Design & Style: The Z900 is a sharper looking motorcycle compared to its predecessor the Z800. The Z900 retains the split headlamps of the Z800 but is made to look sharper and meaner this time. It gets a seamlessly integrated front Cole and a windscreen. The Z-shaped tail lights look unique and make it a standout amongst the crowd. It features an all new trellis frame to improve the riding dynamics and handling.
Engine and other Aspects: The Z900 borrows its engine from it's older sibling the Z1000. The Kawasaki Z900 is powered by a 948 cc inline four-cylinder motor that makes 124 bhp of power at 6000 rpm, around a 12 bhp dominance over the Z800. The 4 stroke fuel injected DOCH engine is liquid cooled with a Bore X Stroke value of 73.4 X 56mm. The engine is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. The motorcycle has a massive 17L fuel tank capacity that will enable the rider to enjoy his long rides without stopping much for fueling. The total length of the motorcycle is 2070mm, with a wheelbase of 1450mm. The motorcycle has a ground clearance of 130mm. The Z900 is also lighter than its predecessor with a curb weight of 210.5 kg, a whopping 20kg lesser than its predecessor.
New Features: The Z900 gets an assist and slipper clutch with shorter gearing that enables upshifts and aggressive downshifts to be performed with utmost ease. ABS is offered as standard in the motorcycle. It also gets a whole new instrument panel with loads of new features.
Brakes and Suspension: Braking power for the Kawasaki Z900 comes from 300mm dual disc brakes at the front with the axially mounted four-piston calipers and a 250mm disc with a single-piston caliper at the rear. With the ABS also offered as standard we are hoping for the brakes to be really effective. The front end receives a 120/70 ZR 17 Dunlop tire and the rear end receives an 180/55 ZR 17 Dunlop tires. Suspension of the Z900 is featured by the 41mm Upside Down (USD) forks at the front, while the rear receives a mono shock setup with adjustable rebound and preload functions.
With various changes made to the predecessor we are hoping the Z900 to be one hell of a performer, but there is always a saying do not believe anything unless you see and feel it, so that is when we get the first ride on the motorcycle. Stay tuned for the same.
By: Rishath Suresh