MotoSpecs

2021 Yamaha MT-09 vs 2021 Kawasaki Z H2 SE

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
2021 Kawasaki Z H2 SE 2021 Kawasaki Z H2 SE

Naked bike

Engine
Four Stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 16 valves, Supercharger Centrifugal, scroll-type
Power
197 hp / 147 kW @ 11000rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
240 kg / 529 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year20212021
Make ModelYamaha MT-09Kawasaki Z H2 SE
Dimensions
Seat Height825.5 mm / 32.5 in830 mm / 32.6 in
Wheelbase1430 mm / 56.3 in1455 mm / 57.3 in
Ground Clearance140 mm / 5.5 in140 mm / 5.5 in
Height1191 mm / 46.9 in1130 mm / 44.4 in
Length1191 mm / 46.9 in1130 mm / 44.4 in
Width795 mm / 31.3 in810 mm / 31.9 in
Weights & Capacities
Fuel Capacity14 Litres / 3.7 US gal19 Litres / 5 US gal
Wet Weight189 kg / 417 lbs240 kg / 529 lbs
Performance
Max Power117.4 hp / 119PS / 87.5 kW @ 10000 rpm197 hp / 147 kW @ 11000rpm
Max Torque93 Nm / 68.6lb-ft @ 7000 rpm137 Nm / 101 lb-ft @ 8500 rpm
Engine
Displacement889 cc / 54.2 cu-in998 cc / 60.9 cub in
Engine DetailFour stroke, transverse triple cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinderFour Stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 16 valves, Supercharger Centrifugal, scroll-type
Bore x Stroke78 x 62.1 mm76 x 55 mm
Compression Ratio11.5:111.2:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledLiquid cooled
Exhaust-4-1-2
Fuel InductionFuel injection with YCC-TFuel-injected with supercharger
IgnitionTCI: Transistor Controlled IgnitionDigital
LubricationWet sumpForced, wet sump with oil cooler
StarterElectricElectric
Drivetrain
ClutchMultiplate assist and slipper clutchWet multi-disc, manual
Final DriveO-ring chainChain
Final Drive Ratio-2.556 (46/18)
Gear Ratios-1st 3.077 2nd 2.471 3rd 2.045 4th 1.727 5th 1.524 6th 1.348
Primary Drive Ratios-1.480 (74/50)
Transmission / Drive6 Speed 6-speed, return
Chassis
Frame TypeDiamond frameTrellis, high-tensile steel, with swingarm mounting plate
Suspension - Front41mm inverted fork, adjustable preload, compression and rebound43 mm inverted fork (SFF-CA) with KECS-controlled compression and rebound damping, manual spring preload adjustability, and top-out springs
Suspension - RearSingle shock, adjustable preload and rebound dampingNew Uni Trak, BFRC lite gas-charged shock with piggyback reservoir, KECS-controlled compression and rebound damping, manual spring preload adjustability, and top-out spring
Rake25°24.9°
Trail109 mm / 4.3 in104 mm / 4.1 in
Wheel Travel - Front130 mm / 5.1 in120 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear122 mm / 4.8 in134 mm / 5.3 in
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2x 298mm hydraulic discs, 4-piston calipers2x 320mm semi-floating discs, Caliper: Dual radial - mount, Brembo Stylema monobloc, opposed 4-piston
Brakes - RearSingle 245mm hydraulic disc, single piston caliperSingle 260mm disc, 1-piston caliper
ABSStandard-
Tyres - Front120/70 ZR17 M/C120/70ZR17 M/C 58W
Tyres - Rear180/55 ZR17 M/C190/55ZR17 M/C 75W

Verdict

Winner on specs

2021 Kawasaki Z H2 SE

The 2021 Kawasaki Z H2 SE edges out the 2021 Yamaha MT-09 thanks to its higher torque, 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 240 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Standard ABS: A meaningful safety advantage in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
  • More front wheel travel: 130 mm vs 120 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2021 Kawasaki Z H2 SE - Advantages

  • Higher torque: 137 Nm vs 93 Nm - more pulling power across the rev range.
  • Larger fuel tank: More range between stops - an advantage on touring routes and remote roads.
  • Larger displacement: 998 cc vs 889 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.
  • More rear wheel travel: 134 mm vs 122 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.

2021 Yamaha MT-09 vs 2021 Kawasaki Z H2 SE - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2021 Yamaha MT-09 and 2021 Kawasaki Z H2 SE?
The 2021 Yamaha MT-09 uses Four stroke, transverse triple cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, while the 2021 Kawasaki Z H2 SE is powered by Four Stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 16 valves, Supercharger Centrifugal, scroll-type.
Which is lighter, the 2021 Yamaha MT-09 or the 2021 Kawasaki Z H2 SE?
The 2021 Yamaha MT-09 is lighter at 189 kg compared to 240 kg for the 2021 Kawasaki Z H2 SE - a difference of 51 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 2021 Kawasaki Z H2 SE?
The 2021 Kawasaki Z H2 SE has the larger tank at approximately 19 litres vs 14 litres for the 2021 Yamaha MT-09. At 5-6 l/100 km that is roughly 316-380 km vs 233-280 km between stops.
Does the 2021 Yamaha MT-09 or 2021 Kawasaki Z H2 SE have ABS?
The 2021 Yamaha MT-09 is listed with ABS as standard. The 2021 Kawasaki Z H2 SE does not list ABS. ABS provides a meaningful safety benefit in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
Which should I buy, the 2021 Yamaha MT-09 or the 2021 Kawasaki Z H2 SE?
Both are strong choices. The 2021 Yamaha MT-09 has the edge in lighter kerb weight and standard ABS, while the 2021 Kawasaki Z H2 SE stands out for higher torque and larger fuel tank. 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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