Yamaha MT-09 vs Kawasaki Z900! Which Naked Bike Is KING? 

I’m 52 and just bought the Z900. I’m not into doing power wheelies or being a hooligan. Those days are past. The Z is smooth, and has a very comfy riding position. He’s right about sitting in the bike instead of on. Build quality is excellent and well thought out. Handles well and the throttle brings on the torque like a wave. I love it.

Bought the MT09 few years ago after test riding Triumph trident and Kawasaki Z900 That cross plane triple on yamaha feels alive and have one of the best sound I ever heard from a motorcycle(with a decent exhaust) When riding in A mode with TCS off the bike feels like a bull on steroids but once changed to standard and TCS on the acceleration is very smooth and linear with a lot of torque in low RPM. MT09 is a motard disguised in a naked

The MT07/09 both sound better with or without a pipe. I bought a 2017 Z900 (without ABS) and for me, it was the ergonomics and that wonderful linear power response that were the primary attractions. I'm a short dude so the Kawasaki lends itself to those of us of shorter stature. Personally, I didn't want any of the technology. If I had my druthers I'd have analog gauges and the only electronics I like is the fuel injection.

I own an FZ-09. I bought new in 2017. Love it.... Comfortable for longer rides but a hooligan when you want it to be. Nothing sounds better than the CP3 cross plane triple motor... I'm a Kawi guy at heart though also...I own a 2005 ZRX1200R that I bought new in '05 and it's a beast with the mods I put on it. Full titanium Akrapovic exhaust, K&N filter, Borg Warner Race clutch, 4 degree ignition advancer, Factory Pro Jet Kit, 3 teeth up in the rear sprocket, and many Dyno runs to dial it in... It 1/4 mile at 10.6 seconds on the stock swing arm...Naked bikes rule!!! I also owned a Kawaski ZX11 and a 1970 KZ1000A that I fully restored... Great video and channel.

Just picked up a 2023 Z900. I have to say I personally like how the Z looks compared to the MT which was one of my main factors when purchasing, but I can't deny the MT is a great motorcycle.

They're both excellent bikes. I personally prefer the z900, but you can't go wrong with either choice.

Great Review . I tried to get an MT09 last spring/ summer. Most dealers just laughed at me those that would even get back with me that is . Ended up getting a 2022 Z900. Great bike

I own a 2020 Z900. I like your comparison here as out of the naked bike segment, these seem to be the two most compared bikes that I see online. I bought the Z900 after doing an exhaustive amount of research. I came to the conclusion that the Kawasaki seemed to be one of the best values for power, tech, and handling at least at my time of purchase. I did purchase my bike at the very start of Covid so I got a killer deal on a brand new machine. My price was actually way under msrp. This is my first real sport type motorcycle, although I've been riding for over 25 years on the street. I have been over the moon about this bike since day one! I can attest to the sound of this bike with a full CS Racing exhaust system. It sounds amazing!

2021 Z900 here. Amazing bike! Engine is insanely smooth.

Thoroughly enjoyed the comparison and your insightful review.

Super cool seeing the Flatirons and part of where I grew up in a motorcycle review! Great job breaking down your experience on both bikes.

I shopped both and ended up with the FJ 09! It's got that same 849 triple feels super sporty but as a commuter and occasional long hauler, it is so much better than either.

I’ve ridden both, an I personally prefer the z900 👍

You do excellent work..... practical but pretty comprehensive and the all important "seat of the pants" impressions also. Thanks!

Owned a '17 Z900. Have an 18' MT-09. Experience on both is stock condition, stock tune. They are quite different but they both have very desirable traits. The Z is so much more stable, confidence inspiring, feels like you could do everything 20 mph faster than the Yamaha. You know what the wheels are doing and how much traction you have, and that's on stock crappy tires. The engine is SO BUTTER SMOOTH, but not to say mellow or dull. It has a lot of torque, tuned in a way that a lot of inline-4 engines are not tuned these days, but the throttle is telepathic to drive thrust. Always there, always responding to input, always giving you exactly what you ask for. The MT before the latest redesign, is a mess. If it had a boring engine, NO ONE WOULD EVER BUY IT FOR ANY OTHER REASON. The engine is exciting enough to make people utterly blind to all the other issues it has. I know, I own one. But over time when you get to using a machine and rationale kicks in, you start to grow more and more frustrated with issues. It's an over-achiever in its displacement. It makes a lot of power for an 847cc. But here comes the woes: suspension is terrible (spring rates, lack of damping, chatter, headshake), chassis is overwhelmed by the engine and can't put the power down or control bike oscillations at higher speeds. Switchgear is some of the absolute worst I've ever fiddled with on any motorcycle, super flimsy, lacking tactility, button placement is ridiculous. Instrument display was designed by a kid high on sugar, all the wrong shape, too small, and information updates too slowly and inaccurately. Riding position is a little strange. Throttle tube is sloppy, slick, lacks any natural friction with the bar, resistance is a unnatural feeling spring due to lack of cables, coupled with a messy TBW calibration and your entire right arm will cramp after an hour trying to control the engine and make things smooth. Upper body is comfortable but the position of the feet relative to the butt is low and rearward. Strange. It was designed by Yamaha as a "Roadster motard" (exact words by product manager, Shun Miyazawa), and the chassis, long suspension, and ergonomics reflect that sort of ethos. Wouldn't be so bad if the suspension and chassis was up to coping with the powertrain, rider weight, and road surface at speed. It's been universally complained about from day 1. 3rd Gen MT-09 couldn't be more of a contrast to the old one. Kept the engine character and power, bumped midrange torque a little, and basically redesigned the entire chassis, suspension, and geometry. It's still more of a sit-up-and-beg position compared to the sit-in-and-attack of the Z. In summary, I miss the Z900 and it's butter engine, mile wide rev band, super confident chassis. I literally do similar road sections at 25 mph less on the MT-09 than I did on the Z900 and I feel like I'm "risking it" even then. The confidence between the two is VERY different. Not to say that either bike is perfect. As a long term unit, I'd be throwing thousands into the tuning, suspension, brakes, tires, and other bits. I just can't see myself doing that on the '18 MT-09. It's just got a too-big laundry list of personal complaints that I have grown to become intolerant of over time, spending enough time on a bike to figure these things out (something not many people do these days, judging by the mileage on similar used bikes for sale). If I had my personal wishes, I'd go with a Z900RS Cafe if Kawasaki hadn't messed with the power and transmission from the Z900, but they neutered it. Also considering a 2018 GSX-S1000 or the newer 2022 GSX-S1000. Also the new XSR900 with cruise control, I think it looks much better than the MT-09 and has more of an attack position like a traditional sports bike, rather than the goofy puppy-begging position of the MT. If the 890 Duke R wasn't questionable about long term reliability, that bike is about as buttoned down, sharp, light, and raucous as anything that's ever had two wheels. Lots to choose from on the market.

Thx for the Clip..im going to Test Drive the z900 at the Weekend..im very excited

Great video, I also live in Colorado and wonder about your gear.

Great comparison video. 🤘

Great comparison - thanks!

Great back to back review and you bring up some key points with the differences.. however Gen3 does have 2 positions for the rear sets to raise them a little which is nice and i know what you mean with the front end they not fully corrected it on the Gen 3 but its good bit better than before. i have adjusted the fork hight and added rear stiffness which helps keep little more weight on front end might help on the Gen 2 also... Keep up the good work

2018 MT-09, smog deletion, Akropovic full exhaust, DNA air filter and custom ECU tune 120 at the rear with 75 ft. lbs and it's an absolute beast. I like it because it is raw and angry, but it's predictable once you get to know it.

Love the Z900, but the riding position was too aggressive for me. At 6’2” the pegs were too high and back. Went with a 2023 MT 09 SP which has a much more straight up riding position. Not sure if there is much difference in handling between a 2019 MT and 2023. The bike has way more performance potential I’ll ever get out of it. Both bikes look great!!

Yo bro, awesome video. Subscribed. Also what jacket do you have on?

Nice review 👌 what camera equipment did you use driving the bike's?

Great video, what’s the camera and mic setup your using ?

Awesome video Alex! Love both bikes.

I have to say, you're probably one of the best bike reviewers on youtube. Clear voice, not a smart ass and fair in your assessments. Have a '22 Z900 and 900RS. These are torquey 4 bangers. They can take off in 4th gear easily. Made the mistake on a quick red light and didn't have time to downshift. Thought I'd try it. Don't need all the tech. Had a '20 MT09, prefer the Z's. Smooooth.....

GOOD JOB ALEX 👏👏👏 LOVE THE ACROPOVIC

probably the best comparison on youtube on both bikes. (I owned an mt09 and test rode a z900)

More videos like this I watch the more I want a Z900

Good review/overview.

I've owned a couple MT-09s and I now own a Z900. I'm a Yamaha man normally but I like the Z over the MT any day for the comfort and the smoothness that the MT just can't provide for me.

I think a selling point of the z900 over the 09 is the predictably and linear power curve. 09 just comes on so much harder and has the grunt of a freight train, that’s what sold me on the 09 over the z900. You can definitely play with riding position on the 09 as well raise the forks 10-12mm, get some cheap puig adjustable foot pegs to raise your feet 20mm, and a flatter bar or clip ons and you got one hell of a riding position. Did that with mine and take it to the track 🤙 would like to get a z900 on the track as well seems like a fun track bike

Good video and good comparison. Both of them are really cool streetfighters

Was debating between the mt 09 and z900 and after lots of reviews I went with the z900 because I felt it was the more beginner friendly of the 2. I definitely don't recommend it for a complete beginner, I have 10+ years with dirt bikes but only rode a few street bikes. I expected to get a R6 or ninja but the Z900 and mt-09 caught my eye hard. I went with the Z900 because of the linear power and better stability. It's still a monster but she gives you exactly what you ask vs the mt 09 being a beast unleashed. Definitely has a lot of torque in 1st and 2nd gear and can disappear in 6th

My favorite is still the first version mt-09. More power, more beautiful.

I like the aggressive sound and gearing of the MT09. I have a TL1000s so i dig that. Seems like the MT is more of a cruiser. I like the agressive push up bars on the TL for ripping, but i might like the MT for longer rides now. Does that sound like accurate assumptions?

Previous model of mt 09 looks so much better then new one

Добре че нямам мотоциклет,вече не искам и да имам,тотално ме объркахте с вашите отзиви,ще си карам велосипеда...живи и здрави...пазете себе си и другите...бъдете щастливи максимално дълго и всеки да кара това което иска

Hi bro nice video.. please tell me,wich is better for 2 person on high way?❤

I got a 2022 Z900 a year ago and it’s a literal thrill, I was torn between the two but I’m very happy with my choice but would recommend a MT-09 as well🤙🏼

Have a 2019. The last year where the rider has all the control. Full exhaust ,air filter. Sounds insane and is very loud. Just ordered new sprockets n chain. Dropping a tooth off the front :)

i am from a Z900 to a MT 09 gen. 3 gone, I'm happy with this switch!

I like that your not bias towards your bike I want a z900 I plan to get one next month. Out of curiosity how does the wind hit your head n how tall are you?

I have an MT-09 2021 but kind of want to try the Z900 now too.. Love the MT-09 though.

The newer mt09 differs hugely from the one here (much improved!)

The 2020 MT09 SP tuned to 115 whp and modified to 184kgs wet (shod with S22 rubber) is a force on the mountain passes 😎🏁🏁

A stable planted ride is the biggest difference, owned the first Ninja 900 that came out in 1984. the bike felt totally planted on the ground at any speed. it was totally stable, then in 2019 I was considering getting an Mt09 so I took one out for a test ride. and after a few minutes I realized that the front end never felt planted. and it bothered me so much that I decided I didn't want the bike. but I am assuming that the new Mt09 has solved that problem.

I went to buy a MT09 and left with the Z after riding both. Also I’m in northern Colorado and have the full Akrapovic if you ever want to get together for a sound clip on both with the exhaust.

Nice you talked about the sitting stance, I tried the Z900 but not a super fan of the aggressive position so I gotta go try a MT09 instead.

Both bikes are awesome. I am a taller person and I went with the mt09. It felt more comfortable for some reason, I’ve owned mine for over two years now and it’s been an awesome bike.

It is insane how the sound changes with complete exhaust swabs, it sounds like old F1 cars.

2nd gen mt09 iconic hooligan bike,sounds amazing.hands down winner.

I have a 2020 z900 (grey) and as a shorter guy 5'6 30 inseam it fits me perfectly!!!! That being said the stock seat is HORRIBLE which I'm probably going to change. Never rode the Yamaha cause good luck finding one but imo I still prefer the styling of the Z even if there was an mt09 available. Also I wish everyone would stop getting the hp wrong between this (125hp) and the retro that indeed has 113.

MT 09 is a blast to ride..

Is the Z 900 recomended for short rider,5.5-5.6ft?Whats your weight?

From my experience both are diferent bikes. Had a z900 2017 for 5 years and loved it and facing it against mt09 gen 1 and 2 is a better bike with more stability and corner capability. I have now a 2022 mt09 Sp and comparing it with the gen 1 and gen 2 the are worlds apart in terms of chassi and agility. I prefer my mt over the z900 but front stability of the z900 with good tires is better thann the mt09.

Nice. Ty. What about the seat height between the two?

I love the GPz color scheme on the Kawasaki.

I had a 22 MT09SP and at 53 here at the start of March, I love hooning around on it. The antiflip wheelie control is awesome and the torque is amazing. I had to sell it to escape CA and have my name at the top of 2 shops list for the 24 SP!! Lets see how the Tail of the Dragon compares to CA's HWY 9 and PCH.

Happy Wednesday everyone ✌️ HAVE A BEAUTIFUL DAY

yeah buddy, with a nasty snow storm coming in best you be on the "Other Bike" & not your personal baby? I got it & I hope to look at the "09" this spring? I do like them but I digress, ty for the video peace

I've had the 1st gen MT09, I loved it, apart from the suspension which is crap and in the city it wasn't as pleasant to ride due to the on/off throttle. I now own the 2017 Z900 and I love it more, the suspension is just fine and the elasticity of the engine makes it really really friendly as much in town as out of it. Great bikes both of them!

Would like to see the comparison between yours and a 2023 mt09 sp

Great job on the comparison! This would be a hard decision to make. I would choose the Yamaha as I prefer the feel and sound of the triple.

Excellent video... I like the Z, but like my modded '19 MT-09 🤘

Asked s.o who owned both Mt09 so much much fun I owned 4 of mt09 till now

The Street Triple RS is like a blend of the two, aggressive ergonomics with a triple engine and by far the best handling naked middleweight.

First one to see your nice video Ally

I couldn't find an mt09 anywhere when I was looking. I love my Z. Gobs of torque all through the power band. Twist throttle for warp mode.

Miss my Z1000 thats for sure. Maybe it didnt have all the electronic tech but it was a beast and a screamer. Very comfortable and the only "naked" ive ever loved.

I've never rode the z900, but my fz09 absolutely carves canyons and keeps up with sport bikes on the twistys, maybe you need to try different tires? Or maybe I just have my suspension tuned a little better

1st gen Yamaha FZ09 is its own vibe. 🔥

Can't go past that CP3! Has loads more character!

I was curious what front tire that your running on your MT09? Are there replacement tires that might improve handling on your MT09? When I watched your video I thought your MT09 might be a better canyon carver over the Z900. Would Clip ons help with planting the front tire and weight distribution. How would you place the XSR900 in comparison with the MT09 or Z900.

Awesome bikes nice video

I've rode both bikes in a closed circuit, till almost 200 Km/h each. And a lot of other bikes like 765RS and Z1000 R Edition. I found the MT-09 a blast and peppy, and the Z900 just the opposite, like nothing to highlight, and really a deception. It was very funny and remarkable to ride the 09. Definitely not for beginners, but what a ride! After all, I'm not sure if I woul exchange my current 2012 BMW F800R, wich I love, for the 765RS. But I guess one day I'll get the 09, for sure!

Love the Z but there’s no way I’d take it over my 3rd gen MT. Also you quoted the MT-10Sp not the MT-09SP which is $11.5k and doesn’t have semi active suspension. Just an Ohlins rear, beefed up KYB front fork, and cruise control.

I also like the way the z feels when I was looking ended up with a fz09 1st gen and I love it definitely have to do more add ons to make the the throttle more tame...one best investment I made was the throttle tamer aluminum throttle tube I recommend it if you want the throttle to be more linear

Both nice bikes. I think the upright riding position with more legroom makes sense for a naked bike, one of the reasons I no longer own sport bikes is the comfort level sucks for the long haul...great on a track but useless on the street. One thing i've noticed about my SP is that the engine is pretty smooth throughout the rev range compared to every 4 cylinder I've owned they all get annoyingly buzzy at some point in the midrange.

I have been comparing numerous bikes and now narrowed my second hand search (2015 to 2019) to the Z or MT. Both seem great sporty bikes and a lot of fun. One thing I am very interested in as a tall rider ( 6feet 4 in the old language) is which is a more comfortable ride for taller guys. Currently I ride a muscle cruiser, Boulevard M109R but I want a sportier change for a couple of years. Any constructive advice would be greatly appreciated,

Own the gen 1 MT09 after having owned the gen 2 FZ1. One major difference and what had drawn me to the MT09 is the triple cilinder engine. Way more fun than the in-line 4 and also way more torque down low and in the midrange. You’d have to rev the Z900 up quite a bit to get that feeling. Going to spec the bike up with full Hyperpro shocks and springs, slam a nice can on it and do a flash. Maybe tilt the bars forward a bit. I reckon I’ll have a superb canyon carver that is fun, light, agile and powerful.

I was cross shopping these 2 bikes but I ended up with a 2017 speed triple which I feel like combined the best characteristics of both. Nice low end torque from a 3 cyl that I was drawn to, but also the more sporty riding position that the z900 enjoys. The speed triple was also cheaper than I could find either bike with the same model year

I own the MT 09 I commute daily and crash cannons I'm 50 one question is that fairing getting the arrow dynamics so your head isn't getting blown around like a bobblehead it kills my neck on long drives if so please let me know where you got it MT 09 all day over the other bike lol

The MTs' 3 cyl. motor has the BEST sounding growl.

it would be nice if you compare it with 890 Duke!!!

As a short rider I feel like I hug my z900 tank when I ride 😂, I love it so much

Did you find the gearing too close together on the z900?

the z900 is 125hp and the z900rs is 110. dyno'd they produce about 113-116hp to the wheel and 95-98 hp to the wheel respectively. i appreciate the non-biased review on these two great bikes. what's better is really subjective depending on what the rider actually wants.

What's up with the Maverick Tremor in the parking lot?! When we getting a full review on that?

I'm a mt09 guy, and love it. Engine is wonderfull, it's light and a beast. It´s a hooligan bike and make you feel great. I have booth, a tracer to travel and a bandit to everyday ride. 4 cylinders are great and sound great.

Ive owned a second gen and a third gen of the mt09 and besides the engine the bike rides differently. over 90% of the bike has been changed. but good content and great idea for a video!

Idk, all the cons he has with the MT09 are the reasons I love it haha, great video.

i am not sure if he is talking about dyno hp or to the wheels but the z900 has 125hp to the crank and it has been dyno at 120 to the wheels 4:52

The z900 weighs 467 that’s 50 pounds more than the Mt09 and 42 pounds more than the zx6r. I was considering this bike but the weight might be too much for me.

If anyone knows what jacket he had on for his test rides please let me know thanks.

How's the headlights on the z900 for night riding

oh man thank you for honest review, Until yesterday I was thinking MT-09 wins vs everything, it kicks everything in the segment easily, then I saw someone commenting "compare to z900", I'm not kawa fan at ALL, Im honda/suki/yaha/bmw fan zone, but as I saw design I immediately decided to give it a chance and to google a review and here is your review =) So I will be getting z900 right after I sell my honda cb500&gixxxerK5 600, Appreciate honest words altho Im sure it was not easy to beat own bike against direct competitor, shall we agree on this thought?: if they could have this CP3 engine on kawa or cb650 it would be such an excellent exp)

You should compare the 2023 Z900 with a 2022+ MT-09 SP

What brand of riding gear are u wearing