Kawasaki Z900 vs Yamaha MT-125
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-125 are among the most cross-shopped naked bikes of 2026. The Yamaha MT-125 undercuts the Kawasaki Z900 by about $4,500, 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.
Our pickKawasaki
Kawasaki Z900
Yamaha
Yamaha MT-125The verdict
The Kawasaki Z900 edges it overall at 8.3/10, but the Yamaha MT-125 wins on best for new riders, so let how you ride decide.
Yamaha MT-125
A2-legal, 15 hp, forgiving to learn on.
Kawasaki Z900
124 hp and 0.58 hp/kg, the strongest here.
Yamaha MT-125
Our 7.9/10 at $5,299, the most bike per dollar.
Yamaha MT-125
142 kg with an 810 mm seat, the easiest to throw around.
Kawasaki Z900
Our top score in this matchup at 8.3/10.
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-125: your questions answered
Which is faster, the Kawasaki Z900 or the Yamaha MT-125?
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-125?
The Yamaha MT-125 is the most affordable here with an MSRP around $5,299.
Which is lighter, the Kawasaki Z900 or the Yamaha MT-125?
The Yamaha MT-125 is the lightest at 142 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-125?
For a new rider we'd point to the Yamaha MT-125: A2-legal, 15 hp and 142 kg make it the most approachable of the group.
