The Z900, a street fighter equipped with an in-line 4-cylinder engine, has undergone a big change in Europe. The "SUGOMI" design common to the series has been refined to the latest version using metal parts, and the computer has been strengthened with an IMU, cruise control, quick shifter, etc. Regarding the engine, will the sister model Z900RS receive the same changes?
- The latest Z design features a small face, three eyes and an aluminum shroud
- The inline-four engine has significantly improved its electronics and fuel economy.
- Changes to the seat rail shape provide both comfort and ease of foot placement
- The suspension has been upgraded to radial calipers and the suspension settings have been revised.
- The meter has been enlarged to 5 inches, and the company's first navigation system has also been introduced.
- The price for the Japanese model will be in the 42.18 range for the STD and 99.27 for the SE.
- Z900/SE [2025 European Main Specifications]
The latest Z design features a small face, three eyes and an aluminum shroud
As shown in the teaser video released overseas by KAWASAKI, the latest model in the Z series will be announced on October 30, 2024 (October 31, Japan time). Its true identity is the new Z900.
The Z900 is the Super NK, which debuted in 2017 as the successor to the Z800, which was a hit in Europe. It features a sharp "SUGOMI" design inherited by the modern Z series, and a lightweight and powerful ride thanks to its 948cc in-line 4-cylinder engine and steel pipe trellis frame.
There have been no major changes since its launch, but the 2025 model has a completely new design. The engine uses a newly designed electronically controlled throttle, and it is now equipped with an IMU, cruise control, and quick shifter as standard. In addition, the meters, which are the company's first to feature turn-by-turn navigation, and the seats are also new.
First of all, the style has been given an edgier and more luxurious feel thanks to the latest SUGOMI design. The most eye-catching feature is the matte aluminum shroud. Previously it was made of resin, but the new shroud gives it a more luxurious feel, differentiating it from its rivals.
The face of the bike features a compact triple-eye LED headlight that resembles the 2024 overseas Z500. The tank, knee grip covers, tail, and seat are also new.
The new Z900 (Kawasaki) was announced in Europe. Based on the conventional 948cc in-line 4-cylinder engine and steel trellis frame, each part has been refined.
The SE grade comes with an OHLINS rear suspension and BREMBO calipers.
By separating the shroud and tank cover, the frame is exposed, emphasizing the naked look even more.
The lower-set face and shorter tail cowl give the motorcycle a more compact look.
Compared to the previous 1 lens 4 eye design, this one has a more compact 3 eye design. The meter visor is also sharper. The taillights are also new and fully LED.
The face has been changed to a sharp three-eye design, with the same image as the overseas Z500. The top two eyes are low beam, and the bottom one is high beam. The surroundings are surrounded by black plastic parts, making it look more manly.
The matte aluminum shroud with the Z logo engraved on it is an important accent of the new Z900. The number of plastic parts in the entire body has been reduced as much as possible to create a luxurious feel.
The rear end of the rider's seat is also made of aluminum parts, and the seat cover has been changed to a non-slip type.
The new LED taillights utilize light-guiding technology and have a compact, three-dimensional design.
The STD model comes in three colors: Metallic Moondust Gray/Metallic Spark Black/Candy Lime Green, and features a lime frame and wheel rims.
Standard color options are Metallic Carbon Gray/Metallic Phantom Silver/Candy Persimmon Red. The red frame is an accent.
STD Metallic Spark Black/Metallic Carbon Gray/Ebony. All parts are unified in black, making the shroud stand out.
The SE is only available in Metallic Matte Graphite Gray/Ebony/Metallic Graphite Gray.
The North American standard model is available in two colors: black, Galaxy Silver, Metallic Spark Black, and Phantom Blue (pictured).
The conventional Z900. It debuted in Europe in 2017 and was introduced in Japan in the spring of 2018.
The inline-four engine has significantly improved its electronics and fuel economy.
The 948cc water-cooled inline-4 engine has also been modified. A newly designed electronically controlled throttle has been adopted, and a 6-axis IMU (inertia sensor) has been installed. Cruise control and an up and down quick shifter have also been newly introduced.
The IMU enables fine-grained vehicle control, and the KCMF (Kawasaki Cornering Management Function) has also been acquired, which adjusts the brakes and engine output to support cornering.
The cam profile and ECU have been changed inside the engine to improve fuel efficiency and torque at low rpm. As a result, the maximum output has been changed from 125 PS/9500 rpm to 123 PS/9500 rpm, and the maximum torque has been changed from 10.1 kg-m/7700 rpm to 9.9 kg-m/7700 rpm.
Meanwhile, CO2 emissions have been reduced and fuel economy has improved by 16%. Fuel consumption per 100 km has been reduced from 5.7L to 4.8L in the new model.
The 948cc water-cooled inline 4-cylinder engine is based on the conventional model, but the electronic control has been strengthened to improve fuel efficiency. The gear ratio has been optimized in conjunction with the quick shifter.
An up and down quick shifter is standard equipment. It can be operated from 1500 rpm, enabling smooth shift changes.
Changes to the seat rail shape provide both comfort and ease of foot placement
The lightweight steel trellis frame is based on the conventional model, but the shape of the seat rail has been changed. This makes the front seat flatter. The thicker urethane is used to improve comfort while also allowing the feet to reach the ground. In addition, the 830 mm ERGO-FIT high seat and the 810 mm ERGO-FIT low seat are also available as genuine options.
The seat rail of the frame has been changed. In addition, the rigidity of the reinforcement (gusset) at the rear of the head pipe has been optimized to improve maneuverability, and the left side of the pivot has been improved to accommodate the quick shifter. The vehicle weight remains unchanged at 213 kg.
The seat has been reshaped and the amount of urethane has been increased to improve comfort. The front is slimmer and the rear area is larger. The standard seat height for the European model is 830mm for both the old and new models, but the conventional Japanese model had a low seat height of 800mm.
The suspension has been upgraded to radial calipers and the suspension settings have been revised.
The conventional front brake caliper was a standard axial mount, but the new model has been changed to a radial mount. The caliper is a NISSIN opposed 4-pot.
It retains the φ41mm inverted fork and Kawasaki's signature horizontal back link rear suspension, but the front and rear suspension settings have been revised to increase the front wheel load. This allows for more secure sports riding. The standard tires are the latest Dunlop Sportmax Q5A, which is an all-round high-grip tire.
The new motorcycle employs radially mounted Nissin 4-pot opposed calipers, and the rear brakes use the latest pad material to improve braking performance.
The SE spec is equipped with radial mount Brembo calipers. It is not available in Japan at the moment, but will it be revived?
The meter has been enlarged to 5 inches, and the company's first navigation system has also been introduced.
The meter uses a new 5-inch TFT color LCD. It is the first Kawasaki to display turn-by-turn navigation, and the "Rideology The App Motorcycle" app allows you to control various functions with voice commands. The SE grade also comes standard with a USB Type-C socket.
The new 5-inch square type TFT color LCD meter replaces the previous 4.3-inch one, and the display content has been completely renewed.
Turn-by-turn navigation is now available, allowing you to see the next corner. Voice input is also supported.
The handlebars are made of fat aluminum for increased rigidity.
The switches on the steering wheel have also been redesigned, with additional buttons added for cruise control and other functions.
The price for the Japanese model will be in the 42.18 range for the STD and 99.27 for the SE.
There has been no announcement yet about the Japanese model, but it is certain to be introduced. As for the price, the STD model for the North American model was announced to be priced at $9,999 to $10,299, and the SE at $11,849.
The Z900RS is sold for $12,649 in North America, and priced at $9757.80 in Japan. If we apply this price ratio, will the new Z900 be priced at $8542.18 in Japan, and the SE at $9199.27? The current Z900 is priced at $8384.48, which is excellent value for money, so we are looking forward to the price as well.
And the future of the Z900RS, which continues to be a best-seller in Japan, is also of interest. The Z900's in-line 4-cylinder engine is based on the RS, and there is a possibility that it will undergo the same changes as the new Z900. If that is the case, will cruise control and a quick shifter become standard on the Z900RS as well? We will have to wait for further news, including on this trend.
※October 31, 2024 KAWASAKI Motors Japan officially announced that the new Z900 is "preparing for introduction in Japan." The price and release date have not been announced, but we are pleased that it will first be introduced in Japan. Also, the only photo released in the announcement was of the "SE" model. It is safe to say that this is the model that will most likely be introduced.
Z900/SE [2025 European Main Specifications]
Overall Length x Width x Height: 2065 x 830 x 1075/1110 mm
Wheelbase: 1450mm
Seat Height: 830mm
Vehicle Weight: 213/214kg
Engine: Liquid-cooled 4-stroke, in-line 4-cylinder DOHC 4-valve 948cc
Maximum Output: 123 PS/9500 rpm
Maximum Torque: 9.9kg-m/7700rpm
Fuel Tank Capacity: 17L
Transmission: 6-speed return
Brakes: F=W disc R=disc
Tire: F=120/70ZR17 R=180/55ZR17
