Kawasaki Z900 & Z900 SE (2025) - Technical Review

2025 Kawasaki Z900

Evolution rather than revolution could well be the signature of Kawasaki’s Z900 – which enters its third distinct generation in 2025 but still remains instantly recognisable as sharing its DNA with the original model that replaced the Z800 in 2017.

It’s worth recalling that the original version’s debut was actually quite impressive, as not only did the new 948cc engine bring a substantial power hike over its 803cc  predecessor, but Kawasaki’s shift from a backbone frame to a steel trellis design was largely responsible for a 20kg weight loss. Revisions for 2020 and a new set of emissions rules returned a couple of those kilos and tweaked the ‘sugomi’ styling concept but you’d need to be an afficionado to spot the changes, and for 2025 repeats that trick with all-new bodywork that that remains very clearly a Z900.

Pros & Cons

2025 Kawasaki Z900 SE

2025 Kawasaki Z900 / SE - Price

We’re still waiting to hear Kawasaki’s pricing strategy for the 2025 Z900 but given the large number of carryover components it’s hard to conceive that the bike and the more well-spec’d Z900 SE will be vastly more expensive than their predecessors. The 2024 bikes, for comparison’s sake, start at £9699 for the standard Z900 and £11,299 for the Z900 SE.

We do know that the 2025 Z900’s colour options will be all-black, grey and black with a green frame and graphics, or grey and black with a red frame and rims.  The Z900 SE, meanwhile, will be in grey and black with a green frame and green wheels.

2025 Kawasaki Z900 / SE - Engine & Performance

While the essence of Kawasaki’s 948cc four-cylinder is unchanged – it’s visually the same as the previous model’s and shares most of the same internals – there are updates lurking within to bring it into line with the latest emissions rules and to boost its midrange punch.

Kawasaki is careful to talk about the improved economy and stronger midrange, which tells us that the peak performance isn’t increased. In fact, peak power is down a fraction, dropping from 123.6hp (92.2kW) to 122hp (91kW) at 9500rpm. Maximum torque is also imperceptibly down from 72.7lbft (98.6Nm) to 71.8lbft (97.4Nm) at 7700rpm.

Importantly, the engine gets new ride-by-wire electronic throttle valves that not only improve economy but open the door to more sophisticated rider assist systems.

The internal revisions include new cam profiles, and Kawasaki says that the result is a boost of up to 16% in terms of fuel economy, as well as increased torque at low rpm – all pointing towards the new cams having less valve lift, increasing intake gas velocity. With the reduced fuel consumption comes improved CO2 emissions.

As on previous models, there’s a choice of riding modes and Kawasaki’s three-mode KTRC traction control, but finally it’s enhanced with an IMU to give the bike’s computer a clear idea of the lean, pitch and yaw as well as simply wheel speed and throttle position. That allows the fitment of ‘KCMF’ – Kawasaki Cornering Management Function – which gives lean-sensitive operation of the traction control.

In both the Z900 and Z900 SE the engine drives through an assist-and-slipper clutch to six-speed box with a standard-fit quickshifter.

2025 Kawasaki Z900 / SE - Handling & Suspension (inc. Weight)

While the Z900 and even the Z800 that came before it have always had decent suspension and kit like upside-down forks, the 2024 bike has been starting to look a bit last-century when it comes to brakes, with its not-fashionable-anymore petal discs and those axial-mount calipers when even much less powerful, cheaper bikes have switched to radial-mount four-pots.

Those issues are solved with the 2025 bike, which gets Nissin radial calipers on conventional, round 300mm discs. That largely mirrors the kit that was previously exclusive to the Z900 SE, although it used – and retains for 2025 – Brembo four-pots rather than Nissins.

The SE continues, with the same visual and engine updates as the standard Z900, and as on previous years it bolsters them with Brembo front brakes and an Ohlins S46 rear shock. New Dunlop Sportmax Q5A tyres complete the chassis tweaks.

Weight rises a fraction for 2025, with the Z900 coming in at 213kg, up from 212kg, and the SE at 214kg instead of 213kg for the 2024 model.

2025 Kawasaki Z900 / SE - Comfort & Economy

With new bodywork comes the opportunity to improve the rider’s lot and Kawasaki has managed that, adding a new seat with thicker urethane padding than before and a revised shape.

That thicker padding means the seat height is raised a fraction, going from the previous 820mm to 830mm, but there’s an optional low seat that drops that figure to 810mm for riders of shorter stature.

The new shape of the seat is claimed to be both more comfortable than before and, because it’s flatter, it’s easier to shift your weight around on the bike. Kawasaki has also changed the handlebar for a ‘fat’ aluminium one that’s claimed to improve rigidty.

With a 16% improvement in fuel efficiency thanks to the engine changes, the 2025 Z900’s figures improve from the previous model’s 49.6mpg to a much more impressive 58.9mpg.

2025 Kawasaki Z900 / SE - Equipment

The uprated electronics of the 2025 bike don’t just include new cornering rider aids thanks to the addition of an IMU, but also mean it now has cruise control as standard and the 5-inch TFT now has the ability to display turn-by-turn navigation.

That’s achieved using smartphone connections and the Kawasaki Rideology app, which also includes a voice-control function.

Although the styling is clearly related to the previous generation, all the panels are actually new and there’s a higher-spec look thanks to metal sections let into the reshaped radiator cowls. The new twin headlights are smaller than the old design but thanks to more modern tech should give a better view of the road ahead.

The SE version also benefits from a USB-C charging port near the instrument display.

2025 Kawasaki Z900 / SE - Rivals

Triumph Street Triple 765 R | Price: £10,095

Read more

Power/Torque

118.4bhp / 59lb-ft

Weight

189kg

Yamaha MT-09 | Price: £10,106

Read more

Power/Torque

117.3bhp / 68.6lb-ft

Weight

193kg

Honda CB1000 Hornet | Price: £8999

Read more

Power/Torque

150bhp / 76.7lb-ft

Weight

211kg

2025 Kawasaki Z900 / SE Year Make Model - Verdict

We’ll give a verdict when we’ve ridden it.

If you’d like to chat about this article or anything else biking related, join us and thousands of other riders at the Bennetts BikeSocial Facebook page.

2025 Kawasaki Z900 / SE - Technical Specification

What is MCIA Secured?

MCIA Secured gives bike buyers the chance to see just how much work a manufacturer has put into making their new investment as resistant to theft as possible.

As we all know, the more security you use, the less chance there is of your bike being stolen. In fact, based on research by Bennetts, using a disc lock makes your machine three times less likely to be stolen, while heavy duty kit can make it less likely to be stolen than a car. For reviews of the best security products, click here.

MCIA Secured gives motorcycles a rating out of five stars (three stars for bikes of 125cc or less), based on the following being fitted to a new bike as standard:

• A steering lock that meets the UNECE 62 standard

• An ignition immobiliser system

• A vehicle marking system

• An alarm system

• A vehicle tracking system with subscription

The higher the star rating, the better the security, so always ask your dealer what rating your bike has and compare it to other machines on your shortlist.