Kawasaki Z900

OVERVIEW

PERFORMANCE AND ENGINE

Kawasaki equips the Z900 with a 948cc DOHC inline-four engine that accelerates quickly from low revs, producing 125 PS and 98.6 Nm of torque. This strong mid-range power is excellent for overtaking on Indian highways. The liquid cooling helps the bike perform well in hot weather or on long rides, and the assist and slipper clutch makes downshifts smoother. Riders like its steady power delivery in all riding modes, including Sport, Road, Rain, and Rider.

The 6-speed manual gearbox works smoothly with the engine. It includes a bi-directional quickshifter for clutchless upshifts and downshifts, making city and highway riding easier. The chain drive efficiently delivers power to the rear wheel. At the same time, the slipper clutch helps prevent rear-wheel hop during hard braking, which is helpful in Indian traffic. This setup gives riders reasonable control and reduces fatigue on long rides.

The Z900 achieves a top speed of approximately 195 kmph in optimal conditions, though real-world figures in India hover around 240 kmph as per some tests due to gearing and aerodynamics. Wind protection from the upright naked ergonomics allows sustained, high-speed cruising at 150-160 kmph. Indian riders report stable handling at these velocities on open straights.

MILEAGE AND FUEL EFFICIENCY

The Z900 is certified by ARAI at 21 kmpl under controlled test conditions and meets BS6 Phase 2B emission standards in India. This mileage is better than most superbikes in its class, thanks to efficient fuel mapping and electronic features. Official tests show about 20.83 kmpl for all variants.

Indian owners usually get about 20 kmpl in real-world riding. In heavy city traffic with lots of stops, mileage drops to 17-19 kmpl. On the highway at 100-120 kmph, the bike gets 15-20 kmpl, allowing the 17-litre tank to cover 250-340 km.

FEATURES AND TECHNOLOGY

The Kawasaki Z900 in India features advanced electronics and connectivity tailored for Indian riders, including IMU-based systems.

1. 5-inch TFT Colour Display: Full-colour screen with smartphone connectivity via the Rideology app for calls, SMS, navigation, ride logs, and settings customisation.
2. IMU-Equipped Rider Aids: 5-axis Inertial Measurement Unit enables cornering management (KCMF), lean-sensitive traction control, and stability assist for precise handling.
3. Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC): 3-mode selectable system adjusts intervention based on riding conditions, enhancing grip on Indian roads.
4. Riding Modes: Four modes—Sport, Road, Rain, Rider—optimise power delivery and electronics for city, highway, or wet weather riding.
5. Power Modes: Adjustable full or low power output to suit skill levels and conditions, with electronic throttle valves for smooth response.
6. Electronic Cruise Control: Maintains set speeds effortlessly on long stretches of highway, reducing rider fatigue.
7. Kawasaki Quick Shifter (KQS): Bi-directional for clutchless upshifts and downshifts, paired with assist & slipper clutch.
8. Dual-Channel ABS with Switchable Rear: IMU-linked for optimal braking, switchable rear for track use; includes wheelie control.
9. Bluetooth Connectivity: Links to mobile for turn-by-turn navigation, vehicle info, and notifications directly on the display.
10. LED Lighting: Compact LED headlights, position lamps, and taillight for better visibility and Sugomi styling.
11. Economical Riding Indicator: Displays fuel-efficient riding tips on the TFT screen.
12. Service Due Indicator: Alerts for maintenance schedules via the instrument cluster.
13. Saree Guard: Practical addition for Indian market safety and compliance.
14. Pillion-Friendly Features: Includes grab rail, footrests, and split seat for occasional two-up riding.
15. Digital Console Extras: Speedometer, odometer, tripmeter, fuel gauge, clock, average economy, and distance-to-empty readouts.

BUILD QUALITY

Kawasaki builds the Z900 with a strong steel trellis frame and an aluminium backbone, giving it both rigidity and light weight. The bike weights 212 kg. The Z900 has premium touches like brushed-aluminium side shrouds, plated accents on the key cylinder, and a metallic Kawasaki logo above the seat. These features help it look high-quality and resist daily wear. Indian reviewers appreciate its solid construction, low vibration, and reliability that withstands heat, dust, and monsoons.

HANDLING

The Z900 uses a 41mm inverted front fork with 120mm travel and a horizontal rear monoshock with 140mm travel. This setup gives the bike agile cornering and stability, and it is tuned for Indian roads to provide quick lean-in and good feedback.

With a 1,450mm wheelbase and Dunlop Sportmax Q5A tyres (120/70-17 front, 180/55-17 rear), the Z900 is easy to handle in the city and stable at high speeds. Riders note that it shifts easily from city commuting to twisty roads, helped by wide handlebars that give good control even with its weight.

COMFORT

The Z900 has an upright riding position with an 810mm seat height, wide handlebars, and neutral footpegs. This setup gives a relaxed posture for long rides without wrist strain, making it suitable for touring in India.

The seat handles small bumps and flyover joints well, and there is little engine heat in traffic. However, the pillion seat is less comfortable on long trips. Indian owners like the good visibility, light clutch, and comfortable ride for both commutes and highways.

STYLING

Kawasaki updates the Z900’s Sugomi design with sharp lines that highlight the exposed inline-four engine. The bike has a muscular fuel tank, sculpted side shrouds, and an upswept tail, giving it an aggressive look.

The Z900 features a compact LED headlamp with position lights, brushed aluminium accents on the shrouds with the “Z” logo, and metallic frame finishes for a premium, aggressive look. The rear is minimalist, with a slim LED taillight and small mudguard, keeping the bike looking clean and light for city and highway riding in India.

COLOUR OPTIONS AND VARIANTS

India receives two striking dual-tone schemes.

1. Candy Lime Green paired with Metallic Carbon Grey
2. Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Grey with Metallic Flat Spark Black

The new colour options have a premium matte finish with copper-like frame accents. These replace earlier colours, such as red, which were popular during festivals. The grey option looks elegant and subtle, while the green stands out boldly. The Candy Lime Green brings back a classic look, and the Graphene Grey adds a modern touch.

Kawasaki sells the Z900 in India as a single, fully loaded variant with IMU electronics, a TFT display, and a quickshifter. There are no different trim levels, making it easy for buyers who want the complete supernaked package. There are no SE or base models, so the focus is on value in the premium middleweight segment.

VALUE FOR MONEY AND PRICING

The single-variant Z900 is priced at ₹ 9,99,000 ex-showroom across India, which is Rs 19,000 less than the previous model, even with the updates. Being under Rs 10 lakh makes it more accessible to superbike fans, especially with festive discounts and financing options.

The Z900 offers excellent value with its 125 PS 948cc inline-four engine, full IMU suite (riding modes, traction control, cruise control), 5-inch TFT with Bluetooth, and quickshifter. It has more features for the price than its competitors.

User reviews say the Z900 is low-maintenance, reliable, gets 20 kmpl in real-world use, and works well for both daily rides and track days. Many call it the “best in segment” for power, technology, and price. Compared to more expensive bikes, it offers better performance and features without losing the fun of a streetfighter.

Key Rivals Include The

1. Triumph Street Triple 765 R
2. Honda CB650R
3. Triumph Daytona 660
4. Yamaha MT-09

These bikes offer similar excitement, but the Z900 stands out with its strong mid-range torque and more features for Indian buyers.