Eight years after its launch, Kawasaki has completely renewed its most successful model, the Z900, for the 2025 model year. In addition to a considerably refreshed design, which is still unmistakably Sugomi, Team Green has improved the chassis and significantly expanded the electronics package with driver assistance systems.
When Kawasaki launched the Z900 in 2017, Kawasaki seemed to have taken a completely new path, but somehow not. The Z900 was the first Kawa that did not steer like a Kawa, extremely light-footed instead of having to consciously enter the bend. However, the Z900 was also the visualization of the image that Kawasaki had always had of Hypernakeds: more than just a Supersport without a fairing.
Just like the legendary models in the 900cc class that had preceded the Z900, models such as the Z1 and GPz900R, the Z900 package delivered a sublime balance between power and handling – ideal for a Supernaked model as we were able to experience first-hand somewhere in the south of Spain.
While the Z900 was still pure at the time – no riding modes and no traction control, let alone lean angle-dependent electronics – over time Kawasaki abandoned that idea and the electronics found their way to the Z, although still to a limited extent. However, for model year 2025, Team Green has gone all-the-way with the completely new Z900. Although, it could have been even crazier.
The magic word for the extensive electronics is called IMU, or the Inertia Measurement Unit, the box developed by Bosch that continuously monitors the position of the motor on a 6-axis basis in three dimensions, Roll, Pitch and Yaw. Roll is rotational movement about the longitudinal axis, Pitch that of about the transverse axis and Yaw that of about the vertical axis. Add the position of the gas and brakes and you arrive at a 6-axis measuring unit.
The IMU, in combination with the new ride-by-wire electronic throttle control, has made it possible to use more dynamic driving modes, with traction control that now responds depending on lean angle. In addition, an up/down quickshifter could now also be used, a gimmick that is actually completely unnecessary, but damn fun, especially when downshifting. There was also nothing in the way of using cruise control.
As for the beating heart, Kawasaki has thoroughly updated the 948cc inline four internally, with new camshaft profiles for improved fuel consumption and torque at the bottom – which you should notice in the city and when exiting slow corners. Naturally, the ECU settings have also been adjusted. Kawasaki also says that it has done a lot of sound engineering in the intake tract, but that was also done well in the current version.
To further improve the driving behavior of the Z900, effective changes have been made to the frame. The driving behavior is still light-footed and confidence-inspiring, but due to changed spring settings at the front and rear, there is more pressure on the front, which must have resulted in even sharper steering behavior and feeling with the front. New radially mounted brake calipers are lighter, more powerful and provide more feedback.
Major innovations have also been implemented in the electronic driver assistance systems. Thanks to the new six-axis IMU, the ABS now operates depending on lean angle and Kawasaki Cornering Management Function (KCMF) is now also available. This system monitors parameters at the entry, apex and exit of a corner and modulates braking force and power delivery to help you optimally maintain your intended line.
Then the design. The characteristic Z-Supernaked design of the Z900 is completely new but still has all the Sugomi elements that give it its distinctive appearance; a low nose and a high ass, like a predator ready to attack. The front is sharper with new LED headlights and continues the line from the fuel tank for a more aggressive-looking whole. New side panels, adjacent to the radiator, are made of brushed aluminum and give the whole a high-quality appearance. The tail has been shortened and fitted with a new LED taillight.
In addition to the high-quality design, there is the completely new 5″ TFT color display with “turn-by-turn” navigation. The display can be changed between two layouts. Layout 1 displays all important information in a modern way, in layout 2, a jet fighter-inspired lean angle indicator predominates, perfect for sporty rides.
In addition to the standard Z900, an SE model is also available. This version takes the Z900’s chassis to a higher level with an Öhlins S46 rear shock, fully adjustable Showa front fork, Brembo M4.32 monobloc brake calipers, radial Nissin brake pump and steel braided brake lines. In addition to these upgrades, the SE is equipped as standard with a high-quality saddle, USB-C connection and a special color scheme.
The 2025 Z900 will be available from February at official Kawasaki dealers in the following colors:
Z900 & Z900 70 kW
• Metallic Spark Black / Metallic Carbon Gray / Ebony
• Metallic Carbon Gray / Metallic Phantom Silver / Candy Persimmon Red
• Metallic Moondust Gray / Metallic Spark Black / Candy Lime Green
Z900 SE
• Metallic Matte Graphite Gray / Ebony / Metallic Graphite Gray
For drivers with an A2 (Code80) driver’s license, a 35kW kit is available for the Z900 70kW.
– Thanks for information from Motorfreaks.