Kawasaki Z900 2025: The streets have always belonged to the bold, and Kawasaki’s 2025 Z900 stakes its claim with unmistakable authority. This latest iteration of the Japanese manufacturer’s naked sportbike continues the evolution that began in 2017, bringing refinement without sacrificing the raw character that made its predecessors legendary.

Kawasaki Z900 2025: Power Meets Precision

At the heart of the 2025 Z900 lies the same 948cc liquid-cooled inline-four engine that has defined the model, but don’t mistake familiarity for stagnation. Kawasaki has refined the cam profiles to boost low-end torque and improve fuel efficiency, with the U.S. models producing up to 123 horsepower at 9,500 rpm and 73.1 lb-ft of torque at 7,700 rpm. This powerplant delivers what Kawasaki calls “sugomi” performance—a visceral experience that builds excitement as the revs climb.

The engineering team hasn’t just focused on peak numbers. With a claimed 16% improvement in fuel efficiency thanks to engine changes, the 2025 Z900’s figures improve from the previous model’s 49.6mpg to an impressive 58.9mpg. This efficiency gain comes courtesy of new electronic throttle bodies and updated ECU settings that provide smoother, more linear acceleration while achieving an 11.3% reduction in CO₂ emissions.

Technology That Matters

The 2025 model year marks a significant technological leap for the Z900 series. For the first time, the bike incorporates a six-axis IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit), enabling lean-sensitive traction control and ABS. This addition transforms the riding experience, particularly for street riders who encounter varying road conditions.

The electronics suite includes three preset riding modes—Sport, Road, and Rain—plus a customizable mode that allows riders to tailor power delivery, traction control, and ABS settings to their preferences. As standard, the bike now comes with a two-way quickshifter, an IMU that powers cornering ABS and traction control, three riding modes and cruise control.

Perhaps most intriguingly, for the first time on a Kawasaki, turn-by-turn navigation can be displayed on the instrument panel, allowing the rider to see where the next turn should be made, while compatibility with RIDEOLOGY THE APP MOTORCYCLE allows the rider to control various functions by voice.

Design Evolution

The 2025 Z900 maintains its aggressive “sugomi” design philosophy while incorporating subtle refinements that enhance both aesthetics and functionality. The radiator shroud is more compact and separated from the tank cover, now featuring less plastic in favor of brushed aluminum with an engraved Z logo. The new headlight unit adopts a triple LED design with two upper lights serving as low beams and a single lower high beam, positioned to create a cohesive line with the fuel tank’s downward slope.

Brushed aluminium side shrouds, plated parts around the key cylinder, and a metal ornament located above the seat featuring the Kawasaki logo are attractive accents that give the Z900 a high-quality, metallic look. The rear lighting system showcases innovation with light-guiding technology that creates a futuristic 3D appearance.

Comfort Meets Performance

Kawasaki has addressed rider comfort without compromising the bike’s sporting intentions. The new seat features thicker urethane padding than before and a revised shape that feels more comfortable and makes it easier to shift weight around on the bike. The seat height increases slightly from 820mm to 830mm due to the thicker padding, though an optional low seat drops this to 810mm for shorter riders.

The chassis receives thoughtful updates too. Kawasaki has pulled the forks through the yolks by 3mm and added a plate in the frame to increase rigidity. These changes, while subtle, contribute to the bike’s confidence-inspiring stability and precise handling characteristics.

Market Position and Variants

Kawasaki offers the Z900 in two distinct variants for 2025. The base model starts at $9,999 for the Metallic Spark Black/Metallic Carbon Black/Ebony color scheme, and $10,299 for the Galaxy Silver/Metallic Spark Black/Phantom Blue variant. The Z900 SE ABS is priced at $11,848 and features an Öhlins rear shock and Brembo brakes.

In the competitive naked bike segment, the Z900 positions itself strategically. At £9,199 (or £9,371 OTR), it’s cheaper than the £10,095 Triumph Street Triple R, £10,106 Yamaha MT-09 and the £10,999 KTM 990 Duke, though it faces stiff competition from Honda’s CB1000 Hornet at £8,999.

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Real-World Performance

Early reviews suggest that Kawasaki has successfully refined the Z900’s character while preserving its essential DNA. The engine and chassis set-up have both been refined for the 2025 model, which has given the Z900 a slightly sharper, and more refined feel than the outgoing model. However, some characteristics remain unchanged—the throttle can still be somewhat sharp in full power mode, and first gear feels particularly short for urban riding.

The quickshifter, now standard across the range, operates smoothly at most speeds and delivers crisp gear changes both up and down the transmission. For riders who prioritize fuel economy alongside performance, the revised engine delivers tangible improvements without sacrificing the character that defines the Z900 experience.

Kawasaki Z900 2025: The Verdict

The 2025 Kawasaki Z900 represents thoughtful evolution rather than revolutionary change. It builds upon a proven foundation with meaningful technological upgrades, refined ergonomics, and improved efficiency. While it may not lead the naked bike segment in any single category, it offers a compelling package that balances performance, technology, and value.

For riders seeking a naked sportbike that delivers genuine thrills without the complexity or cost of exotic alternatives, the 2025 Z900 deserves serious consideration. It maintains the raw, mechanical connection that makes motorcycling special while incorporating enough modern technology to enhance safety and convenience. In a world of increasingly complex machines, sometimes the best evolution is knowing what not to change—and Kawasaki seems to understand this philosophy perfectly.