Kawasaki Z900 – Green temptation on two wheels

Bestseller in a new edition
Kawasaki Z900 – Green temptation on two wheels

Kawasaki refines his top seller Z900 with upgraded technology and hopes with more aggressive styling for more encouragement for his cashcow. A famous country road sweep with sporty claim and everyday suitability for a cheaper course. But not everyone likes the polarizing design.

Since the premiere in 2017, the Kawasaki Z900 Germany's motorcycle hit list has mixed up and always occupies a place on the podium – for a long time, no motorcycle from the Japanese manufacturer with the brand color was so successful. This owes the Z of its basic conception as a stable, nimble and uncomplicated roadster with sufficient power and a rather aggressive appearance at the affordable price. The new edition 2025 does not shake this, which offers its 128 hp from a refined row four cylinder for 10,245 euros in a marked look.

The Z family has always been defined by an aggressive appearance with a line rising to the rear, the typical green grid frame and an almost frightening lamp mask, which is now quite alien with two compact LED headlights with the high beam below. The completely revised front give new side parts made of brushed aluminum a noble touch, at the rear the Z-shaped rear light to regret some Z-fans has given way to a lighter LED counterpart. All modifications have not changed anything about the broadcast: the Z900 exudes pure dynamics as early as the stand.

Sportily determined and relaxed confidently

This feeling continues after sitting, although less extreme than suspects. Despite the clear front -wheel orientation and 83 centimeter high seat cushion, the ambience seems very mature for sporting determination with simultaneous relaxed sovereignty. The grip on the conified aluminum tray brings a feeling of the best control, supported by the tight knee closing on the modified side parts.

Between the upper trains of the striking grid frame, the row four cylinder with 948 cubic centimeter displacement sits and takes on a fertile function. In the basic construction unchanged, changed cam profiles and a new intake tract, including injection system, ensure even more pressure in the speed cellar with significantly reduced consumption – Kawasaki speaks of 16 percent spriter savings, which enables sufficient 4.8 liters of average consumption practically without performance: The Z900 only lost its predecessor at 124.

Captivating early form

At no time noticed the mini-minus to the four-cylinder, on the contrary: with a smoky note, the Four picks up its work and already presents itself in impressive early form. There can be no more speech of the asthmatic lethargy of earlier row fours. The Z grows smoothly to thrust in order to put on a bleeding from 6000 tours and greedily run towards the nominal speed, which is not as high with 9500 rpm.

The gentle response in all speed areas is particularly impressive, and there is almost nothing to be felt from load change reactions. And the new quickshifter: very precisely and pleasantly smooth operation in all load areas, together with the gearbox changed in all gear stages, it helps the uncomplicated and at the same time committed driving pleasure.

Engine presentation convinced

This convincing engine performance finds a worthy partner in the sports-tight chassis. With freshly coordinated damping and on new Dunlop Sportmax Q5 tires, the Kawa provides a sporty experience on a wide and tight asphalt, which offers the right mix of super sports stability and roadster-like handiness. Experienced pilots are definitely not neglected, but beginners also feel in good hands. Above all, the new electronics architecture with an inclined wage sensor ensures a certain carefree, because the inclined traction control and the curve abs act unobtrusive as desired, but are always present. Speaking of delay: Now two four-piston radial pliers work in front, with two fingers cleanly dosable and well designed for use on the country road without a violent initial bite.

Like all modern motorcycles, the Kawa also offers electronic helpers in the form of different driving programs, which can be selected by a switch on the left of the handlebar and determine performance, power development such as the intervention of traction control. In addition to sports, road and rain, there is a Rider mode in which the driver determines the performance of the performance and the intervention of the traction control – but the potential remains can be managed even in the most sporty settings. The corresponding menu can be found in the new colored 5-inch TFT, completely usable from the tap on the left handlebar end. There are also the buttons for the new cruise control that facilitates the route. An app that has not yet been developed at the test time should offer voice control and arrow navigation via Bluetooth coupling with the cell phone as well as a driving data analysis to the current incline – for everyone who wants to know exactly.

The new Z900 is thus modernized and developed for more mobility and security, without losing fascination. In addition to the successful harmonious coordination of all components, the price is particularly emphasized: At 10,245 euros, Z900 is even 550 euros cheaper than the predecessor, despite the clear upgrade.

Kawasaki Z900 – Technical data

• Motor: Fluid-cooled four-cylinder four-stroke series engine, 948 cc displacement, four valves per cylinder, 91 kW/124 hp at 9,500 rpm, 97.4 Nm at 7,700 rpm; Injection, 6 gears, chain.
• Chassis: Grid tube steel frame; USD stelicial diameter 4.1 cm in front, drafting damping and spring preload adjustable, 12 cm travel; Aluminum-tweem vibration, central feather bone, dramatic damping and spring preload adjustable, 14 cm travel; Light metal pouring wheels; Tires Dunlop Sportmax Q5A 120/70 ZR 17 (front) and 180/55 ZR 17 (back). 30 cm double disc brake with Nissin four-piston radial satin, 25 cm single-pane brake with Nissin etching-swimming saddle at the rear.
• Assistance systems: Three driving modes (sport, road, rain) plus an individually configurable driving mode for power folding (2-fold) and traction control capable of inclinations (3 times adjustable and switch-off), curve abscesses, quickshifter, cruise control
• Dimensions and weights: Wheelbase 1.450 m, seat height 83 cm, weight ready for driving 213 kg, payload 180 kg; Tank content 17 liters.
• Performance: Top speed 234 km/h. Standing noise 92 DBA, standard consumption according to WMTC standard (EU 5+) 4.8 l/100 km.
• Price: from 10,245 euros including ancillary costs