Words: Matthew Shields

Kawasaki’s Zed range is a very different looking one in 2017. Last year it included the Z1000, Z800 and, although not labelled as one of the family, the ER-6NL – the learner legal 650cc nakedbike. Look across at many other manufacturer’s ranges and you get the same baby, mid-sized and ballsy nakedbike set-up. For 2017 the ER-6NL became the superb Z650L we tested in January, the Z800 became the Z900 and the Z1000 maintained the brutish power and razor-sharp handling it got in a major update in 2014.

Kawasaki had a lot of work to do with the old Z800. Heavier than the Z1000, the bike didn’t have a power-to-weight ratio to be a worthy challenger against the rest of the middleweight class. It handled very nicely and had sharp, modern styling but the middleweight nakedbike market demands more performance than what the Z800 delivered in a very important, rapidly-growing, roadbike segment. Starting with a capacity increase to 948cc and new engine cases, the trellis frame, new swingarm and wheels are responsible for most of the 21 kilogram weight loss that helps improve the power-to-weight ratio.

Image: Alex Gobert (Foremost Media).

The extra performance of the engine helps the other side of the equation putting out 92kW of power and 99Nm of torque. To get the 9kW and 16Nm bump up from the Z800, Kawasaki went a little longer in the stroke but wider in the bore which also gave them the desired engine character they were after. There is no, and no need, for traction control or mode selection as the performance is so broad and easy to control. The midrange is where it is at its best, but there’s nothing lacking in bottom-end to make it a chore to ride around slowly or in the top-end to make the ride exciting.

The power delivery is linear through the rev range, just like the 800 used to be, as well as just as easy to control, but so much harder and faster to get up to speed. And while the engine looks similar to the mill from the 800, there have been a lot of changes to the combustion chamber to meet emissions standards and most of all optimise the midrange performance. Like the Z1000, Kawasaki ensured that the intake snarl remains and while it’s a little more subdued than the Z1000 it is still great to hear when you open up the throttle.

The slick six-speed gearbox is fed through an assist & slipper clutch. While giving a light and precise actuation from the handlebar, its best attribute is stopping compression lock on deceleration into corners, a place where the new chassis has been given a much sharper demeanour than the Z800. The suspension has a good amount of travel that is well-controlled on rough roads yet remains firm and precise when you start riding with aggression. There’s no floatiness between each ends of the bike when hard on the brakes and the ABS control is there to help.

Image: Alex Gobert (Foremost Media).

The chassis dimensions differ very little from the Z1000 with 2mm more trail, a 15mm longer wheelbase and a 180 – instead of 190 – section rear wheel. The Z900 is sporty and exciting like the big Zed, but is much more nimble and easy-to-use no matter where you are riding – city, urban or country. Pushed hard it is controlled and precise, while around town it isn’t hard work like the bigger, heavier, more powerful 1000 is. Helping this is the fact that the seat height isn’t only small at 795mm, but the standover is narrow for a four-cylinder engine and it feels small between your heels, knees and thighs despite carrying the same size fuel tank as the Z1000.

The Z900 is a little more upright than on the Z800 and is a lot more comfortable on long runs than it too despite the seat looking more sporty than it does supple. The pillion seat looks a little less comfortable but we didn’t get a go on the nack and can’t vouch for that. The seating position is easy on the pillion and the footpegs are rubber-damped as are the rider ones and the handlebar. The in-line four purrs through the rev range and the vibes aren’t ever annoying even when close to redline or sitting with a few revs onboard on the freeway. The bikini fairing does cut the brunt of the air on the open road but more importantly is central tot the style of the new machine.

Built with the Sugomi design philosophy, the Z900 has a look that evokes what this machine is all about. Attention has been paid to many design details and it looks even better in the metal. The quality is flawless and there’s something so right about seeing a trellis frame wrapped around an in-line four. Price-wise the Z900 is right in between the $9699 learner-legal Z650L and $15,499 Z1000 and has a lot to offer many different riders.

Image: Alex Gobert (Foremost Media).

Riders stepping up through the ranks will revel with its easy handling, controllable engine and friendly ergonomics while experienced riders won’t be asking for more of anything on the road. Most of all, it’s got all of the excitement, performance and aggression you expect of a bike carrying the Zed moniker while being easy to live with day in, day out. You really can see what Kawasaki’s ‘Refined Raw’ ethos is all about with this new machine!

Specifications

Capacity: 948cc
Power: 92kW @ 9500rpm
Torque: 99Nm @ 7700rpm
Wet weight: 210kg
Seat height: 795mm
Fuel capacity: 17L
Colours: Pearl Mystic Gray and Metallic Flat Spark Black
Price: $12,499+orc
Warranty: 24 months, unlimited km
Detailed specs: www.kawasaki.com.au