Yamaha recently launched the 2017 Yamaha MT-09 at the 2017 India Bike Week in Goa. It goes head-to-head with the Kawasaki Z900, and let’s see how they perform on paper.
The previous generation MT-09 entered the country’s shores in February 2016. Even though the bike had a punchy engine, its relatively conservative looks and high price-tag resulted in barely making a dent in the segment. Yamaha launched the updated version, which borrows the design language from its elder brother, the MT-10. The bike now looks much more aggressive, and is a worthy competitor to the Kawasaki Z900.
| Specifications | 2017 Yamaha MT-09 | Kawasaki Z900 |
| Engine | 847cc in-line three DOHC engine with liquid cooling | 948 cc in-line four DOHC engine with liquid cooling |
| Maximum Power | 115 PS at 10,000 rpm | 125 PS at 9,500 rpm |
| Peak Torque | 87.5 Nm at 8,500 rpm | 98.6 Nm at 7,700 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed with assist & slipper clutch and Quick Shift System | 6-speed with slipper clutch |
| Front Suspension | Upside down fork | 41 mm inverted fork with rebound damping and spring preload adjustability |
| Rear Suspension | Monocross suspension | Horizontal Back-link with rebound damping and spring preload adjustability |
| Front Brake | Dual 298 mm discs with radial callipers and ABS | Twin 300 mm petal discs |
| Rear Brake | 245 mm single disc with ABS | 250 mm petal disc |
| Front Tyre | 120/70ZR17M/C(58W)(Tubeless) | 120/70ZR17M/C (58W) |
| Rear Tyre | 180/55ZR17M/C(73W)(Tubeless) | 180/55ZR17M/C (73W) |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14 litres | 17 litres |
| Kerb Weight | 193 kg | 208 kg |
| Seat Height | 820 mm | 795 mm |
| Price (ex-showroom Delhi) | INR 10,88,122 | INR 7,68,000 |
The Kawasaki Z900 gets an additional cylinder and has a 101 cc bigger engine. Naturally, it makes more 10 PS and 11.1 Nm more than the MT-09. However, the bike does not have electronics apart from ABS. On the other hand, Yamaha gets a Traction Control System (TCS) featuring two different modes as well as an off switch. Mode 1 gives minimum intervention and mode 2 offers maximum intervention, allowing you to adjust or turn off the TCS to suit different conditions and riding styles.
Also Read: Kawasaki Z900 recalled in India over faulty rear tie-rod bracket
The biggest difference is the price. The Z900 is a whole INR 3.2 lakhs cheaper, and gets more power. However, the Yamaha features more tech which results in being more confidence-inspiring. The Yamaha is also lighter by 15 kg, but the seat height is taller by 25 mm.
