Kawasaki Z900 vs Yamaha MT-09
Specs side by side, plus our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.
The Kawasaki Z900 and Yamaha MT-09 are among the most cross-shopped naked bikes of 2026. The Kawasaki Z900 undercuts the Yamaha MT-09 by about $800, so value is squarely on the table. On paper the Kawasaki Z900 leads on power with 124 hp. Below we put them head to head on price, performance, weight and seat height, then give our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.
Kawasaki
Kawasaki Z900
Our pickYamaha
Yamaha MT-09The verdict
The Yamaha MT-09 edges it overall at 8.6/10, but the Kawasaki Z900 wins on most exciting, so let how you ride decide.
Yamaha MT-09
119 hp.
Kawasaki Z900
124 hp and 0.58 hp/kg, the strongest here.
Kawasaki Z900
Our 8.3/10 at $9,799, the most bike per dollar.
Yamaha MT-09
193 kg with an 825 mm seat, the easiest to throw around.
Yamaha MT-09
Our top score in this matchup at 8.6/10.
Cyan marks the best figure in each row. Specs are the most-cited for the current model; verify before relying on them.
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Kawasaki Z900 vs Yamaha MT-09: your questions answered
Which is faster, the Kawasaki Z900 or the Yamaha MT-09?
The Kawasaki Z900 makes the most power at 124 hp and 98.6 Nm, giving it the edge on outright performance.
Which is cheaper, the Kawasaki Z900 or the Yamaha MT-09?
The Kawasaki Z900 is the most affordable here with an MSRP around $9,799.
Which is lighter, the Kawasaki Z900 or the Yamaha MT-09?
The Yamaha MT-09 is the lightest at 193 kg, which makes it the easiest to manage at low speed and in the bends.
Which is better for a beginner, the Kawasaki Z900 or the Yamaha MT-09?
For a new rider we'd point to the Yamaha MT-09: 119 hp and 193 kg make it the most approachable of the group.
