MotoNexus Engine
Kawasaki Z900
Kawasaki Naked 2025

Z900

$9,499

123 HP @ 9,500 rpm
Power
213 kg (469.6 lbs) wet
Weight
73.1 lb-ft @ 7,700 rpm
Torque

*Product specifications and price may vary; this is an approximate reference.

#Naked #Inline-Four #Sugomi #Hyper-Naked #Commuter

Full Specifications

Engine 948cc Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, In-Line Four, DOHC, 16-valve
Displacement 948cc
Power 123 HP @ 9,500 rpm
Torque 73.1 lb-ft @ 7,700 rpm
Weight 213 kg (469.6 lbs) wet
Seat Height 830 mm / 32.7"
Fuel Capacity 17L / 4.5 gal
Transmission 6-speed with Kawasaki Quick Shifter (KQS)
Fuel Type Gasoline

Electronics

Rider Modes

Sport Road Rain Rider (Customizable)
Traction Control
ABS: Cornering
Quickshifter
Cruise Control

Performance & Efficiency

Top Speed
155 mph
0-60 mph
3.3 sec

Reliability & Ownership

Reliability The Z900 platform is renowned for its mechanical robustness. The 948cc inline-four is an evolution of a long-standing design, known for high mileage without internal issues. For 2025, the addition of electronic throttle valves and a 6-axis IMU introduces more complexity, but Kawasaki’s history with electronics is generally excellent. Expect a bike that starts every time and handles daily commuting as easily as canyon carving.

Maintenance Oil and filter every 7,600 miles; Valve clearance inspection every 15,200 miles.

Comfort & Ergonomics

The 2025 model features revised seat cushioning with a flatter profile to reduce pressure points. The ergonomics follow the 'Sugomi' philosophy—aggressive but surprisingly upright. It lacks wind protection as a naked bike, making high-speed touring tiring, but the mid-set footpegs and revised handlebar positioning offer a commanding, natural feel that works well for riders between 5'8" and 6'2".

Overview

OUR TAKE

" The Balanced Street Fighter "

For years, the Kawasaki Z900 has been the 'sleeper' hit of the naked world, offering nearly liter-bike performance at a middleweight price point. For 2025, Kawasaki has addressed the bike's only real Achilles' heel: the technology suite. With the inclusion of a 6-axis IMU, Cornering ABS, and Cruise Control, the Z900 has moved from a 'budget-friendly brute' to a sophisticated precision tool. It retains the 948cc inline-four that fans adore—an engine famous for its silky-smooth power delivery and intoxicating intake howl—but wraps it in a sharper, more modern package. It is a bike that bridges the gap between the Z650's accessibility and the Z H2's insanity, offering perhaps the most balanced riding experience in Kawasaki's current lineup.

WikiMoto Verdict

9.2 /10
Performance 9
Value 9.5
Build Quality 8.8
Electronics 9.3

"The 2025 Z900 finally adds the high-tech brain it always deserved to match its legendary muscle."

In-Depth Review

Engine: The 948cc Heartbeat

At the core of the 2025 Kawasaki Z900 is the same 948cc inline-four that has defined this bike since its inception. However, for 2025, Kawasaki has introduced electronic throttle valves. This change might sound minor, but it transforms the throttle response, making it crisp, precise, and allowing for much smoother integration of the new rider aids. The power delivery is linear and predictable, yet it retains that classic Kawasaki ‘kick’ once you cross 7,000 RPM. Unlike many European rivals that use high-strung triples or twins, the Z900 offers a buttery smoothness that makes it a joy for both low-speed commuting and high-speed aggression. The sound remains a highlight; Kawasaki’s acoustic engineering team has tuned the airbox to produce a distinct ‘howl’ that rewards the rider under heavy acceleration.

Handling and Suspension

The Z900 utilizes a high-tensile steel trellis frame that provides a rigid but communicative chassis. While the base model features a 41mm inverted fork with adjustable rebound and preload, the real magic is in the geometry. It feels remarkably light on its feet despite its 213kg wet weight. For 2025, the braking system gets a boost with new four-piston radial-mount monobloc calipers at the front, which offer significantly better initial bite and feel compared to the older axial designs. This, combined with the new Cornering ABS (KIBS), allows you to trail-brake into corners with a level of confidence previously reserved for the more expensive ‘SE’ trim or full-blown superbikes.

Tech: The 2025 Revolution

Technology is where the 2025 model earns its keep. The inclusion of a 6-axis IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) brings the Z900 into the modern era. This enables lean-angle-sensitive traction control and ABS, making the bike much safer in emergency situations or tricky weather. Finally, Kawasaki has added Electronic Cruise Control as standard—a feature Z900 owners have been begging for for years. The new 5-inch TFT color display is bright, easy to read, and offers turn-by-turn navigation via the Rideology app. The Kawasaki Quick Shifter (KQS) is now standard and operates smoothly in both directions from 2,500 RPM upwards, further enhancing the sporty feel of the bike.

Verdict

The 2025 Kawasaki Z900 is no longer just the ‘value choice.’ It is a world-class naked bike that stands toe-to-toe with the best from Europe and Japan. By keeping the price competitive while adding a sophisticated electronics package and improved braking, Kawasaki has ensured the Z900 remains the benchmark for what a sub-liter naked bike should be. It is fast, refined, reliable, and now, finally, smart.