The Horizontal Back-link rear suspension with adjustable spring preload and stepless rebound damping contributes to a high level of handling response, ride comfort and rear wheel traction. On the SE model, Öhlins S46 rear shock with a remote preload adjuster contributes to a suppler ride feel.
Kawasaki’s cruise control system allows a desired speed to be maintained with the simple press of a couple of buttons.
A 5” all-digital TFT colour instrumentation gives the cockpit a high-tech, high-grade appearance. Two display types allow a choice of simple vehicle information or an aviation-style attitude indicator-inspired lean angle indicator (for an added bit of fun while riding). Both display types accommodate turn-by-turn navigation direction.
Kawasaki’s highly sophisticated electronic management systems offer rider support to allow riders to more fully experience how the Z900 is fun and rewarding to control. IMU feedback adds greater precision to the ABS.
Allowing riders to take even greater advantage of the Z900’s exhilarating engine character, Kawasaki’s latest quick shifter enables clutchless upshifts and downshifts for seamless acceleration and easy deceleration.
Key to the Z900’s agile handling is a chassis composed of lightweight components, including its trellis frame. Revised suspension settings for the new model allow riders to enjoy sport riding with more confidence. Featuring a new tyre compound, Dunlop Sportmax Q5A tyres deliver a strong, planted feel when cornering for enjoyable sport riding.
The advanced LED taillight features light-guiding technology to achieve a futuristic design with a cutting-edge, 3D appearance that highlights the Z900’s sharp, edgy styling while contributing to a high-grade look.
While the Z900’s aggressive Z Supernaked styling has been refined, the key sugomi design elements that give it its highly distinct silhouette—a crouching stance, low-positioned head and upswept tail—have been maintained. The sharp and edgy design, which is centred around the engine, offers unrivalled impact that catches and holds the attention of all who view it. Elegant, close-fitting bodywork is complemented by metal styling accents, contributing a high-quality impression. From the intense look of the aggressive front end to the futuristic impression of the advanced taillight design, the Z900’s condensed appearance conveys a light, agile image that reflects its sporty performance.
Complementing the Z900’s exciting engine and nimble handling performance, comfort-enhancing features like the highly informative large display, voice command, and electronic cruise control enhance daily riding pleasure.
All-inclusive modes that link KTRC (3 modes, plus OFF) and Power Mode (available in Full or Low) allow riders to easily set traction control and power delivery to suit a given riding situation. Riders can choose from three settings (Sport, Road, Rain) or a manual setting (Rider). In the manual Rider mode, each of the systems can be set independently.
Feedback from the IMU enables an additional function: corner braking management. In addition to front and rear wheel speed sensors (standard for any ABS system), the enhanced ABS uses information from the IMU to calculate the motorcycle’s lean angle. Should riders use the brakes beyond the entrance to a turn (i.e. trail braking), increase brake force mid-corner (e.g. to avoid an obstacle), or encounter a sudden change in surface traction (e.g. fallen leaves, loose sand or a wet patch), brake force is modulated to suppress erratic vehicle behaviour and slippage. This assists riders in holding their intended line through the corner instead of running wide, or in coming to a controlled stop.
Slim at the front and wide at the rear, the sporty front seat’s shape has been updated with thicker urethane in its rear portion offering increased riding comfort. The corners on the left and right sides are rounded off to offer more comfort to the legs when seated and to facilitate reaching the ground. In addition to allowing the rider to shift around and take a variety of riding positions when cruising, the seat’s flatter new shape also enables the rider to more easily shift their weight during sport riding.
Front brakes with radial-mount 4-piston calipers offer a linear brake touch with excellent control. On the SE model, ø300 mm Brembo front discs, M4.32 radial-mount monobloc calipers and pads complemented by a Nissin radial-pump master cylinder and steel-braided lines deliver greater stopping power and offer a linear progression that facilitates precise control.
A USB Type-C outlet (standard equipment on the SE model, available as an accessory for the standard model) offers a discreet and convenient charging point inside the front cowl.
Powerful 948 cc liquid-cooled, 4-stroke In-line Four engine has a quick-revving character and a strong mid-range hit that pulls strongly to the redline. Adding to rider exhilaration, a distinct intake note encourages the rider to twist the throttle. Silky smooth power delivery facilitates control while contributing to rider comfort and confidence. Precise control from the electronic throttle valves contribute to smooth, linear acceleration, giving riders added confidence and enjoyment when cornering.
Offering excitement that increases as the revs climb, sugomi performance ensures that riding the Z900 is a visceral experience. The crisp response of its In-Line Four engine is perfectly balanced by its light, agile handling. Exhilarating without being overly intimidating, the combination is simply sublime.
The ø41 mm inverted front fork with adjustable rebound damping and spring preload is responsive and progressive for confident handling with a high level of feedback. On the SE model, the higher-grade front fork also includes adjustable compression damping.
KCMF monitors engine and chassis parameters throughout the corner – from entry, through the apex, to corner exit – modulating brake force and engine power to facilitate smooth transition from acceleration to braking and back again, and to assist riders in tracing their intended line through the corner.
Brushed aluminium shrouds engraved with a “Z” logo provide an eye-catching accent on either side of the machine. Matte silver-plating around the key cylinder provides high-grade accents where riders can see them, enhancing pride of ownership. At the rear of the seat, an aluminium ornament with the Kawasaki logo embossed adds a touch of style.
Kawasaki's advanced traction control system provides both enhanced sport riding performance and the confidence to negotiate low-traction surfaces with confidence. Mode 1, the least intrusive, helps to manage traction during cornering. Designed with sport riding in mind, it facilitates acceleration out of corners by maximising forward drive from the rear wheel. Mode 2 offers earlier intervention and features a balance of sport riding support and enhanced rider confidence. Mode 3 features the greatest intervention, allowing riders to negotiate both short, challenging patches and extended stretches of low-traction conditions with confidence.
Sharp, compact headlights, which were designed to be an integral part of the Z’s sugomi styling, are a major contributor to the Z900’s sharp-looking front end. They enable a sleek front cowl, creating a compact, aggressive looking view from the front, sure to resonate with fans of the Supernaked Z.
Electronic Cruise Control allows vehicle speed to be fixed. Rider support technology that helps reduce rider fatigue on long trips and contributes to increased touring comfort.
The Economical Riding Indicator is a mark appearing on the instrument panel to indicate favourable fuel consumption, encouraging fuel efficient riding.
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) ensures stable braking performance by preventing wheel lock during braking.
Power Mode selection allows engine power delivery to be changed to suit the riding situation.
Combined with Kawasaki’s proprietary dynamic modelling program, input from the IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) enables even more precise chassis orientation awareness, the key to bringing Kawasaki’s electronics to the next level.
Smartphone connectivity contributes to an enhanced motorcycling experience by enabling riders to connect to their motorcycle wirelessly.
3-Mode KTRC (Kawasaki TRaction Control), Kawasaki's most advanced traction control system, offers a selection of modes to suit a variety of riding situations, from sport riding to touring.
ERGO-FIT is an interface system that allows a wide range of riders to feel at one with their machine.
Electronic Throttle Valves allow the ECU to deliver the ideal amount of fuel and air to the engine.
Based on racing technology, the Assist & Slipper Clutch acts as both a back-torque limiter and a self-servo mechanism that enables a lighter clutch lever pull.
KCMF (Kawasaki Cornering Management Function) monitors engine and chassis parameters throughout the corner.
Horizontal Back-link Rear Suspension arranges its shock unit horizontally, greatly contributing to efficient use of space and mass centralisation.
Sound tuning enhances the exhilaration a Kawasaki motorcycle offers by complementing the sensations the rider feels with a carefully crafted auditory component.
| Engine Type | Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, in-line four |
|---|---|
| Compression ratio | 11.8:1 |
| Valve system | DOHC, 16 valves |
| Bore x stroke | 73.4 x 56.0 mm |
| Displacement | 948 cm³ |
| Fuel System | Fuel injection with sub-throttles: 36 mm x 4 |
| Lubrication | Forced lubrication, wet sump |
| Starting system | Electric |
| Ignition | Digital |
| Maximum power | 92.2 kW {125 PS} / 9,500 rpm |
|---|---|
| Maximum torque | 98.6 N•m {10.1 kgf•m} / 7,700 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed, return shift |
| Clutch | Wet, multi disc |
| Primary reduction ratio | 1.627 (83/51) |
| Gear ratios 1st | 2.600 (39/15) |
| Gear ratios 2nd | 1.950 (39/20) |
| Gear ratios 3rd | 1.600 (24/15) |
| Gear ratios 4th | 1.389 (25/18) |
| Gear ratios 5th | 1.217 (28/23) |
| Gear ratios 6th | 1.069 (31/29) |
| Final drive | Chain |
| Final reduction ratio | 2.933 (44/15) |
| Frame type | Tubular diamond, steel |
|---|---|
| Rake | 24.7 ° |
| Trail | 110 mm |
| Wheel travel front | 120 mm |
| Wheel travel rear | 140 mm |
| Tyre, front | 120/70 ZR17 M/C (58W) |
| Tyre, rear | 180/55 ZR17 M/C (73W) |
| L x W x H | 2,065 x 830 x 1,110 mm |
| Steering angle L/R | 33° / 33° |
| Wheel base | 1,450 mm |
| Ground clearance | 145 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 17.0 litres |
| Seat height | 830 mm |
| Curb mass | 213 kg |
| Front brake type | Dual semi-floating Brembo discs |
|---|---|
| Front brake diameter | Ø 300 mm |
| Front brake caliper type | Brembo radial-mount, M4.32 monobloc, opposed 4-piston |
| Rear brake type | Single petal disc |
| Rear brake diameter | Ø 250 mm |
| Rear brake caliper type | Single-piston |
| Front suspension type | Inverted fork with rebound damping, and spring preload adjustability |
| Front suspension diameter | Ø 41 mm |
| Rear suspension type | Horizontal Back-link, gas-charged shock, rebound damping, and spring preload adjustability |
