We already wrote it in May: the Z1000 would get a bigger brother. Now it is official – Kawasaki has unveiled the new Z1100 and Z1100 SE. The Japanese present their newest Supernaked as the ultimate embodiment of sugomi: aggressive, sharp and packed technology. In short: a z on steroids.
We must honestly confess that it has always surprised us that Kawasaki had made the decision to take the Z1000 out of production. Sure, the Z900 had passed the Z1000 well in terms of sales, but it was not said that there would be no more market for the Z1000. His pure and brutal strength certainly gave him a right to exist.
Fortunately, the farewell has only been short -lived. In May we already reported that Kawasaki had approved a Z1100, which at the time gave us a politically correct “no comment” at Kawasaki, but now Team Green has officially unveiled the Z1100, plus a Z1100 SE.
As expected, the heart of the Ninja 1100 is under the skin. The 1,099 cc four-in-line delivers 136 hp at 100 kW and 11.5 kgm torque, with the emphasis on a stronger low and midrange. This is partly due to adapted inlet channels, revised camshafts, new valve springs and even new pistons. The battle is 3 mm longer than with the old Z1000, while the flywheel has also become heavier to give the punch at the bottom extra body.
The gearbox also received an update: all transmissions are again adjusted, in particular the fifth and sixth gear that is now longer than with the previous Literklasse-Z. With that, the Z1100 not only gets more flexibility on the highway, but retains the fierce response for which the Z-family is known for.
The exhaust process is a 4-2-1-Into-Pre-Chamber-Into-1 construction, designed for the lowest possible weight and that characteristic sugomi look. Kawasaki promises a “visceral experience”, or a block that continues to pull on your arms as soon as the rev counter climbs into the higher regions.
Frame, bicycle part and brakes
The Z1100 is on an aluminum twin-tube frame, with SFF-BP upside-down fork and horizontal back-link rear shock absorber. For a braking with 310 mm discs and monobloc brake claws, good for a direct and sharp bite.
The SE version raises the bar even higher: Brembo Stylences, steel brake lines, Brembo discs and at the back an Öhlins S46 shock absorber with Remote Preload Adjuster. Kawasaki delivers the SE on Dunlop Sportmax Q5A tires-rubber that previously mainly looked at home on circuit days, but now also serves street riders.
Electronics: all the trimmings
There is no skimp on electronics. Ride-by-Wire makes cruise control and a BI-directional Quickshifter possible. A six-axis IMU controls systems such as KTRC traction control, KCMF-Cornering Management, KIBs integrated ABS and various driving modes (Sport, Road, Rain and Rider).
The 5 ”TFT display not only supports Turn-by-Turn navigation and smartphone econnectivity, but also Voice Control via Kawasaki’s Rideology app. This makes the Z1100 one of the most connected nakeds on the market.
Sugomi 2.0 – Looks and Ergonomics
In terms of appearance, Kawasaki remains faithful to the Sugomi philosophy that has been the face of the family since the Z1000 of 2014. Sharp LED headlights, a new undercowl with fins and a wide, aggressive silhouette leave no doubt about it: this is not a good boy.
The ergonomics was adjusted with a 22 mm wider handlebar that is also 13 mm further forward. Kawasaki claims that this ensures lighter and sharper steering behavior in all speed ranges, with more direct contact between rider and machine.
Delivery
The Z1100 and Z1100 SE will be positioned at the top of the Z-Line up at the top of the 2026 model year. Prices are not yet known, but that the SE with its brembo’s and Öhlins gets a significant additional price seems a certainty.
Or, as Kawasaki himself says poetically: “Welcome to a New Z When Sugomi Awakens.” We would put it simpler: the Z1100 is exactly the brutal, ultramodern supernaked that we were already expecting – and maybe a little more. Welcome back …
– Thanks for information from Motorfreaks.