Kawasaki Z900 MY2017, the definitive Funbike? [ROAD TEST]

The new Kawasaki Z900 replaces the 800 version, a Supernaked which represents a very high balance between handling and power, which thanks to the new ultra-light trellis frame (it weighs only 13,5 kg) makes the "verdona" an easy-to-handle motorbike, with sporty, while the low seat and low weight make it easy to ride with full control. In addition to the frame, which represents the strong point of this bike, the Japanese company has also worked on the extruded aluminum swingarm weighing only 3,9 kg, helping to achieve a low unsprung mass, which determines the high handling.
Thanks to a relaxed riding position, offered by the wide and flat handlebars, the rider has full comfort and safety in every situation; the powerful 948 cm3 liquid-cooled, four-stroke, four-cylinder in-line engine guarantees an aggressive character and a very strong thrust at medium speeds, as it is capable of delivering 125 hp at 9.500 rpm. For all fans of the green bike, for the month of September Kawasaki is making the Performance Kit included in the price available for the purchase of the Z900. Consisting of an Akrapovic carbon slip-on (slip on), a smoked screen, an adhesive protection for the tank and a single-seat rear seat cover, the saving for customers is more than 1.000 euros. This fantastic promotion is valid until September 29th, at all dealers participating in the initiative.

Aesthetics and finishes:

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Looking at it live it has an even more captivating aesthetic

The first thing that strikes you is the high level of finishing, but above all, the unmistakable line of the Z900; even without writings and logos of the Akashi house, you can immediately recognize that it is a Kawasaki Z. The aggressive appearance (perhaps too much for some, but it's a matter of taste), which enhances the frame to the eye and which gives this Z900 a style inspired by its bigger sister, the Z1000. Some details have been retained, such as the double light front light unit and the instruments, finished in a caron look and covered with a compact and tight cover, which is integrated with the headlight unit. The tail and the entire rear portion curved upwards, maintain a sporty line, with a Z-shaped LED rear light, which gives an elegant and concentrated look.

The fuel tank, narrower at the rear, allows the rider to better grip the bike with his knees. The seat height is 795 mm, making it easier for a wide range of drivers to ride the Z900 in complete safety, as they can easily place both feet on the ground. The punchy instrument panel cover contributes to a streamlined, yet aggressive style and enhances the design of this naked. The tank cap, completely made of resin, has no visible screws or bolts and contributes to reducing weight.

The instrument cluster has a simple and light layout, clearly visible even during the day and complete with gear indicator. Furthermore, the tachometer offers three selectable display modes, allowing the driver to adjust the visual mode to his liking while driving.

Engine and performance:

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A powerful and smooth engine, excellent gear ratios and maneuverability

The engine of the Z900 is based on that of the Z1000, it is a new 4-cylinder in-line, liquid-cooled and 948 cc. It is powerful, but also very elastic, at any speed the throttle opens up, capable of delivering 125 horsepower at 9.500 rpm. During acceleration, thanks also to the short and close ratios, it is always ready, showing that it is at ease on both slow and faster routes. The power delivery is fluid, but already from 4.000 rpm it has a very strong thrust, with a very progressive acceleration.
The pistons are made with the same technique used for those of the H2/H2R, while the lightened crankshaft allows the engine to rev up quickly.

The throttle bodies are perpendicular and measure 36 mm in diameter, compared to 38 on the Z1000. The diameter of the valves is 29 mm for the intake ones and 24 mm for the exhaust ones. The thrust of the engine is managed well, thanks to a 6-speed gearbox with precise, sufficiently rapid shifts and rather short lever travel. The transmission sector, developed with the racing department, enjoys the new servo-assisted clutch with anti-slip (it wasn't there on the previous model). From first gear to fifth the short ratios contribute to strong acceleration, while the sixth is "overdrive", i.e. the very long transmission ratio, which works as a rest gear and reduces the number of engine revolutions, ensuring stress-free driving and greater fuel savings. A smooth friction in the attachments contributes to the work of the gearbox, without jerks and which requires little effort at the lever. The sound of the Verdona is very particular and distinctive, with a singular noise on intake, thanks also to the air box facing upwards, towards the tank.

Ride and handling:

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Light and easy to handle, it can be very stable and intuitive even on guided sections

The nicest aspect of the Z900 is certainly the intuitive, fun and undemanding driving. The wide steering angle of 33° makes maneuvering easier, both when stationary and at low speeds. As soon as you get on the saddle, you immediately become familiar with the Verdona, thanks to the triangulation of the footrests, saddle and handlebars (it has a perfect bend and height), which guarantee a comfortable riding position. The trellis frame is all new and is one of the key components of the Z900's record weight reduction, in fact it weighs only 13.5 kg and also contributes to the high handling of the motorbike. Another positive characteristic is evident, which is the vehicle's ability to react quickly to the commands given by the rider via the handlebars and the steering. This easy handling is also guaranteed by the swingarm, in extruded aluminium, which weighs only 3.9 kg. Excellent agility, accompanied by a fluid and rapid descent into bends, all manageable with discreet simplicity and in a way that is never too demanding, even in the most aggressive driving.

The suspensions, although calibrated rather soft at the base, guarantee good stability and impeccable precision, absorbing road bumps without problems. At the front we find an upside-down fork, with 41 mm legs, with rebound and compression damping adjustments and with the possibility of acting on the left leg to change the setting. At the rear, however, there is a decentralized monoshock, arranged almost horizontally and with progressive return, adjustable in preload, as well as being able to transmit a really good feeling to the rider. The braking system brings peace of mind, thanks to the double 300 mm petal front disc, very powerful. At the rear we then find a single 250 mm petal disc, which guarantees the right power to obtain maximum deceleration, all combined with an ABS system, which works very well. You can feel the turbulence created by the wind a little: let's remember that it's a naked bike and we don't have all the protection that you have on sports cars, you get all the air on you, between your legs, arms and torso, but without ever causing any discomfort excessive to the pilot.

Price and consumption:

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Excellent choice for those looking for an easy, fun motorbike with a top performance/price ratio

The new Kawasaki Z900 is already available in its three colors: pearl Mystic Gray (grey) / Metallic Flat Spark Black (black), Candy Lime Green (green) / Metallic Spark Black (black), Metallic Flat Spark Black (black) / Metallic Spark Black (black). The price of this old-fashioned Funbike, with little electronics and a lot of fun, is 8.990 € registration and putting on the road excluded. Consumption is also "very honest", remaining in the 20 km/l area with calm driving, but never dropping below 15 even when taking the Z900 to the limit. We remember the interesting initiative, which allows you to take it home the Performance Kit is free (until September 29th)., composed of the Akrapovic carbon terminal, the smoked screen, as well as the adhesive protection for the tank and the single-seater rear seat cover. A gift worth more than 1.000 euros, not bad!

In addition to this, the list of original Kawasaki accessories is extensive, offering the choice to customize the motorbike according to your own style, from features to highlight an even sportier look, to those that allow you to take long journeys, which include the tank bag , the 12 volt socket and much more.

PROS AND CONS
We like it:
Fun and ease of driving, engine output, price/performance ratio
We do not like it:
No traction control (but it's part of the Z900 style), a sporty and personal look that must please

Kawasaki Z 900 2017: the Motorionline Report Card

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Tester clothing:

Dainese jacket, trousers, gloves and boots
Helmet: Kyt Helmets