Superbikes with fairings might be great for racetracks or long stretches of roads. But when you are an urban rider who likes a bit off-roading sometimes, just like me, naked sportbikes are the best choice. But when you have multiple options, like Kawasaki Z900 and Yamaha FZ-09, this it becomes a sweet battle.
So, which bike should you choose, Kawasaki Z900 vs. Yamaha FZ-09? Kawasaki Z900 has a slightly better engine and braking performance. It is also better for offroading. But Yamaha FZ-09 has better suspensions and riding comfort.
Let’s compare every aspect of these bikes side-by-side and determine which one you should choose.
Specifications Comparison: Kawasaki Z900 vs. Yamaha FZ-09
Before I get into the detailed comparison, here is a quick chart of specifications you will find in these two beasts. .
| Specifications | Kawasaki Z900 | Yamaha FZ-09 |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 948cc | 847cc |
| Engine Type | Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC | Inline 3-cylinder, DOHC |
| Power | 113hp @ 9,800 rpm | 113.4hp @ 10,000 rpm |
| Torque | 66 lb-ft @ 8,100 rpm | 64.5 lb-ft @ 8,500 rpm |
| Curb Weight | 467 lbs | 414 lbs |
| Seat Height | 31.5 inches | 32.1 inches |
| Wheelbase | 57.3 inches | 56.7 inches |
| Transmission | 6-speed | 6-speed |
| Front Brake | 300mm dual disc, ABS | 298mm dual disc brake |
| Rear Brake | 250mm single disc, ABS | 245mm single disc |
| Tire size | Front – 120/70, Rear – 180/55 | Front – 120/70, Rear – 180/55 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 4.5 gallons | 4.8 gallons |
| Ground Clearance | 5.7 inches | 5.3 inches |
Kawasaki Z900 vs. Yamaha FZ-09: Side-By-Side Comparison
Now let’s check every aspect of these two bikes, and compare each side of one with another. After comparing all these, you will be able to make the decision about which one suits you the most regarding your needs.
Engine Details and Performance
The above chart shows the basic performance figures of these bikes. But that can be deceiving from a user’s point of view. Let’s head to the detailed discussion.
Kawasaki makes some really monstrous bikes. The Z900 has a 948cc engine with four inline cylinders. It produces a maximum of 113 bhp at 9,800 rpm, which is good enough to give you that speedy ride along highways. The power figure of the Yamaha FZ-09 is almost the same, but it peaks at 10,000 rpm.
The torque figure of Z900 is higher than FZ-09. Z900 produces 66 lb-ft of torque, but FZ-09 produces 64.5 lb-ft of the highest torque. As a result, you get that initial kick better on Z900. The throttle response is equally good on both bikes.
But these figures might not tell all you need to know. In the lower range of the powerband, Yamaha delivers a more aggressive performance. You can feel the power kicking in with just a bit of throttle twisting. So, the acceleration will be more suitable for experienced riders.
Kawasaki Z900, on the other hand, delivers smooth power throughout the range. As a result, riding the Z900 is much easier for newbies. When you are riding on a long stretch of road, Z900 can be your best companion.
Be it city commuting or off-roading, both bikes perform excellently. But Z900 has some edges over FZ-09 regarding maximum power and torque.
Weight and Handling Capacity
There are two aspects regarding the handling of your bike. One is how much weight you need to manage, and the other is how the bike performs in corners. As you can clearly see in the above chart, Z900 is 53 lbs heavier than the FZ-09.
So, you could face difficulties handling the weight of this bike. On another note, the added weight keeps this bike planted, especially in high-speed riding conditions. FZ-09 also handles excellently, regardless of the terrain.
But the wheelbase of the Z900 is slightly longer than FZ-09. As a result, the turning radius of Z900 is a bit bigger. It can be an issue in city driving conditions where you need to make your way through congested traffic.
Agile cornering is also a problem with the longer wheelbase. But the stability increases due to the longer wheelbase. On the other hand, you can expect slightly better handling from the FZ-09. With its shorter wheelbase, it can be more suitable for city commutes.
High-speed cornering is also more confident on the FZ-09. So, FZ-09 is the winner in this section. But don’t make your decisions too fast. We have more features to consider.
Offroading Capabilities
Though these naked bikes are often called street bikes, riders love to take them off the road. I am one of them, and I believe the true potential of a naked bike is associated with how it performs on rugged terrains.
Luckily, both these bikes perform satisfactorily in off-road conditions. Both bikes have 120/70 tires in the front and 180/55 tires in the rear. So they will be good enough to ditch the unevenness of the terrain.
But, ground clearance plays a vital role in off-roading performance. Z900 has a .4-inches higher ground clearance than the FZ-09. So, bumping the bottom with the ground is more probable on FZ-09.
Riding Comfortability
I didn’t talk about the suspension in the chart because these bikes have almost similar suspensions. You get two inverted telescopic fork suspensions in the front of the Z900. These 41mm forks have a travel distance of 4.7 inches to absorb the shocks and bumps and keep you comfortable.
Though the fork length is the same on FZ-09, it doesn’t have inverted forks. And the travel distance of its suspensions is 5.4 inches, which is higher than the Z900. So, you will feel more comfortable on FZ-09 should any bumps arrive beneath the wheels.
The rear suspensions on both bikes are the back-link type with rebound damping. But the Z900 has a slightly higher travel distance of 5.5 inches in rear suspensions. The seat cushioning feels slightly better on Yamaha FZ-09.
Overall, it is a tie in terms of comfort and goes down to one’s preference.
Braking Performance
Having more power is fun, but having less braking power is deadly. So, you must focus on the braking performance of the bike before choosing one. The front brake on both bikes is pretty similar. Kawasaki Z900 has 300mm dual discs with four-piston calipers.
These discs are petal-shaped and look so nice to me. The Z900 comes with ABS on both wheels, so it is a much safer machine to ride. Though Yamaha FZ-09 has 298mm dual discs, ABS is missing here. So, it falls behind in terms of braking performance and safety.
The rear disc is slightly bigger on Z900. It has a 250mm single disc, but FZ-09 comes with a 245mm single disc. So, the chance of skidding is higher on FZ-09 if you brake too hard at medium to high speeds.
The bite and linear feel are almost the same on both bikes. There is no hesitation after pressing the brakes, which is necessary on bikes with this much power.
If someone asks me which bike I would choose, it would be the Z900. Having ABS on your sportbikes is a must, no questions asked. So, Z900 overtakes FZ-09 regarding braking performance and safety.
Fuel Efficiency
Despite the higher curb weight and a more powerful engine, Kawasaki Z900 has better fuel economy. It has a 4.5-gallon fuel tank, and the fuel economy of this bike is about 49.6 miles per gallon. So, you can cruise roughly up to 225 miles with a full tank.
But the fuel economy is slightly lower on the FZ-09. Though the fuel tank is bigger here, you will get an average of 44 miles per gallon on this bike. So, a full tank on FZ-09 will take you roughly over 200 miles.
In my opinion, having a more fuel-efficient bike is a better choice if you are planning to use it frequently.
You can check this video to learn more.
FAQs
Check answers to some frequently asked questions regarding these sportbikes.
Q: DOES Z900 HAS A QUICK SHIFTER?
A: No, Z900 doesn’t have a quick shifter or auto blipper. So, you always need to use the clutch to shift gears.
Q: WHICH BIKE HAS A LOWER MAINTENANCE COST?
A: The maintenance cost of Z900 is slightly higher due to its advanced electronic aids.
Q: ARE THESE BIKES GOOD FOR LONG RIDES?
A: As these bikes are rider-focused, going on long tours with pillions might not be very comfortable. Also, the wind blast can be a big challenge.
Final Verdict: Which One You Should Choose Between Kawasaki Z900 vs Yamaha FZ-09?
The sweet dilemma of choosing between the Kawasaki Z900 vs. Yamaha FZ-09 can be so confusing sometimes.
I presented a head-to-head battle of these two bikes to help you explore their specifications, performance, safety, and other factors. It should now be much easier for you to pick the right sportbike for your needs. Both bikes are incredibly powerful, agile, and stable.
But it depends on your needing aspects. For look, engine power, and fuel efficiency, Z900 is ahead of FZ-09. But, for smooth and easy control, FZ-09 will be slightly better. By the way, both bikes are naked beasts, though they have some differences.