Z900 – Kawasaki's Supernaked for Urban Riders

Kawasaki Z900

The Kawasaki Z900 is an excellent offering from the green stable for people who like to feel the breeze and power under their butts. At first glance, this motorcycle is an ordinary “guy” with an interesting design and at a reasonable price. After using it for a long time, it turns out that this is truly a mega bike that is worth recommending, and today I will talk about it.

The Kawasaki z900 is currently in 3rd place in my personal top 5 motorcycle list, just behind the Husqvarna 701 and CBR1000RR. If I could afford to have 3 motorcycles, these would be the models in my garage. Basically, it has only one drawback, and I still regret getting it for such a short and late test. I admit, I haven't ridden it. The Russian golden autumn, which this time was just a festival of rain, prevented me from riding, but it did not kill the fan of this motorcycle in me.

Kawasaki Z900

The main disadvantage of the Kawasaki Z900?

I'll start with the shortcomings. The motorcycle is usually suitable for rainy days. And this is not due to the lack of boosters. Because it doesn't bother you at all. The problem, however, is that basically all the water from under the wheel splashes into the back. The seat on the motorcycle is narrow and short. After driving in the rain, everything was wet. Helmet, backpack, jacket. To make matters worse, there was so much water that it was even dripping from the back of the seat. This resulted in wet pants at the bottom and underwear. So if you're looking to backpack and get caught in the rain, this will probably be your last ride on the Kawasaki Z900.

Benefits of Z900

Advantages in everything else. Overall, that is the ride, engine performance, power and enjoyment of riding this bike, that despite the conditions I rode in, this bike came third on my list. If a motorcycle rides well in cold and rainy weather, it will only be better in dry and sunny weather. I really liked the thought every time that in a moment I would jump on this monster and go to town.

Kawasaki Z900

Motorcycle Kawasaki Z 900 2022 review

The description of the Kawasaki Z 900 2022 motorcycle is in the queue for publication of the article. Announcement: Today, for almost every new motorcycle that comes into being, marketers strive to carve out their own niche. This one is a road sport, this one is a recreational enduro. But what class should we include a motorcycle that has a little bit of everything? A good bike should have a reliable engine, comfortable ergonomics and simple controls...

The Kawasaki Z 900 is a motorcycle of common popularity in Russia, equipped with a fairly high-power engine of 125 hp. Despite the fact that good models of motorcycles have a very respectable price, and the season for their use is relatively short, the motorcycle market is developing rapidly. And if you believe the words of dealers, then some models of recently released motorcycles are selling like hot cakes at the beginning of the season, and the models brought to Russia are clearly not enough to fully satisfy consumer demand.

A motorcycle has long ceased to be an alternative to a car, and the times when this equipment was bought only because there was not enough money for a full-fledged car are forgotten. Nowadays, two-wheelers can be called technological marvels in many cases, and their cost can be compared with that of prestigious cars.

Many people have started buying motorcycles for hobby purposes as riding or even collecting them has become a good pastime for many people. Many motorcycles, for example the Kawasaki Z 900, whose technical characteristics make it possible to call the model a prestigious brand, are in demand among both beginners and experienced motorcyclists.

Motorcycles with an engine capacity of 943 cc / 57.5 cu-in. see, appeared as a result of long work of inventors who sought to create a model that was not inferior in characteristics to other versions of the motorcycle. In some cases, these models are not only not inferior, but also ahead of other motorcycles, as they have minimal fuel consumption and other excellent parameters.

Motorcycles with an engine capacity of more than 400 kb. cm, which includes the Kawasaki Z 900 - this category of motorcycles simply cannot claim the title of “motorcycle for a beginner.” On the contrary, this is already a serious technique that requires certain control of motorcycle equipment with a smaller engine capacity. Yes, she attracts more attention, she is the most beautiful, fast, interesting and there is a huge selection of models. But as power increases, the weight of the motorcycle inevitably increases. In this class you are unlikely to find motorcycles lighter than 180 kg, unless they are the latest motorcycle models.

Go to the entire range of Kawasaki motorcycles, on this page you can find Kawasaki Z 900 motorcycles from other years of production and information about them

Driving comfort on the Z900

I'll start with the impressions that accompany a ride on this motorcycle. First of all, this is a comfortable motorcycle. The position is smoothly tilted forward, with a well-chosen steering wheel width. The seat may not be very soft, but it is not tiring. In addition, it is profiled so that our sacrum itself is where it should be when folded into a turn. And contrary to the first impression, the moto really has excellent aerodynamics. The moment you look at the speedometer, which shows 160 km/h, you do not have the impression that a rush of air is pushing away from the motorcycle - priceless! I thought the Yamaha MT-10 would be better in this regard, but there at that speed I was struggling with significant air pressure stuck to the tank. Add a narrow tank, low seat and cool legs. The MT-10 “in the knees” was slimmer and more comfortable. You may not appreciate these elements of a Kawasaki motorcycle, but they are really good.

Kawasaki Z900

Kawasaki Z900

Kawasaki Z900

Designed for Kawasaki Z900

In general, like any naked bike, this motorcycle is designed for driving around the city. This is a common “city killer”. Perhaps not quite the same as the Husqvarna 701, but city noise is the Z900's natural environment. Plus, the way it handles at higher speeds means long trips won't be an issue. Of course, it should be equipped with additional trunks and perhaps a larger window. But the Z900 tank is suitable for longer routes. He will also be good on the track. The stance and well-contoured seat make the bike corner gracefully, and the tank will be tested during a track session. Moreover, the way in which the butterfly will be donated will be appreciated by all those who love madness.

Engine in Z900

The motor delivers power very nicely and linearly. Work characteristics based on the principle: the more you want, the more you get. The bike can move from underneath, although it tends to jerk slightly when the revs are really low. However, you don't have to redline the engine to feel satisfying acceleration. Very flexible block. At the same time, it is not boring and easily enters the gas from 1st and 2nd gears. At the same time, it is not as intrusive as the series. He won't surprise you with a sudden increase in power, he'll just give it away the more we play him. And that's enough

Kawasaki Z900

Brief history of the model

• 2017 - start of production and sales of the model.

Model

: Kawasaki Z900 + ABS (all markets).
Factory designation
: ZR900AHF + ZR900BHF.

• 2018 - appearance of modifications RS and RS Cafe.

Model

: Kawasaki Z900 + ABS;
Kawasaki Z900RS + ABS; Kawasaki Z900RS Café (all markets). Factory designation
: ZR900AJF + ZR900BJF; ZR900CJF + ZR900DJF; ZR900EJF.

• 2019 - no significant changes.

Model

: Kawasaki Z900 + ABS;
Kawasaki Z900RS + ABS; Kawasaki Z900RS Café (all markets). Factory designation
: ZR900AKF + ZR900BKF; ZR900CKF + ZR900DKF; ZR900EKF.

• 2020 - the Z900 model receives minor changes: the seat height increases to 820 mm (like the RS Cafe), LED optics and a new TFT instrument panel appear. Electronic assistants are added: KTRC (Kawasaki Traction Control), Power Mode, Smartphone connectivity.

Model

: Kawasaki Z900 + ABS;
Kawasaki Z900RS; Kawasaki Z900RS Café (all markets). Factory designation
: ZR900HLF + ZR900FLF; ZR900CLF; ZR900ELF.

• 2021 - no significant changes.

Model

: Kawasaki Z900 + ABS;
Kawasaki Z900RS; Kawasaki Z900RS Café (all markets). Factory designation
: ZR900HMFNN + ZR900FMFNN, ZR900FMFNL; ZR900CMFNN; ZR900EMFNN, ZR900EMFNL.

• 2022 - appearance of new SE modifications.

Model

: Kawasaki Z900 + ABS + SE;
Kawasaki Z900RS+SE; Kawasaki Z900RS Café (all markets). Factory designation
: ZR900HNFNN + ZR900FNFNN, ZR900FNFNL; ZR900CNFNN; ZR900ENFNN.

Brakes in Zetka

I won't say a bad word about the brakes. ABS is standard, but it works really well. No jerking is felt when turning on. His work was more accompanied by the gentle “flow” of the wheel at the limit of loss of traction. On a wet road with a little mud on a poor standard non-insulated tire, the motorcycle gradually lost speed. Not once did the wheel lock for a moment, but it was already flowing at the locking/sliding border. There were no problems on dry ground. Definitely better than the Z650. For everyday use, it is enough to use the handle with one finger, and a slight deceleration is felt.

Kawasaki Z900

Three-in-one motorcycle

If you find fault, you can note that the green color on the plastic does not quite match the color of the frame, and the seat is too hard. And yes, the tidy has ambiguous controls. But when you dismount it after a ride, you don’t think about it, you just say to yourself “what a great bike.” It is pleasant in all respects, it is delightful in sporty driving, it is attractive in appearance and is very decently equipped.

It turns out Kawasaki made the right move by consigning the Z800 and Z1000 to the museum and combining their best features into the Z900. It doesn't rev up as wildly as the Z1000, but it's nearly as powerful and won't kill your back in one ride around town. The Z800 pales in comparison, with less power, a taller seat and extra weight. The Kawasaki Z900 is the best motorcycle in its group and a worthy rival to any model in its class.

Zetka pendant

The pendant is not too big so it doesn't fit

for the terrain, it's quite difficult for him. It may not look like a boat, but it feels even more uneven in the road. Sure, we have adjustability, and this bike could probably be made into a smooth daybed, but that's probably not the best idea. The motorcycle promotes fast, ambitious riding. This encourages swerving around corners. It's great to ride, so it costs a little stiffer suspension. Everything is fine in the city, so the route will not be worse. But as I already wrote: I will not ride on trails and beaten roads. Besides everything else, because this motorcycle...

Summary

Everything about the 2022 Kawasaki Z900RS is perfect, as long as you're happy with its 97 horsepower. They are enough for a quiet ride, and this motorcycle is ideal for the city. Excellent traction at medium speeds, problem-free clutch, smooth throttle response, an excellently balanced chassis steers well and holds its trajectory perfectly, an upright landing allows you to admire the surrounding landscapes or wave to cheerful girls on the sidewalk, instead of standing at a traffic light while lying on the tank. And its solid seat was much nicer than the Katana's wide, flat passenger seat. Our passenger seat experts, my wife and a colleague's girlfriend, vouched for this.

The 2022 Suzuki Katana is a sharp and precise weapon, a well-built and quite sporty motorcycle. But it's only slightly less comfortable than the Cava for everyday driving. And this everyday driving can also take place on the highway - then you will like the Katana's ergonomics even more. The original 1981 Katana was notorious for its clip-ons and shrimp-like stance, and Suzuki did their homework well here. However, fulfilling the dream of Italian designer Rodolfo Frascoli, they made one important assumption.

There isn't much space left for a gas tank under the sweeping front fairing. The tank of this model holds only 12 liters of gasoline - and with a consumption of 5.9 liters, the power reserve is treacherously small for such a motorcycle. If you twist and pile on it, the consumption can reach 7 liters per hundred.

Assistance systems in the Z900

...has no driver assistance systems other than ABS. In principle, the driver is responsible for everything that happens to the motorcycle. You don't feel any traction, no kart, and the bike doesn't have a steering damper. In other words, this is a bike for people who believe that any assistance systems are pointless and ruin the fun of riding. If you belong to this group, you will be delighted. Behind the wheel at any time you have everything this bike has to offer. If you unscrew it, you're good to go. On stock tires (by the way, the first thing I would change would be the tires), this bike flew sideways and never leaned out to begin with. If you forget, the bike will let you know by happily clicking forward.

What else

Cool watch. Despite the LCD revolution counter, we have a replacement rotating cue that operates in two modes. Or, with the increase in highlighted turns, more “hints” appear, or there is also one indicator that additionally shows us a trend of decreasing or increasing turnover. There's also a light switch replacement because the tachometer starts pulsing when it's time to change gears. For this reasonable tank and pleasant combustion. Probably even more... in other cases definitely less

We also have a well-built storage box so we can easily carry documents, keys and wallet without fear of losing them. I don’t know how to ride with a passenger, but the seat is quite small, so it can be “so-so”. Well, Kawasaki switches that do the job. The good placement, size of the buttons and the jump in their operation make them better maintainable than the Honda or Yamaha. No great equipment.

Kawasaki Z900

Kawasaki Z900

Nice motorcycle, good price

This bike is a lot of fun to drive. It's well made. And relatively cheap. Excellent value for money and I would honestly recommend it to anyone looking for a good bike for everyday riding in the city, sometimes on a country road, perhaps on some easy trail, with plenty of range, and at the same time inexpensive. This is also a noteworthy option for the lower price segment. However, probably not for beginners. A successful continuation of the series. Anyway, this bike was the basis for the old-school Z900RS, which I also had the opportunity to ride, and both bikes turned out to be very successful.

Kawasaki Z900

Kawasaki Z900

Kawasaki Z900

Kawasaki Z900

Kawasaki Z900

In conclusion, some technical characteristics.

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REVIEW – KAWASAKI Z900: stylish, bold, sporty, aggressive

You can buy the Z900 here

Best offer guaranteed!

The new generation KAWASAKI Z900 represents the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer's belief that the perfect machine, with outstanding design and performance, does exist.

Every opening of the throttle gives the bike crisp, exhilarating acceleration, and the ultra-light chassis makes for a dynamic, agile and sporty ride. This motorcycle was created for fans of the brand who appreciate the perfect balance of power and handling. Therefore, even a novice rider will feel comfortable on this bike.

One of the features of the 2022 KAWASAKI Z900 is its smooth power delivery throughout the entire rev range. The bike also features a lightweight and balanced chassis, a hallmark Sugomi style. The Z900 continues to follow KAWASAKI's philosophy of creating legendary 900cc machines whose performance exceeds that of most liter-engined motorcycles.

The Z-series is reborn

KAWASAKI decided to revive the naked motorcycle class with the release of the Z900 model in 2018. The line has received significant updates, following the main wishes of customers.

With premium suspension components and a powerful, smooth 948cc four-cylinder engine, the Z900 is the flagship of the Z family and won Motorcycle.com's 2022 Standard Bike of the Year Award. In 2018, it is offered in a wider range of colors.

Pictured: KAWASAKI Z900 Red

The 948cc engine delivers power linearly, making the bike easy to control and providing rider comfort and confidence. At any moment, from medium speed, you can spin the engine to the cutoff to quickly accelerate. The liquid-cooled engine features an efficient four valves per cylinder DOHC engine that operates smoothly throughout the entire rev range.

This was achieved thanks to the lightweight design of the crankshaft, which increases its rotation speed and makes the engine's character more sporty. A secondary engine balancer eliminates excess vibration, although it remains to add the necessary notes to the bike's character and provide optimal acceleration feel.

The cylinder block is produced by injection molding, which reduces the weight of this element and the motorcycle as a whole. Connecting passages between cylinders help reduce pumpdown losses, improving high-rpm performance.

The pistons are formed using the same unique casting process used to make the elements found in the Ninja H2 and H2R. This manufacturing technology allows the creation of hollow areas to achieve ideal thickness and reduce weight without compromising strength.

The intake port design delivers the fuel mixture through the most direct and shortest path to the combustion chamber, which improves engine performance. 29mm intake and 24mm exhaust valves complement the port designs and enhance the engine's mid-range responsiveness.

The KAWASAKI Z900 is equipped with electronic throttle valves. They provide effective control of the fuel-air mixture, which improves smoothness and unlocks the full potential of the engine. A 36mm throttle body is used for ideal mid-range response.

The throttle valves, located behind the main throttle valves, are controlled by an electronic control unit. This injection system therefore guarantees a smooth, responsive throttle response to throttle opening.

Acoustic tests helped shape the air filter box and air intake to produce a special sound. It changes depending on the engine speed. A particularly interesting sound is produced at high speeds. The air intake is directed upwards.

Features of the KAWASAKI Z900 engine

The 35mm exhaust manifold performs well at high speeds and produces minimal noise at idle. Combined exhaust pipes help increase torque at mid-range.

In the photo: KAWASAKI Z900 rider's seat

The 5.5-liter prechamber allows for a smaller muffler and helps centralize mass as well as reduce idle noise. The muffler's compact design features dual internal chambers to aid performance and improve exhaust sound. The cover, made of stainless steel, is designed in Z style.

Transmission

Using the torque of the clutch hub and pressure plate, the clutch is forcibly compressed during acceleration. This helps novice riders take off smoothly, keeping the clutch active for a long time without much effort when changing gears.

When torque is high, for example when a gear is too low when downshifting, the Slipper function allows some clutch slip. This is done to prevent the engine from locking up, stopping or turning the wheel backwards. The presence of a reduction spring eliminates vibration when the gearbox clutch is disengaged.

Pictured: KAWASAKI Z900 air intake

Short gear ratios from first to fifth provide strong acceleration for mid-range travel. These gears are used during everyday driving, where maneuvers require optimal power delivery. Sixth gear is an overdrive speed for a more relaxed highway ride.

Tubular frame

The high-strength tubular frame is a key component of the lightweight Z900. The frame weighs about 12.5 kilograms, which, of course, affects the lightness of the entire motorcycle and ease of control.

The frame components have ideal tube shapes and are as straight as possible. When bends were necessary, their angles were made as small as possible, resulting in a structure that could dissipate internal stress as much as possible.

The five-point engine is one of the rigidity elements, saving the weight of the motorcycle. The dual-compartment rear frame section contributes to a lower seat height and provides the lowest center of gravity, minimizing vibration traveling through the seat.

Suspension

At the front, the KAWASAKI Z900 has 41mm inverted front forks. It is equipped with infinitely variable adjustment of shock absorber compression and rebound and spring preload. The controls are conveniently located on the fork cover.

The rear suspension consists of a swingarm, which is positioned to provide the best possible mass centralization and make room for the muffler. The retaining shock absorber is located further away from the exhaust gases, so its operation will not be affected by the temperature of the exhaust pipe. The rear shock features adjustable preload and rebound damping.

The rear swingarm is made of extruded aluminum, which also contributes to the light weight of the entire motorcycle and ensures optimal rigidity. The suspension settings guarantee both sporty performance and comfort.

Brake system

Up front there are dual 300mm brake discs and two twin-piston brake calipers. The rear petal brake disc has a diameter of 250 millimeters. This allows you to ensure sufficient braking efficiency in any operating mode of the motorcycle. Linear brake contact makes it easy for riders of all skill levels to control.

The ABS anti-lock braking system helps prevent wheel locking when the brakes are suddenly overused or when braking on low-grip surfaces.

Wheels and tires

Five-spoke star-shaped wheels are lightweight, highly rigid and easy to use. They are fitted with Silicon Blend Dunlop D214 Sportmax tires for improved wet weather performance and long tire life.

Chassis

The KAWASAKI Z900 chassis has been designed to provide the best possible motorcycle handling. The wide, flat handlebars and relaxed yet sporty riding position offer a combination of control and comfort. This allows the rider to enjoy control in any operating conditions. The relationship between the handlebars, seat and footpegs helps improve the connection between the rider and the machine. The fuel tank is narrowed at the rear, which allows the biker to securely hug the motorcycle with his knees.

The low seat height and slim overall design allows riders to place both feet on the ground for smoother, more confident stops. The rider's seat is thin at the front for easy access to the ground and wider towards the rear for good ride comfort. Rubber grips and footrests help reduce vibration. The five-speed adjustable brake and clutch levers accommodate a variety of hands, which also improves the riding comfort of the motorcycle.

Distinctive Z style

The Z900's aggressive Z-style is inspired by the Sugomi style concept, in which a person or any object of greatness "gives off" an intense aura or energy that is felt by the viewer. Someone or something possessing sugomi inspires fear, leaves a lasting impression, impresses in size or ability, and demands respect.

The elegant bodywork, which runs from head to tail, is combined with minimalist coverage in the engine area. Such is the functional beauty of a motorcycle. The condensed appearance, accentuated by the slim, close-fitting body, gives the bike a lightweight, nimble appearance that reflects its sporty performance and capability.

The windshield and headlight help form a thin, flowing line from the top of the elegantly sculpted fuel tank for a cohesive, aggressive appearance. The fuel cap is "clean" with no visible bolts.

The engine covers are sharply shaped with minimal overhang, complementing the flowing design to match the compact, lightweight design. The raised tail contributes to the continuation of the sporty concept of the motorcycle. The LED tail light lights up in a Z shape.