Kawasaki introduced its Z family of naked motorcycles in the 1970s. This line of bikes proved to be quite promising and marketable and the Japanese motorcycle soon started creating different variations and versions. In 2017, Kawasaki launched a Z-series four-cylinder standard motorcycle called the Z900, which could be the most satisfying naked middleweight motorcycle that a rider can buy.
Serving as the replacement for the Z800, the Z900 quickly became a darling of discerning riders seeking an accessible naked middleweight bike that could still provide a core, elemental riding experience. While more powerful than its predecessor – 124 hp (92.2 kW or 125 PS) of max output at 9,500 rpm and 98.6 Nm (73 lb-ft) of peak torque at 7,700 rpm – the Z900 was lighter and more agile, thanks to its Sugomi-inspired design.
As Kawasaki's history reveals, the company has been offering multiple variants of the same motorcycles, thereby leveraging its platforms and nameplates while providing customers a broad array of price points and options. The Z900, being a popular offering at Kawasaki, is not an exception. Boasting sportier looks and a more refined ride, here is the uprated Kawasaki Z900 SE supernaked bike.
SE Model Offers Same Power And Weight As Z900
The Z900 SE essentially fills the void left behind by the Z1000, which is slotted between the Z900 and the higher-end supercharged Z H2. The Z900 SE, however, does not offer any upgrade in terms of power performance, as it is powered by the same a Euro5-compliant 948-cc, four-stroke inline four-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine mated to a six-speed gearbox with manual wet multi-disc clutch. Power rating is the same as Z900 at 124 hp of max output and 73 lb-ft of peak torque. Since its curb weight is also the same as the base model at 467 lbs (212 kg), its power-to-weight ratio.
Nonetheless, this doesn’t mean the Kawasaki Z900 SE does not offer a higher level of overall performance. The Japanese motorcycle maker implemented a number of upgrades that basically mirror those it made when it offered the SE version of the Z900RS, including an uprated suspension system as well as an upgraded braking setup.
Enhanced Ride With Uprated Front And Rear Suspension
For the new SE version of the Z900, Kawasaki actually aimed to offer a greater riding feel, more precise control as well as stronger stopping power. A host of hardware upgrades relating to the suspension and braking systems have been installed on the Z900 SE, which could be one of its coolest motorcycles ever made.
The rear section of the Z900 SE features a new shock absorber: an Öhlins S46 unit with the same construction as that of the Z1000 R edition – its aluminum single-tube body boasts a large ø46 mm piston as well as internal oil and gas chambers separated by a floating piston. This Horizontal Back-link, Öhlins S46 gas-charged shock features rebound damping and spring preload adjustability.
On the front, the Z900 SE features a retuned suspension setting that includes a 41mm inverted fork with compression and rebound damping as well as spring preload adjustability. To highlight the chassis changes, the front suspension is now visually enhanced with gold-colored fork our tubes.
Better Stopping Power With Front Brembo Brake System
A powerful supernaked motorcycle like the Kawasaki Z900 SE also needs ample stopping power. On the Z900, stopping power is provided for by dual semi-floating 300-mm petal discs with dual opposed 4-piston caliper on the front as well as a single 250-mm petal disc with a single-piston caliper on the rear. But Kawasaki has greater plans for the Z900 SE in terms of braking power.
While the Z900 SE still comes with a rear single 250-mm disc brake with a single-piston caliper, the front braking setup employs a package sourced from Brembo. The front braking system employs dual radial-mount, Brembo M4.32 monobloc, opposed to 4-piston calipers acting on dual semi-floating 300-mm Brembo discs as fed by steel braided brake lines.
Complemented By Traction Control And All-LED Lighting
Supporting these new components of the Kawasaki Z900 SE is a suite of rider aids meant to offer the best ride possible. For instance, the Z900 SE comes loaded with KTRC traction control with selectable power modes (Full and Low), riding modes (Sport, Road, and Rain), as well as an assist and slipper clutch. It features an exhaust note “sound-tuned” by KHI engineers as well as a meter assembly with an Economical Riding Indicator.
Further making the Z900 SE a very desirable Kawasaki bike is the fact that it is an all-LED affair. Its headlight, daytime running lights at the front, taillight, and turn indicators all employ LED units. It also features a color TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity, thereby allowing riders to connect the Z900 SE to their smartphone via Kawasaki’s unique Rideology App.
Z900 SE In Black-And-Green Color Scheme
As for its exterior looks, the Z900 SE is visually identical to the Z900 but distinguished by a revised paint theme. While the Z900 is available in three color schemes, the Z900 SE is offered in a single paint finish: Metallic Spark Black with Candy Lime Green. The Metallic Spark Black serves as the base color highlighted by Candy Lime Green on the headlight mask, frame, engine cowl, and body panels.
Source: Kawasaki