Video Review: 2020 Kawasaki Z900 Supernaked

The new Kawasaki Z900 scored a 10 from us after only just missing it with the 2017 model. You can read the full written review here, but first check out our video review of the new Z900 Supernaked, which comes in a $12,699 + ORC and has been updated with a bunch of new kit. 

2020 Kawasaki Z900 Tech Talk

Kawasaki’s Z900 features a liquid-cooled 948cc in-line four-cylinder four-stroke 16-valve powerplant, with a bore and stroke of 73.4 x 56mm. Downdraft throttle-bodies are used, with a 36mm throttle bore and sub-throttles, for sensitive throttle response and good low speed throttle opening response.

Intake and exhaust valves are 29mm and 24mm respectively, with cast pistons manufactured with the same technique and materials used in the H2R, while cylinders are die-cast and feature an open-deck design. A lightweight crankshaft ensures a quick revving character, with a secondary balancer eliminating excess vibration.

Intake funnels are 50mm for the outer pair and 150mm for the inner pair, helping deliver both performance and a strong intake sound or ‘howl’ on aggressive throttle openings and acceleration.

2020 Kawasaki Z900.

After the 2014-2017 Z1000, the Z900 is the second model to benefit from “sound research” in crafting its intake note. Shape of the airbox was designed based on acoustic tests. The distinct intake note of the Z900 is clear and exhilarating. The frequency of the note varies with engine speed, adding to riding impact – especially at high rpm. Airbox inlet faces upwards, making the intake note easier to hear.

Revised internal construction for the pre-chamber and silencer contributes to a more voluminous exhaust note – much more audible on startup, when idling, and when snapping the throttle.

Short gear ratios from first to fifth and a sixth gear overdrive ensure a strong and punchy mid-range, without losing highway cruising capability. An assist and slipper clutch is also featured.

A high-tensile steel trellis frame weighs in at just 13.5kg, and uses five rigid-mount points with the engine as a stressed member.  An extruded aluminium swingarm weighs just 3.9kg and the sub-frame is a twin-tube design, which like the frame itself has been designed to follow straight lines, with as small bend angles as possible, for optimised stress dispersal.

41mm USD forks include stepless rebound damping and preload adjustability via the left fork cap, while the rear shock is a monoshock with linkage above the swingarm to reduce heat transfer from the exhaust, and features rebound and preload adjustability.

2020 Kawasaki Z900.

Brakes are four-piston calipers with resin brake pads on the front, with 300mm petal rotors, while the rear is a 250mm petal rotor with single-piston caliper. ABS is standard thanks to a Nissin unit.

A 820mm seat height offers an easy reach to the ground, with the footpeg, seat to handlebar ergonomics designed to offer a sport-naked feel.

The new TFT dash features a 4.3in colour digital screen with Bluetooth technology built into the instrument panel enables riders to connect to their motorcycle wirelessly. Using the smartphone application RIDEOLOGY THE APP a number of instrument functions can be accessed, contributing to an enhanced motorcycling experience, features include, Vehicle log, Riding log, Telephone notices, tuning and General settings.

2020 Kawasaki Z900.

A choice of Full Power or Low Power modes allows riders to set power delivery to suit preferences and conditions. Low Power modes limits output to 55% of Full Power. Along with Integrated Riding modes, riders can choose from 3 settings (Sport, Road, Rain) or a manual setting (Rider) In manual Rider mode, each of the systems can be set independently.

Kawasaki Advanced traction control system provides both enhanced sports riding performance and the peace of mind to negotiate low-traction surfaces with confidence. 3 rider-selectable modes offer progressively grater levels of intrusion to suit the riding situation and rider preference.

2020 Kawasaki Z900.

2020 Kawasaki Z900.

2020 Kawasaki Z900.

2020 Kawasaki Z900.

Other features include a Z-pattern LED taillight, luggage hooks built into the passenger footpeg stays, and lightweight five-spoke wheels. New LED headlamp, position lamps, license plate lamp and turn signals add to the Z900’s sharper new styling. the tail lamp is the same LED unit as before.

2020 Kawasaki Z900 Features:

• New frame, revisions to the frame add strength to the swingarm pivot area.
• Latest evolution of Z Sugomi styling, crouching stance, low-positioned head and up-swept head.
• Dunlop Sportmax Roadsport 2 tyres.
• All-LED Lights, add to the Z900’s sharper new styling.
• New TFT Colour instrumentation gives high-tech and high-grade appearance.
• Rideology The App, Bluetooth Connectivity- enhancing the riding experience.
• KTRC (Kawasaki Traction Control) provides enhanced sport riding.
• New riding modes, including Sport, Road and Rain.
• Colour 1: Metallic Graphite Grey with Metallic Spark Black
• Colour 2: Metallic Spark Black with Metallic Flat Spark Black