MotoSpecs

2018 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900 vs 2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2018 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900 2018 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900

Sport touring

Engine
Four stroke, transverse three cylinder, DOHC, 12 Valve
Power
84.6 kW / 114 hp @ 10,000 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
207 kg / 462 lbs
2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja 2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja

Sport touring

Engine
Four Stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 16 valve, Supercharger Centrifugal, scroll-type
Power
206.5 hp / 153.9 kW @ 11000 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
256 kg / 564 lbs - SE 260 kg / 573 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year2017 - 182020 - 21
Make ModelYamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja
Dimensions
Seat Height845 mm - 860 mm / 33.3 in - 33.9 in835 mm / 32.8 in
Wheelbase1440 mm / 56.7 in1480 mm / 58.3 in
Ground Clearance135 mm / 5.3 in130 mm / 5.1 in
Height1338 mm to 1375 mm / 52.9 in to 54.1 in1205 mm / 47.5 in - SE 1262mm / 49.6 in
Length2160 mm / 85.0 in1205 mm / 47.5 in - SE 1262 mm / 49.6 in
Width850 mm / 37.4 in775 mm / 30.5 in
Weights & Capacities
Fuel Capacity18 Litres / 4.8 US gal19 Litres / 5 US gal
Wet Weight207 kg / 462 lbs256 kg / 564 lbs - SE 260 kg / 573 lbs
Performance
Max Power84.6 kW / 114 hp @ 10,000 rpm197.3 hp / 147.1 kW @ 11000 rpm
Max Torque87.5 Nm / 8.9 kgf-m @ 8,500 rpm137.3 Nm / 101.3 ft-lb @ 9500 rpm
Engine
Displacement847 cc / 51.6 cu-in998 cc / 60.9 cub in
Engine DetailFour stroke, transverse three cylinder, DOHC, 12 ValveFour Stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 16 valve, Supercharger Centrifugal, scroll-type
Bore x Stroke78 x 59.1 mm76 x 55 mm
Compression Ratio11.5 :111.2:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledLiquid cooled
Fuel InductionElectronic Fuel InjectionFuel injection: φ40 mm x 4 with dual injection
IgnitionTransistorized coil ignition Digital
LubricationWet sumpForced, wet sump with oil cooler
StarterElectricElectric
Drivetrain
Clutch Wet, multiple-discWet multi-disc, manual.
Final DriveChainChain
Final Drive Ratio-2.444 (44/18)
Gear Ratios-1st 3.077 (40/13) 2nd 2.471 (42/17) 3rd 2.045 (45/22) 4th 1.727 (38/22) 5th 1.524 (32/21) 6th 1.348 (31/23)
Primary Drive Ratios-1.480 (74/50)
Transmission / Drive6 Speed 6-speed, return, dog-ring
Chassis
Frame TypeDiamond frameTrellis, high-tensile steel, with swingarm mounting plate
Suspension - Front41mm fork; adjustable preload and rebound damping43 mm Inverted fork with rebound and compression damping, spring preload adjustability and top-out springs
Suspension - RearRear Single shock; adjustable preload and rebound dampingUni-Trak with gas-charged shock, piggyback reservoir, dual-range (high/low-speed) compression damping, rebound damping and preload adjustability, and top-out spring
Rake24°24.7°
Steering Angle-30° Right / 30° Left
Trail100 mm / 3.9 in103 mm / 4.0 in
Wheel Travel - Front137 mm / 5.4 in120 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear130 mm / 5.1 in139 mm / 5.5 in
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2x 298mm discsDual 320 mm discs, radial-mount, opposed 4-piston calipers, dual semi-floating
Brakes - RearSingle 245mm discSingle 250mm disc, opposed 2-piston calipers
References
NotesThe Yamaha Tracer 900, in USA known as the FJ-09 until 2017, then known as the Tracer 900, while in Japan, South America, Australia, and New Zealand it is known as the MT-09 Tracer.)-
Wheels & Brakes
Tyres - Front120/70-ZR17M/C120/70 ZR17 M/C (58W)
Tyres - Rear180/55-ZR17M/C190/55 ZR17 M/C (75W)

Verdict

Too close to call

The 2018 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900 and the 2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja 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

2018 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900 - Advantages

  • Lighter: 207 kg vs 256 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • More front wheel travel: 137 mm vs 120 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja - Advantages

  • Larger displacement: 998 cc vs 847 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.
  • More rear wheel travel: 139 mm vs 130 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.

2018 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900 vs 2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2018 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900 and 2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja?
The 2018 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900 uses Four stroke, transverse three cylinder, DOHC, 12 Valve, while the 2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja is powered by Four Stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 16 valve, Supercharger Centrifugal, scroll-type.
Which is lighter, the 2018 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900 or the 2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja?
The 2018 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900 is lighter at 207 kg compared to 256 kg for the 2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja - a difference of 49 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which should I buy, the 2018 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900 or the 2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja?
Both are strong choices. The 2018 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900 has the edge in lighter kerb weight and higher front wheel travel, while the 2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja stands out for higher rear wheel travel and larger displacement. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.

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