MotoSpecs

2020 Kawasaki Z 900 vs 2020 Triumph Speed Twin

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2020 Kawasaki Z 900 2020 Kawasaki Z 900

Naked bike

Engine
In-line four, four-stroke
Power
92.2 kW / 123.6 hp @ 9500 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
467.5 pounds
2020 Triumph Speed Twin 2020 Triumph Speed Twin

Naked bike

Engine
Four stoke, parallel twin, 270o crank, SOHC, 4 valve per cylinder
Power
71.5 kW / 96 hp @ 6750 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
196 kg / 432 lbs
Full Specifications
General
CommentsPower Mode Selection. Traction control.-
Year20202019 - 20
ColoursMetallic Graphite Gray/Metallic Spark Black, Candy Plasma Blue/Metallic Matte Fusion Silver-
Make ModelKawasaki Z 900Triumph Speed Twin
Warranty12 Month Limited Warranty-
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)130 mm-
Ground Clearance (in.)5.1 inches-
Seat Height820 mm / 32.2 in807 mm / 31.8 in
Wheelbase1455.4 mm / 57.3 in1430 mm / 56.3 in
Ground Clearance145 mm / 5.7 in-
Height1080 mm / 42.5 in1110 mm / 43.7 in
Length2070 mm / 81.4 in-
Width825 mm / 32.4 in760 mm / 29.9 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight-196 kg / 432 lbs
Fuel Capacity17 Litres / 4.5 US gal14.5 Litres / 3.8 US gal
Wet Weight212 kg / 467.5 lbs-
Performance
Max Power92.2 kW / 123.6 hp @ 9500 rpm 71.5 kW / 96 hp @ 6750 rpm
Max Torque98.6 Nm / 72.7 lb-ft @ 7700 rpm112.5 Nm / 83 lb-ft @ 4950 rpm
Engine
Fuel ControlDouble Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)-
Engine TypeIn-line four, four-stroke-
Displacement948 cc / 57.8 cu-in1198 cc / 73.1 cu in
Engine DetailFour stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinderFour stoke, parallel twin, 270o crank, SOHC, 4 valve per cylinder
Fuel SystemInjection. DFI with 36mm Keihin throttle bodies-
Bore x Stroke73.4 x 56.0 mm97.6 x 80 mm
Compression Ratio11.8:111.0:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledLiquid cooled
Exhaust-Brushed 2-into-2 exhaust system with twin silencers
Fuel InductionFuel injection: 36 mm x 4 with sub-throttleMultipoint sequential electronic fuel injection
IgnitionTCBI with electronic advance Digital
LubricationForced lubrication, wet sumpWet sump
StarterElectric-
Valve System4-
Drivetrain
ClutchWet multi-disc, manualWet, multi-plate assist clutch
Final DriveSealed chainChain, X-ring
Final Drive Ratio2.933 (44/15)-
Gear Ratios1st 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)-
Gearbox6-speed-
Primary DriveSealed chain-
Primary Drive Ratios1.627 (83/51)-
Transmission / Drive6 Speed 6-Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeHigh-tensile steel trellisTubular steel with aluminum cradle
Suspension - Front41 mm inverted fork with rebound damping and spring preload adjustability41mm cartridge forks
Suspension - RearHorizontal Back-link with rebound damping and spring preload adjustabilityTwin-sided, aluminum swingarm, twin shocks with adjustable preload
Rake24.5°22.8o
Trail110 mm / 4.3 in93.5 mm / 3.6 in
Wheel Travel - Front120 mm / 4.7 in120 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear140 mm / 5.5 in120 mm / 4.7 in
Electrical Systems
InstrumentationTFT Color Instrumentation-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2x 300 mm semi-floating discs, dual opposed 4 piston calipers2 x 305 mm discs, Brembo 4-piston fixed calipers, ABS
Brakes - RearSingle 250mm petal disc, 1 piston caliperSingle 220 mm disc, Nissin 2-piston floating caliper, ABS
ABSStandard-
Tyres - Front120/70ZR17M/C (58W)120/70 ZR17
Tyres - Rear180/55ZR17M/C (73W)160/60 ZR17
Wheels - Front-Cast aluminum alloy 7-spoke 17 x 3.5 in
Wheels - Rear-Cast aluminum alloy 7-spoke 17 x 5 in

Verdict

Winner on specs

2020 Triumph Speed Twin

The 2020 Triumph Speed Twin edges out the 2020 Kawasaki Z 900 thanks to its lighter kerb weight, dual front discs and larger displacement. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2020 Kawasaki Z 900 - Advantages

  • Standard ABS: A meaningful safety advantage in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
  • More rear wheel travel: 140 mm vs 120 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.

2020 Triumph Speed Twin - Advantages

  • Lighter: 196 kg vs 212 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.
  • Larger displacement: 1198 cc vs 948 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.

2020 Kawasaki Z 900 vs 2020 Triumph Speed Twin - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2020 Kawasaki Z 900 and 2020 Triumph Speed Twin?
The 2020 Kawasaki Z 900 uses In-line four, four-stroke, while the 2020 Triumph Speed Twin is powered by Four stoke, parallel twin, 270o crank, SOHC, 4 valve per cylinder.
Which is lighter, the 2020 Kawasaki Z 900 or the 2020 Triumph Speed Twin?
The 2020 Triumph Speed Twin is lighter at 196 kg compared to 212 kg for the 2020 Kawasaki Z 900 - a difference of 16 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2020 Kawasaki Z 900 or the 2020 Triumph Speed Twin?
The 2020 Triumph Speed Twin has the lower seat at 807 mm, making it more accessible. The 2020 Kawasaki Z 900 sits higher at 820 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Does the 2020 Kawasaki Z 900 or 2020 Triumph Speed Twin have ABS?
The 2020 Kawasaki Z 900 is listed with ABS as standard. The 2020 Triumph Speed Twin does not list ABS. ABS provides a meaningful safety benefit in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
Which should I buy, the 2020 Kawasaki Z 900 or the 2020 Triumph Speed Twin?
Both are strong choices. The 2020 Kawasaki Z 900 has the edge in standard ABS and higher rear wheel travel, while the 2020 Triumph Speed Twin stands out for lighter kerb weight and 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.

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