Your lifestyle has no place for fake. If you seek a Modern Classic with the heritage to deliver yesterday’s values, yet with technical features and suspension upgrades focussed on today’s roads, the Z900RS SE the only answer. An Öhlins rear unit and retuned front suspension plus other detail touches match the visceral spirit of a 1970s legend, the iconic Z1. Looks, show and go, the Z900RS SE has it all.
Iconic “Yellow Ball” Styling
Drawing from Kawasaki’s collection of legendary machines, the Z900RS SE’s styling is reminiscent of the iconic “Yellow Ball,” a black and yellow version of the orange and brown “Fireball” paint of the original Z1.
Brembo Brakes
Front brake package with Brembo components (discs, calipers, pads) offers stronger stopping power and contributes to even more precise control and greater ease of use
Supple Suspension
Complementing the large diameter inverted fork, Öhlins rear suspension offers both increased ride comfort and a more planted feel.
Strong, Smooth In-Line Four Engine
Like the Z1, the Z900RS features a 948cc-class In-Line Four – an engine configuration that inherently offers a great balance of power and manageability. Tuning focuses on the low-mid range. Revs build in a measured, but very determined manner, giving the rider a sense of connectedness between the throttle and rear wheel.
Radial-pump
Radial-pump front brake master cylinder also contributes to the superb control and feel offered by the calipers. For added braking reassurance, ABS is a standard feature on the Z900RS SE.
Kawasaki’s First Tuned Exhaust Note
While Kawasaki In-Line Four engines are historically renowned for their great-sounding exhausts, this the first time that Kawasaki has conducted sound research to craft a model’s ideal exhaust note. Designed to elicit rider response, the sound tuning focused on the engine’s initial roar to life, idling and low-speed riding where the rider is best able to enjoy the exhaust’s deep rumble.
KTRC (Kawasaki TRaction Control)
Contributing to rider reassurance, the Z900RS SE is equipped with advanced Kawasaki rider support technology. KTRC features two modes that cover a wide range of riding conditions, offering either enhanced sport riding performance or the peace of mind to negotiate slippery surfaces with confidence. Riders may also elect to turn the system off.
Assist & Slipper Clutch
Race-inspired clutch technology offers both a much lighter feel at the lever, as well as a back-torque limiting function that helps prevent rear-wheel hop when downshifting.
Engine Type | Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke In-Line Four |
Displacement | 948 cm³ |
Bore x Stroke | 73.4 x 56 mm |
Compression ratio | 10.8:1 |
Valve system | DOHC, 16 valves |
Fuel system | Fuel injection: Ø 36 mm x 4 with sub-throttle |
Starting System | Electric |
Lubrication | Forced lubrication, wet sump |
Maximum power | 82 kW {111 PS} / 8,500 rpm |
CO2 emission 85 kW kit | 124 g/km |
Maximum torque | 98.5 N•m {10 kgf•m} / 6,500 rpm |
Transmission | 6-speed |
Final Drive | Sealed chain |
Primary Reduction Ratio | 1.627 (83/51) |
Gear Ratios 1st | 2.917 (35/12) |
Gear Ratios 2nd | 2.059 (35/17) |
Gear Ratios 3rd | 1.650 (33/20) |
Gear Ratios 4th | 1.409 (31/22) |
Gear Ratios 5th | 1.222 (33/27) |
Gear Ratios 6th | 0.967 (29/30) |
Final Reduction Ratio | 2.800 (42/15) |
Clutch | Wet multi-disc |
Brakes, front | Dual semi-floating 300 mm discs. Caliper: Dual radial-mount, monobloc, opposed 4-piston |
Brakes, rear | Single 250 mm disc. Caliper: Single-piston |
Suspension, front | 41 mm inverted fork with compression and rebound damping and spring preload adjustability |
Suspension, rear | Horizontal Back-link, gas-charged shock with rebound damping and spring preload adjustability |
Frame type | Trellis, high-tensile steel |
Trail | 98 mm |
Wheel travel front | 120 mm |
Wheel travel rear | 140 mm |
Tyre, front | 120/70ZR17 M/C (58W) |
Tyre, rear | 180/55ZR17 M/C (73W) |
Steering angle, left / right | 33° / 33° |
L x W x H | 2,100 x 865 x 1,150 mm |
Wheelbase | 1,470 mm |
Ground Clearance | 130 mm |
Fuel capacity | 17 litres |
Seat height | 835 mm |
Curb mass | 215 kg |
The new 2025 Kawasaki Z900RS SE has been one of the best selling bikes in the UK in recent years and it's easy to see why, classic styling influenced by the Z1 with all the performance and handling benefits of a modern naked bike. The SE model features an Ohlins rear shock unit, retuned front suspension and special black and matte grey paint. The amazing retro vibes of the Kawasaki Z900RS SE are irresistable to many riders, whether you look at this bike with fond nostalgic memories or as a new rider looking for an iconic motorcycle with real style, the Z900RS SE is the real deal. Never before has a motorcycle delivered such classic looks with modern functionality, the new Kawasaki Z900RS SE packs modern tech such as traction control, LCD display and radial mounted calipers into a proper retro looking bike.
The new Kawasaki Z900RS SE is a great looking bike that is also serious fun to ride. The 948cc motor puts out an impressive 111PS which is plenty of power to zip down country roads or nip through the city, and all in a comfortable and controlled riding position. If you want the the coolest retro bike available, the Kawasaki Z900RS SE has to be on your list. Get in touch with our Kawasaki specialists today to discuss the bike in more details, book a test ride and find out about our latest offers and finance options.