The 2020 Kawasaki Z900: Twelve Things that you Need to Know

Kawasaki has released its revamped Z900 for the 2020 model year. With its aggressive Sugomi design style, the 2020 Kawasaki Z900 embodies the concept of less is more, securing its foothold in the naked street bike market. Here are twelve things we think you should know about it.

1. 2020 Kawasaki Z900 Engine

The Z900’s power comes from a 16 valve 948cc inline four-cylinder engine that produces an impressive amount of torque throughout the mid to high revs. The four 36mm throttle bodies are installed in a downdraft position to increase the fuel and air combination for maximum performance output.

2. Acoustics

When it came to the acoustics of the Z900, the engineers went beyond the sound of the exhaust pipes. During their “sound research” they considered the intake system, and how the overall voice of the bike connects to the rider. They concluded that an upward mounted airbox with runners of different lengths would result in a variety of notes expressed at different throttle positions. Combined with the notes from the four into one exhaust system layout with an internal two chamber muffler would mean engagement of the rider’s senses on a higher level.

3. Chassis

New for 2020 is the Z900’s high tensile, steel, twin-spar, trellis frame. The frame design has a minimum of bends to disperse stress and add strength to the swingarm pivot region, for overall better handling.

4. Suspension

At the front of the Z900, you’ll find a pair of 41mm inverted forks equipped with stepless rebound damping and spring adjustability. At the rear, the adjustable horizontal shock is mounted just above the swingarm.

5. Brakes

The Z900’s ABS braking setup is composed of a pair of 300mm front rotors with four-piston calipers and a single 250mm rear rotor.

6. Tires

The new Dunlop Sportmax Roadsport 2 was selected as the factory’s choice for tires.

7. 2020 Kawasaki Z900 Styling

Kawasaki’s definitive Sugomi design aesthetic is composed of a selection of key elements: a crouching stance, low positioned head and an upswept tail. The new Z900 checks all of the boxes with a new fuel tank cover, new shrouds, under cowls and new silver swingarm pivot cover. Further, the Z900’s new LED headlamp and position light combination assembly emphasize the Sugomi style.

8. Electronics

At the dash, you’ll find an all-new 4.3 inch TFT full-color display. Among the staple function and data readouts, the Z900’s new dash includes smartphone call and email alerts as well as a Bluetooth connection indicator.

9. 2020 Kawasaki Z900 Power and Riding Modes

There are two power modes for the rider to select from: full and low. The full power mode is self-explanatory while the low power mode limits engine output to 55% of full power and activates a milder throttle response. Riders can choose between Sport, Road, and Rain ride modes via a button on the clutch side of the bars.

10. Traction Control

The Z900 is equipped with Kawasaki’s comprehensive traction control (KRTC) that is composed of three settings. You’ll find the least amount of engagement from Mode 1, ideal for sport riding. Mode 2, there is is a noticeable level of engagement. The highest level of engagement is found in Mode 3.

11. Rideology App

The Rideology App allows the rider to connect to their Z900 wirelessly via their smart device. The app connects to the motorcycle through a Bluetooth chip installed in the bike’s instrument panel. The app can perform a number of functions as well as provide vehicle information such as bike status, log riding data (route, distance, time traveled, riding conditions), smartphone communication alerts (calls, texts, emails). Through the Rideology App, riders can also adjust a selection of tuning settings for their Z900.

12. 2020 Kawasaki Z900 Colors and Price

The 2020 Kawasaki Z900 is available in two colorways: Metallic Graphite Gray/Metallic Spark Black, priced at $8,999 and Candy Plasma Blue/Metallic Matte Fusion Silver, priced at $9,299.

With its Sugomi design and performance-driven engineering, the 2020 Z900 is continuing to turn heads and offer riders a premium option in the naked street bike class.

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