2009 Yamaha YZF-R6 vs 2008 Kawasaki Z 750

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2009 Yamaha YZF-R6 2009 Yamaha YZF-R6

Naked bike

Engine
In-line four
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
414.0 pounds
2008 Kawasaki Z 750 2008 Kawasaki Z 750

Naked bike

Engine
In-line four
Power
77.7 kW / 106 hp @ 10500 rpm
Top Speed
233.1 km/h
Weight
456.4 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Year-2007 - 08
ColoursVivid Orange/Raven, Team Yamaha Blue/White, RavenBlack, Silver, Green
Make Model-Kawasaki Z 750
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)-155 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)-6.1 inches
Seat Height851 mm / 33.5 in.815 mm / 32.1 in
Wheelbase1,379 mm / 54.3 in.1440 mm / 56.7 in
Ground Clearance-155 mm / 6.1 in
Height1,100 mm / 43.3 in.1100 mm / 43.3 in
Length2,040 mm / 80.3 in.2085 mm / 82.1 in
Width701 mm / 27.6 in.805 mm / 31.7 in
Weights & Capacities
Oil Capacity (Quarts)0.22 quarts-
Oil Capacity (l)3.40 litres-
Weight balance - Front-51.0
Weight balance - Rear-49.0
Dry Weight-207.0 kg / 456.4 lbs
Fuel Capacity17.41 litres / 4.60 gallons18.5 Litres / 4.8 US gal
Wet Weight187.8 kg / 414.0 lbs-
Performance
Mods from previous model-Euro 3
Top Speed-233.1 km/h
Acceleration (0-100 km/h)-3.800 seconds
Max Power-77.7 kW / 106 hp @ 10500 rpm
Max Torque-78 Nm / 8.0 kg-fm @ 8300 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio-0.5121 HP/kg
Standing Start ¼ Mile-11.2 sec
Engine
Displacement (ci)36.55 cubic inches-
Engine TypeIn-line fourIn-line four
Stroke44
Displacement (cc)599.00 cc-
Bore x Stroke (mm)67.0 x 42.5 mm-
Fuel ControlDOHCDOHC
Bore x Stroke (in,)2.6 x 1.7 inches-
Displacement-748 cc / 45.6 cu-in
Engine Detail-Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder.
Fuel SystemInjection. Fuel Injection with YCC-T and YCC-IInjection. Keihin 32mm x 4
Bore x Stroke-68.4 x 50.9 mm
Compression Ratio13.1:111.3:1
Cooling System-Liquid cooled
Engine Lubrication-Wet Sump
Exhaust-4-1 exhaust system
Fuel Consumption-19.2 km/lit
Fuel Induction-Fuel injection: Ø 32 mm x 4 (Keihin) with oval sub-throttles
IgnitionTCI: Transistor Controlled IgnitionDigital
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System-4
Drivetrain
Clutch-Multiple wet plate manual
Final DriveChainChain
Gearbox6-speed6-speed
Transmission / Drive-6 Speed
Chassis
Frame Type-Tubular backbone (with engine sub-frame), high-tensile steel
Suspension - Front41mm inverted fork41mm telescopic forks
Suspension - RearSingle shockBottom link, Uni-Trak, 4-way rebound adjustment, 7-way preload
Rake24.0°24.5°
Trail97 mm / 3.8 in.103 mm / 4.1 in
Wheel Travel - Front102 mm / 4.0 in.120 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear102 mm / 4.0 in.124 mm / 4.9 in
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)12.2 inches11.8 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)8.7 inches9.8 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)220 mm250 mm
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)310 mm300 mm
Brakes - FrontDouble disc2x 300mm discs 2 piston caliper
Brakes - RearSingle discSingle 200mm disc 1 piston caliper
Tyres - Front120/70-ZR17120/70 -17
Tyres - Rear180/55-ZR17180/55 -17

Verdict

Winner on specs

2008 Kawasaki Z 750

The 2008 Kawasaki Z 750 edges out the 2009 Yamaha YZF-R6 thanks to its lower seat height, liquid cooling, higher rear wheel travel and higher front wheel travel. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2009 Yamaha YZF-R6 - Advantages

  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.

2008 Kawasaki Z 750 - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 815 mm vs 851 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • More rear wheel travel: 124 mm vs 102 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 120 mm vs 102 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2009 Yamaha YZF-R6 vs 2008 Kawasaki Z 750 - FAQs

Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2009 Yamaha YZF-R6 or the 2008 Kawasaki Z 750?
The 2008 Kawasaki Z 750 has the lower seat at 815 mm, making it more accessible. The 2009 Yamaha YZF-R6 sits higher at 851 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2009 Yamaha YZF-R6 or the 2008 Kawasaki Z 750?
Both are strong choices. The 2009 Yamaha YZF-R6 has the edge in dual front discs, while the 2008 Kawasaki Z 750 stands out for lower seat height and liquid cooling. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.