2021 Kawasaki Z900 ABS. (Kawasaki/)

Ups

• Least expensive bike in the class
• Good handling, smooth power
• Decent brakes

Downs

• Heaviest bike in the class
• Ergos a little cramped for tall riders

Verdict

Debuting in 2017, the Kawasaki Z900 immediately made its mark on the large-displacement naked bike category, offering good performance for the lowest sticker price in the class that helped it come out on top of a CW comparison test. Numerous updates in 2020 made the Z900 even better, and its best-bang-for-the-buck status continues basically unchanged for 2021.

2021 Kawasaki Z900 ABS. (Kawasaki/)

Overview

The Z900 replaced the heavy and somewhat bland Z800, as well as the aging Z1000, in Kawasaki’s naked bike lineup, and it’s proven to be a top choice in the category. Significant upgrades were instilled in 2020, including electronic rider aids (four ride modes, switchable traction control, and two-way power modes), added stiffness in the swingarm pivot area of the twin-spar steel trellis frame, slightly stiffer suspension settings, a TFT color dash display with Bluetooth connectivity to the Rideology app, LED headlights, Dunlop Sportmax RoadSport 2 tires, and sharper styling.

Updates for 2021

The non-ABS version of the Kawasaki Z900 has been dropped, with only the Z900 ABS model available for 2021.

Pricing and Variants

The 2021 Kawasaki Z900 ABS has an MSRP of $8,999. Available colorways are Metallic Spark Black/Metallic Flat Spark Black, and Pearl Blizzard White/Metallic Flat Spark Black.

Competition

With its low sticker price, the Kawasaki Z900 ABS’ real direct competitor is the Yamaha MT-09. Other competitors in the category (but with higher MSRP and/or larger engines) are the BMW F 900 R, Ducati Monster, Honda CB1000R, KTM 890 Duke R, Suzuki GSX-S1000, and the Triumph Speed Triple S.

Powertrain: Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The Z900 ABS’ 948cc inline-four engine was designed for low-end and midrange performance, but that didn’t stop it from generating 114 hp at 9,710 rpm and a peak torque reading of 67.3 pound-feet at 7,990 rpm when CW ran the 2020 version on the dyno (the 2021 engine is identical). Acceleration starts “strong from 2,000 rpm, all the way up to peak power” when we rode the 2020 version. The three-level (plus off) traction control is very transparent and never feels overly intrusive, and the customizable Rider mode allows you to set power level, TC, and throttle response to your liking.

2021 Kawasaki Z900 ABS. (Kawasaki/)

Handling

With slightly stiffer suspension settings for 2020 to complement the more rigid frame, the Z900 ABS’ adjustable spring preload/rebound damping suspension is a tad firm for long highway stints, but pays off when the road turns twisty. Overall handling manners are nimble yet with a planted feel in the corners, and there was good feedback from the Dunlop Roadsport 2 tires that provided very good turning and grip characteristics.

Brakes

Nissin four-piston brake calipers and 300mm petal-type discs up front provide good, strong stopping power. The ABS is fairly transparent, only noticeable in the harshest braking situations.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The 2021 Kawasaki Z900 is claimed to achieve an average of 49.6 mpg.

Ergonomics: Comfort and Utility

While the CW-measured 31.6-inch seat height is not too tall for average riders, taller riders may find the ergos a little cramped. There is an accessory taller seat available from Kawasaki that can help here.

2021 Kawasaki Z900 ABS. (Kawasaki/)

Electronics

The Z900 has four ride modes available (Rain, Road, Sport, and Rider), with Rain, Road, and Sport each having preset power (high or low) and traction control settings (1, 2, or 3). Rider Mode allows you to select your own power and TC settings (including turning off TC). ABS is standard; the non-ABS model is no longer available. A full-color TFT dash display offers Bluetooth connectivity to your smartphone via Kawasaki’s Rideology app, which provides riding log info, phone text/call notification, service interval info, and more.

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

The Z900 ABS comes with Kawasaki’s usual 12-month limited warranty. Extended warranty options are available for 12, 24, 36, and 48 months.

Quality

Fit and finish are easily on par with current bikes in this class. The TFT dash display with Bluetooth connectivity and other components such as the Dunlop Sportmax Roadsport 2 tires as standard equipment provide a quality feel.

2021 Kawasaki Z900 ABS. (Kawasaki/)

2021 Kawasaki Z900 ABS Claimed Specifications

Cycle World Tested Specifications

Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com