When Kawasaki announced in 2016 that it was discontinuing the Z800, it didn’t make a lot of waves. Although the successor to the Z750 had received good reviews for its versatile performance and comfort, it was just four years old and already outshined by other mid-level bikes like the Triumph Street Triple R.
As it turned out, Kawasaki had an ace up its sleeve. Its replacement, the Kawasaki Z900, quickly established itself as a serious entry in the “super-naked roadster” category, delivering an exciting ride and premium style without costing a ton. While it’s caught on in some places, reportedly being the best-selling premium motorcycle in India, many North American riders continue to overlook this bike when they go to their local motorcycle dealer.
However, Kawasaki remains committed to the Z900, with the motorcycle now on its second generation and spawning multiple spin-offs. I recently discovered this well-kept secret of the middleweight naked bike market, and it’s time to unearth the secret for others. Join me for a virtual ride on the Z900 as I explore why it’s such an easy bike to fall in love with.
Continuing the Legacy of the Z Series
It may not be obvious, but the Z900 is part of a fascinating motorcycle timeline. The story begins with the Kawasaki Z1 naked bike that debuted in 1972. Proclaimed by The Telegraph as “the world’s first superbike,” it arrived armed with a 903cc inline four-cylinder engine that at the time was the most powerful in its class. Development started in the 1960s as a 750cc motorcycle, but when Honda beat Kawasaki to market with the 1968 CB750, Kawasaki decided to go even bigger, eventually producing a bike that could reach a then-impressive 132 mph with a smooth and responsive riding experience.
The Z1 immediately made its mark, setting the 24-hour AMA and FIM endurance record at the Daytona International Speedway road course. The Z1 was made until 1975 before giving way to the original Kawasaki Z900 (called the KZ900 in the US.) Though this bike only lasted two years, more than two dozen Kawasaki Z series standard motorcycle models have since been released, and it’s expanded to single-cylinder and parallel-twin bikes, too.
The Z900 nameplate returned in 2017. It is the second-most powerful bike in the current Z lineup, trailing only the 998cc Kawasaki Z H2. Other bikes continuing the Z series heritage include the Z125, Z400, Z500, and Z650. Its influence has also seeped into other Kawasaki motorcycles, notably the Ninja, Eliminator, and KZ750.
How the Kawasaki Z900 Adds Excitement to Your Riding
You don’t need to be a history buff to appreciate the new Z900. Rather than riding on the coattails of its ancestry, this bike charges into the future of standard motorcycles. Although not officially in the 1,000cc class, the Z900 might as well be with its 948cc engine, which gives you 125 hp and 73.1 lb-ft. of torque. This is more than other midrange standards like the Yamaha MT-09, KTM 890 Duke R, and even that hallowed Triumph Street Triple R. With a reduced curb weight of 467.5 lbs versus the K800 thanks to a tubular steel trellis frame, it’s ready to pounce at the first opportunity.
Even with that great power-to-weight ratio, the Z900 has incredibly smooth take-off and acceleration. Compared to other high-end naked bikes, this motorcycle is much less likely to jump up and bite you when pulling away from a stop light or knifing through windy roads, making it more accessible for less experienced riders. Veteran steel horse enthusiasts will still have a great time, though. Along with the excellent power, an inverted front fork and horizontal back-link rear suspension give you agile handling, especially since both wheels have adjustable rebound damping. The bike comes with Dunlop Sportmax RoadSport 2 tires that offer excellent grip.
Finally, the ergonomics and comfort of the Kawasaki Z900 are worth singing their praises. The riding position isn’t quite as aggressive as some bikes, but the upside is that it will feel good to ride all day long. While still simpler than other designs, the sparse first-generation Z900 received a tech refresh in 2020 and a stiffer suspension. It now has adjustable traction control, selectable ride modes, LED headlights, Bluetooth smartphone connectivity, and a few other amenities. It’s enough to provide a taste of advanced riding without losing the soul of the Z1.
The Z900 SE: Spicing Up Your Roadster
Plenty of bikers like the naked design but want a little more flair and pep, a semi-naked bike, if you will. In 2022, Kawasaki answered that call by adding the Z900 SE. (The original is sold as the Z900 ABS.) This motorcycle overhauls the suspension and brakes to get maximum aggression. The biggest change is a premium Öhlins S46 gas-charged rear shock with remote preload adjustment. This means you can change the shock settings without physically touching it, just turn the appropriate knob. Customized handling and responsiveness are easier than ever.
Each Kawasaki Z900 SE has an overhauled front brake system featuring Brembo four-piston monoblock calipers, a Nissin master cylinder, and stainless steel brake lines for fast and reliable stopping power. It’s also a sharp-looking bike with exclusive candy lime green accents, a fitting choice for such a sweet machine.
The Z900RS: Modern Biking with Retro Style
What if you’re a rider who wants the best present-day technology but still has a soft spot for the look of the past? The Kawasaki Z900RS is your savior. This naked bike has the engine, suspension, and technology of the Z900 but is styled like the Z1 that started it all. The round LED headlight, teardrop-shaped fuel tank, and bullet analog instrument dials all scream, “I’m vintage and proud of it.” Even the numbers on these gauges resemble the original UJMs of the 1970s and 1980s rather than more modern machines, a nice touch that those who learned to ride on those bikes may appreciate.
The Kawasaki Z900RS is available in both the ABS and SE configurations. The former has a specially tuned stainless steel exhaust to sound more like 1970s motorcycles. The latter has a more relaxed riding position like the Z1, plus gold-painted wheels and fork tubes to complete the classic look. After only being available in Japan for years, Americans can now buy the Z900RS Café ABS with a cowl, exhaust, and graphics inspired by old-school café racers.
A Middleweight Bike That Punches Up
If the Kawasaki Z900 wasn’t on your list of naked bikes before, it should be. This motorcycle has the power of a heavyweight and aggression when you want it in a forgiving design for newer riders. Completing this remarkable bike is Kawasaki’s trademark “Sugomi” styling which makes a motorcycle look like it’s moving even when standing still.
Even though it doesn’t have the reputation of naked bikes from Yamaha, Suzuki, or Triumph, the Kawasaki Z900 is a mighty fine bike. With a new Z900 starting at $9,999, it’s an affordable way to enjoy the super-naked motorcycle life. A quick search will also show a lot of used Z900s out there. Take one for a stroll sometime, and let me know if you’re as impressed as I am.
