There’s no place for fake in the lifestyle you choose. Kawasaki alone has the heritage to deliver yesterday’s values to today’s riders in a truly authentic Modern Classic bike. The visceral spirit of a 1970s legend. Kawasaki’s original king of cool Z1 finds expression in the Z900RS, to satisfy the very essence of the rider you are now.
Like the legendary Z1, the Z900RS is powered by a 948 cm³ liquid-cooled In-Line Four engine an inherently well-balanced configuration that delivers a blend of smoothness, manageability, and power.
For 2026, the engine adopts Electronic Throttle Valves and features key updates to the intake funnels, cam profiles, and ECU settings. The crankshaft flywheel mass has been reduced by approximately 10%, while the compression ratio has been raised from 10.8:1 to 11.8:1.
These refinements result in more accessible performance at low rpm and a stronger, sportier character in the higher rev range offering a more responsive and exhilarating riding experience while maintaining the classic Z900RS feel.
The exhaust system was designed to emphasize the character of the In-Line Four engine. Dual-wall header pipes not only give a stronger, more refined look but also help prevent discoloration over time. The absence of connector pipes or exhaust devices creates clean, flowing lines.
Compared to the previous model, the new megaphone-style silencer adds a more striking appearance, reinforcing the Z900RS’s signature retro sport image.
Kawasaki’s In-Line Four engines are famed for their distinctive exhaust note. Sound tuning focuses on the most engaging tones the roar at start-up, the steady pulse at idle, and the deep, low-frequency resonance at low speeds reminiscent of vintage 4-into-1 systems, now with a richer, deeper tone than before.
The Assist & Slipper Clutch uses two types of cams an assist cam and a slipper cam providing functions not found in a standard clutch.
During normal operation, the assist cam acts as a self-servo mechanism, pulling the clutch hub and operating plate together to compress the clutch plates. This reduces the overall spring load, resulting in a lighter clutch lever pull.
When excessive engine braking occurs from quick or accidental downshifts, the slipper cam separates the clutch hub and operating plate, reducing pressure on the clutch plates to lessen back-torque and help prevent rear-wheel hop or skidding.
With its light overall weight noticeable the moment it’s lifted off the side stand the Z900RS offers naturally light and responsive handling. Frame rigidity and chassis geometry were carefully tuned to ensure smooth, predictable control, allowing the bike to move effortlessly in the direction the rider intends.
To maintain its authentic retro sport character, the Z900RS adopts a more upright riding position, with a stance less forward-leaning than the Z900.
The ø41 mm inverted front fork offers excellent ride comfort and sporty performance, delivering smooth response and confident control across a range of conditions from city streets to winding roads. It features 12-way compression, 10-way rebound, and stepless preload adjustability, allowing precise tuning to suit each rider’s preference and style.
The rear suspension positions the shock unit and linkage above the swingarm, contributing to mass centralization and keeping it away from exhaust heat. The rear shock offers stepless rebound damping and stepless preload adjustment for optimal comfort and performance.
At the front, ø300 mm brake discs are paired with opposed 4-piston radial-mount monobloc calipers Brembo units on the SE model delivering strong, controllable stopping power. The rear brake uses a single-piston, pin-slide caliper with a ø250 mm disc for smooth, stable braking performance.
The Z900RS is equipped with Dunlop SPORTMAX GPR-300 tyres:
Front – 120/70ZR17 M/C (58W)
Rear – 180/55ZR17 M/C (73W)
Lightweight cast wheels enhance the Z900RS’s refined styling while reducing unsprung weight. Combined with components like the swingarm, this contributes to the bike’s light, natural handling and agile feel.
Whether riding through the city or along mountain roads, the Z900RS’s relaxed riding position offers both comfort and confident control ideal for casual cruising or more spirited rides.
The relationship between the footpegs, seat, and handlebars was designed to enhance rider machine communication, giving a natural, responsive feel that builds confidence.
A wide, flat handlebar complements the retro sport style while providing a comfortable, wide grip for easy control. Its 35º steering angle further enhances low-speed maneuverability.
Blending Z1-inspired styling with modern craftsmanship, the Z900RS exudes timeless beauty in every detail from its iconic teardrop fuel tank to the sleek oval LED taillight. Every component reflects a high level of fit and finish, resulting in a premium, high-quality appearance.
With functional beauty as a key design philosophy, the Z900RS embraces a simple yet refined aesthetic. In contrast to the sharp, aggressive lines of the Z Super naked series, the Z900RS features smooth, rounded shapes that pay homage to classic motorcycle design.
From the high-quality paint on the fuel tank to the precision coating of each bolt, every detail such as the clean wiring layout and carefully crafted assembly has been thoughtfully executed to deliver the Z900RS’s superior, high-end look.
Analogue-style speedometer and tachometer dials are complemented by a versatile LCD screen, combining a distinctive retro appearance with modern functionality.
In addition to the gear position indicator, the display includes: odometer, dual trip meters, fuel gauge, remaining range, current and average fuel consumption, coolant temperature, ambient temperature, clock, cruise control indicator, app connectivity indicator, and the Economical Riding Indicator.
The Economical Riding Indicator appears on the LCD screen to signal optimal fuel efficiency, helping riders maximise their fuel economy during everyday riding.
Using the smartphone application “RIDEOLOGY THE APP MOTORCYCLE,” riders can wirelessly connect to their motorcycle and access a wide range of functions, enhancing the riding experience.
- Vehicle Info: View vehicle information through the smartphone app.
- Riding Log: Display the rider’s route and riding data.
- Telephone Notice: Alerts the rider to incoming calls or emails.
- Tuning-General Setting: Adjust display settings through the app.
KCMF monitors engine and chassis parameters throughout a corner from entry, through the apex, to exit controlling brake force and engine power to ensure smooth transitions between acceleration and braking, while helping riders follow their intended line through the corner.
The IMU monitors inertia along six degrees of freedom (6 DOF), measuring acceleration along the longitudinal, lateral, and vertical axes, as well as roll, pitch, and yaw rates.
Feedback from the IMU provides a clearer real-time picture of the bike’s orientation, allowing for more precise control and management.
Feedback from the IMU enables corner braking management. In addition to front and rear wheel speed sensors, the enhanced ABS uses IMU data to calculate the motorcycle’s lean angle.
If riders brake too late into a turn, apply extra force mid-corner, or encounter sudden changes in traction, the system adjusts brake pressure to prevent slippage and keep the bike on its intended line. This helps riders maintain control through the corner instead of running wide or stopping abruptly.
The Z900RS comes equipped with a traction control system featuring two modes that cover a wide range of riding conditions, delivering either enhanced sport performance or added confidence when tackling slippery surfaces.
The system continuously monitors multiple parameters to provide precise, real-time control.
Mode 1: the least intrusive setting, assists in maintaining traction while cornering. Designed for sporty riding, it enables efficient acceleration out of turns by maximizing forward drive from the rear wheel.
Mode 2: offering greater intervention, reduces engine output when excessive wheel spin is detected to help the tyre regain grip. This allows riders to handle both short, slippery patches such as train tracks or manhole covers and longer stretches of low-traction surfaces like wet roads, gravel, or cobblestones with confidence.
The Kawasaki Quick Shifter lets riders make the most of the Z900’s powerful engine. It allows clutch less upshifts and downshifts for smooth acceleration and easy deceleration.
Kawasaki’s Electronic Cruise Control lets riders maintain a chosen speed with just a few button presses. Once activated, there is no need to hold the throttle constantly, reducing stress on the right hand during long rides and providing relaxed, high-level riding comfort.
Like the legendary Z1, the Z900RS is powered by a 948 cm³ liquid-cooled In-Line Four engine an inherently well-balanced configuration that delivers a blend of smoothness, manageability, and power.
For 2026, the engine adopts Electronic Throttle Valves and features key updates to the intake funnels, cam profiles, and ECU settings. The crankshaft flywheel mass has been reduced by approximately 10%, while the compression ratio has been raised from 10.8:1 to 11.8:1.
These refinements result in more accessible performance at low rpm and a stronger, sportier character in the higher rev range offering a more responsive and exhilarating riding experience while maintaining the classic Z900RS feel.
The exhaust system was designed to emphasize the character of the In-Line Four engine. Dual-wall header pipes not only give a stronger, more refined look but also help prevent discoloration over time. The absence of connector pipes or exhaust devices creates clean, flowing lines.
Compared to the previous model, the new megaphone-style silencer adds a more striking appearance, reinforcing the Z900RS’s signature retro sport image.
Kawasaki’s In-Line Four engines are famed for their distinctive exhaust note. Sound tuning focuses on the most engaging tones the roar at start-up, the steady pulse at idle, and the deep, low-frequency resonance at low speeds reminiscent of vintage 4-into-1 systems, now with a richer, deeper tone than before.
The Assist & Slipper Clutch uses two types of cams an assist cam and a slipper cam providing functions not found in a standard clutch.
During normal operation, the assist cam acts as a self-servo mechanism, pulling the clutch hub and operating plate together to compress the clutch plates. This reduces the overall spring load, resulting in a lighter clutch lever pull.
When excessive engine braking occurs from quick or accidental downshifts, the slipper cam separates the clutch hub and operating plate, reducing pressure on the clutch plates to lessen back-torque and help prevent rear-wheel hop or skidding.
With its light overall weight noticeable the moment it’s lifted off the side stand the Z900RS offers naturally light and responsive handling. Frame rigidity and chassis geometry were carefully tuned to ensure smooth, predictable control, allowing the bike to move effortlessly in the direction the rider intends.
To maintain its authentic retro sport character, the Z900RS adopts a more upright riding position, with a stance less forward-leaning than the Z900.
The ø41 mm inverted front fork offers excellent ride comfort and sporty performance, delivering smooth response and confident control across a range of conditions from city streets to winding roads. It features 12-way compression, 10-way rebound, and stepless preload adjustability, allowing precise tuning to suit each rider’s preference and style.
The rear suspension positions the shock unit and linkage above the swingarm, contributing to mass centralization and keeping it away from exhaust heat. The rear shock offers stepless rebound damping and stepless preload adjustment for optimal comfort and performance.
At the front, ø300 mm brake discs are paired with opposed 4-piston radial-mount monobloc calipers Brembo units on the SE model delivering strong, controllable stopping power. The rear brake uses a single-piston, pin-slide caliper with a ø250 mm disc for smooth, stable braking performance.
The Z900RS is equipped with Dunlop SPORTMAX GPR-300 tyres:
Front – 120/70ZR17 M/C (58W)
Rear – 180/55ZR17 M/C (73W)
Lightweight cast wheels enhance the Z900RS’s refined styling while reducing unsprung weight. Combined with components like the swingarm, this contributes to the bike’s light, natural handling and agile feel.
Whether riding through the city or along mountain roads, the Z900RS’s relaxed riding position offers both comfort and confident control ideal for casual cruising or more spirited rides.
The relationship between the footpegs, seat, and handlebars was designed to enhance rider machine communication, giving a natural, responsive feel that builds confidence.
A wide, flat handlebar complements the retro sport style while providing a comfortable, wide grip for easy control. Its 35º steering angle further enhances low-speed maneuverability.
Blending Z1-inspired styling with modern craftsmanship, the Z900RS exudes timeless beauty in every detail from its iconic teardrop fuel tank to the sleek oval LED taillight. Every component reflects a high level of fit and finish, resulting in a premium, high-quality appearance.
With functional beauty as a key design philosophy, the Z900RS embraces a simple yet refined aesthetic. In contrast to the sharp, aggressive lines of the Z Super naked series, the Z900RS features smooth, rounded shapes that pay homage to classic motorcycle design.
From the high-quality paint on the fuel tank to the precision coating of each bolt, every detail such as the clean wiring layout and carefully crafted assembly has been thoughtfully executed to deliver the Z900RS’s superior, high-end look.
Analogue-style speedometer and tachometer dials are complemented by a versatile LCD screen, combining a distinctive retro appearance with modern functionality.
In addition to the gear position indicator, the display includes: odometer, dual trip meters, fuel gauge, remaining range, current and average fuel consumption, coolant temperature, ambient temperature, clock, cruise control indicator, app connectivity indicator, and the Economical Riding Indicator.
The Economical Riding Indicator appears on the LCD screen to signal optimal fuel efficiency, helping riders maximise their fuel economy during everyday riding.
Using the smartphone application “RIDEOLOGY THE APP MOTORCYCLE,” riders can wirelessly connect to their motorcycle and access a wide range of functions, enhancing the riding experience.
- Vehicle Info: View vehicle information through the smartphone app.
- Riding Log: Display the rider’s route and riding data.
- Telephone Notice: Alerts the rider to incoming calls or emails.
- Tuning-General Setting: Adjust display settings through the app.
KCMF monitors engine and chassis parameters throughout a corner from entry, through the apex, to exit controlling brake force and engine power to ensure smooth transitions between acceleration and braking, while helping riders follow their intended line through the corner.
The IMU monitors inertia along six degrees of freedom (6 DOF), measuring acceleration along the longitudinal, lateral, and vertical axes, as well as roll, pitch, and yaw rates.
Feedback from the IMU provides a clearer real-time picture of the bike’s orientation, allowing for more precise control and management.
Feedback from the IMU enables corner braking management. In addition to front and rear wheel speed sensors, the enhanced ABS uses IMU data to calculate the motorcycle’s lean angle.
If riders brake too late into a turn, apply extra force mid-corner, or encounter sudden changes in traction, the system adjusts brake pressure to prevent slippage and keep the bike on its intended line. This helps riders maintain control through the corner instead of running wide or stopping abruptly.
The Z900RS comes equipped with a traction control system featuring two modes that cover a wide range of riding conditions, delivering either enhanced sport performance or added confidence when tackling slippery surfaces.
The system continuously monitors multiple parameters to provide precise, real-time control.
Mode 1: the least intrusive setting, assists in maintaining traction while cornering. Designed for sporty riding, it enables efficient acceleration out of turns by maximizing forward drive from the rear wheel.
Mode 2: offering greater intervention, reduces engine output when excessive wheel spin is detected to help the tyre regain grip. This allows riders to handle both short, slippery patches such as train tracks or manhole covers and longer stretches of low-traction surfaces like wet roads, gravel, or cobblestones with confidence.
The Kawasaki Quick Shifter lets riders make the most of the Z900’s powerful engine. It allows clutch less upshifts and downshifts for smooth acceleration and easy deceleration.
Kawasaki’s Electronic Cruise Control lets riders maintain a chosen speed with just a few button presses. Once activated, there is no need to hold the throttle constantly, reducing stress on the right hand during long rides and providing relaxed, high-level riding comfort.
| DIMENSIONS | |
|---|---|
| Overall length | 2,100 mm |
| Overall width | 865 mm |
| Overall height | 1,135 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,465 mm |
| Road clearance | 135 mm |
| Seat height | 810 mm |
| Curb mass | 216 kg |
| Dry mass | 197 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity | 17 litres |
| PERFORMANCE | |
|---|---|
| Max. power | 86.0 kW {117 PS} / 9,300 min-1 |
| Max. Power with Ram Air | - |
| Max. torque | 99.5 N·m {10.1 kgƒ·m} / 7,700 min-1 |
| ENGINE | |
|---|---|
| Type / Valve system | 4-stroke In-Line Four |
| Coolant System | Liquid-cooled |
| Bore x Stroke | 73.4 x 56 mm |
| Displacement | 948 cm3 |
| Compression ratio | 11.8:1 |
| Fuel supply | Fuel injection: ø36 mm x 4 |
| Lubrication system | Forced lubrication, wet sump |
| Starting system | Electric |
| Ignition system | Digital |
| DRIVETRAIN | |
|---|---|
| Driving system | Chain |
| Transmission | 6-speed, return |
| Primary reduction ratio | 1.627 (83/51) |
| 1st Gear ratios | 2.600 (39/15) |
| 2st Gear ratios | 1.950 (39/20) |
| 3st Gear ratios | 1.600 (24/15) |
| 4st Gear ratios | 1.389 (25/18) |
| 5st Gear ratios | 1.217 (28/23) |
| 6st Gear ratios | 1.069 (31/29) |
| Final reduction ratio | 2.867 (43/15) |
| Clutch type (Primary) | Wet multi-disc, manual |
| FRAME | |
|---|---|
| Type | Trellis, high-tensile steel |
| Front Suspension | ø41 mm inverted fork with compression and rebound damping and spring preload adjustability |
| Rear Suspension | Horizontal Back-link, gas-charged shock with rebound damping and spring preload adjustability |
| Front Wheel travel | 120 mm |
| Rear Wheel travel | 140 mm |
| Caster (Rake angle) | 25.0° |
| Trail | 98 mm |
| Steering angle (left/right) | 35° / 35° |
| Front Tyre | 120/70ZR17 M/C (58W) |
| Rear Tyre | 180/55ZR17 M/C (73W) |
| Front Type Brake | Dual semi-floating ø300 mm discs |
| Caliper (Front) | Dual radial-mount, monobloc, opposed 4-piston |
| Rear Type Brake | Single ø250 mm disc |
| Caliper (Rear) | Single-piston |
