This Z900 supernaked ushers in the most evolved iteration of Sugomi, matching radical streetfighter attitude with premium features. Make no mistake, the challenger spirit is stronger than ever—the Z900 imposes a powerful aura with refined design and assaults the senses with every roar of its 948 cc engine.
Powerful 948 cc liquid-cooled, 4-stroke In-line Four engine has a quick-revving character and a strong mid-range hit that pulls strongly to the redline. Adding to rider exhilaration, a distinct intake note encourages the rider to twist the throttle. Silky smooth power delivery facilitates control while contributing to rider comfort and confidence. Precise control from the new electronic throttle valves contribute to smooth, linear acceleration, giving riders added confidence and enjoyment when cornering.
Key to the Z900’s agile handling is a chassis composed of lightweight components, including its trellis frame. Revised suspension settings for the new model allow riders to enjoy sport riding with more confidence.
Featuring a new tyre compound, Dunlop Sportmax Q5A tyres deliver a strong, planted feel when cornering for enjoyable sport riding.
Assist & Slipper Clutch was developed based on feedback from racing activities. The clutch uses two types of cams (an assist cam and a slipper cam), offering two functions not available on a standard clutch.
The ø41 mm inverted front fork with adjustable rebound damping and spring preload is responsive and progressive for confident handling with a high level of feedback. The Horizontal Back-link rear suspension with adjustable spring preload and stepless rebound damping contributes to a high level of handling response, ride comfort and rear wheel traction.
Sharper, more compact headlights, which were designed to be an integral part of the Z’s sugomi styling, are a major contributor to the Z900’s sharper-looking new front end. They enable a sleeker front cowl, creating a compact, aggressive looking view from the front, sure to resonate with fans of the Supernaked Z. The advanced LED taillight features light-guiding technology to achieve a futuristic design with a cutting-edge, 3D appearance that highlights the Z900’s sharp, edgy styling while contributing to a high-grade look.
Slim at the front and wide at the rear, the sporty front seat’s shape has been updated with thicker urethane in its rear portion offering increased riding comfort. The corners on the left and right sides are rounded off to offer more comfort to the legs when seated and to facilitate reaching the ground. In addition to allowing the rider to shift around and take a variety of riding positions when cruising, the seat’s flatter new shape also enables the rider to more easily shift their weight during sport riding.
A 5” all-digital TFT colour instrumentation gives the cockpit a high-tech, high-grade appearance. Two display types allow a choice of simple vehicle information or an aviation-style attitude indicator-inspired lean angle indicator (for an added bit of fun while riding). Both display types accommodate turn-by-turn navigation direction.
Using the smartphone application “RIDEOLOGY THE APP,” a number of instrument functions can be accessed wirelessly, contributing to an enhanced motorcycling experience. The new version of the smartphone app now offers the ability for riders to control the app with voice commands*, which allows them adjust motorcycle settings, set GPS routes and more orally.
When paired with RIDEOLOGY THE APP MOTORCYCLE, turn-by-turn navigation can be displayed on the instrument panel.
*RIDEOLOGY THE APP is not intended for use during vehicle operation. Only use RIDEOLOGY THE APP when the vehicle is not being operated and it is safe to do so. Voice Command and Navigation functions will be available only to users who have a licence. Although generally a paid service, a one-year free licence will be granted to purchasers of certain models. Licences will be sold for a fee after the second year, or to users who do not possess a free licence at the time of vehicle purchase.
Kawasaki’s highly sophisticated electronic management systems offer rider support to allow riders to more fully experience how the Z900 is fun and rewarding to control. Details for the electonic aids on the Z900 are detailed in the following specs.
KCMF monitors engine and chassis parameters throughout the corner – from entry, through the apex, to corner exit – modulating brake force and engine power to facilitate smooth transition from acceleration to braking and back again, and to assist riders in tracing their intended line through the corner.
Kawasaki’s advanced traction control system provides both enhanced sport riding performance and the confidence to negotiate low-traction surfaces with confidence. Mode 1, the least intrusive, helps to manage traction during cornering. Designed with sport riding in mind, it facilitates acceleration out of corners by maximising forward drive from the rear wheel. Mode 2 offers earlier intervention and features a balance of sport riding support and enhanced rider confidence. Mode 3 features the greatest intervention, allowing riders to negotiate both short, challenging patches and extended stretches of low-traction conditions with confidence.
Feedback from the IMU enables an additional function: corner braking management. In addition to front and rear wheel speed sensors (standard for any ABS system), the enhanced ABS uses information from the IMU to calculate the motorcycle’s lean angle. Should riders use the brakes beyond the entrance to a turn (i.e. trail braking), increase brake force mid-corner (e.g. to avoid an obstacle), or encounter a sudden change in surface traction (e.g. fallen leaves, loose sand or a wet patch), brake force is modulated to suppress erratic vehicle behaviour and slippage. This assists riders in holding their intended line through the corner instead of running wide, or in coming to a controlled stop.
All-inclusive modes that link KTRC (3 modes, plus OFF) and Power Mode (available in Full or Low) allow riders to easily set traction control and power delivery to suit a given riding situation. Riders can choose from three settings (Sport, Road, Rain) or a manual setting (Rider). In the manual Rider mode, each of the systems can be set independently.
Allowing riders to take even greater advantage of the Z900’s exhilarating engine character, Kawasaki’s latest quick shifter enables clutchless upshifts and downshifts for seamless acceleration and easy deceleration.
