Kawasaki Z900 Vs Ninja 1000
What To Know
- The Z900 is more agile and flickable, while the Ninja 1000 is more stable and has a smoother power delivery.
- The Ninja 1000, on the other hand, is a sport touring motorcycle, so it has a more forward-leaning riding position and a longer wheelbase.
- The Z900 is a good choice for riders who want a more agile and maneuverable bike, while the Ninja 1000 is a better option for riders who want a more stable and comfortable bike.
The Kawasaki Z900 and Ninja 1000 are two of the most popular motorcycles in their respective categories. The Z900 is a naked streetfighter, while the Ninja 1000 is a sport touring motorcycle. Both bikes offer a unique blend of performance, comfort, and style, but which one is right for you?
In this blog post, we’ll compare the Kawasaki Z900 and Ninja 1000 in detail, covering everything from their engines and performance to their handling and features. We’ll also provide our expert opinion on which bike is the better choice for different riders.
Engine and Performance
The Kawasaki Z900 is powered by a 948cc inline-four engine that produces 125 horsepower and 72 lb-ft of torque. The Ninja 1000, on the other hand, is powered by a 1,043cc inline-four engine that produces 142 horsepower and 82 lb-ft of torque.
On paper, the Ninja 1000 has the advantage in terms of power and torque. However, the Z900 is actually lighter than the Ninja 1000, so the power-to-weight ratio is very similar between the two bikes.
In real-world riding conditions, the Z900 and Ninja 1000 both offer excellent performance. The Z900 is more agile and flickable, while the Ninja 1000 is more stable and has a smoother power delivery.
Handling
The Kawasaki Z900 and Ninja 1000 have very different handling characteristics. The Z900 is a naked streetfighter, so it has a more upright riding position and a shorter wheelbase. This makes it more agile and maneuverable in tight corners.
The Ninja 1000, on the other hand, is a sport touring motorcycle, so it has a more forward-leaning riding position and a longer wheelbase. This makes it more stable at high speeds and on long rides.
Which bike handles better depends on your riding style and preferences. If you prefer a more agile and maneuverable bike, the Z900 is a good choice. If you prefer a more stable and comfortable bike, the Ninja 1000 is a better option.
Features
The Kawasaki Z900 and Ninja 1000 both come with a variety of features, including:
- ABS: Anti-lock brakes help to prevent the wheels from locking up during braking, which can lead to a loss of control.
- Traction control: Traction control helps to prevent the rear wheel from spinning out of control during acceleration, which can lead to a loss of traction.
- Electronic throttle control: Electronic throttle control allows the rider to control the throttle more precisely, which can improve fuel economy and reduce emissions.
- Cruise control: Cruise control allows the rider to set a desired speed and maintain it without having to constantly apply pressure to the throttle.
- Heated grips: Heated grips help to keep the rider’s hands warm in cold weather.
The Ninja 1000 also comes with a few additional features that the Z900 does not, including:
- Semi-active suspension: Semi-active suspension automatically adjusts the suspension settings to match the riding conditions, which can improve handling and comfort.
- Cornering ABS: Cornering ABS helps to prevent the wheels from locking up during braking while cornering, which can lead to a loss of control.
- Quick shifter: A quick shifter allows the rider to shift gears without using the clutch, which can improve acceleration and lap times.
Which Bike is Right for Me?
The Kawasaki Z900 and Ninja 1000 are both excellent motorcycles, but they are designed for different types of riders. The Z900 is a good choice for riders who want a more agile and maneuverable bike, while the Ninja 1000 is a better option for riders who want a more stable and comfortable bike.
Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between the two bikes:
Feature | Kawasaki Z900 | Kawasaki Ninja 1000 |
— | — | — |
Engine | 948cc inline-four | 1,043cc inline-four |
Horsepower | 125 horsepower | 142 horsepower |
Torque | 72 lb-ft | 82 lb-ft |
Weight | 463 pounds | 498 pounds |
Riding position | Upright | Forward-leaning |
Wheelbase | 56.5 inches | 57.3 inches |
Features | ABS, traction control, electronic throttle control, cruise control, heated grips | ABS, traction control, electronic throttle control, cruise control, heated grips, semi-active suspension, cornering ABS, quick shifter |
Ultimately, the best way to decide which bike is right for you is to test ride both of them. This will allow you to experience the handling, performance, and features of each bike firsthand and make an informed decision.
Expert Opinion
Our expert opinion is that the Kawasaki Z900 is the better choice for most riders. It is more agile and maneuverable than the Ninja 1000, and it is also more affordable. The Ninja 1000 is a good choice for riders who want a more stable and comfortable bike, but it is not as good a value as the Z900.
The Bottom Line
The Kawasaki Z900 and Ninja 1000 are both excellent motorcycles, but they are designed for different types of riders. The Z900 is a good choice for riders who want a more agile and maneuverable bike, while the Ninja 1000 is a better option for riders who want a more stable and comfortable bike.
Ultimately, the best way to decide which bike is right for you is to test ride both of them. This will allow you to experience the handling, performance, and features of each bike firsthand and make an informed decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which bike is faster, the Kawasaki Z900 or Ninja 1000?
A: The Ninja 1000 is faster than the Z900. It has more horsepower and torque, and it weighs less.
Q: Which bike is more comfortable, the Kawasaki Z900 or Ninja 1000?
A: The Ninja 1000 is more comfortable than the Z900. It has a more upright riding position and a longer wheelbase, which makes it more stable at high speeds and on long rides.
Q: Which bike is more affordable, the Kawasaki Z900 or Ninja 1000?
A: The Z900 is more affordable than the Ninja 1000. It has a lower MSRP and lower insurance costs.