2020 Indian FTR 1200S vs 2020 Kawasaki Z 900

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2020 Indian FTR 1200S 2020 Indian FTR 1200S

Naked bike

Engine
Four stroke, 60° V Twin , DOHC, 4-Valves per Cylinder, Graded Buckets
Power
120 hp / 89.5 kW @ 6000 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
235 kg / 518 lbs
2020 Kawasaki Z 900 2020 Kawasaki Z 900

Naked bike

Engine
In-line four, four-stroke
Power
92.2 kW / 123.6 hp @ 9500 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
467.5 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Comments-Power Mode Selection. Traction control.
Year2019 - 202020
Colours-Metallic Graphite Gray/Metallic Spark Black, Candy Plasma Blue/Metallic Matte Fusion Silver
Make ModelIndian FTR1200SKawasaki Z 900
Warranty-12 Month Limited Warranty
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)-130 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)-5.1 inches
Seat Height841 mm / 33.1 in820 mm / 32.2 in
Wheelbase1524 mm / 60 in1455.4 mm / 57.3 in
Ground Clearance183 mm / 7.2 in145 mm / 5.7 in
Height1297 mm / 51.1 in1080 mm / 42.5 in
Length2286 mm / 90 in2070 mm / 81.4 in
Width850 mm / 33.5 in825 mm / 32.4 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight 221 kg / 489 lbs-
Fuel Capacity12.9 Litres / 3.4 US gal17 Litres / 4.5 US gal
Maximum Load / GVWR430 kg / 948 lb-
Wet Weight235 kg / 518 lbs212 kg / 467.5 lbs
Performance
Max Power120 hp / 89.5 kW @ 6000 rpm92.2 kW / 123.6 hp @ 9500 rpm
Max Torque115.2 Nm / 85 lb-ft @ 6000 rpm98.6 Nm / 72.7 lb-ft @ 7700 rpm
Engine
Engine Type-In-line four, four-stroke
Fuel Control-Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Displacement1203 cc / 73 cu-in948 cc / 57.8 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, 60° V Twin , DOHC, 4-Valves per Cylinder, Graded BucketsFour stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel System-Injection. DFI with 36mm Keihin throttle bodies
Bore x Stroke102 x 73.6 mm73.4 x 56.0 mm
Compression Ratio12.5:111.8:1
Cooling SystemLiquid CooledLiquid cooled
Exhaust2-1-2-
Fuel InductionElectronic Fuel Injection Closed Loop, 60 mm BoreFuel injection: 36 mm x 4 with sub-throttle
Ignition-TCBI with electronic advance
Lubrication-Forced lubrication, wet sump
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System-4
Drivetrain
ClutchWet multi-plate w/ assist-and-slipWet multi-disc, manual
Final Drive525 ChainSealed chain
Final Drive Ratio2.882 : 12.933 (44/15)
Gear Ratios1st 2.769 : 1 2nd 1.882 : 1 3rd 1.500 : 1 4th 1.273 : 1 5th 1.125 : 1 6th 1.036 : 11st 2.692 (35/13) 2nd 2.059 (35/17) 3rd 1.650 (33/20) 4th 1.409 (31/22) 5th 1.222 (33/27) 6th 1.034 (30/29)
Gearbox-6-speed
Primary Drive-Sealed chain
Primary Drive Ratios-1.627 (83/51)
Transmission / Drive6 Speed6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeSteel trellisHigh-tensile steel trellis
Suspension - FrontFully adjustable inverted 43mm telescopic cartridge fork41 mm inverted fork with rebound damping and spring preload adjustability
Suspension - RearFully adjustable piggyback IFPHorizontal Back-link with rebound damping and spring preload adjustability
Lean Angle43°-
Rake26.3°24.5°
Trail130 mm / 5.1 in110 mm / 4.3 in
Wheel Travel - Front150 mm / 5.9 in120 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear150 mm / 5.9 in140 mm / 5.5 in
Electrical Systems
Instrumentation-TFT Color Instrumentation
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2x 320mm Rotor Brembo with 4-Piston Calipers2x 300 mm semi-floating discs, dual opposed 4 piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle 265mm Rotor Brembo with 2-Piston CalipersSingle 250mm petal disc, 1 piston caliper
ABSStandard, defeatable (Standard, not defeatable)Standard
Tyres - Front120/70R19 60V Dunlop DT3-R Radial120/70ZR17M/C (58W)
Tyres - Rear150/80R18 70V Dunlop DT3-R Radial180/55ZR17M/C (73W)
Wheels - FrontCast 19 in x 3 in-
Wheels - RearCast 18 in x 4.25 in-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2020 Indian FTR 1200S

The 2020 Indian FTR 1200S edges out the 2020 Kawasaki Z 900 thanks to its greater ground clearance, higher rear wheel travel, higher front wheel travel and larger displacement. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2020 Indian FTR 1200S - Advantages

  • Larger displacement: 1203 cc vs 948 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.
  • More ground clearance: 183 mm vs 145 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.
  • More rear wheel travel: 150 mm vs 140 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 150 mm vs 120 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2020 Kawasaki Z 900 - Advantages

  • Lighter: 212 kg vs 235 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Lower seat height: 820 mm vs 841 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.

2020 Indian FTR 1200S vs 2020 Kawasaki Z 900 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2020 Indian FTR 1200S and 2020 Kawasaki Z 900?
The 2020 Indian FTR 1200S uses Four stroke, 60° V Twin , DOHC, 4-Valves per Cylinder, Graded Buckets, while the 2020 Kawasaki Z 900 is powered by In-line four, four-stroke.
Which is lighter, the 2020 Indian FTR 1200S or the 2020 Kawasaki Z 900?
The 2020 Kawasaki Z 900 is lighter at 212 kg compared to 235 kg for the 2020 Indian FTR 1200S - a difference of 23 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2020 Indian FTR 1200S or the 2020 Kawasaki Z 900?
The 2020 Kawasaki Z 900 has the lower seat at 820 mm, making it more accessible. The 2020 Indian FTR 1200S sits higher at 841 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2020 Indian FTR 1200S or the 2020 Kawasaki Z 900?
Both are strong choices. The 2020 Indian FTR 1200S has the edge in greater ground clearance and higher rear wheel travel, while the 2020 Kawasaki Z 900 stands out for lighter kerb weight and lower seat height. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.