Replacing the economical but heavy Z800 and long-in-the-tooth Z1000 in 2017, the Kawasaki Z900 has continued to offer good performance for your dollar in the large-displacement naked roadster class. Utilizing an heavily revised version of the Z1000 engine with reshaped intake ports and slightly smaller valves for better midrange-to-top-end power, the Z900 also ditches the old cast aluminum twin-spar frame of the 1000 (which was 24 pounds heavier) and the 46-pound-heavier steel backbone frame of the 800 for a high-tensile-steel tubular trellis frame, keeping with the current Z family bloodline. A 41mm KYB inverted fork features adjustable rebound damping and spring preload; the horizontal back-link shock setup (similar to the Z650) sports adjustable spring preload and rebound damping as well. That shock works an extruded aluminum swingarm that is claimed to weigh only 8 pounds. Dual 300mm petal-type brake rotors are clamped by four-piston Nissin calipers up front, while the single-piston caliper out back grips a 250mm rear disc.
In 2020 the Z900 received upgrades in the form of electronic rider aids that includes four ride modes (Rain, Road, Sport, and independently customizable Rider), switchable traction control, and two power modes. Some stiffness was added in the swingarm pivot area of the twin-spar steel trellis frame, along with slightly stiffer suspension settings, and Dunlop Sportmax RoadSport 2 tires. Up front, a TFT color dash display with Bluetooth connectivity to the Rideology app replaced the old LCD panel, with LED headlights and sharper sugomi styling completing the mix.
The non-ABS version of the Z900 was discontinued in 2021, with only an ABS version now available. In 2022, a special SE ABS version was released, featuring an upgraded KYB fork with both compression and rebound damping adjustment to match the Öhlins S46 rear shock with rebound damping and remote preload adjustability. Suspension settings were revised to provide a more supple ride quality. Up front, you’ll find dual Brembo 300mm discs now clamped by the same M4.32 radial-mount Monoblock calipers seen on the Z H2 model, with a radial pump master cylinder and stainless steel lines to ensure optimal power transfer from the lever.
Regardless, when it comes to a fun, affordable streetbike, there aren’t any big-displacement naked roadsters that can do more for less money
The 2024 Kawasaki Z900 is available in Metallic Matte Dark Gray/Metallic Flat Spark Black for $9,899, or Candy Persimmon Red/Ebony for $10,199. The SE ABS version is available in Metallic Spark Black/Metallic Matte Graphensteel Gray/Candy Lime Green for $11,399.
