We do not yet know the price of the Kawasaki Z900, model 2025. If it remains reasonable, as it currently is (a little over 10,000 francs), this new evolution of the Japanese hyper naked should be a hit, once again.
As before, there is the standard Kawasaki Z900, which is also available in a less powerful version that can be limited to 35 kW for the limited A license (category A2, code name Z900 70 kW), and the Z900 SE, with suspensions and sportier brakes (read our test of the 2023 model).
On these three variants, the front part of the motorcycle is remodeled. It seems a little less angular, but that's subjective.
What is perfectly objective is the addition of an inertial measurement unit to the electronic devices. In other words, in the jargon, an IMU (in English, abbreviation of Inertial Measurement Unit).
This IMU communicates with the traction control and with the brake control (ABS), and makes them particularly angle sensitive. For ABS, in particular, this is a big plus in terms of safety. There will be much less risk of causing the motorcycle to suddenly straighten out in the middle of a turn when you apply emergency braking!
The other most interesting is the quickshifter. It is bidirectional: you can move up the gear ratios without touching the clutch lever, and you can also move them down. Quite a few competitors of the Z900 offer this function, and it is welcome on the Akashi bike (Kawasaki headquarters, Japan).
The 998 cc liquid-cooled in-line 4-cylinder engine delivers the same peak power (125 horsepower) as the previous model. But Kawasaki claims it has increased mid-range power, controlled by new injection throttle valves.
An “optimization” of the camshaft profiles and changes in the electronic management of the engine mean that this new Z900 is also more fuel efficient (-16%) and pollutes less. Without reducing performance, apparently, since the mid-range torque is also stronger.
In terms of comfort, the pilot's seat has been redesigned. It is flatter, and thus gives the driver more latitude to change position while driving. It still sits 830 mm from the ground. And you can still order the motorcycle from the factory with a low saddle, 810 mm from the ground. Or have it installed afterwards. We also mention the handlebars, made more rigid, for better control.
The chassis makes a small qualitative leap in terms of braking. The front brake calipers become radial mounted. They actuate 4 pistons on each of the two discs. On the tire side, we are switching to new Dunlop Sportmax.
The machine still offers three driving modes which vary the response to the throttle command, from more or less gentle to more or less direct. And for the first time we are entitled to adjustable cruise control.
The full-color TFT dashboard remains. It can be communicated with a smartphone via Kawasaki's Rideology app. You can also add a USB charging socket, which is an optional accessory.
On the Z900 SE, this socket comes as standard. The suspensions are more premium and are fully adjustable (Öhlins shock absorber with tool-less preload adjustment at the rear), and the front brakes have Brembo monoblock calipers, which are a step above the equipment of the Standard Z900. But there, nothing new.
This standard (and 70 kW) Kawasaki Z900 will be available in “Metallic Matte Graphene Steel Gray”, combined with “Metallic Flat Spark Black” and “C” (grey, black and green). Or in “Metallic Spark Black” / “Metallic Carbon Gray” / “Ebony” (black, gray and even blacker). Or in a combination of “Metallic Carbon Gray”, “Metallic Graphite Gray” and “Candy Persimmon Red”.
For the Z900 SE, it will be “Metallic Graphite Gray”, “Ebony” and “Candy Flat Blazed Green”. With gold inverted fork tubes.
To find out more, you can consult the Swiss Kawasaki website, or contact our partners in our Swiss directory of motorcycle professionals, 100% 2-Wheels (cpc2r) in Geneva, K-Motos in Carouge (GE), Tricana Motorcycles in Corseaux-sur-Vevey, or Compétition Park in Neuchâtel.
Source: comm. Kawasaki