2021 Yamaha MT-09 vs 2022 Kawasaki Z 900

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2021 Yamaha MT-09 2021 Yamaha MT-09

Naked bike

Engine
Four stroke, transverse triple cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Power
117.4 hp / 119PS / 87.5 kW @ 10000 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
189 kg / 417 lbs
2022 Kawasaki Z 900 2022 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
Full Specifications
General
Comments-Power Mode Selection. Traction control. Smartphone Connectivity.
Year20212022
Colours-Pearl Robotic White/Metallic Spark Black, Metallic Matte Twilight Blue/Metallic Spark Black
Make ModelYamaha MT-09Kawasaki Z 900
Warranty-12 Month Limited Warranty
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (in.)-5.7 inches
Ground Clearance (mm)-145 mm
Seat Height825.5 mm / 32.5 in820 mm / 32.2 in
Wheelbase1430 mm / 56.3 in1455.4 mm / 57.3 in
Ground Clearance140 mm / 5.5 in145 mm / 5.7 in
Height1191 mm / 46.9 in1080 mm / 42.5 in
Length1191 mm / 46.9 in2070 mm / 81.4 in
Width795 mm / 31.3 in825 mm / 32.4 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight-212 kg / 467.4 lbs
Fuel Capacity14 Litres / 3.7 US gal17 Litres / 4.5 US gal
Wet Weight189 kg / 417 lbs212 kg / 467.5 lbs
Performance
Max Power117.4 hp / 119PS / 87.5 kW @ 10000 rpm92.2 kW / 123.6 hp @ 9500 rpm
Max Torque93 Nm / 68.6lb-ft @ 7000 rpm98.6 Nm / 72.7 lb-ft @ 7700 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio-0.5832 HP/kg
Engine
Engine Type-In-line four, four-stroke
Fuel Control-Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Displacement889 cc / 54.2 cu-in948 cc / 57.8 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, transverse triple cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinderFour stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel System-Injection. DFI with 36mm Keihin throttle bodies
Bore x Stroke78 x 62.1 mm73.4 x 56.0 mm
Compression Ratio11.5:111.8:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledLiquid cooled
Engine Lubrication-Forced lubrication, wet sump
Fuel InductionFuel injection with YCC-TFuel injection: 36 mm x 4 with sub-throttle
IgnitionTCI: Transistor Controlled IgnitionTCBI with electronic advance
LubricationWet sumpForced lubrication, wet sump
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System-4
Drivetrain
ClutchMultiplate assist and slipper clutchWet multi-disc, manual
Final DriveO-ring chainSealed chain
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 / Drive6 Speed 6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeDiamond frameHigh-tensile steel trellis
Suspension - Front41mm inverted fork, adjustable preload, compression and rebound41 mm inverted fork with rebound damping and spring preload adjustability
Suspension - RearSingle shock, adjustable preload and rebound dampingHorizontal Back-link with rebound damping and spring preload adjustability
Rake25°24.5°
Trail109 mm / 4.3 in110 mm / 4.3 in
Wheel Travel - Front130 mm / 5.1 in120 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear122 mm / 4.8 in140 mm / 5.5 in
Electrical Systems
Instrumentation-TFT Color Instrumentation
Lighting system-LED headlight
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2x 298mm hydraulic discs, 4-piston calipers2x 300 mm semi-floating discs, dual opposed 4 piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle 245mm hydraulic disc, single piston caliperSingle 250mm petal disc, 1 piston caliper
ABSStandardStandard
Tyres - Front120/70 ZR17 M/C120/70ZR17M/C (58W)
Tyres - Rear180/55 ZR17 M/C180/55ZR17M/C (73W)

Verdict

Winner on specs

2022 Kawasaki Z 900

The 2022 Kawasaki Z 900 edges out the 2021 Yamaha MT-09 thanks to its 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

2021 Yamaha MT-09 - Advantages

  • Lighter: 189 kg vs 212 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • More front wheel travel: 130 mm vs 120 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2022 Kawasaki Z 900 - Advantages

  • Larger fuel tank: More range between stops - an advantage on touring routes and remote roads.
  • Larger displacement: 948 cc vs 889 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.
  • More rear wheel travel: 140 mm vs 122 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.

2021 Yamaha MT-09 vs 2022 Kawasaki Z 900 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2021 Yamaha MT-09 and 2022 Kawasaki Z 900?
The 2021 Yamaha MT-09 uses Four stroke, transverse triple cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, while the 2022 Kawasaki Z 900 is powered by In-line four, four-stroke.
Which is lighter, the 2021 Yamaha MT-09 or the 2022 Kawasaki Z 900?
The 2021 Yamaha MT-09 is lighter at 189 kg compared to 212 kg for the 2022 Kawasaki Z 900 - a difference of 23 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which has the larger fuel tank, the 2021 Yamaha MT-09 or the 2022 Kawasaki Z 900?
The 2022 Kawasaki Z 900 has the larger tank at approximately 17 litres vs 14 litres for the 2021 Yamaha MT-09. At 5-6 l/100 km that is roughly 283-340 km vs 233-280 km between stops.
Which should I buy, the 2021 Yamaha MT-09 or the 2022 Kawasaki Z 900?
Both are strong choices. The 2021 Yamaha MT-09 has the edge in lighter kerb weight and higher front wheel travel, while the 2022 Kawasaki Z 900 stands out for larger fuel tank 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.