When a rider is trying to choose between the easy handling of a classic street bike and the performance and thrills of a modern sport bike, there’s only one solution: get a motorcycle with both. Naked sport bikes like the Kawasaki Z900 and Yamaha MT-09 have gained steam among Northern California riders in the 21st century, and for good reason. Finding one of these motorcycles for sale near Sunnyvale will let you cruise around downtown, then grab the throttle and feel a rush on I-280 without missing a beat.
The Z900 and MT-09 are two recent entries into this class of street-sport hybrid motorcycles. Each is backed by a legendary name and offers the quality riders deserve. They sit at the top of the middleweight class with similar sizes and price tags. However, the bikes have distinct designs catering to subsets of the naked sport bike market, and riders will get a different dose of adrenaline on each.
Which of these motorcycles will provide the experience you’re looking for? SF Moto is here with a detailed breakdown comparing the engines, chassis, suspension, onboard tech, and more to help you decide.
Engine and Power Delivery
First, let’s look at what powers the two bikes. While both are classified as 900s, the Kawasaki Z900 has a slightly bigger power plant in terms of both displacement and cylinder count. It uses a 948cc four-cylinder engine that delivers 123 hp and 73 lb-ft of torque. With the Yamaha MT-09, you get an 890cc three-cylinder engine that maxes at 117 hp and 69 lb-ft of torque. On the surface, it seems a simple case of more power in the Z900 being better.
But it’s not just how much power you have available—it’s how the motorcycle uses it. The Z900 has linear power delivery throughout the RPM range and a smooth character. In particular, the mid-range torque is a lot better than a typical sport bike. This makes the bike more predictable and forgiving, which is excellent for less experienced riders and those who want a more refined riding experience as they cruise the streets of Sunnyvale.
Conversely, the Yamaha MT-09 has less linear delivery with more torque lower in the RPM range, especially at lower speeds. Riders can accelerate faster and overtake quicker, and as a result, the motorcycle feels more aggressive. Because of this, some people have referred to the MT-09 as a "hooligan" bike (in the nicest way, of course).
Suspension and Handling
The paths these bikes travel continue with the underpinnings. Some specs are identical or close to it. For example, the two bikes have the same rake, trail, and tire measurements. Both bikes have rebound damping and adjustable preload on the front and rear shocks. The devil is in the details, though, and the naked sport entries from Kawasaki and Yamaha handle quite differently.
The Kawasaki Z900 has a trellis frame made of high-tensile steel and a large 4.5-gallon fuel tank. Combined with the larger engine, this equals a curb weight of 470 lbs. When you add the shorter 31.9-inch seat height that lowers the center of gravity, this bike offers excellent stability. When you’re cruising at highway speeds, the Z900 stays planted on the pavement. The brakes are also slightly larger to control the extra power and weight, and the ergonomics encourage an upright riding position for better visibility and greater comfort.
The Yamaha MT-09 has a die-cast aluminum frame, subframe, and wheels, plus a smaller 3.7-gallon fuel tank. When put together, the curb weight for the MT-09 is 425 lbs, which is about 10% lighter than the Z900. This means a nimbler bike that you can hustle around tight turns. Its agility is enhanced by other design elements. The MT-09 is an inch longer overall but has a 0.8-inch shorter wheelbase. Its 32.5-inch seat height is better for leaning and makes taller riders more comfortable. Finally, Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S23 tires help your bike stick as you’re tackling the Santa Clara Valley.
Riding Technology
Naked bikes tend to go easy on the tech side, preferring a basic, retro approach that lets the rider focus on connecting with the road. This contrasts with the nature of sport bikes, which prioritize the latest technology and assistance so riders can get precision handling and power. The Kawasaki Z900 and Yamaha MT-09 find a different balance, and each approach has its adherents.
To be sure, the bikes share a lot of modern tech features, including:
- An assist and slipper clutch
- An anti-lock braking system
- A traction control system
- Electronically-controlled throttle valves
- A horizontal back-link rear suspension
- An Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU)
- Multiple power and ride modes
- A five-inch TFT color instrumentation display
- Bluetooth smartphone connectivity
That said, the Yamaha MT-09 is a little more space-age for those who prefer being tech-forward. Its quick shifter is bi-directional versus the unidirectional Kawasaki shifter, and the bike comes with brake control, slide control, back slip regulator, and front-wheel lift control systems so you can push the limits without flying past them. The traction control system has four modes and accounts for rider lean. Some of the tech on the MT-09 comes from the YZF-R1 superbike for a racing-like feel.
The Kawasaki Z900 does have a few other tech goodies beyond the initial list, including electronic cruise control, ergo-fit seat adjustments, and cornering management. You can also get the Z900 SE, which adds a few more tech and suspension goodies. Overall, though, the Z900 is a little more barebones so it feels more like a true street bike, and the MT-09 is closer to the tech-heavy sport bike end of the spectrum.
The Verdict and Our Recommendations
Now that we’ve gone over the fine lines of the picture, it’s time to pull back and look at the larger scene. One bike isn’t necessarily better than the other, but the way they’re designed and tuned appeals to vastly different audiences, which is appropriate given the diverse nature of the Bay Area. Here’s how we would summarize the bikes and how we recommend Sunnyvale riders choose between them:
- Buy the Kawasaki Z900 if you want a naked sport bike that leans toward the street side with a powerful but refined engine, stable handling, comfortable cruising for long periods, and less invasive tech.
- Buy the Yamaha MT-09 if you want a sportier street bike with aggressive acceleration, lively handling, spirited performance for shorter rides, and high-level tech inspired by the race track.
Discover the Right Naked Sport Bike at SF Moto
Whichever bike you think is right for you, SF Moto will help you find a new or used model at a great price. As an authorized Kawasaki, Honda, Suzuki, CFMOTO, and Zero motorcycle dealer near Sunnyvale, we have served the region for three decades and counting. Everyone on our staff rides, and there’s someone who can give you a first-hand account of the bikes you are interested in. Test rides are encouraged, too! We have competitive financing, and with our full service and parts centers plus an extensive selection of motorcycle gear, we’ll keep you outfitted for years of great riding. Call, text, or visit us to discover your next bike.
