Yamaha MT-07 vs Kawasaki Z900
Specs side by side, plus our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.
The Yamaha MT-07 and Kawasaki Z900 are among the most cross-shopped naked bikes of 2026. The Yamaha MT-07 undercuts the Kawasaki Z900 by about $1,300, so value is squarely on the table. On paper the Kawasaki Z900 leads on power with 124 hp. Below we put them head to head on price, performance, weight and seat height, then give our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.
Our pickYamaha
Yamaha MT-07
Kawasaki
Kawasaki Z900The verdict
The Yamaha MT-07 edges it overall at 8.4/10, but the Kawasaki Z900 wins on most exciting, so let how you ride decide.
Yamaha MT-07
A2-legal, 73 hp, forgiving to learn on.
Kawasaki Z900
124 hp and 0.58 hp/kg, the strongest here.
Yamaha MT-07
Our 8.4/10 at $8,499, the most bike per dollar.
Yamaha MT-07
184 kg with an 805 mm seat, the easiest to throw around.
Yamaha MT-07
Our top score in this matchup at 8.4/10.
Cyan marks the best figure in each row. Specs are the most-cited for the current model; verify before relying on them.
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Yamaha MT-07 vs Kawasaki Z900: your questions answered
Which is faster, the Yamaha MT-07 or the Kawasaki Z900?
The Kawasaki Z900 makes the most power at 124 hp and 98.6 Nm, giving it the edge on outright performance.
Which is cheaper, the Yamaha MT-07 or the Kawasaki Z900?
The Yamaha MT-07 is the most affordable here with an MSRP around $8,499.
Which is lighter, the Yamaha MT-07 or the Kawasaki Z900?
The Yamaha MT-07 is the lightest at 184 kg, which makes it the easiest to manage at low speed and in the bends.
Which is better for a beginner, the Yamaha MT-07 or the Kawasaki Z900?
For a new rider we'd point to the Yamaha MT-07: A2-legal, 73 hp and 184 kg make it the most approachable of the group.
