Middleweight super naked motorcycles are a popular class of motorcycles that blend sporty performance, everyday usability, and aggressive styling. These bikes are essentially sportbikes stripped of fairings, hence “naked,” with more upright ergonomics, making them more comfortable for daily riding while offering thrilling performance. The numerous benefits of these machines are multiple; they are great for commuting, easy on the back and wrists, and incredibly quick and agile.
Related: How does the Triumph Tiger 900 compare to the KTM 890 Adventure R?
Two very popular models currently on sale are the Yamaha MT-09 and the Kawasaki Z900. These aggressively styled machines are under 990cc and R250 000. Let's compare the spec sheets of these two machines and see how they compare.
How does the CF Moto 800 NK compare to the KTM 990 Duke?
Specifications
| Yamaha MT-09 SP | Kawasaki Z900 ABS | |
| Engine | 890cc liquid-cooled DOHC inline 3-cylinder | 948cc Liquid Cooled 4-stroke In-Line Four |
| Transmission | 6-speed; multiplate assist and slipper clutch | 6-speed return shift |
| Power figures | 87kW / 126Nm | 91kW / 97Nm |
| Top speed | 230km/h | 240km/h |
| Frame | Lightweight CF die-cast aluminium frame | High tensile strength steel trellis frame |
| Suspension Front | 41mm KYB inverted fork 130mm travel | 41 mm inverted fork with rebound damping and spring preload adjustability |
| Suspension Rear | Öhlins single shock 120mm travel | Horizontal Back-link with rebound damping and spring preload adjustability |
| Brakes Front | 298mm twin disc, Brembo Stylema 4 piston callipers | Dual semi-floating 300 mm discs, Dual radial-mount, opposed 4-piston calliper |
| Brakes Rear | 245mm single disc single piston calliper, ABS | Single 250 mm disc, Single-piston calliper |
| Fuel Tank (litres) | 14l | 17l |
| Tech & Features | 6 Axis IMU, Keyless ride, Rider Aids - Trcation Control, Slide Control, Wheelie Control, Ride Modes - Sport, Street, Rain and Track, 3.5 Inch colour TFT screen | Traction Control, Ride and Power Modes, TFT colour screen, Smartphone connectivity, cruise control, 6-axis IMU, ABS |
| Fuel Consumption | 4.8 L/100km | 4.8 L/100km |
| Weight | 190kg | 213kg |
| Seat Height | 825mm | 820mm |
| Price | R 234 950 | R 219 995 |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years |
Verdict
The Yamaha may have the upper hand regarding tech and features, but in almost every other category, it is outshone by the Kawasaki. We would have the Z900 at a cheaper price. You get a lot of bike for the money, but we highly recommend test riding both machines if you're in the market for an aggressive super naked. The dynamics of each engine are entirely different, not to mention the handling.
