The 2021 Kawasaki Z900: Supernaked Sugomi Style

Taking over the top ‘Z” spot in the 2021 Kawasaki lineup, the Z900 checks many boxes on an enthusiasts list for a great street fighter. At 948cc with an ultra-lightweight chassis, every ride is met with exceptional power, responsiveness, and excitement.

Team Green’s Japanese-made engine cranks out 125 HP and over 70 lb-ft of torque, providing plenty of arm stretching fun. Thankfully, Kawasaki has added traction control, and selectable power modes to keep things in check on the wet roads.

Overall this bike has a high end feel to it. The paintwork and build quality belie the dollar bills needed to get a leg over this bike. The compact, aggressive look masks the well-sorted rider triangle. The seat is wide at the rear and tapers nicely against the tank, making for a very comfortable position for a broad range of riders.

Colors for 2021 include — Pearl Blizzard White/Metallic Spark Black, Metallic Spark Black/Metallic Flat Spark Black.

The 2021 Kawasaki Z900 starts at $8,999 USD / $10,399 CAD.

On this page: we’ve curated specs, features, news, photos/videos, etc. so you can read up on the new 2021 Kawasaki Z900 in one place.

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Model Overview

General Info

  • Price: $8,999 USD / $10,399 CAD
  • Key Features:
    • Selectable Power Modes
    • Smartphone Connectivity
    • Assist And Slipper Clutch
    • Sugomi-inspired Z Styling

Main Specs

  • Engine: 948cc, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke DOHC 16-valve in-line four
  • Power: 92.2 kW (125 hp) @ 9500 RPM
  • Torque: 72.7 lb-ft (98.6 NM) @ 7,700 RPM
  • Wet Weight: 212 kg (467 lb)
  • Seat Height: 820 mm (32.3 in)

2021 Kawasaki Z900 ABS


2021 Kawasaki Z900 Specifications

From Kawasaki

ENGINE

Engine 948cc, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke DOHC 16-valve in-line four
Power 125 hp
Bore x Stroke 73.4 x 56.0mm
Compression Ratio
11.8:1
Fuel System DFI® with 36mm Keihin throttle bodies
Starter Electric
Lubrication

DRIVETRAIN

Clutch
Transmission 6-speed, return shift
Final Drive Sealed chain

CHASSIS

Suspension Front 41mm inverted fork with rebound damping and spring preload adjustability/4.7 in
Suspension Rear Horizontal back-link, stepless rebound damping, adjustable spring preload/5.5 in
Brakes Front Dual 300mm petal-style discs with four-piston calipers, ABS
Brakes Rear
Single 250mm petal-style disc with single-piston caliper, ABS
Tires Front 120/70 ZR17
Tires Rear 180/55 ZR17
Fuel Tank Capacity 4.5 gal
Color
Metallic Spark Black/Metallic Flat Spark Black, Pearl Blizzard White/Metallic Spark Black

ELECTRICAL

Ignition TCBI with electronic advance
Spark Plugs
Headlight LED
Tail Light LED

DIMENSIONS

Overall Length 81.5 in
Overall Width 32.5 in
Overall Height 42.5 in
Wheelbase 57.3 in
Ground Clearance 5.7 in
Seat Height 31.5 in
Curb Weight 412.3 lb

WARRANTY

Warranty 12 Month Limited Warranty
Kawasaki Protection Plus 12 / 24 / 36 / 48 months

2021 Kawasaki Z900 ABS


2021 Kawasaki Z900 Features

Assist & Slipper Clutch

Based on feedback from racing activities, the Assist & Slipper Clutch uses two types of cams (an assist cam and a slipper cam) to either drive the clutch hub and operating plate together or apart.

Under normal operation, the assist cam functions as a self-servo mechanism, pulling the clutch hub and operating plate together to compress the clutch plates. This allows the total clutch spring load to be reduced, resulting in a lighter clutch lever feel when operating the clutch.

When excessive engine braking occurs – as a result of quick downshifts (or an accidental downshift) – the slipper cam comes into play, forcing the clutch hub and operating plate apart. This relieves pressure on the clutch plates to reduce back-torque and helps prevent the rear tire from hopping and skidding. This race-style function is particularly useful when sport or track riding.

Dual Throttle Valves

Late-model sport bikes often use large-bore throttle bodies to generate high levels of power. However, with large diameter throttles, when a rider suddenly opens the throttle, the unrestricted torque response can be strong. Dual throttle valve technology was designed to tame engine response while contributing to performance.

On models with dual throttle valves, there are two throttle valves per cylinder: in addition to the main valves, which are physically linked to the throttle grip and controlled by the rider, a second set of valves, opened and closed by the ECU, precisely regulates intake airflow to ensure a natural, linear response. With the air passing through the throttle bodies becoming smoother, combustion efficiency is improved and power is increased.

Economical Riding Indicator

Using high-precision electronic control for engine management, Kawasaki models can achieve a high level of fuel efficiency. However, fuel consumption is greatly affected by throttle use, gear selection, and other elements under the rider’s control. The Economical Riding Indicator is a function that indicates when current riding conditions are consuming a low amount of fuel. The system continuously monitors fuel consumption, regardless of vehicle speed, engine speed, throttle position and other riding conditions. When fuel consumption is low for a given speed (i.e. fuel efficiency is high), an “ECO” mark appears on the instrument panel’s LCD screen. By riding so that the “ECO” mark remains on, fuel consumption can be reduced.

While effective vehicle speed and engine speed may vary by model, paying attention to conditions that cause the “ECO” mark to appear can help riders improve their fuel efficiency – a handy way to increase cruising range. Further, keeping fuel consumption low also helps minimize negative impact on the environment.

KTRC (Kawasaki Traction Control)

KTRC, Kawasaki’s advanced traction control system provides both enhanced sport riding performance and the peace of mind to negotiate slippery surfaces with confidence. Multiple rider-selectable modes (the number of modes varies by model) offer progressively greater levels of intrusion to suit the riding situation and rider preference.

Less intrusive modes maintain optimum traction during cornering. Designed with sport riding in mind, they facilitate acceleration out of corners by maximizing forward drive from the rear wheel. And because Kawasaki’s sophisticated software bases its dynamic analysis on the chassis’ orientation relative to the track surface (rather than relative to a horizontal plane), it is able to take into account corner camber, gradient, etc., and adapt accordingly.

In the more intrusive modes (and for some models, in any mode), when excessive wheel spin is detected, engine output is reduced to allow grip to be regained, effectively enabling riders to negotiate both short, slippery patches (train tracks or manhole covers) and extended stretches of bad roads (wet pavement, cobblestone, gravel) with confidence.

Models equipped with IMU incorporate chassis-orientation feedback to offer even more precise management.

POWER MODES

Models equipped with multiple Power Modes offer riders an easily selectable choice of engine power delivery to suit riding conditions or preference. In addition to Full Power mode, one (Low) or two (Middle, Low) alternate mode(s) in which maximum power is limited and throttle response is milder are provided.

Smartphone Connectivity

Clever technology enables riders to connect to their motorcycle wirelessly. Using the smartphone application “RIDEOLOGY THE APP,” a number of instrument functions can be accessed, contributing to an enhanced motorcycling experience. Vehicle information (such as the odometer, fuel gauge, maintenance schedule, etc) can be viewed on the smartphone. Riding logs (varies by model, but may include GPS route, gear position, rpm, and other information) can be viewed on the smartphone. When connected, telephone (call, mail) notices are displayed on the instrument panel. Riders can also make changes to their motorcycle’s instrument display settings (preferred units, clock and date setting, etc) via the smartphone. And on certain models, it is even possible to check and adjust vehicle settings (such as Rider Mode, electronic rider support features, and payload settings) using the smartphone.

ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)

Kawasaki ABS systems use front and rear wheel sensors to constantly monitor wheel speed. Should information from either of the sensors indicate that wheel lock has occurred, the ABS ECU directs the pump in the ABS unit to modulate brake fluid pressure (releasing and reapplying pressure so that traction can be regained) until normal operation resumes. ABS offers rider reassurance that contributes to greater riding enjoyment.

Horizontal Back-link Rear Suspension

Compared to the Kawasaki traditional Uni-Trak® rear suspension, which mounts the shock unit vertically, with Horizontal Back-link Rear Suspension, the shock unit is almost horizontal. The original Kawasaki suspension arrangement locates the shock unit very close to the bike’s center of gravity, greatly contributing to mass centralization. And because there is no linkage or shock unit protruding beneath the swingarm, this frees up space for a larger exhaust pre-chamber (an exhaust expansion chamber situated just upstream of the silencer). With a larger pre-chamber, silencer volume can be reduced, and heavy exhaust components can be concentrated closer to the center of the bike, further contributing to mass centralization. The result is greatly improved handling.

A secondary benefit is that the shock unit is placed far away from exhaust heat. Because it is more difficult for heat from the exhaust system to adversely affect suspension oil and gas pressure, suspension performance is more consistent.


2021 Kawasaki Z900 Photos


2021 Kawasaki Z900 Videos


Kawasaki Official Websites

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