2017 Triumph Thruxton 1200 vs 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2017 Triumph Thruxton 1200 2017 Triumph Thruxton 1200

Naked bike

Engine
Four stroke, 270° crank angle parallel-Twin, SOHC. 4 valve per cylinder.
Power
71.5 kW / 96 hp / @ 6750 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
206 kg / 454 lbs
2018 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe

Naked bike

Engine
In-line four, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
476.2 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Comments-Small windscreen.
Year2016 - 17-
Colours-Vintage Lime Green
Make ModelTriumph Thruxton 1200-
Warranty-12 Month Limited Warranty
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)-130 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)-5.1 inches
Seat Height805 mm / 31.7 in820 mm / 32.3 in.
Wheelbase1415 mm / 55.7 in1,470 mm / 57.9 in.
Height1030 mm / 40.6 in without mirrors1,190 mm / 46.9 in.
Length2105 mm / 82.9 in2,100 mm / 82.7 in.
Width745 mm / 29.3 in845 mm / 33.3 in.
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight206 kg / 454 lbs-
Fuel Capacity12.5 Litres / 3.8 US Gal / 2.7 Imp gal17.03 litres / 4.50 gallons
Wet Weight-216.0 kg / 476.2 lbs
Performance
Max Power71.5 kW / 96 hp / @ 6750 rpm-
Max Torque111.9 Nm / 11.4 kgf-m / 82.6 lb-ft. @ 4950 rpm98.50 Nm (10.0 kgf-m or 72.7 ft.lbs) @ 6500 Revolutions
Engine
Displacement (cc)-948.00 cc
Bore x Stroke (mm)-73.4 x 56.0 mm
CO2-123.0 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Fuel Control-Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Bore x Stroke (in,)-2.9 x 2.2 inches
Displacement (ci)-57.85 cubic inches
Engine Type-In-line four, four-stroke
Displacement1200 cc / 73.2 cu-in-
Engine DetailFour stroke, 270° crank angle parallel-Twin, SOHC. 4 valve per cylinder.-
Fuel System-Injection. DFI with 36mm Keihin throttle bodies
Bore x Stroke97.6 x 80 mm-
Compression Ratio11.0:110.8:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooled-
EmissionsEURO 4 Compliant, CO2 - 106.0 g/km-
Engine Lubrication-Forced lubrication, wet sump
ExhaustChromed 2 into 2 exhaust system with twin chrome silencers-
Fuel Consumption-5.30 litres/100 km (18.9 km/l or 44.38 mpg)
Fuel InductionMultipoint sequential electronic fuel injection-
IgnitionDigital electronicTCBI with electronic advance
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System-4
Drivetrain
ClutchWet, multi-plate assist clutchWet multi-disc, manual
Final DriveChain, X-ringChain
Gearbox-6-speed
Primary Drive-Sealed chain
Transmission / Drive6 Speed-
Chassis
Frame TypeTubular steel cradle, Twin-sided, aluminum swingarmTrellis, high tensile steel
Suspension - FrontKayaba 41mm cartridge forks41 mm inverted fork with compression and rebound damping and spring preload adjustability
Suspension - RearKayaba twin shocks with adjustable preloadHorizontal Back-link, gas-charged shock with rebound damping and spring preload adjustability
Rake22.7°25.0°
Trail90.8 mm / 3.57 in98 mm / 3.9 in.
Wheel Travel - Front120 mm / 4.7 in119 mm / 4.7 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear120 mm / 4.7 in140 mm / 5.5 in.
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)-250 mm
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)-11.8 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)-300 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)-9.8 inches
Brakes - Front2 x 310mm discs, Nissin 2-piston axial floating calipers, ABSDouble disc. ABS. Four-piston calipers.
Brakes - RearSingle 220mm disc, Nissin 2-piston axial floating caliper, ABSSingle disc. ABS. Single-piston caliper.
Rims-Dunlop Sportmax tires
Tyres - Front120/70 ZR17 - Pirelli Angel GT120/70-ZR17
Tyres - Rear160/60 ZR17 - Pirelli Angel GT180/55-ZR17
Wheels - Front32-spoke 17 x 3.5 in-
Wheels - Rear32-spoke 17 x 5 in-

Verdict

Too close to call

The 2017 Triumph Thruxton 1200 and the 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe 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

2017 Triumph Thruxton 1200 - Advantages

  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.

2018 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe - Advantages

  • More rear wheel travel: 140 mm vs 120 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.

2017 Triumph Thruxton 1200 vs 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2017 Triumph Thruxton 1200 and 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe?
The 2017 Triumph Thruxton 1200 uses Four stroke, 270° crank angle parallel-Twin, SOHC. 4 valve per cylinder., while the 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe is powered by In-line four, four-stroke.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2017 Triumph Thruxton 1200 or the 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe?
The 2017 Triumph Thruxton 1200 has the lower seat at 805 mm, making it more accessible. The 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe sits higher at 820 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2017 Triumph Thruxton 1200 or the 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe?
Both are strong choices. The 2017 Triumph Thruxton 1200 has the edge in liquid cooling, while the 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe stands out for higher rear wheel travel. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.