2017 Triumph Bonneville T120 vs 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe

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
2018 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe

Naked bike

Engine
In-line four, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
476.2 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Comments-Small windscreen.
Year2016 - 17-
Colours-Vintage Lime Green
Make ModelTriumph Bonneville T120-
Warranty-12 Month Limited Warranty
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)-130 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)-5.1 inches
Seat Height785 mm / 30.9 in820 mm / 32.3 in.
Wheelbase1445 mm / 56.9 in1,470 mm / 57.9 in.
Height1125 mm / 44.3 in1,190 mm / 46.9 in.
Length2170 mm / 85.4 in2,100 mm / 82.7 in.
Width785 mm / 30.9 in845 mm / 33.3 in.
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight224 kg / 494 lbs-
Fuel Capacity14.4 Litres / 3.8 US gal / 3.2 Imp gal17.03 litres / 4.50 gallons
Wet Weight-216.0 kg / 476.2 lbs
Performance
Max Power59 kW / 80 hp @ 6550 rpm-
Max Torque105 Nm / 10.7 kgf-m / 77.4 lb-ft @ 3100 rpm98.50 Nm (10.0 kgf-m or 72.7 ft.lbs) @ 6500 Revolutions
Engine
Fuel Control-Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Bore x Stroke (in,)-2.9 x 2.2 inches
Bore x Stroke (mm)-73.4 x 56.0 mm
Engine Type-In-line four, four-stroke
Displacement (ci)-57.85 cubic inches
Displacement (cc)-948.00 cc
CO2-123.0 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Displacement1198 cc / 73.1 cu in-
Engine DetailFour stoke, parallel twin, 270o crank, SOHC 4 valves per cylinder-
Fuel System-Injection. DFI with 36mm Keihin throttle bodies
Bore x Stroke97.6 x 80 mm-
Compression Ratio10.0:110.8:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooled-
EmissionsEURO 4 compliant-
Engine Lubrication-Forced lubrication, wet sump
ExhaustChromed 2 into 2 exhaust system with twin chrome silencers,-
Fuel Consumption-5.30 litres/100 km (18.9 km/l or 44.38 mpg)
Fuel InductionMultipoint sequential electronic fuel injection-
IgnitionDigitalTCBI with electronic advance
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 cradleTrellis, high tensile steel
Suspension - FrontKayaba 41 mm forks41 mm inverted fork with compression and rebound damping and spring preload adjustability
Suspension - RearKayaba twin shocks with adjustable preloadHorizontal Back-link, gas-charged shock with rebound damping and spring preload adjustability
Rake25.5°25.0°
Trail105.2 mm / 4.1 in98 mm / 3.9 in.
Wheel Travel - Front120 mm / 4.7 in119 mm / 4.7 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear120 mm / 4.7 in140 mm / 5.5 in.
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)-250 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)-9.8 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)-300 mm
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)-11.8 inches
Brakes - Front2 x 310 mm discs, 2 piston floating Nissin calipersDouble disc. ABS. Four-piston calipers.
Brakes - RearSingle 255 mm disc, 2 piston floating Nissin caliperSingle disc. ABS. Single-piston caliper.
ABSStandard-
Rims-Dunlop Sportmax tires
Tyres - Front100/90-18120/70-ZR17
Tyres - Rear150/70 R17180/55-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 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe 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 820 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.

2018 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe - Advantages

  • More rear wheel travel: 140 mm vs 120 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.

2017 Triumph Bonneville T120 vs 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2017 Triumph Bonneville T120 and 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe?
The 2017 Triumph Bonneville T120 uses Four stoke, parallel twin, 270o crank, SOHC 4 valves per cylinder, while the 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe is powered by In-line four, four-stroke.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2017 Triumph Bonneville T120 or the 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe?
The 2017 Triumph Bonneville T120 has the lower seat at 785 mm, making it more accessible. The 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe 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 2017 Triumph Bonneville T120 or 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe have ABS?
The 2017 Triumph Bonneville T120 is listed with ABS as standard. The 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe 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 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe?
Both are strong choices. The 2017 Triumph Bonneville T120 has the edge in lower seat height and liquid cooling, while the 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe 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.