Kawasaki recently patented the design of the updated Z900 in India. This motorcycle was launched globally towards the end of last year and the Japanese brand finally plans on bringing it to our shores. The upcoming Z900 features updated styling, more features and is also available with a new high-spec ‘SE’ variant. While this variant has not been sold in India, it remains to be seen if Kawasaki will introduce it as a rival to the Triumph Street Triple RS.
The updated Z900 now gets sharper and more angular design than before. The bike features an updated headlight and tail light design which is more in line with the Z500 and Z7 hybrid. There’s also a slight change to panels and the Z900 is now available in three new colours: Metallic Moondust Gray, Metallic Carbon Gray and Metallic Spark Black. Meanwhile, the Z900 SE is sold in an exclusive shade called Metallic Matte Graphite Gray.
There is now an all new ride-by-wire throttle and an IMU that have enabled features like 3 levels of traction control, 2 power modes, cruise control, dual-channel ABS and a bi-directional quick-shifter. All of these electronic aids can be toggled and controlled via an all new 5-inch TFT. This new instrument cluster also supports Bluetooth connectivity and other app based features.
The updated motorcycle gets mild tweaks to the engine to meet the latest Euro 5+ emission norms. This has resulted in a mild drop in performance and the Z900’s 948cc motor now produces 123hp at 9,500 and 97.4Nm at 7,700rpm which is 2hp and 1Nm lower than before. Additionally, the weight has increased by a mere 1kg and the seat height too has been increased by 10mm.
There has been an improvement to braking performance with the updated bike now getting a set of twin 4-piston, radially mounted Nissin calipers at the front. It also now gets a new set of Dunlop Sportmax Q5A tyres as standard which replace the outgoing models Dunlop Sportmax Roadsport 2. The rest of the motorcycles remain unchanged. In comparison, the new Z900 SE models get a higher spec KYB fork at the front and an Ohlins S46 monoshock at the rear. It also gets a higher spec Brembo M4.32 calipers for braking, while the overall weight goes up by 1kg when compared to the standard Z900.
While Kawasaki currently sells the Z900 for Rs 9.38 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), it remains to be seen when the updated model will be launched and how much of an increase in price it will see. Upon launch the Z900 will rival the Ducati Monster and Triumph Street Triple R.
Also see: Updated Kinetic E-Luna design patented