Motorcycle specifications KawasakiZ 900 2020 A hooligan who knows how to behave

The fate of the Z 900 is linked to that of the 650 more than by blood or style. Not only are they the best-selling models in the family, they're also the closest in terms of sales figures. The machine is therefore of strategic importance to Kawasaki. When it comes to design and technology, the manufacturer is extremely careful.

The Z 900 is also a pivotal point between two worlds, a muscular roadster just ahead of the brute clan. As such, it must take care of its prerogatives, and strengthen its appeal in the face of a competition that is armoring itself with electronics. It had little, it gains a lot. Is that all? Certainly not!

It's getting even more aggressive. Kawa proclaims that the Sugomi spirit is the Z's main inspiration. For this second-generation Z 900, it's more a perspiration than an expression. Its face is so tormented by the need to bite emotions that it almost tips over into violence. The play of subtleties is strong on this bike: by modifying only the face, shoulders and engine hoof, and by rectifying the mid-frame hubcaps, Kawa gives it the appearance of a global redesign.

while the tubular steel trellis frame, suspension, wheels and braking are virtually unchanged. We've just reinforced the swingarm's pivot point and revised the damping settings. Riders will be delighted to rediscover this chassis, which made great strides when the Z went from 800 to 900. Invisible but noticeable when you climb into the saddle, the seat height has increased from 795 to 820 mm.
The same goes for the 4-cylinder engine. You don't change a winning team. The engine-makers have only optimized it in terms of pollutant emissions to prepare it for Euro5. It's all down to the exhaust, with no loss of power. The engine still delivers 125 hp at 9500 rpm and a maximum torque of 10.1 mkg at 7700 rpm. That's a lot of power for a medium-displacement roadster, except that it's the norm in this segment. MT-09 (115 bhp), GSX-S 750 (114 bhp), 821 Monster (109 bhp), 765 Street Triple RS (123 bhp) and 790 Duke (105 bhp) all orbit in the same wattage orbit - Honda is the only one standing apart... for now. Still, the Z 900 dominates the debate when it comes to maximum power. Its main disappointment is the 2-kilo weight gain.
It's a pity the manufacturer didn't take the opportunity to install radial brake calipers. Efforts focused on other areas, such as new springs and settings to soften the anti-dribble clutch, and the adoption of Dunlop Sportmax Roadsport 2 tires.

What the Z 900 needed most of all were riding aids to meet the demands of its public, the competition... and fashion? Don't worry, Akashi has everything you need. It starts with the all-important traction control. KTRC offers three Prevention Modes, from the least (1) to the most intrusive (3). Which leads logically to the choice of Power Mode, full or low (55% of the potato). The Driving Modes allow you to supervise and set these two assistances in a programmed selection. Four are available: Sport - Road - Rain - Rider (manual). The latter allows you to define your own KTRC intervention and power level (P).
To summarize: Sport = KTRC level 1 and P full level / Road = KTRC level 2 and P full level / Rain = KTRC level 3 and P low level / Rider = KTRC level 1, 2 or 3 and P full or low level.

the Z 900 and 650 are closely related. This is even truer with the dashboard they share. It's now a 4.3-inch color TFT screen. A real plus in terms of graphics, it will instantly make us forget yesterday's liquid crystals, especially their container. You can choose a black or white background, while the brightness adjusts to that of the exterior.
The presence of a Bluetooth chip is in line with the major trend since Facebook: connectivity. A smartphone, a pairing, a symbiosis of bike and mobile, and off you go, Mimile. The 'Rideology' app gives you info on the Z (fuel, mileage, maintenance, etc.), records your routes via GPS, displays your calls or messages on the bike's screen, and lets you configure the on-board display via the phone.
The new-tech tour ends with LEDs, for headlights, indicators and license plate lighting.

The Z 900 is also available in an A2 version, although it's a bit big to start with. On this model, power is reduced to the regulation 95 hp. The 48hp clutch is different from the previous model, Kawa having increased mid-range power and shifted the power peak from 6500 to 7900 rpm. This artificially "exhilarates" the sensations - you always get the impression that it's a big engine when it's louder.

It's as if the fragrance of trajectory algorithms has intoxicated the mechanics more than their senses. The Z 900 succumbs in its turn, without denying its fundamentals and delivering ever more style. This evolution confirms the Z 900's desire to be a leading choice in the appetite of young wolves. Passengers? Still more tolerated than invited. Practicality? Limited. The desire to fight? As soon as you switch on the fangs.

M.B. - Manufacturer's photos