Motorcycle specifications KawasakiZ 900 2026 Upmarket

For 2025, Kawasaki is pulling out all the stops to keep the Z900 in the minds of the average biker. Since competition from Yamaha's MT range, the Zs have had to redouble their efforts to keep up. Since theZ750, it's been a rather basic machine, not to say sometimes a little outdated. This 900 model for 2025 aims to break with these codes a little, with finishes perhaps never before seen on a medium-displacement roadster from the Akashi brand, and so much the better!

new fork head, aluminum side scoops: it's chic !

For a break with continuity, Kawasaki continues the Sugomi design of the Z family. The front end has undergone a number of changes. Z fans will immediately notice the redesign of the new "fork head", which features new compact headlights. The rear is no exception, with a new 3D LED light - ending the line of Z-shaped lighting introduced with the Z 800. For the radiator scoops, Kawasaki has opted to do away with plastic and offer new side fairings in brushed aluminum. The small Z detail engraved on the radiator shrouds has an effect: it's clean, beautiful and qualitative.

Kawasaki has also worked hard on the bike's handlebar ergonomics, with a new seat that's more comfortable (thicker padding) and flatter. Two seat heights are available: 830 mm with the ERGO-FIT high seat (standard seat) and 810 mm with the ERGO-FIT low seat option. While not quite luxurious, it's appreciable. The handlebars have also been modified. Made of aluminum, it is stiffer to provide a better control arm.

In front of the handlebars, instrumentation is provided by a 5-inch color TFT screen. The new panel features several display themes, including one that allows you to see in real time the angle at which you're turning, like the artificial horizon in an aircraft cockpit. New for 2025, step-by-step navigation can be displayed on the dashboard. Cruise control is standard.

The new suit still conceals the tubular steel trellis frame. The frame has not really been modified, the Japanese simply saying that they have stiffened it around the steering column. The front suspension consists of a 41 mm fork, adjustable for rebound and preload. It offers 120 mm of travel. At the end of the fork are 300 mm discs (no longer petal-type), bitten by new Nissin radial 4 piston calipers.

Rear suspension is provided by a horizontal back-link shock absorber with adjustable preload and rebound damping. Suspension travel is 140 mm. Braking is provided by a generous 250 mm disc clamped by a single-piston caliper. The final chassis modification is the tires. Kawasaki has chosen the new Dunlop Sportmax Q5A tires.

At 213 kg, the Z900 is 1 kg heavier than its predecessor. This weight still doesn't make it one of the lightest bikes in its class. Far from it! It's still 20 kg heavier than Yamaha's MT-09 competitor, and makes you wonder what Kawasaki is doing about it.

engine: Euro5+ but less power..

Oh, the loss is quite relative, let's say it right away without any false suspense. -1 horsepower and -1 Nm of torque for the roadster, not the death of sensations! The Z900 cubes 948 cm3 and delivers 124 hp at 9,500 rpm. Torque is 97.4 Nm at 7,700 rpm. Kawasaki claims to have reworked the engine's availability, with torque already relatively present at low revs. The switch to Euro5+ will not be in vain for your wallet, since fuel savings compared to the old model are estimated at 16%. Approved average fuel consumption is 4.8L/100km. The new throttle valves are undoubtedly a factor.

For sportier riding, you'll be delighted to know that an active up/down shifter from 1,500 rpm, KTRC traction control and four different riding/power modes come as standard. Electronic control of the bike is set to be greatly enhanced by the participation of the new IMU control unit and the new electronic throttle.

The Z900 2025 is still available in A2 version.

will it be enough to survive the arrival of the Hornet?

All in all, this Z900 2025 is a real novelty, with so many changes. The machine is likely to attract a few new customers, in addition to relying on its community of fans. Newcomers may be surprised by the weight, which remains the Achilles' heel of this attractive machine.

Also, Kawasaki offered the previous Z900 from 10,199 euros in 2024. With the arrival of the Honda 1000 Hornet, we wonder how the Z will survive at this price level? The Honda is more powerful, lighter and more technologically advanced, with a surplus of just a few hundred euros ... 2025 will be a tough year for the Z galaxy, already heckled by the MT and StreetTriple.

The Z 900 is an SE version, adding Brembo brakes, an Öhlins shock absorber, a redesigned fork, a USB-C connector, a sport brake chamber and a more qualitative two-tone seat.

M.B. - Manufacturer's photos