Yamaha MT-09 SP versus Kawasaki Z 900

Yamaha MT-09 SP

Naked

Kawasaki Z 900

Naked

What can the SP do better than the standard MT-09?

What can the Yamaha MT-09 SP do better than the 1,800 Euro cheaper Standard MT-09? What are the differences and is it worth spending the extra price on the nobler SP variant? Our test editor Dietmar makes a trip on the SP... weiter

Yamaha MT-09 SP im Test

Gallery

The small, green leprechaun in new freshness

Since 2017, Kawasaki has had a real bestseller in its range with the Z 900. But the years pass, and the customers demand once again a facelift of the crisp naked bike. Ideally, a facelift serves to strengthen the strengths... weiter

Kawasaki Z 900 (2020)

Gallery

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2018 bis 2024~

Built von 2020 bis 2024~

RRP 13.199 €

RRP 10.295 €

Ausführliches Test-Video von Motorradtest.de

waveform

Competitors

Pros:

Powerful engine
Precise chassis
Easy-to-control brakes
Value for money

Cons:

Pillion comfort
Partial operation

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.440 mm
Length : 2.090 mm Height : 1.190 mm
Seat : 825 mm
Weight : 190 kg

Wheelbase: 1.455 mm
Length : 2.070 mm Height : 1.080 mm
Seat : 820 mm
Weight : 212 kg

Engine

Motor design: 3-cylinder, 4-stroke 3 Cylinder
Displacement: 890 ccm
Hub: 62 mm
Hole: 78 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6

Motor design: Liquid-cooled four-stroke in-line four-cylinder 4 Cylinder
Displacement: 948 ccm
Hub: 56 mm
Hole: 73 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6

Performance

Maximum speed: 225 km/h
Performance: 119 HP at 10.000 U/Min
Torque: 93 NM bei 7.000 U/Min

Tank contents: 14 Litre
Consumption: 5 l
Reach: 254 km

Maximum speed: 240 km/h
Performance: 125 HP at 9.500 U/Min
Torque: 99 NM bei 7.700 U/Min

Tank contents: 17 Litre
Consumption: 6 l
Reach: 315 km

Chassis

Frame type:
Bridge tube frame (aluminum)

Front suspension:
USD 41mm, fully adjustable (travel 130mm)

Rear suspension:
Coil spring/Gas-hydraulic damper (travel 122 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm

Tyres at the front: 120/70ZR17M/C (58W) (Tubeless)
Rear tyres: 180/55ZR17M/C (73W) (Tubeless)

Frame type:
Tubular space frame (steel)

Front suspension:
41 mm upside-down fork (travel 120 mm)

Rear suspension:
Mono strut (travel 140 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm

Tyres at the front: 120/70ZR17M/C (58W)
Rear tyres: 180/55ZR17M/C (73W)

Brakes

Front brake
Double disc (∅ 298 mm) Rear brake
Single disc (∅ 245 mm)

Front brake
Double disc (∅ 300 mm) Rear brake
Disc (∅ 250 mm)

Conclusion - what gets stuck

Back to the exit question: Is the 1,800 Euro surcharge for the SP worthwhile? Jein, one might say. The SP is the slightly more noble and chassis-technically better machine, but if you don't have it so thick, we think you can also use the standard MT-09.

However, the competition for the naked bikes of the upper middle class is tough: KTM 890 Duke R, Kawasaki Z900, Ducati Monster, Aprilia Tuono 660, Triumph Speed Triple RS - these are all also great machines. In the end, many potential buyers will probably depend on the engine: it's just a character question whether you're on Twin, Triple or In-line fours.

In any case, the MT-09 SP does quite a lot of right and actually nothing wrong - except for the company operation, which is, however, similarly murky among the competitors. But as a couple you don't really want to ride these bikes, don't you?

The test bike was provided to us by Tecius & Reimers in Hamburg Eidelstedt - thank you.

Good - if you like athletes

What remains? At 9,845 euros, the Kawasaki Z 900 of the 2020 vintage has become more expensive, but with its electronic equipment it has also become considerably more valuable, especially in the area of security. She has lost nothing of her qualities – at least for sporty riders.

However, it is a very animating motorcycle: the bike appeals to the rider on an emotional level. Only the message is always the same: finally turn to the stop! If you like this and don't need a socioseat, you have a fully everyday athlete colleague here. If this is too hectic, the new features will not convince you either.

The test bike was provided to us by Heller & Soltau in St. Michaelisdonn.