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Head to head

Triumph Bonneville T120 vs Kawasaki Z900RS

Specs side by side, plus our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.

The Triumph Bonneville T120 and Kawasaki Z900RS are among the most cross-shopped modern classic bikes of 2026. They land within touching distance on price, so this comes down to character and fit. On paper the Kawasaki Z900RS leads on power with 111 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.

Triumph Bonneville T120
Our pick
8.6

Triumph

Triumph Bonneville T120
Kawasaki Z900RS
8.5

Kawasaki

Kawasaki Z900RS

The verdict

The Triumph Bonneville T120 edges it overall at 8.6/10, but the Kawasaki Z900RS wins on most exciting, so let how you ride decide.

Best for new riders

Triumph Bonneville T120

78 hp.

Most exciting

Kawasaki Z900RS

111 hp and 0.52 hp/kg, the strongest here.

Best value

Kawasaki Z900RS

Our 8.5/10 at $12,649, the most bike per dollar.

Easiest to manage

Kawasaki Z900RS

215 kg with an 800 mm seat, the easiest to throw around.

Highest rated

Triumph Bonneville T120

Our top score in this matchup at 8.6/10.

Price & rating
Price$12,895$12,649
KickTheStand score8.6 / 108.5 / 10
Performance
Engine1200cc twin948cc four
Power78 hp111 hp
Torque105 Nm98.5 Nm
Power-to-weight0.33 hp/kg0.52 hp/kg
Chassis & brakes
Front suspension41mm cartridge fork41mm USD fork, adjustable
Rear suspensionTwin shocksHorizontal back-link monoshock, adjustable
Front brakesDual 310mm discs, Brembo 2-pistonDual 300mm discs, radial 4-piston
Rear brakesSingle 255mm discSingle 250mm disc
Dimensions & practicality
Weight236 kg215 kg
Seat height790 mm800 mm
Fuel capacity14.5 L17 L
Suitability
ClassModern ClassicModern Classic
A2 licenceNoNo
Good for beginnersNoNo
Best forcruising, touringcommuting, sport, cruising

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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Triumph Bonneville T120 vs Kawasaki Z900RS: your questions answered

Which is faster, the Triumph Bonneville T120 or the Kawasaki Z900RS?

The Kawasaki Z900RS makes the most power at 111 hp and 98.5 Nm, giving it the edge on outright performance.

Which is cheaper, the Triumph Bonneville T120 or the Kawasaki Z900RS?

The Kawasaki Z900RS is the most affordable here with an MSRP around $12,649.

Which is lighter, the Triumph Bonneville T120 or the Kawasaki Z900RS?

The Kawasaki Z900RS is the lightest at 215 kg, which makes it the easiest to manage at low speed and in the bends.

Which is better for a beginner, the Triumph Bonneville T120 or the Kawasaki Z900RS?

For a new rider we'd point to the Triumph Bonneville T120: 78 hp and 236 kg make it the most approachable of the group.

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