2014 Kawasaki Z 1000 vs 2015 MV Agusta Rivale 800

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2014 Kawasaki Z 1000 2014 Kawasaki Z 1000

Naked bike

Engine
V2, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
485.0 pounds
2015 MV Agusta Rivale 800 2015 MV Agusta Rivale 800

Naked bike

Engine
Four stroke, transverse three cylinder. DOHC, 4 Valve per cylinder,
Power
92 kW / 125 hp @ 11600 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
178 kg / 392.4 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year-2014 - 15
ColoursGolden Blazed Green/Metallic Spark Black-
Make Model-MV Agusta Rivale 800
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)125 mm-
Ground Clearance (in.)4.9 inches-
Seat Height815 mm / 32.1 in.881 mm / 34.6 in
Wheelbase1,435 mm / 56.5 in.1410 mm / 55,5 in
Ground Clearance-142 mm / 5.5 in
Height1,055 mm / 41.5 in.-
Length2,045 mm / 80.5 in.2070 mm / 81.5 in
Width790 mm / 31.1 in.885 mm / 34,8 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight-178 kg / 392.4 lbs
Fuel Capacity17.00 litres / 4.49 gallons16.6 Litres / 4.3 US gal
Wet Weight220.0 kg / 485.0 lbs-
Performance
Max Power-92 kW / 125 hp @ 11600 rpm
Max Torque111.00 Nm (11.3 kgf-m or 81.9 ft.lbs) @ 1130081 Nm / 8.25 kgf-m @ 9600 rpm.
Engine
Bore x Stroke (mm)77.0 x 56.0 mm-
Engine TypeV2, four-stroke-
Displacement (ci)63.64 cubic inches-
Displacement (cc)1043.00 cc-
Bore x Stroke (in,)3.0 x 2.2 inches-
Fuel ControlDOHC-
Displacement-798 cc / 48.7 cu-in
Engine DetailReed valve.Four stroke, transverse three cylinder. DOHC, 4 Valve per cylinder,
Fuel SystemInjection-
Bore x Stroke-79 x 54.3 mm
Compression Ratio11.8:113.3:1
Cooling System-Liquid Cooled
Engine LubricationForced lubrication, wet sump-
Fuel Induction-Integrated ignition - injection system MVICS (Motor & Vehicle Integrated Control System) with three injectors Engine control unit Eldor EM2.0, throttle body full drive by wire Mikuni, pencil-coil with ion-sensing technology, control of detonation and misfire Torque control with four maps, Traction Control with eight levels of intervention
IgnitionDigitalMultipoint electronic injection
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System4-
Drivetrain
ClutchWet multi-disc, manualWet, multi-disc with mechanical drive Cassette style
Final DriveChainChain
Final Drive Ratio-16/41
Gear Ratios-1st: 13/37 2nd 16/34 3rd 18/32 4th 19/30 5th 21/30 6th 22/29
Gearbox6-speed-
Primary DriveX-Ring Chain-
Transmission / Drive-6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeTwin-tube, aluminiumALS Steel tubular trellis Aluminium alloy
Suspension - Front41 mm inverted fork with stepless compression and rebound damping and spring preload adjustability43mm Marzocchi "UPSIDE DOWN" telescopic hydraulic fork with rebound-compression damping and spring preload external and separate adjustment
Suspension - RearHorizontal Back-link, gas-charged, with stepless rebound damping and preload adjustabilityProgressive Sachs, single shock absorber with rebound and compression damping and spring preload adjustment Single sided swing arm material Aluminium alloy
Rake24.5°-
Trail104 mm / 4.1 in.104,5 mm / 4.1 in
Wheel Travel - Front-150 mm / 5.91in
Wheel Travel - Rear-130 mm / 5.1 in
Electrical Systems
Alternator-350 Wat 5000 r.p.m. 12V-8.6Ah
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)250 mm-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)9.8 inches-
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)310 mm-
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)12.2 inches-
Brakes - FrontDouble disc. Floating discs.2x 320mm floating discs, Brembo radial-type, with 4 pistons calipers
Brakes - RearSingle discSingle 220mm floating disc Brembo with 2 pistons calipers
Tyres - Front120/70-ZR17120/70 - ZR 17 M/C (58 W)
Tyres - Rear190/50-ZR17180/55 - ZR 17 M/C (73 W)

Verdict

Too close to call

The 2014 Kawasaki Z 1000 and the 2015 MV Agusta Rivale 800 are evenly matched across the key measurable criteria. Your decision comes down to personal preference, riding style, and which brand's dealer network best suits your location.

Key Differences

2014 Kawasaki Z 1000 - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 815 mm vs 881 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.

2015 MV Agusta Rivale 800 - Advantages

  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • More ground clearance: 142 mm vs 125 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.

2014 Kawasaki Z 1000 vs 2015 MV Agusta Rivale 800 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2014 Kawasaki Z 1000 and 2015 MV Agusta Rivale 800?
The 2014 Kawasaki Z 1000 uses V2, four-stroke, while the 2015 MV Agusta Rivale 800 is powered by Four stroke, transverse three cylinder. DOHC, 4 Valve per cylinder,.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2014 Kawasaki Z 1000 or the 2015 MV Agusta Rivale 800?
The 2014 Kawasaki Z 1000 has the lower seat at 815 mm, making it more accessible. The 2015 MV Agusta Rivale 800 sits higher at 881 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2014 Kawasaki Z 1000 or the 2015 MV Agusta Rivale 800?
Both are strong choices. The 2014 Kawasaki Z 1000 has the edge in lower seat height and dual front discs, while the 2015 MV Agusta Rivale 800 stands out for liquid cooling and greater ground clearance. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.