Kawasaki has long believed that Supernaked models should be more than supersport machines stripped of their full-fairing bodywork. Designed with sugomi performance for maximum riding pleasure, the Z900 mounts a 948 cm³ In-Line Four engine in an ultra-lightweight frame. The choice of a 900cc-class In-Line Four was no accident; every twist of the throttle is rewarded by crisp, smooth response and exhilarating acceleration. But although the engine becomes more exciting the higher the revs climb, its smooth power delivery makes it extremely manageable. The lightweight chassis offers the same duality; nimble handling lends itself to spirited sports riding, while the Z900’s light weight and low seat height make it easy to control. Like many legendary Kawasaki 900cc-class In-Line Four machines (Z1, Ninja/GPz900R, Ninja ZX-9R), the Z900’s package delivers a sublime balance of power and handling – ideal for a Supernaked model.
Offering excitement that increases as the revs climb, sugomi performance ensures that riding the Z900 is a visceral experience. The crisp response of the its In-Line Four engine is perfectly balanced by its light, agile handling. Exhilarating without being overly intimidating, the combination is simply sublime.
Powerful 948 cm³ 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 you to twist the throttle. Silky smooth power delivery facilitates control while contributing to rider comfort and confidence
Liquid-cooled, DOHC, 16-valve 948 cm³ In-line Four offers impressive power (92.2 kW (125 PS)) and strong torque. Bore and stroke of 73.4 x 56.0 mm were chosen to achieve the desired engine character.
The exhaust system features a 4-into-1-pre-chamber-into-silencer layout. The header pipes and pre-chamber are unitised. ø35 mm exhaust headers contribute to high-rpm performance. Joint pipes linking the exhaust headers (headers 1-4, 2-3 are linked) contribute to stronger mid-range torque for improved feeling.
After the 2014-2017 Z1000, the Z900 is the second model to benefit from “sound research” in crafting its intake note. Shape of the airbox was designed based on acoustic tests. The distinct intake note of the Z900 is clear and exhilarating. The frequency of the note varies with engine speed, adding to riding impact – especially at high rpm. Airbox inlet faces upwards, making the intake note easier to hear for the rider.
Assist & Slipper Clutch was developed based on feedback from racing activities. The clutch uses two types of cams (an assist cam and a slipper cam), offering two functions not available on a standard clutch.
Rear suspension positions the shock unit and linkage above the swingarm. This arrangement contributes to mass centralisation, while ensuring that the suspension is located far enough from the exhaust that operation is not affected by heat.
The all new frame weighs only 13.5 kg and contributes significantly to the bike’s light, nimble handling. Components of the high-tensile steel trellis frame follow the ideal pipe line. The lines of the frame were made as straight as possible, and when bends were necessary their angles were made as small as possible, resulting in a design that disperses stress extremely well.
41 mm inverted front fork features stepless rebound damping and spring preload adjustablility in the left fork tube. Adjusters are conveniently located on the fork top cap.
Extruded aluminium swingarm weighs only 3.9 kg, contributing to low unsprung weight, which in turn contributes to the bike’s light, nimble handling.
The 17 Litre Fuel tank is narrow at the rear, making it easy for riders to grip the bike with their knees.
Houses a dual-bulb headlamp with single position lamp. Sharp meter cover contributes to the aggressive Z styling. Close-fitting bodywork with minimum overhang contributes to a slim appearance and a high quality image. Sharp front and rear turn signals complement the aggressive Z styling.
The narrow frame and engine create a narrow overall package, allowing the rider to keep his or her knees and feet close together. Sporty front seat offers a wide seating area for good ride comfort. The seat is slimmer at the front, facilitating the rider’s reach to the ground. The seat can be removed without tools, offering easy access to the battery, fuse box and tool kit.
Key sugomi design elements, like its crouching stance, low positioned head and upswept tail, give the Z900 a distinct silhouette, making it instantly recognisable as Z Supernaked model. Designed to make viewers fall in love at first sight, the Z900’s aggressive Z styling is complemented by elegant bodywork flowing from head to tail, combined with minimalist cover in the engine area devised to draw attention to its functional beauty. A condensed appearance emphasised by slim, close-fitting bodywork gives the bike a light, agile image that reflects its sporty
performance.
Wide, flat handlebar and relaxed, sporty riding position. The rider is easily able to capitalise on the Z900’s sporty street riding potential. Slightly more upright than the Z1000, the riding position offers a blend of control and comfort in a variety of riding situations. The relationship between pegs, seat and handlebars was designed to enhance communication between rider and machine, giving the rider a confidence-inspiring feeling of control that complements its agile handling. Wide steering angle facilitates low-speed manoeuvring.
Thanks to the low seat height and the bike’s slim overall design, it’s easy to keep both feet firmly on the ground when stopped, an important consideration for many riders. 795 mm seat height enables a wide range of riders to enjoy the Z900 with confidence.
Both the clutch and front brake lever are 5-way adjustable, able to accommodate a variety of hand sizes for increased comfort. Rider and passenger footrest feature rubber pads. Harder rubber combined with hollow centres were designed to reduce vibration felt through the footpegs.
Dual ø300 mm front petal disc brakes deliver plenty of braking power. Dual opposed 4-piston calipers with resin brake pads offer a linear brake touch, facilitating control for both new and experienced riders. ø250 mm rear petal disc brake provides stopping power at the rear. The Z900 has ABS as a standard feature. The Z900 features a compact and lightweight Nissin motorcycle ABS unit. Stylish star-pattern 5-spoke wheels contribute to light weight, while their high rigidity benefits handling.
Stacked instrument cluster features an easy-to-read layout. Analogue-style tachometer features a gear position indicator. Tachometer offers three selectable display modes, allowing riders to tune their instrumentation to suit their preference. The tachometer also doubles as a shift up indicator, flashing at the set rpm. LCD screen features white letters on a black background. Other display functions include: odometer, dual trip meters, fuel gauge, remaining fuel range, current and average fuel consumption, coolant temperature, clock and the Economical Riding Indicator.
LED taillight lights up in a “Z” pattern, contributing to the sporty image and the strong Z identity. Not all LED taillights designs are the same, the Kawasaki “Z” pattern LED taillight is both stylish and functional.
| Engine | |
|---|---|
| Model | Z900 |
| Engine Type | Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke In-Line Four |
| Displacement | 948 cm³ |
| Bore X Stroke | 73.4 x 56.0 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 11.8:1 |
| Valve System | DOHC 16 valves |
| Fuel System | Fuel Injection, 36 mm x 4 with sub throttles valves |
| Ignition | Digital |
| Starting | Electric |
| Transmission | 6-speed with Positive Neutral finder and Assist & Slipper Clutch |
| Frame | |
|---|---|
| Type | Trellis high tensile steel |
| Wheel Travel Front | 125 mm |
| Wheel Travel Back | 130 mm |
| Tyre | |
|---|---|
| Front | 120/70-ZR17 (58W) |
| Rear | 180/55-ZR17 (73W) |
| Suspension | |
|---|---|
| Front | 41 mm cartridge fork with rebound damping and spring preload adjustability |
| Rear | Horizontal Back-link with rebound damping and spring preload adjustability |
| Brakes | |
|---|---|
| Front | Dual 300 mm semi-floating petal discs with dual opposed 4-piston calipers, ABS |
| Rear | Single 250 mm petal disc with single piston caliper, ABS |
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| L x W x H | 2,055 x 825 x 1,065 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,450 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 130 mm |
| Seat Height | 795 mm |
| Curb Mass | 210 kg (includes full fuel tank and all fluids at optimum levels) |
| Fuel Capacity | 17 Litres |
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Max Power | 92.0 kW @ 9,500 rpm |
| Maximum Torque | 99.0 N.m @ 7,700 rpm |
| Colour/s | Metallic Flat Spark Black with Metallic Spark Black or Mettalic Moondust Grey with Ebony |
| Warranty | 24 Months Unlimited Kilometres |