2020 KAWAS AKI Z900 ABS
R I D E R E V I E W
P52
speed, route, take or make phone
calls and check service info via the
new 4.3-inch TFT display dash.
Let's start with what isn't new.
That 948cc motor is a carryover
from 2019, including the 36mm
throttle bodies and pistons that
were created in the same cast-
ing process as the H2's, and the
intake system that was acoustically
tuned to give the most pleasing
(read: meaty/loud) intake noise of
any four-cylinder on the market.
When Kawasaki brought this mo-
tor out in 2017, it was a much nicer
unit than the old 1043cc brute that
naked bikes until the boisterous
Z H2 rocked up on the scene this
year. This year is the first in which
Kawasaki has given the Z900
some love since its inception,
running the same 948cc inline
four-cylinder motor wrapped in a
new chassis, revised suspension
settings and new bodywork.
And on the electric front, you
get the three-stage Kawasaki
TRaction (sic) Control, two throttle
riding modes and connectivity to
the neat little Kawasaki Rideology
app which lets you record and
log your ride info like distance,
(Below) The suspension spec
begins to shine through once
you start pushing it. (Right) Brake
performance leaves a little to be
desired, despite having fancy petal
discs. (Bottom right) The shock
provides a relatively comfortable
ride in most situations.
