2020 Kawasaki Z900 Review. New electronics, amazing value! By Jeff Ware

The 2020 Kawasaki Z900 has a host of new features over the previous model including Riding Modes, TFT dash and Bluetooth connectivity, KTRC, plus chassis and engine changes. The 2017 model almost scored a 10 from us. Let’s see how the 2020 model made that score… Our second ever 10/10 in the nakedbike category... Check out our full video review then head over to read the full written test here - bikereview.com.au/review-2020...
Jeff Ware

[@hristuppiteitinu]

Great review, can't wait to ride this bike

[@wrkings]

Nice vlog mate, 900 looks great. Well done

[@BikeReviewcomau]

Cheers

[@gazakelly9266]

Great review !! good old Aussie 🤸🤸🏍️😁

[@ks_design3414]

Amazing bike, great review!

[@ricardoviolanti5780]

Bloody beautiful mate thank you 🙏.

[@a2amali]

Tried Z900 2018 vs S1000R and MT09. Z900 is smoothest bike and very easy to handle, low seat height and great build quality. So I bought Z900 and loving it. Good review, I was thinking about upgrade but I think Ill stick with mine for a bit longer.

[@jayrock497]

Hello there , what key points did u like better from the Z900 than S1000r , also any thoughts on the 2nd gen SDR , in comparison to these 2 bikes ? I know SDR is more money and not in the same category but any thoughts ... ?

[@BikeReviewcomau]

Nice choice. It’s great value too. I totally agree. Cheers.

[@DrVulpine]

Own a Red/grey/black 2019 ZR900B. Have EvoTech tail tidy & Exhaust hanger, rear pegs removed, rear seat cowl and Rizoma spy bar-end mirrors and a lot more. At 178cm I can ride the bike all day. Also have GIVI hard side panniers for longer trips which I can attach/remove as required. It's my do anything 'truck' and a keeper. 2020 model, the Bluetooth dash would be nice, but I don't need TC or ride modes.

[@mathiashammar1]

Z900 is a gem. Its far the smoothest streetbike out there and i been riding Hondas for last 7 years :D . Suspension and breaks will be sufficient for the street and noting feels lacking. At 10 000rpm the engine scares me and triggers the traction control a lot. But im running OEM "dunflops" that also scares me :D . If i had unlimited budget for insurance premiums id go for a Touno RSV4 or the S1000R with "cut your head off" warpspeed.

[@midlifebiker7424]

@@jayrock497 Price only for Z900...S1000R is better in every way....Z900 doesn't even have a QS as an option..

[@marcvanheugten9472]

Is that the australian snoring bird in the background?

[@MacLaw3084]

🤫 shhhh he’s sleeping

[@user-my4dm4ij3t]

Great review ! I wonder about the comfort for some touring. Especially the seat.... and also a recommended windscreen. I f you can comment on that please.

[@user-sw2lv3zp6o]

Storage space under the rear seat! I want one. lol. Good review.

[@Cyjodev]

Nice vid .. thanks ! at 46 yo and 250 pounds and going to get my road license at last ( had just motocross and a little honda 250 before when younger) is that z900 too much or just ok if driving safe or should I stick to something like the z650 ? thanks for your opinion on that one

[@jacklucas8392]

I am 260 lbs 48 years old. got the Z900 i recommend it light powerful easy to ride forget the 650

[@Whos-That-Guy]

I rode the 2018 model. Loved it! The dash was crap but they fixed that with this new model. I've riden most of the middle weights and this was my fav. Im on a 150hp 125nm KTM and this z900 was no compromise engine wise, Just lacked that warp speed topend but I think that's more a feeling cos there's no power steps through the rev range. Instant grunt from low speeds though. For those who like lazy power it's maybe the best engine given the lack of heat you would otherwise get from a Vtwin that give similar low end power.

[@BikeReviewcomau]

That’s pretty much spot on there mate.... I agree. Nice easy power. KTM top end is mental!

[@caltiki3090]

Late to the party on this video, I’m looking at this bike. How tall are you? I’m 6’ 5“ Thnx !!

[@nomarnoland2966]

How tall are you?

[@florme6494]

Hi Jeff, how do you feel it compares to the gsxs750? Tossing up between the 2. You seemed to really like the gsxs750. Your input would be greatly appreciated.

[@BikeReviewcomau]

I love both bikes. The Kawasaki is a hell of a lot faster than the Suzuki but the handling is pretty much a match. I love that revvy 750 GSX-S motor but the Z engine is more sensible for a broader range of riding. It all comes down to price I guess, and what level of tech you want. The Kawasaki is packed with features, the Suzuki is totally basic. Ride both. Keen to hear your thoughts. Jeff.

[@florme6494]

BikeReview.com.au thanks for the reply Jeff. I absolutely loved the gsxs750, like you said that engine was fantastic and a lot of fun. The Z900 had the nicer dash, LED’s, more usable mods, personally I like the looks better. That being said I love that Suzuki Blue. In the end I purchased the Z900, heart and head ended up going the same way. To be honest what really got me over the line was the gearbox, short gears to 5th and then a almost over drive in 6th. It made it feel super quick and keen to play down low. At the same time when cruising on the freeway or sitting in traffic it’s super smooth and relaxing. Like you say more versatile. Going through twisties obviously keep it out of 6th. The throttle on the Z900 is so smooth, fuelling to me is almost perfect. I don’t know how they’ve done it with all the regulations these days. Thanks for both your reviews on these bikes, it truely helps.

[@jordancaleb5790]

Thanks for the review, just wanted to know something. I saw in the pictures that both lights were on. Did you have the highbeams on for the picture? I noticed a lot of bikes with twin lights are high one side, lowbeam the other side. So when your cruising during daytime or when theres on coming traffic only one side of the dual lights is on. I have to say i kinda hate that

[@lovelessissimo]

It's a safety issue. When you have both lights on and it's dark, it can give the illusion to oncoming traffic that you're a far away car.

[@jordancaleb5790]

@@lovelessissimoim sure you are right, but humbug i say, i dont see it being any sort of issue. Its like when newer cars daytime running lights go out when the blinker is on, as if millions of cars before that signalling to turn with a headlight on was ever a problem

[@lovelessissimo]

@@jordancaleb5790 yeah, those are weird. I do get the one bike light on, though. I have been fooled by it before. Driving along and seeing what I thought was a far off car turned out to be a bike that was way close.

[@jordancaleb5790]

@@lovelessissimo ya that makes sense, so im going with the new mt09, or any retro look with a single center light, even if i dont see the bulb myself while riding a bike with only one side on, my ocd will constantly make me aware of it

[@lovelessissimo]

@@jordancaleb5790 the new cb1000r Black is one sexy machine.

[@samiam5326]

Nice review. Could you please review the Ninja 1000 SX. Cheers mate.

[@BikeReviewcomau]

Hi there I get the 2020 model in a few weeks to test. Kawasaki were restricted due to COVID-19. Here is my review on the previous model - bikereview.com.au/review-2017-kawasaki-ninja-1000/

[@samiam5326]

BikeReview.com.au I'd be interested to hear if there are any differences in the handling with the newer geometry. Cheers!

[@user-xg2dk7ff2k]

What brand pants and boots are you wearing there ??

[@BikeReviewcomau]

DriRider RAPID jeans and TCX SP Master boots.

[@lovelessissimo]

All time favorite? It came out in 2017, yeah?

[@shay0l728]

How tall are you? im 1.90 cm... you think it will be Ok for me...? for like having some fun in long rides...?

[@BikeReviewcomau]

Could be a bit cramped to be honest.... I'm 187cm and was on the limit of comfort at times.... You would need to try one out. Jeff.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

At 6'2" tall, 34" inseam, I'd probably be getting 1 inch or more added to the seat, and a set of adjustable clipons.

[@BikeReviewcomau]

Definitely the seat... not sure about the clip-ons as the 'bars are pretty nice.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

@@BikeReviewcomau I misspoke, I meant to say rear sets, to get the pegs into a more comfortable position.

[@brettb86]

@@exothermal.sprocket 9 months late. But I'm stealing that joke asap

[@Yeahbuddylightweigh]

Yeewwwww !!!!! Old pac 🤩🤙🤙🏍💨

[@BikeReviewcomau]

Yeah love the place been riding there since 1992!

[@shay0l728]

how tall are you mate?

[@BikeReviewcomau]

187cm. Cheers

[@nickaslanidis6156]

The Z900 is a great ride but I wish they'd class up the body finish a little bit. It's not terrible, but it looks cheap. They've fixed the lights with LED's which is great. Maybe they should offer something equivalent to the Yamaha SP models with some fit and finish improvements over the base model. The mirror thing is annoying as well and it's quite common. That shouldn't be a difficult thing for manufacturers to get right.

[@BikeReviewcomau]

An SP or RR version would be awesome!!! I don’t mind the quality but would like brighter colour options... mirror were annoying yes.... for sure. Still a top bike. Cheers 🍺

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Cheap? Yamaha's equivalent is extremely cheap in dozens of ways, whereas Kawasaki actually has quite good fit and finish for the price. I've owned both, currently the Yamaha. Flimsy, floppy, cheap, nasty sums up a lot of stuff on the Yamaha. Cheap switchgear, dorky instrument display, trim around the headlight, tank, radiator, subframe, that rear fender abomination, etc.

[@DrVulpine]

@@exothermal.sprocket Ummm yer. Pretty much agree. Don't think of the Z900 as cheap in build quality. Price for what you get is cheap though. 😃

[@exothermal.sprocket]

@@DrVulpine Inexpensive. That's a better word for it. Kawasaki have figured out how to cram real value in that motorcycle.

[@fingerscrossed2317]

@@exothermal.sprocket p

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

I may missed ... how tall are you?

[@exothermal.sprocket]

He didn't mention. Maybe check out cycle-ergo.com and plug in your size.

[@samiam5326]

danijel kos he said he's 187cm (almost 6'2").

[@BikeReviewcomau]

187cm in boots 185cm bare feet 🦶

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

@@samiam5326 OK, thanks.

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

@@BikeReviewcomauOk, thanks.

[@planetwally]

How would you compare the z900 to a z650?

[@aressimbamt0959]

two kawasaki.. one is less powerfull haha

[@MacLaw3084]

completely different bikes

[@MrNightpwner]

Almost bought one but I hated the finish. Matte tank with gloss plastics bothered me. For 8400 otd it better be flawless to me. Only if the mt09 wasn't so ugly.

[@Delb9891]

Will it be fine with 187cm?

[@BikeReviewcomau]

I’m 187cm in boots 185cm barre feet and I’m on the limit. I have long legs for example when sitting I don’t look tall! When I stand up I am, like my body stopped growing and my legs continued lol.... so any more cramped on the Z900 would be an issue. It is tight....

[@DrVulpine]

At 178cm I can ride a 2019 ZR900B all day in relative comfort(790mm seat height). Believe the 2020 model has a ~800mm seat height.

[@tg8150]

Just demo rode this bike today at Kawi demo days. I own an FZ-07 and Concours 14. The pegs on this bike are SUPER SUPER high. It has no low end grunt. I would NEVER trade my FZ for this thing. Very nice throttle though. Typical I-4- no low end whatsoever. Ride an FZ/MT 07/09, you’ll see what I mean. Instant power everywhere.

[@igloo8439]

Glad I found this comment

[@marcusgeorge1825]

The tyres are a let down. They could do with a set of super Corsa for the dry on the twisties or track.

[@aressimbamt0959]

change tyers problem solved

[@marcusgeorge1825]

@@aressimbamt0959Of course (if that’s what you want, it what I’d do hence the comment. However, not everyone just rides on the twisties in the dry, nor even has ever been on a track before. So for everyday type riders then they aren’t the best option. What would you suggest?

[@aressimbamt0959]

@@marcusgeorge1825 buy a two pair.. depends were and how you ride.. that bike for a price has a lot of things.. for that price you cant expet some exstra good tyres.. sorry on my english

[@marcusgeorge1825]

@@aressimbamt0959 two pairs? Really?Not that practical. See the actual tyres on a brand new bike are only a small cost for the OEM’s aka cheaper than we can buy). In my opinion buy the true that is right for you, as everyone rides differently, uses bikes por different purposes etc... As rain can come into play, then my first suggestion isn’t really the “best”. An all round, great compromise, would be something like the Michelin 5’s. Great in the wet and nice and slick at maximum lean angle... Your English is fine btw. Where are you from?

[@aressimbamt0959]

@@marcusgeorge1825 good point.. i ride just on good weather haha.. i will buy better tires for sure.. i m from Croatia

[@VroomBroomZoom]

Only a V8 with handlebars? 😂😂😂

[@steveb9270]

Z900 or katana ?????????

[@Samenotter]

I would pick the Z900! The Fuel Tank of the Katana is very small .With only 12l of capacity for a 1000cc bike to small. If you want the Retro looks of the Katana, maybe the Z900rs or the XSR900.. they are more upright seating position with enough power for the road.

[@blipco5]

It just started to rine??? ⛱

[@BikeReviewcomau]

Rain.

[@blipco5]

BikeReview.com.au - Al-u-minium.

[@ridehead8771]

Those are Honda signal lights wtf lol

[@Supernova12034]

Really? I rode the z900 and found the engine very meh compared to the Mt09

[@aressimbamt0959]

thats the point.. z900 is more top speed and a lot better to ride on high speed.. z900 has smoter power delivery.. mt09 is 3 cylinders more tourqe bike.. smaller and better for city.. what you preffer you buy

[@Samenotter]

@@aressimbamt0959 I think the Z900 is a powerfull bike, even in the lower revs. But because of the smooth power delivery it does not feel so punchy like the mt09 or a big 2 cylinder bike. But the z900 is as fast as the Mt09

[@aressimbamt0959]

@@Samenotter yea i prefer z900 power delivery.. mt09 is more holigan street bike.. alo good and reaible.. great bike

[@biggils8894]

The z900 is way faster on the drag strip. It’s all over KZbin

[@whyyounolisten7252]

My partner came in the showroom when I chucked a load of cash at this baby, she sat on the back of a lot of bikes and reckoned this was the most comfortable. If that's is the case, why do I feel a lot of wiggling when e get to traffic lights. Thong up arse I guess. TUA.....new meme