Kawasaki Z900 and Z900 SE 2025 unveiled

When updating a successful model, caution is advised. Therefore, the designers at the Akashi plant have gently revised the perennial favorite Z900 for 2025 in the Sugomi design. The distinctive, angular styling has been retained, enhanced here and there with the use of metal parts, and complemented by side fairings made of brushed aluminum. The newly designed front features more compact headlights, and the distinctive Z-taillight has been replaced by a completely newly drawn futuristic LED taillight. Overall, definitely a gentle evolution rather than a radical revolution.

The 948cc liquid-cooled inline-four engine, known from its predecessor, features a new camshaft profile that promises an even more revvy character and stronger grunt in the lower rev ranges. The power and maximum torque are slightly below the 2024 model level, with 124 hp and 97.8 Nm. Finally, "Ride-by-Wire" has also made its way into the Z900, allowing the throttle valves to be electronically controlled and the fuel/air mixture to be precisely provided by the ECU for every riding situation. Kawasaki promises excellent throttle response and, almost as importantly, a 16% reduction in fuel consumption. The Z900 is now expected to consume 4.8 liters of premium fuel per 100 km and emit only 117 grams of CO2 per kilometer. A new airbox is designed to ensure a more pronounced intake sound.

To improve the handling of the Z900, modifications were made to the frame. The stiffness of the frame brace behind the steering head was altered. The area around the swingarm mount was revised to enable the installation of the quickshifter. Additionally, the new aluminum fat-type handlebar offers improved stiffness. The controls at the left handlebar end were also redesigned. The rear frame now runs less steeply upwards to create more space for the seat padding.

With a changed suspension setup, the seating position is more front-heavy, leading to more pressure on the front wheel and aiming for more precise handling and a transparent feel for the front tire. The new seat is designed flatter to allow the rider an easy position change, thus offering more comfort than before. The shape of the front seat was also changed, and two seat heights are available with the ERGO-FIT high seat at 830 mm (standard equipment) and an alternative ERGO-FIT low seat at 810 mm (accessory). This increases the seat height by 10 mm compared to its predecessor, which should especially benefit taller riders.

New, radially mounted 4-piston brake calipers on the front wheel continue to grip a 300 mm dual disc and, in combination with the new Dunlop Sportmax Q5 tires, are intended to provide consistent and precise braking performance. With the introduction of the 6-axis IMU, the ABS function has been improved, as vehicle inclination and acceleration can now also be included in the regulation calculations. The intensity of regulation is also influenced by the selected riding mode.

In terms of weight, Kawasaki positions the new Z900 slightly above its predecessor. The standard model weighs in at 213 kg when fueled up, while the SE variant even reaches 214 kg. Both models share a 17-liter fuel tank, which, in combination with reduced consumption, is expected to enable ranges beyond 300 kilometers.

The following systems are now standard equipment on the Z900:

• KCMF (Kawasaki Cornering Management Function): "The KCMF monitors engine and chassis parameters throughout the entire corner - from entry, through the apex, to corner exit - and modulates brake force and engine power to enable a smooth transition from acceleration to braking and back again." Kawasaki explains that ABS and traction control now operate depending on the lean angle.

• Riding Modes: There is no change in nomenclature here. The three pre-set modes selectable by the rider, Sport, Road, and Rain, are complemented (except in the 35/70kW variant) by the individually adjustable Rider Mode. Here, the rider can individually choose traction control and power delivery. The Power Mode offers High with 100% power and Low with 75% power.

• KTRC (Kawasaki Traction Control): The cornering-dependent system remains with 4 regulation levels (1, 2, 3, and off).

• KQS - Kawasaki Quickshifter: Including blipper function from 1,500 RPM.

• Cruise Control

As the rider mounts the Kawasaki Naked Bike, their gaze falls on the new large, fully digital 5-inch TFT color display. For the first time on a Kawasaki, turn-by-turn navigation can be shown on the display, which requires the installation of the free Rideology app on the rider's smartphone. In addition to navigation, various other functions (also via voice command) can be utilized. Two different display options are available. At least one of them allows the current lean angle to be displayed.

In addition to the Z900, the popular SE model will continue to be available, featuring an Öhlins S46 shock absorber, Brembo brake components (300mm brake discs, radially mounted M4.32 monobloc calipers, and brake pads), a Nissin radial master cylinder, and steel braided lines. Additionally, it includes a two-tone leather saddle with a metal Kawasaki badge and a USB-C port in the cockpit, the latter being available as an extra in the standard variant.

The Z900 models will be available at Kawasaki dealers at the start of the 2025 season in the following color combinations:

Z900 & Z900 70 kW:

• Metallic Spark Black / Metallic Carbon Gray / Ebony
• Metallic Carbon Gray / Metallic Phantom Silver / Candy Persimmon Red
• Metallic Moondust Gray / Metallic Spark Black / Candy Lime Green

Z900 SE:

• Metallic Matte Graphite Gray / Ebony / Metallic Graphite Gray

Regarding pricing, Kawasaki remains reserved. However, according to well-informed sources, the prices will closely align with those of the 2024 models. Currently, in Austria, the Z900 starts at 11,199 Euros, and the Z900 SE 2024 starts at 12,899 Euros.