SuperBike Magazine June 2020

49
When Kawasaki introduced the Z900 in
2017, the plan was to replace the Z800
and Z1000 models with a machine that
would deliver the best aspects of both
in performance and useability. And largely that was
what happened - they hit the sweet spot. The Z900
has been updated for 2020 now and with a few subtle
changes, I feel it will still be a favourite.
I have long been a fan of this motor and in the
Z900RS and Cafe Racer configuration, I have said
that it is one of my favourite engines in the whole of
the motorcycle world. Why you ask? Well for starters
its not tuned for all out power but rather for road riding
usability, so it has low down torque for easy pullaways.
The induction sound of the air being sucked in
is something you will enjoy with every acceleration
and the engine is basically buzz free, it’s seriously
one of the smoothest engines out there.
Aesthetically the first obvious change is the TFT
dash and the headlights are now bright LED units, it’s
had a subtle nose job and the trellis frame has been
strengthened around the swingers pivot area. The
bike now has 3 riding modes which are Road, Sport
and Rain, but as this bike is so nice off the bottom, I
preferred the Road setting.
It has ABS but not cornering ABS and it now is
fitted with switchable Traction Control, so these
electronic do come at a price and this bike now
retails for R155995.00.
So Kawasaki still have the other two bikes available
with this engine being the RS and Cafe Racer
but that should appeal to the more retro guys out
there, this 900 is aimed at the younger crowd.