It was only a couple of years ago when I first had the pleasure of riding the ‘modern’ z900, not to be associated with their two highly desirable retro models, which is the RS range. Oh no, this z900 was a lighter version, and better version, of their long-standing z1000, so to speak.
In fact, when I rode them together (the article still on our site), the z900 was superior in all areas besides giving away a few horsepower. However, and for some reason, riders preferred to own the bigger, and fatter, z1000 option. Obviously ‘they’ never rode the z900, or, ‘they’ are also of larger proportions, if you catch my drift?
Anyway, I made the z900 the most underrated bike of the year and it was also one of our most impressive bikes of the year. This accolade was awarded for many splendid reasons. Agile, wonderful fun package, easy to ride and live with on a daily basis, and a grin enhancing wheelie machine of note, which was the best part in my case.
So, I couldn’t fault the first edition of this contemporary styled z900 except for one major thing, the clocks were cheap and nasty and looked like they were found in the bottom of an old parts bin. Now for 2020 Kawasaki must have listened to my chirps (possibly not, well certainly not), and changed the clocks for a full-color 2020 TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity and all those ‘phone-like’ bits and pieces.
A very wise move and of course more electronics also amalgamates with such upgrades. Now there’re rider modes, traction control and other things to press and fiddle with. Which all combine in a sweet fashion with the new LED headlight, which is now as bright as Julia Roberts’ heavily whitened teeth.
The rest of the bike stays the same, so Kawasaki say, which means an in-line, four-cylinder, 948cc engine, with a claimed 125hp and 99Nm of the torquey stuff. A wise choice once more as there’s no point in changing an engine that’s nigh on perfect anyway. As for a quick-shifter that everyone wants, there isn’t one. At no point did I think it needed one because the six-speed gearbox is a peach, both up and down, so don’t fit one if you buy a z900, waste of cash dudes.
Talking of cash this can all be yours for a very commendable R155,995, which I think makes it possibly the best value in this competitive class around this cc. And any rider, of any age, will adore how easy this relatively big motorcycle is to ride.
Super light controls for the throttle, clutch and of course that gearbox makes every ride a pleasure. Turn off the traction and you’ll have a wheelie beast that will lift in first with no effort and clear off into the distance with the number plate facing the floor, highly addictive, just like the previous version.
These antics are controlled with a taught tubular steel chassis, Nissin brakes and KYB suspension, again quality components from a bike still made in Japan. Kawasaki says there’re no chassis changes, but the suspension does feel more controlled than the first z900, especially at the fork end.
You feel it too because the 2020 z900 is so planted and stable that it’s diminutive size hides the big 948cc motor so well that one could easily, if blindfolded (but not recommended), think they’re on a bike with half the capacity, a hard act to achieve indeed.
So, once again I applaud the z900 and there should be more on our streets as it’s an often-overlooked motorcycle. If you want something cool looking, fun and infinitely reliable then the 2020 Kawasaki z900 is undoubtedly a ‘Streetwise’ choice.
Go to www.kawasaki.co.za for more technical information and dealer locations.
