2017 Triumph Street Twin vs 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2017 Triumph Street Twin 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
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-
ColoursJet black, Crnberry red, Matt black, Phantom black, Aluminium silverVintage Lime Green
Make ModelTriumph Street Twin-
Warranty-12 Month Limited Warranty
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)-130 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)-5.1 inches
Seat Height750 mm / 29.5 in820 mm / 32.3 in.
Wheelbase1415 mm / 55.7 in1,470 mm / 57.9 in.
Height1114 mm / 43.9 in (without mirrors)1,190 mm / 46.9 in.
Length-2,100 mm / 82.7 in.
Width785 mm / 30.9 in845 mm / 33.3 in.
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight198 kg / 437 lbs-
Fuel Capacity12 L / 3.2 US gal / 2.7 Imp gal17.03 litres / 4.50 gallons
Wet Weight-216.0 kg / 476.2 lbs
Performance
Max Power40.5 kW / 55 hp @ 5900 rpm-
Max Torque80 Nm / 8.16 kgf-m / 59 ft-lb @ 3230 rpm98.50 Nm (10.0 kgf-m or 72.7 ft.lbs) @ 6500 Revolutions
Engine
Displacement (ci)-57.85 cubic inches
Engine Type-In-line four, four-stroke
Bore x Stroke (mm)-73.4 x 56.0 mm
Fuel Control-Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Bore x Stroke (in,)-2.9 x 2.2 inches
CO2-123.0 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Displacement (cc)-948.00 cc
Displacement900 cc / 54.9 cu in-
Engine DetailFour stroke, 270° Crank angle parallel twin, SOHC, 8 valves-
Fuel System-Injection. DFI with 36mm Keihin throttle bodies
Bore x Stroke84.6 x 80 mm-
Compression Ratio10.55:110.8:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooled-
Engine Lubrication-Forced lubrication, wet sump
ExhaustBrushed stainless steel, 2 into 2 exhaust system with twin silencers-
Fuel Consumption3.87 L/100 km / 25.8 km/l / 60.8 US mpg / 73.0 Imp mpg5.30 litres/100 km (18.9 km/l or 44.38 mpg)
Fuel InductionMultipoint sequential electronic fuel injection-
IgnitionDigitalTCBI with electronic advance
LubricationWet sump-
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System-4
Drivetrain
ClutchWet, multi-plate, slip-assistWet multi-disc, manual
Final DriveChain, X-ringChain
Gearbox-6-speed
Primary Drive-Sealed chain
Transmission / Drive5-Speed-
Chassis
Frame TypeTubular steel cradle, twin-sided tubular steel swing-armTrellis, high tensile steel
Suspension - FrontKayaba 41 mm fork41 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
Rake25.1°25.0°
Trail102.4 mm / 4.0 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 - Front Diameter (in.)-11.8 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)-300 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)-9.8 inches
Brakes - FrontSingle 310mm disc, Nissin 2 piston floating caliper, ABSDouble disc. ABS. Four-piston calipers.
Brakes - RearSingle 255mm disc, Nissin 2 piston floating caliper, ABSSingle disc. ABS. Single-piston caliper.
Rims-Dunlop Sportmax tires
Tyres - Front100/90-R18120/70-ZR17
Tyres - Rear150/70-R17180/55-ZR17
Wheels - Front2.75 x 18, Cast aluminium alloy, multi-spoke-
Wheels - Rear4.25 x 17, Cast aluminium alloy, multi-spoke-

Verdict

Too close to call

The 2017 Triumph Street Twin and the 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe are evenly matched across the key measurable criteria. Your decision comes down to personal preference, riding style, and which brand's dealer network best suits your location.

Key Differences

2017 Triumph Street Twin - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 750 mm vs 820 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.

2018 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe - Advantages

  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.
  • More rear wheel travel: 140 mm vs 120 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.

2017 Triumph Street Twin vs 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2017 Triumph Street Twin and 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe?
The 2017 Triumph Street Twin uses Four stroke, 270° Crank angle parallel twin, SOHC, 8 valves, while the 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe is powered by In-line four, four-stroke.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2017 Triumph Street Twin or the 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe?
The 2017 Triumph Street Twin has the lower seat at 750 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.
Which should I buy, the 2017 Triumph Street Twin or the 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe?
Both are strong choices. The 2017 Triumph Street Twin has the edge in lower seat height and liquid cooling, while the 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe stands out for dual front discs and 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.