Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX) vs Yamaha Tracer 9
The Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX) is the more powerful choice, while the Yamaha Tracer 9 is lighter and the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX) has the lower seat. The Kawasaki produces 141 hp (105 kW), and the Yamaha’s wet weight is 214.1 kg. Together, these figures point to two distinct strengths: stronger output from the Kawasaki and a lighter machine from Yamaha, while the lower seat also favors the Kawasaki. Choose based on which of those practical differences matters more to your riding.
Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX) vs Yamaha Tracer 9: specifications
| Specifications side by side | Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX)Model year 2019 | Yamaha Tracer 9Model year 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine capacity | 1,043 cm³ | 847 cm³ |
| Power | 141 hp (105 kW) — Favorable value | 115 hp (86 kW) |
| Wet weight | 228 kg | 214.1 kg — Favorable value |
| Seat height | 815 mm | 845 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 17 L | 18.2 L — Favorable value |
Percentages use the second model as the baseline. Highlighting applies only to comparable power, torque, mass and fuel capacity; it does not predict handling or acceleration.
Engine
| Specifications side by side | Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX)Model year 2019 | Yamaha Tracer 9Model year 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine capacity | 1,043 cm³ | 847 cm³ |
| Power | 141 hp (105 kW) — Favorable value | 115 hp (86 kW) |
| Torque | 111 Nm — Favorable value | 87.5 Nm |
| Engine type | In-line four, four-stroke | In-line three-cylinder, four-stroke |
| Bore × stroke | 77.0 x 56.0 mm | 78.0 x 59.1 mm |
| Compression ratio | 11.8:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Valves per cylinder | 4 | 4 |
| Cooling | Liquid | Liquid |
| Fuel system | Injection | Injection |
| Starting | Electric | Electric |
Transmission
| Specifications side by side | Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX)Model year 2019 | Yamaha Tracer 9Model year 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Gearbox | Manual 6-speed | Manual 6-speed |
| Clutch | Wet multi-disc, manual | Multiplate assist and slipper clutch |
| Final drive | Chain | Chain |
Dimensions and weight
| Specifications side by side | Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX)Model year 2019 | Yamaha Tracer 9Model year 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Wet weight | 228 kg | 214.1 kg — Favorable value |
| Seat height | 815 mm | 845 mm |
| Length | 2,040 mm | 2,159 mm |
| Width | 790 mm | 851 mm |
| Height | 1,050 mm | 1,374 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,435 mm | 1,501 mm |
| Ground clearance | 125 mm | 135 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 17 L | 18.2 L — Favorable value |
Chassis
| Specifications side by side | Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX)Model year 2019 | Yamaha Tracer 9Model year 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Frame | Aluminium twin tube | Diamond |
| Front suspension | Inverted fork with stepless compression and rebound damping and spring preload adjustability | 41mm inverted fork, adjustable preload and rebound damping |
| Rear suspension | Horizontal Back-link, gas-charged with stepless rebound damping and spring preload adjustability | Single shock, adjustable preload and rebound damping |
| Front wheel travel | 41 mm | 137 mm |
| Rear wheel travel | 141 mm | 142 mm |
| Rake | 24.5° | 24.0° |
| Trail | 102 mm | 100 mm |
Brakes
| Specifications side by side | Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX)Model year 2019 | Yamaha Tracer 9Model year 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Front brakes | Double disc. ABS. Floating discs. Hydraulic. Four-piston calipers. | Double disc. Hydraulic. ABS. |
| Rear brakes | Single disc. ABS. Two-piston calipers. | Single disc. Hydraulic. ABS. |
| Front brake diameter | 310 mm | 298 mm |
| Rear brake diameter | 250 mm | 245 mm |
| Front tire | 120/70-17 | 120/70-ZR17 |
| Rear tire | 190/50-17 | 180/55-ZR17 |
| ABS | Yes | Yes |
Key differences
This comparison uses Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX) from 2019 and Yamaha Tracer 9 from 2019.
Power
Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX)
141 hp (105 kW)
Highlighted valueYamaha Tracer 9
115 hp (86 kW)
Wet weight
Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX)
228 kg
Yamaha Tracer 9
214.1 kg
Highlighted valueEngine capacity
Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX)
1,043 cm³
Highlighted valueYamaha Tracer 9
847 cm³
Torque
Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX)
111 Nm
Highlighted valueYamaha Tracer 9
87.5 Nm
Seat height
Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX)
815 mm
Highlighted valueYamaha Tracer 9
845 mm
Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX) vs Yamaha Tracer 9: which one to choose?
- Choose Yamaha Tracer 9 if easier pushing and parking in city use matters; its wet-weight advantage is 13.9 kg.
- Choose Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX) if reaching the ground matters; its lower seat advantage is 30 mm.
FAQ
- Which motorcycle has the lower seat?
- The Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX) has the lower seat. Its seat is 30 mm lower than the Yamaha Tracer 9’s.
- Which motorcycle has the larger engine?
- The Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX) has the larger engine, with 1,043 cm³ versus 847 cm³ for the Yamaha Tracer 9.
- Which motorcycle is lighter?
- The Yamaha Tracer 9 is lighter. Its wet weight is 13.9 kg lower than the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX)’s.