2017 Triumph Bonneville T120 vs 2017 Kawasaki Z 1000

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2017 Triumph Bonneville T120 2017 Triumph Bonneville T120

Naked bike

Engine
Four stoke, parallel twin, 270o crank, SOHC 4 valves per cylinder
Power
59 kW / 80 hp @ 6550 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
224 kg / 494 lbs
2017 Kawasaki Z 1000 2017 Kawasaki Z 1000

Naked bike

Engine
In-line four, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
487.2 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Year2016 - 17-
Colours-Golden Blazed Green/Metallic Spark Black, Candy Burnt Orange/Flat Ebony
Make ModelTriumph Bonneville T120-
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)-125 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)-4.9 inches
Seat Height785 mm / 30.9 in815 mm / 32.1 in.
Wheelbase1445 mm / 56.9 in1,435 mm / 56.5 in.
Height1125 mm / 44.3 in1,055 mm / 41.5 in.
Length2170 mm / 85.4 in2,045 mm / 80.5 in.
Width785 mm / 30.9 in790 mm / 31.1 in.
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight224 kg / 494 lbs-
Fuel Capacity14.4 Litres / 3.8 US gal / 3.2 Imp gal17.00 litres / 4.49 gallons
Wet Weight-221.0 kg / 487.2 lbs
Performance
Max Power59 kW / 80 hp @ 6550 rpm-
Max Torque105 Nm / 10.7 kgf-m / 77.4 lb-ft @ 3100 rpm111.00 Nm (11.3 kgf-m or 81.9 ft.lbs) @ 7300 Revolutions
Engine
Fuel Control-Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Displacement (cc)-1043.00 cc
Displacement (ci)-63.64 cubic inches
Engine Type-In-line four, four-stroke
Bore x Stroke (in,)-3.0 x 2.2 inches
Bore x Stroke (mm)-77.0 x 56.0 mm
Displacement1198 cc / 73.1 cu in-
Engine DetailFour stoke, parallel twin, 270o crank, SOHC 4 valves per cylinder-
Fuel System-Injection
Bore x Stroke97.6 x 80 mm-
Compression Ratio10.0:111.8:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooled-
EmissionsEURO 4 compliant-
Engine Lubrication-Forced lubrication, wet sump
ExhaustChromed 2 into 2 exhaust system with twin chrome silencers,-
Fuel InductionMultipoint sequential electronic fuel injection-
IgnitionDigitalDigital
LubricationWet sump-
Starter-Electric
Valve System-4
Drivetrain
ClutchWet, multi-plateWet multi-disc, manual
Final DriveChain, X-ringChain
Gearbox-6-speed
Primary Drive-Sealed chain
Transmission / Drive6-Speed-
Chassis
Frame TypeDual tubular steel cradleTwin-tube, aluminium
Suspension - FrontKayaba 41 mm forks41 mm inverted fork with stepless compression and rebound damping and spring preload adjustability
Suspension - RearKayaba twin shocks with adjustable preloadHorizontal monoshock with stepless rebound damping, adjustable spring preload
Rake25.5°24.5°
Trail105.2 mm / 4.1 in104 mm / 4.1 in.
Wheel Travel - Front120 mm / 4.7 in120 mm / 4.7 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear120 mm / 4.7 in135 mm / 5.3 in.
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)-9.8 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)-12.2 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)-310 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)-250 mm
Brakes - Front2 x 310 mm discs, 2 piston floating Nissin calipersDouble disc. Floating discs.
Brakes - RearSingle 255 mm disc, 2 piston floating Nissin caliperSingle disc
ABSStandard-
Tyres - Front100/90-18120/70-ZR17
Tyres - Rear150/70 R17190/50-ZR17
Wheels - Front2.75 x 18, 32 spokes-
Wheels - Rear4.25 x 17, 32 spokes-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2017 Triumph Bonneville T120

The 2017 Triumph Bonneville T120 edges out the 2017 Kawasaki Z 1000 thanks to its lower seat height, liquid cooling and standard ABS. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2017 Triumph Bonneville T120 - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 785 mm vs 815 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • Standard ABS: A meaningful safety advantage in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.

2017 Kawasaki Z 1000 - Advantages

  • More rear wheel travel: 135 mm vs 120 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.

2017 Triumph Bonneville T120 vs 2017 Kawasaki Z 1000 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2017 Triumph Bonneville T120 and 2017 Kawasaki Z 1000?
The 2017 Triumph Bonneville T120 uses Four stoke, parallel twin, 270o crank, SOHC 4 valves per cylinder, while the 2017 Kawasaki Z 1000 is powered by In-line four, four-stroke.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2017 Triumph Bonneville T120 or the 2017 Kawasaki Z 1000?
The 2017 Triumph Bonneville T120 has the lower seat at 785 mm, making it more accessible. The 2017 Kawasaki Z 1000 sits higher at 815 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Does the 2017 Triumph Bonneville T120 or 2017 Kawasaki Z 1000 have ABS?
The 2017 Triumph Bonneville T120 is listed with ABS as standard. The 2017 Kawasaki Z 1000 does not list ABS. ABS provides a meaningful safety benefit in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
Which should I buy, the 2017 Triumph Bonneville T120 or the 2017 Kawasaki Z 1000?
Both are strong choices. The 2017 Triumph Bonneville T120 has the edge in lower seat height and liquid cooling, while the 2017 Kawasaki Z 1000 stands out for higher rear wheel travel. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.