Yamaha XJR1300 vs Kawasaki Z1000
The Kawasaki Z1000 Special Edition is more powerful, while the Yamaha XJR1300 has the lower seat. The Kawasaki’s 138 hp (103 kW) gives it a clear output advantage, while the Yamaha’s lower riding position may be a better fit for riders who value easier ground reach. Both are naked motorcycles with wet-weight figures, so the comparison also points to a notably lighter Kawasaki for pushing and parking. The Yamaha remains the seat-height choice.
Yamaha XJR1300 vs Kawasaki Z1000: specifications
| Specifications side by side | Yamaha XJR1300Model year 2013 | Kawasaki Z1000Model year 2013 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine capacity | 1,251 cm³ | 1,043 cm³ |
| Power | 98 hp (73 kW) | 138 hp (103 kW) — Favorable value |
| Wet weight | 245 kg | 218.2 kg — Favorable value |
| Seat height | 795 mm | 815 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 21 L — Favorable value | 15.1 L |
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 | Yamaha XJR1300Model year 2013 | Kawasaki Z1000Model year 2013 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine capacity | 1,251 cm³ | 1,043 cm³ |
| Power | 98 hp (73 kW) | 138 hp (103 kW) — Favorable value |
| Engine type | In-line four, four-stroke | In-line four, four-stroke |
| Bore × stroke | 79.0 x 63.8 mm | 77.0 x 56.0 mm |
| Compression ratio | 9.7:1 | 11.8:1 |
| Valves per cylinder | 4 | 4 |
| Cooling | Air | Liquid |
| Fuel system | Injection | Injection |
| Starting | Electric | Electric |
Transmission
| Specifications side by side | Yamaha XJR1300Model year 2013 | Kawasaki Z1000Model year 2013 |
|---|---|---|
| Gearbox | Manual 5-speed | Manual 6-speed |
| Clutch | Wet, multiple-disc coil spring | Wet multi-disc, manual |
| Final drive | Chain | Chain |
Dimensions and weight
| Specifications side by side | Yamaha XJR1300Model year 2013 | Kawasaki Z1000Model year 2013 |
|---|---|---|
| Wet weight | 245 kg | 218.2 kg — Favorable value |
| Seat height | 795 mm | 815 mm |
| Length | 2,175 mm | 2,096 mm |
| Width | 765 mm | 805 mm |
| Height | 1,115 mm | 1,085 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,500 mm | 1,440 mm |
| Ground clearance | 125 mm | 125 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 21 L — Favorable value | 15.1 L |
Chassis
| Specifications side by side | Yamaha XJR1300Model year 2013 | Kawasaki Z1000Model year 2013 |
|---|---|---|
| Frame | Steel double cradle | Aluminum Backbone |
| Front suspension | Telescopic forks | 41 mm inverted cartridge fork with stepless compression and rebound damping, adjustable spring preload / 4.7 in. |
| Rear suspension | Swingarm | Horizontal monoshock with stepless rebound damping, adjustable spring preload / 5.4 in. |
| Front wheel travel | 130 mm | 120 mm |
| Rear wheel travel | 120 mm | 135 mm |
| Rake | 25.0° | 24.5° |
| Trail | 100 mm | 104 mm |
Brakes
| Specifications side by side | Yamaha XJR1300Model year 2013 | Kawasaki Z1000Model year 2013 |
|---|---|---|
| Front brakes | Double disc. Hydraulic | Double disc. Petal-type rotors with radial-mount four-piston calipers |
| Rear brakes | Single disc. Hydraulic | Single disc. Petal-type rotor with single-piston caliper |
| Front brake diameter | 298 mm | 300 mm |
| Rear brake diameter | 267 mm | 250 mm |
| Front tire | 120/70-ZR17 | 120/70-ZR17 |
| Rear tire | 180/55-ZR17 | 190/50-ZR17 |
Key differences
This comparison uses Yamaha XJR1300 from 2013 and Kawasaki Z1000 from 2013.
Power
Yamaha XJR1300
98 hp (73 kW)
Kawasaki Z1000
138 hp (103 kW)
Highlighted valueWet weight
Yamaha XJR1300
245 kg
Kawasaki Z1000
218.2 kg
Highlighted valueEngine capacity
Yamaha XJR1300
1,251 cm³
Highlighted valueKawasaki Z1000
1,043 cm³
Seat height
Yamaha XJR1300
795 mm
Highlighted valueKawasaki Z1000
815 mm
Yamaha XJR1300 vs Kawasaki Z1000: which one to choose?
- Choose Kawasaki Z1000 Special Edition if highway riding with a passenger calls for more acceleration reserve; 40.8 %.
- Choose Kawasaki Z1000 Special Edition if you want less effort pushing and parking in city use; 26.8 kg.
- Choose Yamaha XJR1300 if a shorter rider needs easier ground reach; 20 mm.
FAQ
- Which bike has more engine power?
- The Kawasaki Z1000 Special Edition leads with 138 hp (103 kW), compared with the Yamaha XJR1300’s 98 hp (73 kW).
- Which bike has the lower seat?
- The Yamaha XJR1300 has the lower seat at 795 mm, compared with 815 mm on the Kawasaki Z1000 Special Edition.
- Which motorcycle has less wet weight?
- The Kawasaki Z1000 Special Edition has less wet weight at 218.2 kg, compared with 245 kg for the Yamaha XJR1300.