2020 BMW F900R vs Kawasaki Z900
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- Опубліковано 7 лют 2025
- There are a million ways to skin a cat, as they say, and the field that is the 900cc-ish middleweight naked bike segment is a perfect example. Just take these two cats. We recently put the KTM 890 Duke R and Triumph Street Triple R head-to-head, Burns gave us flack for not throwing the Kawasaki Z900 in the mix. I still don’t think it quite has enough to top its Austrian or British counterparts, but it’s peppy enough and should be thrown up against something - if for nothing else than to shut John up.
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I came for a review of the Z900 and left with a even more of a thirst for the Z900
Kawasaki, the company, has always been run by horsepower nuts. Go Kawi!
hp at 10000+ rpms is useless.
@@Supernova12034 you realize that’s only “peak” horsepower right??? There is power all over the rev range. That and the torque curve on this bike is flat as hell. Literally high torque at every rpm....
I'm not bragging but it holds its own against a new corvette
@@Supernova12034Me thinks you don't know the definition of "useless". Your comment is in fact useless. A healthy peak hp, on the other hand, means healthy hp everywhere, therefore not useless. See the difference?
Wish they lived on the Dragon like me bro, fk hp, i needs suspenders that rip
Give me the Kawasaki any day , even it it was more money !
Mind you, the BMW's price quickly spirals out of control if you fancy some extra toys
@@WolfgangVonKempelen838 F900R with a few upgrades, you're already hitting on Ninja1000SX prices and then it becomes completely pointless in the price equation.
@@exothermal.sprocket True, however, if it's the BMW you like, want & you have the ££££ go for it.
@@WolfgangVonKempelen838 Same logic buys a Panigale V4R over a 20 year old GSX-R1000 but still loses around a race track.
ua-cam.com/video/q0O8Q0x38mI/v-deo.html
@@exothermal.sprocket I can't argue with that Sir
I’m 5’3. So that played a part as to why I bought the 2019 Z 900 ABS. I can get both feet touching the ground. Great value and fun bike!
Chuck Diego Perfect, oooo nice to know 😄! I’m 5’3 1/2 so I wanted to know before looking into it some more.
Im 5'5. This was a mind blowing info. Thnx
Im 5'6 should I be ok?
I'm 5'3" and still got the F900R
I love the Z900, great platform and perfect amount of power without going overboard.
Exactly. With the usual aftermarket de-restriction parts bolted on and flashed in, plan on 125 hp and 73 ft-lb to the wheel, and a loss of about 20 pounds bulk with a lithium battery thrown in. 1 hp per 3.5 pounds is a very nice place to be. Ironically the MT-09 is almost identical in power to weight with the same mods.
Kawasaki is so much a better performing bike. If only 2021 can bring some better colors I may get one. Yamaha needs to update the FZ-09 also. Gotta love John Burns, still riding in his '80's. 😁
I think he's 92.
In his 80s? For sure? 😱😱😱😱OMG, I’m Chinese from H.K, didn’t know his background....
I don't feel a day over 70 is the thing.
@@johnburns8956 You made me laugh so hard with your reply!! Please never stop beeing so comical. Cheers!
I've loved the CP3 in the Yamaha, their chassis is also quite good, but it's how they executed the fit/finish, aesthetics, fuel capacity, instrument display, switchgear, and suspension that has let the good points down. It cost several grand to upgrade aftermarket and solve these deficiencies but then resale becomes a flush-the-money-down-the-toilet proposition.
These reviews have come a long way and that’s not a bad thing. I appreciate you guys honing your skills review after review. Thanks for the content!
The Z900 may just be my next bike! Thanks for the video, great work guys!
Kawi for the win. 👍
I think you mean Dukawi
the thing i noticed about the displays... the f900r shows the time and temp, no matter what screen you're in. that's SO freaking nice.
I have 2020 bmw F900R fully loaded
I’m very pleased with it.😊👌👍✊💪
Both such great bikes. I wish the Z900 had the headlight of the 2015 Z1000 and newer. They have a piece where it can appear that way but screws up the lighting at night. The F900R, is a great BMW and probably one of the best displays on the market at that price range.
I'm a returning older rider and have looked, researched & checked out a lot of different types of bikes over the last 8 months. Specs are specs & short term reviews are 1 thing but a more telling indicator is the number of used bikes for sale. There are dozens of used late model BMW F series bikes for resale in my area but no used Kaws. When a used Kaw does appear for resale it is usually much higher mileage, holds a high resale value and gets snapped up quickly. That speaks volumes... for me it's gonna be a kaw! BTW Gr8 review!
I'll take the reliability and the zing of the kawasaki.
I think you need to check some of the owners forums they aren't that reliable 🤔
@@casabcn613 One of the most reliable motorcycle brand. My pals z650 has 40000miles. Not a single issue
@@casabcn613 lol.
@@sagarsarker6929 Wow, must be proud to manage to reach the mileage the average bmw does in a couple of years...
@@AnReO The only difference is that your average bmw had to replace most of the parts and won't take much longer to fall apart😂 whereas the kawi stayed reliable and will stay reliable throughout its life
I had a 2017 Z900 and never really 100% was happy with it. Had to change the seat and bars and still wasn’t quite the position I wanted. The bike was a beast.
I recently test rode a BMW F900R and absolutely loved it. Riding position was perfect. Power felt just right for the street. Way more features as well. Keyless ignition, quick shifter, heated grips, tpms, etc…
I’ll be buying an F900R in the near future.
kawi all day. im a simple person i dont like breakdowns. for me at the end of the day reliability is the my main concern.
I don't get this joke. BMW is insanely reliable? I own a Kawasaki myself, and obviously it's Japanese quality... But they're not better than BMW? And for me, living next to Germany, parts are much easier to get. Japanese bikes are a pain in the ass to get parts for.
BMW bikes over a 4 year span have 40% failure rate that something will need to be fixed other then regular maintenance. That's horrible I will stick will kawasaki
@@65thE5 lol, source: your ass.
Great, fun review. Light hearted but informational. Now i know which bike to get my son for his birthday :)
I’m sure I’d prefer the kawi........
In Australia the MT09 is selling for around $13-14k. I can pick up a Z900 from a local dealership for $11.5k today. Cheap and amazing!
4:36 "It's a psychological thing" Good way of putting it. I see it all the time when people compare 4 cyl with twins. The twins might "feel" more punchy but in practice they're barely any quicker. I see it all the time when people compare the MT-07 vs CB650R. The MT-07 is "punchier" down low but when you watch a roll on drag race between the two, the CB650R leaves the MT-07 in the dust. The 4 cyl is so smooth that it doesn't "feel" punchy but it still pulls plenty well at low RPM and keeps pulling higher and higher into the rev range when the 2 cyl has already run out of breath and shifted to the next gear.
I love the Z900 I can ride a long 1hr 30 min ride to work then go canyon carving on the way home. I put 11000 miles on mine in 6 months mantinence is easy best practical commute and canyon bike.
kawa hands down, rode both bikes, i own an 2017 kawa Z900. kawa is a way sportier bike with a smoother engine.
Y’all were talking about the BMW not having modes, adjustable suspension, etc it’s because all that stuff is in the premium tech package.
What a shock, BMW would extract more money from their sucker customers by selling a "premium" package with features that should be standard, and are on Japanese brands.
@@RyanMcIntyre what features are standard on Japanese brands and not on the BMW ?
I have the F900R and I love it, great bike so many people hating BMW on here, have you actually ridden one? The bike in this review is not the best colour and lacks all the extras which doesn't do it justice.
The "extras" bring the price up about $5000 bucks. Add $5000 on the Kawasaki side and you can get into a Ninja 1000 with all you need for touring, or a ZX14. Or you could could buy a Z400 and have two bikes. Suit yourself but this was a comparison between similarly priced bikes. If you need to add five grand to the bottom line in order to make the 85 HP bike worth owning, that defeats the purpose.
@@johnrobinson1328 Money isn't a problem for me so I don't think about the extra cost, and I have more than one bike and wouldn't ever consider a z400 😂 were 100% not on the same page.
@@johnrobinson1328 Where are you getting $5K from? The most you can spend on the bike is an extra $3750.00 Do you need all that stuff - Hell No. I bought my new F900r for $9150 plus tax.
@@williambedell3470 I have this bike I no person would add all the extras on, and they are not 5k. My bike was just over 10k with some nice extras.
@@fullmeanzbeanz8803 OK. Fair. The most you can add to the base price is a shade under $4000. The larger point remains.
I Bought the Beemer, 9.5 GRAND UK. with electronic suspension quick shifter, cruise control, Adaptive headlamp, Heated grips, keyless, Auto cancelling indicators, Seat cowl, fly screen and key insurance, Great bike, loving it 😀
is the quick shifter up and down? and how is the suspension? I was torn between BMW and XSR900 and finally decided to take Yamaha. lovely looking bike with all tech but I can feel every single bump on my butt. I am not sure if this is rubbish suspension or seat
There isn't any comparison between these two it's Kawasaki all the way. Choose between a beautiful smooth four cylinder with exquisite Japanese engineering and reliability or a make believe pretender of a BMW with a rattly Chinese parallel twin. You pays your money you takes your choice
Just bought the Kawa
just bought a Z900 and its 125 bhp, 6ft 3 and its comfortable for me and the bike is amazing, although still breaking it in, only had it a week.
So you still liking and own the z900? I just bought a brand new 22’
@@578_congratulations! yes, love it, such a nice and easy bike to ride...enjoy it.
@@stuartspink76 thanks bro I appreciate it!
I agree with the guy on the left that twin cylinder bikes may feel more grunty at low revs but they’re not, the 4 cylinder bikes of similar capacity are just as strong, it’s just that they are smoother. It’s mostly in your head.
by your logic a 125cc bike it's not slow, "it's just smoother".... the comparison of the video its pretty pointless, completely different power brackets but the 2 vs 4 cilinder torque vs redline power it's not a myth...
@@Marco-cl9pb which part of "of similar capacity" do you not understand?
@@mrnicktoyou still not true what you said, the power it's delivered differently between 2 and 4 cilinder engines. not better or worse it's different, don't say it's not...
ofc smooth is nice but let's say you want to overtake someone at 6th gear do you want to take ages to get to the juicy high rpms (what you call smooth) or instant torque?
Depends on the engine. Look at the comparison between the S1000XR, Vstrom 1050 and Versys 1000 power/torque delivery. Usually though, the taller but narrower packaging and comparative simplicity of the twin (ignoring the boxers and transverse twins) allows for a larger swept capacity and they will be designed to utilise the extra capacity for a lower revving, more grunty delivery. Hence the 1301cc KTM 1290 engine weighing about the same 60kg as the 1000cc BMW S1000RR inline-4 and providing less power but an endless plateau of torque.
Z900 everytime over F900R...
Troy's review is not as good and interesting as before. It's becoming a bit complacent, to be honest.
The review was a bit like my brother and I. He likes his Aprilia Shiver 900 and I like my Z900. Both great bikes but it is up to the individual to choose the one that suits them.
The shiver has a great engine, but it’s a heavy bike and feels it too.
You are right. Ride what you like.
@@sarahdell4042 MT 09 better than all of them, beast engine and 20 kilos lighter than all of then also
John re the z900 - 💯 % on target. 👍
Tony re the BMW - More excuses than a pregnant nun. 😪
Typical Japanese fans lol
MotoTune TM - Fans for a good reason. 😜
hahahahaha
I ride my 2018 Z900RS as often as possible. It is the best bike I’ve ever rode.
Hey guys! Nice work on this, I enjoyed it. John, I am with you, Sir - I will take the Ducawi all day every day and twice on Sundays! To me it's hands down the better bike. The BMW just doesn't do anything for me - and to be honest, I am really not sure about that Chinese-made engine. I have never really looked to see what kind of aftermarket exists for the Z, but it will be a fun search. Heading over to read the article now. Thanks again, fellas! Keep 'em coming.
Z900 - proudly wholly made in japan
F900R - german priced chinese motor.
What's the B meant to mean in BMW again?
B as in Beijing
sabamacx z900rs is made in Japan, z900 is made in Thailand
@@vincentbeijing6926 Says made in Japan here.
Yeah that's a CMW 900!
Bargain 🤣
I’m 6ft and just sat on the z900 today and I was surprisingly fine not cramped at all.
I have a 2018 Z900…. Absolutely love it…!!
Very happy… comfortable… light… and plenty of power….!!!!
Currently ride a Z650 as my first bike, next will be a z900 😁
Had a ER6n, and bought a Z900. No regret, both bikes is fantastic. Recommend the Z900...948 ccm inline 4
Youre gonna LOVE IT.
My Z900 is my first Kawasaki. Its a wonderful bike.
I wish you had thrown an MT-09 into the mix (even though it’s older). You would have had a 2, 3, and 4 cylinder bike comparison.
Not to mention the single cylinder savage thumping past.
I like the MT09 a lot better than the Z900 so I agree. Currently own a 2016 Z1000 but I'd buy the MT09 if I had an extra $9000 for another bike. I've rode the MT09 and Z900 many times.
The Sav'age, with the Targé shopper aboard.
I've started on a Z900 (previous before refresh), and moved to MT-09. Honestly there's a lot to like about both. I've ridden and sampled over 50 machines from various brands in all engine configurations and I have a good sense of what's to offer. The Z900 is a more complete and sorted bike from factory. It can do everything seemingly 15-20 mph faster than the Yamaha with confidence. Both the MT and Z respond equally well with aftermarket de-restrictions and upgrades (suspension, brakes, tires). Both lose about the same amount of weight (~20 pounds) without doing expensive things. Both run nearly identical power-to-weight ratio with the Z gaining the upper hand in the upper 50% revs.
77BeatsPerMinute I agree and would take the MT09 all day until 2020 came along. Now the Z makes the MT09 look ancient, the Dash says it all
I get your point about the instrument display. But that's a piece of technology that really has nothing to do with the actual riding experience. Similar screens exist in all sorts of non-mobility industry which feed data to operators and users. Frankly I'd be okay with a solid analogue tach, digital speedo, and all the other numbers that we like to see these days, without a scratch-prone, obsolescence-prone, can't-see-in-direct-sunlight prone, piece of electronic equipment that certainly won't be functioning in 30 years like the older stuff still does.
I buy motorcycles primarily for the experience they give me in motion.
Z900 has a higher seat option that will fix the “cramp” issue
The BMW too
Buying a $9000 anything from BMW would make me suspicious.
Good you're not buying it then, you and your suspicious mind.
With a 3 year 36,000 mile warranty versus a 12 month warranty on he Kawi. I wouldn't be to suspicious.
@@williambedell3470 And what does that warranty cover? Just the powertrain?
@@JK-tu1xx I think you should spend some time reading the warranty brochure from Motorrad. I have an F900r will 3 year warranty included,it covers everything even hotel stays, roadside assistance,storage there are some exceptions but they are standard things like ware & tare or misuse.
I have a 2020 BMW Nine T /5 for $9,995 and the 3 year warranty covers everything
The Yamaha MT09 engine is changed from a 847cc triple with 115hp to a 889cc triple with 119hp. So yes they also change.
This is not a review, you're outright justifying why people should buy the Loncin F900 over the Kawasaki Z900, which is crazy.
I'm only 5'5" sat on f900 and it felt uncomfortably tall, lot of effort to get it off the side stand. The z900 was a breeze and not too tall. F900r gas tank 3.4 gal is a deal breaker anyway.
I think the new Honda cb650r should be included as it is a higher spec machine than the other 650's, hence the higher price. At 94hp and less weight I think it would be a fair comparison.
I’m from Brazil and have a 2015’ F800R. I like it very much but I’d observed that 3-pistons (MT’s and Triumphs) along with 4-pistons (Z’s, GSX’s...) have massive presence on bike events. Many BMW’s fans put their money on GS (Big Trail) models and I doubt if BMW will bring F900R to Brazil as a regular imported bike.
The Euro spec BMW has 105hp by the way. However there is an issue with cold starts. Mine has it and it has been reported by other people both US an EU, so it can't be fuel related. That is very annoying for a brand new bike. I hope they find a solution soon. Price wise in Bulgaria the Kawasaki is 19651 BGN. While the BMW starts from 17100 BGN. I got mine for 19861 BGN and is has the up/down quick-shifter, rider modes pro, cornering ABS, heated grips, cruise control, keyless for 19861 BGN which is the same as the Z900. So surprisingly for a BMW it has a very very good price/performance ratio. And even though it's still in the running in period, it can do 5L/100km. I don't think the Kawasaki would ever manage that, which is the opposite of what John said in the video.
But it has a smaller tank That's his point.
I have f900r with just 600kms on it and the cold start issue has resolved via software patch at the run in service. Love the bike. The low down torque is so useable. Enjoy
@@vaderboy3147 what is the cold start issue?
What about the headlights? Turn signal? LED or not, what about some roll on power races. What about the tire widths? What accessories are available? You guys need to do a thorough review.
In my opinion the z900 is the best looking naked bike
Imagine a 315 degree crank on the BWM for that Husqvarna Nuda sound!
Don’t believe a word the guy on the BMW says.
Great vid & nice comparison. I also liked your tongue in cheek bickering, make me chuckle. You could've also thrown in the Suzuki GSXS750 too I guess but it would've come last I imagine. Maybe a group test of 9k bikes is in order?
Gixxer all day..
I am an old kawasaki fan - the first new street bike I ever bought was a KZ 750 1984 ( I was about 27 then ) . It was a light metal flake blue one with a dark blue pinstripe. I searched for hours and only found one or two of that color . 20 years ago I got a used 1984 KZ 550 LTD . Then in 2019 I got a red Z900 ( only has ABS ) . I liked it so much that I then got a blue 2020 . I have 1500 miles on it and about 6500 miles on the red one .
I love them both - I am 6 1 and about 200 lbs .
I don't do tricks or anything but on the red 2019 bike - after the 600 mile break in, I always accelerated hard . Even so, I got 5000 on the rear tire before replacement . I almost never use the rear brake ...
The fastest I have been is 145 MPH on both bikes . What about you ?
Thanks for showing how thrash the BMW is.
The gap between the price for maintenance and parts for the two bikes are hella wide though. Thats totally worth considering between buying the two.
Not really, whem the kawa is going to need more maintenance and repairs all around
@@lifesAtrip513 Bimmer also has a three year warranty.
I think these reviewers need to give more attention to Kawasaki -- most of their new bikes now come with LED headlights and TFT displays with great HP and reliability at reasonable prices.
Very entertaining video I loved the competitiveness between both of the guys😂👍
I would definitely go with the KAW.
Can I ask how you guys feel about the KTM 890 in comparison to these bikes?
I have a 2022 F900r and it has a quick shifter, a center stand , electronic suspension and 4 ride modes ...?
Reliability? Which one wins?
I think the Z900 has a taller seat option which “de-cramps” it a little.
The minimal option is 760 mm thso low that 5 fit 4" people can ride easily
900cc are middle weights?
Yeah I'll stick with watching Motorcyclist reviews, and Revzilla. 👍
Reliability alone is why I go with Kawasaki over BMW.
I got this kawasaki, and riding every day to work, simply amazing, just battery was dead, as I was on holiday 2 weeks :D
Z900 has the better engine imo. Parallel twins, although decent street engines are kinda souless and lack the character of a punchy inline 4.
dont need fast corners; need hill climbing and twisties so needs to be a bit smaller. IMO
Too bad all the BMWs are priced like a street triple R which is what I’d get
legit these two are irrelevant in comparison to kinds of triple R and 890r
@@bazitube390 incorrect, its perfect in this comparison.
BMW most be paying good money for this review. It is so clear what the better bike is.
If mostly you are agressive and fun light bike its ktm890 point and shoot.For commuting comfort bmw f900 then z900 for budget
my 2018 Kawasaki Zed 900 is as solid and precision as a Swiss watch. also the non-ABS 2018 is 12 pounds lighter than the 2019+ models. In 55+ years I have owned many brands and never had a bike as dependable. been thinking about a third bike for my stable so this BMW is one I am interested in... comparing it with the new R9 Yamaha and the Suzuki GXS8R... so for this COMPARISION.
Has character = Loud with a Twitchy Throttle
No character = Smooth & Refined
BS, if you put a full titanium exhaust system on the z900 it will become a monster. Stock exhaust it’s very boring, but only change that and it ‘s so much more fun 😅
When are you guys going to compare SPORT TOURING bikes? Or am I on the wrong channel?
I litteraly just bought an F900 in that same colour. Here in Oz the quickshifter is standard, so it's a tin bit more pricey than the Kwack. Ultimately, it's just an easier to ride all rounder, even if the Kawasaki is much faster. The BMW is just more fun at normal speeds.
Even a 250 is fun in the twisties.
Compared to the Kawa, the BMW looks 2 decades older in it's styling. I don't care how it rides in comparison, what the price diff is, what the performance is, the Kwak is a sexy beast enough for me to say "take my money" without even looking twice at the BMW.
Kawi for sure!
I am a Kawasaki fan and own a 2005 ZRX1200R the original naked street bike Eddie Lawson replica that a bought new in 2005. But I would love to race the Kawi Z900 with my Yamaha FZ-09. Saying that the Z900 would whack the FZ-09 is a joke.
Classic mistake of thinking the F900R is in the same class as the Z900... Just because they both have the same number in their name doesn't automatically mean they're meant for the same class...
I love my z900
I had a 750gs with less power and barely anyone could keep up with me in corners regardless of what bike they had.
BMW gas mileage is the best in the business, kawasaki is probably the worst. (if we disregard the chinese)
One thing completely ignored in this review is you can make the f900 a solid toruing bike complete with hard top box and panniers. While the z900 is faster, in terms of practicality its miles behind.
Whatsup Troy good to see you well and doing what you do best reviewing motorcycles 👍🏻. For me id definitely be bagging the Kawasaki for sure. What an awesome place to test motorcycles absolutely beautiful 😍 stay safe brother 👍🏻
Adam 🇬🇧
I wonder why no mention of the warranty and overall cost of ownership.
how about the suzuki bandit 1250s
always listen to the older guy......
Both good bikes but going with the Z 900
Power is all about top speed, torque is more relevant on street bikes
I have the 2020 z900 so yeah it’s a dope bike
F900r remind me of suzuki gladius
How does the kawi get better mileage with 1 cylinder more and 30 hp more? Did he mean range?
F900R, I own one and it's awesome. The power is great, I'm not racing other people and most people don't either, its more for bragging rights.The weight isn't noticeable and the tech is brilliant.
What about milage per liter?
Which one is better for a tall guy?
Its actually pretty amazing that in 2020 one can buy a brand new 900cc BMW for $9,000.
I love the Kawi but i also like luggage option on my bikes and the Z900 disagrees with that :(
Austrian UA-cam nutter Schaaf RAVES about the confidence inspiring mountain road performance of both the 2020 and previous gen Z900. He has video reviews of each, and both are highly complimentary. The bikes punch way above their pricetags.
I do love F900r 270 P2 sound, but no doubt the Z900 is the better bike.
the energy was off or something.. maaybe you guys were tying to be a bit more like the top gear boys, but this was not a good comparison video:(
Yeah i’ll take the Kawi z900 myself for it’s power n zing :)
BMW pricing is deceiving. I'm just saying based off my local dealership. On the other hand the Kawi isn't being marked up at any of my local dealers. Good review though.
I don't know mich but BMW site says quick shifter and dynamic rear suspension is optional. So it has it.
At a BMW price = expensive
Nice. Does the BMW have a fuel gauge?