Nm - more pulling power across the rev range.
Larger fuel tank: More range between stops - an advantage on touring routes and remote roads.
Larger displacement: 948 cc vs 900 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.
More rear wheel travel: 140 mm vs 120 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.

2017 Triumph Street Twin - Advantages

Lighter: 198 kg vs 210 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
Lower seat height: 750 mm vs 795 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.

2017 Kawasaki Z 900 vs 2017 Triumph Street Twin - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2017 Kawasaki Z 900 and 2017 Triumph Street Twin?

The 2017 Kawasaki Z 900 uses In-line four, four-stroke, while the 2017 Triumph Street Twin is powered by Four stroke, 270° Crank angle parallel twin, SOHC, 8 valves.

Which is lighter, the 2017 Kawasaki Z 900 or the 2017 Triumph Street Twin?

The 2017 Triumph Street Twin is lighter at 198 kg compared to 210 kg for the 2017 Kawasaki Z 900 - a difference of 12 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.

Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2017 Kawasaki Z 900 or the 2017 Triumph Street Twin?

The 2017 Triumph Street Twin has the lower seat at 750 mm, making it more accessible. The 2017 Kawasaki Z 900 sits higher at 795 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.

Which has the larger fuel tank, the 2017 Kawasaki Z 900 or the 2017 Triumph Street Twin?

The 2017 Kawasaki Z 900 has the larger tank at approximately 17 litres vs 12 litres for the 2017 Triumph Street Twin. At 5-6 l/100 km that is roughly 283-340 km vs 200-240 km between stops.

Which should I buy, the 2017 Kawasaki Z 900 or the 2017 Triumph Street Twin?

Both are strong choices. The 2017 Kawasaki Z 900 has the edge in higher torque and larger fuel tank, while the 2017 Triumph Street Twin stands out for lighter kerb weight and 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.

Related Comparisons

All Kawasaki Z 900 years All Triumph Street Twin years

Build your own comparison →