The Z900’s engine and chassis are extremely well matched, making it an excellent all-rounder, able to cater to wide range of riders. Its rider-friendly character (further enhanced with the addition of traction control) is complemented by agile handling and a responsive throttle. As before, the Z900 will happily accommodate city riding, but as a machine designed to deliver maximum riding impact, it is most at home carving corners in the hills.
The crisp yet smooth response of the Z900’s In-Line Four engine perfectly complements its light and agile handling, allowing riders to fully enjoy an exhilarating riding experience. The seamless transition between off and on throttle provides both excitement and confidence, making precise control one of the best parts of riding the Z900. The 948 cm³ liquid-cooled, 4-stroke In-Line Four engine delivers quick acceleration and strong mid-range performance, pulling smoothly to the redline for a well-balanced and calculated thrill.
Power delivery is impressively linear, with enhanced low-end torque combined with the engine’s ability to rev quickly from around 6,000 rpm upwards. The smooth and steady response from mid to high rpm ensures excellent rideability and overall performance.
The ø35 mm exhaust headers are designed to deliver outstanding high-rpm performance while keeping exhaust noise pleasantly low at idle.
Joint pipes connecting the exhaust headers (linking headers 1–4 and 2–3) help strengthen mid-range torque, giving the rider a sportier and more responsive feel.
The compact silencer design complements the Z’s modern styling. The use of stainless-steel material on the end cap and silencer cover adds a premium touch, while also contributing to a light, refined, and well-balanced appearance.
The optimised gear ratios are precisely tuned to work in harmony with the new KQS (Kawasaki Quick Shifter) system. Together with the refined FI settings, they ensure exceptionally smooth gear changes when using the quick shifter.
Developed from Kawasaki’s racing experience, the Assist & Slipper Clutch uses two types of cams, providing two advanced functions not found in a standard clutch.
When the engine operates at normal rpm, the assist cam acts as a self-servo mechanism that pulls the clutch hub and operating plate together to compress the clutch plates.
During excessive engine braking -caused by rapid or accidental downshifts -the slipper cam engages, forcing the clutch hub and operating plate apart. This helps prevent rear-wheel lock-up or skidding, ensuring smoother and more controlled deceleration.
A key element contributing to the Z900’s lightweight character-something you can feel the instant you lift the bike off its side stand-is its newly designed trellis frame, weighing only 13.5 kg. This lightweight construction allows for exceptionally agile and precise handling.
Made from high-tensile steel, the tubular trellis frame features a clean, well-proportioned design. The frame lines are kept as straight as possible, and where bending is required, the angles are minimized to maintain optimal strength and rigidity. The result is a bold, muscular appearance that perfectly embodies the Z900’s aggressive sport character.
The ø41 mm inverted front fork features high-precision stepless rebound damping and spring preload adjustability in the left fork tube. The preload adjuster is conveniently positioned on the fork top cap, allowing easy and precise adjustments for different riding conditions.
At the rear, the shock unit and linkage are positioned above the swingarm. This layout helps maintain balanced mass centralisation while keeping the suspension system away from exhaust heat, ensuring consistent performance.
The front braking system features dual ø300 mm ventilated discs with ABS, paired with radial-mount opposed 4-piston calipers. The setup delivers strong, responsive stopping power that is easy to control—whether for beginner riders or experienced enthusiasts.
At the rear, a single ø250 mm disc brake with ABS provides reliable braking performance and stable control in various riding conditions.
The Z900 comes equipped with high-performance Dunlop Sportmax Q5A tyres—120/70ZR17M/C (58W) at the front and 180/55ZR17M/C (73W) at the rear—offering excellent grip and a planted feel.
Stylish 5-spoke star-pattern wheels enhance the bike’s sporty appearance while combining light weight with high rigidity, contributing to precise handling and a visually lighter overall look.
With its wide, flat handlebar and a relaxed yet sporty riding position, the Z900 makes it easy for riders to enjoy its sporty street performance. The balanced position offers both control and comfort, allowing smooth handling in all riding situations.
The new, flatter seat design lets riders move easily for both relaxed cruising and sporty riding.
Switches have been relocated from around the display to the handlebars for easier operation.
While the Z900’s aggressive Supernaked design has been refined, its key Sugomi elements—low head, crouching stance, and upswept tail—remain unchanged, preserving its unique and striking silhouette.
The new, sharper design focuses around the engine, creating a bold and dynamic presence that instantly catches the eye. Sleek, close-fitting bodywork and metallic accents enhance its premium look and feel.
From the more aggressive front to the advanced new LED taillight, the Z900’s compact, condensed form expresses lightness, agility, and sporty performance.
At the front, the Z900 features a triple LED headlight, with two upper lights serving as low beams and a single lower light as the high beam. Despite its compact size, the new headlights deliver excellent illumination.
Brushed aluminium shrouds engraved with the “Z” logo add a striking three-dimensional effect to both sides of the bike. The metallic finish enhances its premium look, while the new Z900 uses fewer plastic parts and more metal components overall.
The tail cowl has been redesigned to be shorter, making the taillight appear to float. This design enhances airflow from front to rear and contributes to a more compact, agile appearance.
The 5” all-digital TFT colour display is larger than the previous model, giving the cockpit a high-tech, premium look. It also offers features not available on the previous model.
For the first time on a Kawasaki, the display can show turn-by-turn navigation, providing simple guidance on the direction and distance to the next turn, enhancing convenience and riding enjoyment.
Display functions include: digital speedometer, digital tachometer, gear position indicator, shift lamp, fuel gauge, odometer, dual trip meters, current and average fuel consumption, remaining range, average speed, total time, coolant temperature, clock, battery voltage, KQS, Electric Cruise Control, smartphone call and mail notifications, smartphone battery level, headset, voice command and riding log status indicators, RIDEOLOGY THE APP indicator, Economical Riding Indicator, and turn-by-turn navigation display. The Type 2 display additionally offers a lean angle indicator, acceleration/deceleration indicator, and maximum lean angle.
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.
Kawasaki's advanced traction control system delivers enhanced sport riding performance and confidence on low-traction surfaces. Riders can choose from three modes:
Mode 1: Least intrusive, ideal for sport riding, helps maintain traction in corners and maximizes forward drive from the rear wheel.
Mode 2: Intervention occurs earlier, balancing sport riding support with increased rider confidence.
Mode 3: Most intrusive, reduces engine output when excessive wheel spin is detected to regain grip, suitable for challenging surfaces or low-traction conditions.
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.
Riders can choose between Full Power and Low Power modes to adjust power delivery according to preference and riding conditions. In Low Power mode, output is limited to approximately 75% of Full Power. (The reduced power varies with engine speed (rpm) and throttle position, providing improved control.)
The all-in-one modes link KTRC and Power Mode, allowing riders to easily adjust traction control and power delivery to suit the riding situation. Riders can choose from three preset modes (Sport, Road, Rain) or a manual mode (Rider). In Rider mode, each system can be adjusted independently.
- Sport: For an enjoyable sporty riding experience.
- Road: Suitable for a wide range of conditions, from city streets to highways and rural roads.
- Rain: Provides extra confidence when riding on wet surfaces.
| DIMENSIONS | |
|---|---|
| Overall length | 2,065 mm |
| Overall width | 830 mm |
| Overall height | 1,075 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,450 mm |
| Road clearance | 145 mm |
| Seat height | 810 mm |
| Curb mass | 213 kg |
| Dry mass | 193 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity | 17 litres |
| PERFORMANCE | |
|---|---|
| Max. power | 92.2 kW {125 PS} / 9,500 min-1 |
| Max. Power with Ram Air | - |
| Max. torque | 98.6 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 56.0 mm |
| Displacement | |
| 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 | 2.933 (44/15) |
| Clutch type (Primary) | Wet multi-disc, manual |
| FRAME | |
|---|---|
| Type | Trellis, high-tensile steel |
| Front Suspension | ø41 mm inverted fork with 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) | 24.7° |
| Trail | 110 mm |
| Steering angle (left/right) | 33° / 33° |
| Front Tyre | 120/70ZR17M/C (58W) |
| Rear Tyre | 180/55ZR17M/C (73W) |
| Front Type Brake | Dual semi-floating ø300 mm discs |
| Caliper (Front) | Dual radial-mount, opposed 4-piston |
| Rear Type Brake | Single ø250 mm disc |
| Caliper (Rear) | Single-piston |