Kawasaki Z900 2024 Review – Keeping the Old Ways Alive

In this age of downsizing, Kawasaki stay true to the in-line four with some updates to keep the Z900 modern.

Story: Joshua Varghese
Photography: Sanjay Raikar

Every enthusiast has a weak spot for in-line-four engines. They have had us hooked for years with their exhaust note and power delivery, giving us many moments to cherish. Which is why we have been riding the Z900, even though its last significant update was in 2020. Today, it is the most accessible in-line four naked motorcycle in our market. Join us as we try to decode its relevance in the modern world and how it fits into the motorcycling scene in India.

Sugomi design is based on the concept of a predator hunting its prey and, once you see it, it is impossible to forget. If one can imagine the Z900’s headlights to be the eyes of a beast and the butch fuel-tank and front cowls as its shoulders, it is easy to see the intent and aggression. The good news here is that the new model continues to stay true to the legacy of its predecessors while also featuring useful kit such as LED lighting all around. If you liked the previous models, it will be difficult to say no to this one.

While the fully digital console is the most noticeable change from the rider’s seat, it is also interesting to note that the rider’s seat is now 25 millimetres taller. Does it reduce ease of accessibility to riders? Yes, but not by much because the contours of the seat and the fuel-tank manage to make this Z’s riding position fairly friendly considering the size of the motorcycle.

Unsurprisingly, the highlight of the Z900 for me is its engine. It is a sweet 948-cc, 16-valve, liquid-cooled, in-line four unit that develops a potent 125 hp at 9,500 rpm and a peak torque of 98.6 Nm at 7,700 rpm. More than outright power and speed, what impresses me most is its flexibility. Below 5,000 rpm, it is such a docile machine that it allows one to cruise around town in almost any gear. In sixth gear, this thing is capable of disappearing into the distance from less than 30 km/h. Past 5,000 rpm, that nice and sweet hum turns into a formidable four-cylinder shriek as it calls on all its reserves of power to scream into triple-digit speeds before demanding changing into second gear. Believe me when I say this. The Z900 is an easy motorcycle to ride but it is just as easy to be taken in by its apparent friendliness.

That is, perhaps, why Kawasaki have given this machine two power modes: “F” and “L”. The latter limits power to a reasonable 45 per cent of the total output and is just what one needs in order to come to terms with this motorcycle’s ability in a safe manner. In “L”, it is a reasonably powerful yet friendly thing that you can get used to before graduating to the “F” mode. Sounds like two motorcycles for the price of one. Not bad, eh?

Of the four riding modes on offer, “Road” is most compliant because it allows one to ride fast without thinking too much. In comparison, “Sport” is easily more thrilling but does require as much focus from the rider too. With the traction control off, power wheelies come naturally to this Japanese beast but it does not ask to be treated that way.

Such neutrality is easy to see in the handling too. Despite the need to lean forward a bit to reach the handlebars, the seating position offers a useful blend of comfort and input. The Z900 does not ask its rider to flog it through the bends or bounce it off the limiter down the straights. Rather it stands by ready to follow orders. This thing is four kilograms heavier than before. It weighs 212 kg and is nimble enough to be fun around corners and to manoeuvre through traffic.

At Rs 9.38 lakh (ex-showroom), the price has gone up, too, but it is the most accessible in-line-four naked motorcycle in the country. That alone is enough for the Z900 to hold its own against the competition that includes the Ducati Streetfighter V2 and even the Triumph Street Triple range (a smaller motorcycle but similar in terms of power and price). Then one has to note that the Z1000 is not listed on the Kawasaki India website any longer. So, after the Z900, the next naked Kawasaki is the insane (and also more expensive) 200-hp Z H2.